Vapour Sohna Road: Redefining Dining with Stock Exchange Concept

Devesh Bhatia and Team Create an Informal, Bidding-War Atmosphere

The inspiration for Vapour Sohna Road came from the 1980s stock exchange. The designers wanted to create a light, welcoming atmosphere where, despite the constant bidding war, guests could make new friends. The high ceiling of the site allowed for the development of a large, airy space, filled with natural light during the day and offering long views outside at night.

The unique properties of Vapour Sohna Road lie in its informal setting and visual connectivity among guests. The restaurant is divided into five major areas: the entrance foyer, bar counter seating, lounge seating in front of the bar, general island seating, mezzanine seating, and outdoor road side seating. Each area is designed to foster a sense of community and shared experience.

One of the key features of Vapour Sohna Road is its commitment to sustainability. The materials used in the project were chosen for their natural finish and reusability. Fly ash bricks were used in wall construction and left as is with no surface finish. All wood used is packing wood reused from packing crates. The aim was to reduce the carbon footprint of the space, making it not just a unique dining experience, but also an eco-friendly one.

The project faced several challenges, the most significant being the need to maintain the large volume provided by the high ceiling while creating a non-imposing and airy feel. The designers studied minimalist design and large volume spaces, such as ballrooms and atriums in commercial spaces and large public buildings, to overcome this challenge.

The result is a restaurant that is not just a place to eat, but a place to experience. Vapour Sohna Road is a testament to the creativity and innovation of its designers. Their work was recognized with a Silver A' Hospitality, Recreation, Travel and Tourism Design Award in 2017, a prestigious accolade awarded to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation.