“An ‘à la mode, minimalistic exhibit’ for carpets with a touch of neo-classical elegance”

The new Hands carpet showroom in Dubai occupies a segment in the posh D3 Design District, alongside numerous chic lifestyle brands, which required it to have an alluring façade to bring in the attention of the onlookers.

The design intent focussed on following the same ethos as in the showroom in Delhi, of exhibiting the carpets as artwork. In addition to the above, the space conscious Dubai context urged us to focus on the strengths of the positive aura of the space to showcase the brand’s identity.

The façade is a product of an ‘inside-out’ concept where the interior surfaces are layered in the layout so as to incorporate them into the composition of the elevation to enhance the mien of the exterior. A timeless neo-classical feature comprising of concave and convex fluting on the columns and bulkhead surfaces facing the frontage, adds on to its luxurious quotient. The smart lighting design further accentuates the aesthetic quality of these elements in addition to automatically adjusting their lux levels in accordance with the degree of received natural light.

Primarily, a minimal material palette was emphasized on to exhibit a simple, yet effective detailing that renders a sense of neatness and a touch of elegance. A humble, grey-white material palette ensured minimal expenditure on the material costs and at the same time accentuated the character of the space by concentrating the design to its key elements to highlight the displayed carpets. The ceiling finished in dark tone lends a warm, contrasting aura to the repetitive palette while firmly defining the extents of the showroom space.