WAH MARATHI: A Fusion of Contemporary and Rural Maharashtra

Creating an Emotive Dining Experience

The eating-out culture has gained tremendous momentum over the years. People have become very adventurous in their food choices and experiment with different cuisine styles from across the world. While this in itself is not at all a bad thing, what too much of extraneous influences do is that they overshadow local identity. The decor of this restaurant was inspired by this thought. A contemporary styling manages to interest patrons more; and is necessary to draw them to the F&B outlet over and over again. As a result, rural materials and objects are seen woven into the contemporary fabric.

In a restaurant, the sensory perceptions of the space dominate the level of appeal. With simplicity as the primary guiding factor, WAH MARATHI chose an earthy look and introduced splashes of bold colors through various elements such as traditional local artifacts, displays, and merchandise. A cleverly designed lighting pattern enhances the divine experience generated through organic components like wood and stones. The overall experience, though quite emotive, showcases Indian regional culture and philosophy ingeniously, without compromising on the functional and visual factors.

Emphasis was given to the use of local materials and traditional construction techniques in the realization of WAH MARATHI. Exposed brickwork with wire-cut bricks and creative use of construction bonds highlight the central portion of the restaurant. Vertical elements of the walls are clad with waste and recycled wooden stripes, symbolizing ancient stone masonry structures in rural India. The flooring, again, is leather-finished black local stone (Kudappah) used in the construction of Old Dravidian Architecture.

With a total area of 255 square meters and a height of 4.8 meters, WAH MARATHI is programmatically divided into two sections. The lower section at the entry hall has couple seating separated by low-height exposed brick masonry of interesting bonds. The upper section is raised by a step, with seating designed to cater to larger groups. The ceiling is painted black to give the effect of having dinner under the twinkling stars in an open courtyard of a rural house. The restaurant is a fusion of traditional elements with a contemporary design as a base. It gives an international look and encourages even the expats in the city to experience the regional cuisine.

The project started in May 2013 and was finished in September 2013 at Seasons Mall, Magarpatta, Pune, Maharashtra, India. The design of WAH MARATHI is a result of extensive research and a creative approach to showcasing the essence of Maharashtrian regional culture in a contemporary setting. The challenges faced during the design process were overcome by carefully balancing nostalgia with a fresh and appealing aesthetic. The result is a delightful dining experience that pays homage to the local culture while providing a visually and emotionally engaging atmosphere.

WAH MARATHI was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2014 for its outstanding and creatively ingenious design. This prestigious award recognizes designs that authenticate experience and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. WAH MARATHI exhibits strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.

WAH MARATHI: A Fusion of Contemporary and Rural Maharashtra

Creating an Emotive Dining Experience

Project Details and Credits