F.T.T Coffee House

Café Interior

The Café Interiors, 2021

• Competition Design

• Group Work

A Tale of Old and New, stepping into the avenues of history

Traversing through history, appreciating the beauty and aesthetics of three different cultures that confluence in the region of Bengal – manifested in 3 different architectural styles in a café that takes the visitors in a unique experience that feels nostalgic as well as encourages the visitor to explore through the spaces.

Three distinct interior design styles – British Colonial, Islamic, and Bengali are expressed in the spaces of the café. The design story is to find a synergy between these three distinct cultures that have co-existed in the region of Bengal, when looked at from a broad perspective.

On entering, the colonial style is seen in the design elements, that changes to the Islamic style and finally to the Bengali style. As the visitors make their way through the spaces, that express the design ideas of different cultures, the sensory experience will be such that as if they are ‘flowing through time’ (hence, F.T.T) .

The design ideas of these different cultures are interpreted in a modern context, so that the Colonial, Islamic and Bengali design elements blend seamlessly in a contemporary environment. To this end, the furniture and some of the decor elements kept modern and the same kind of furniture is used all through the spaces, with slight changes in their colour. The furniture thus acts as the elements of continuity through the spaces.

Viceroys & Governors

Colonial style is seen in the open seating area of the café. The design elements include Classical columns, ornamental wrought iron arches along the entrance, stone fountain, and landscaping with flower bushes along the pathways. An outdoor beverage serving counter and a small p performance area creates a welcoming vibe.