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Gulmohar
It is,
without doubt, a fine tuning of whatever available
space there
was, to design a boutique that would live up to its
exotic sounding name – Gulmohar. Located at
Kupondole, Lalitpur, with a total floor area of 590
sq ft, the actual shop area occupies 475 sq ft while
the store/alter room area takes up the remaining 115
sq ft.
The client’s requirement was as expected of an
establishment that would be catering to the whims of
a fashionably chic and high scale clientele group.
Thus, there had to be a showroom with a wall display
as well as an island display that would be worthy of
exhibiting the beautifully designed outfits and
accessories. In addition, things like a cash counter
with enough room to take care of wrapping
requirements and a customer waiting area were
absolutely essential as was a trial room and a
separate altering room. Accordingly, the client was
briefed with the following proposal: that a modern
look would be the over-riding theme; that a false
ceiling would be made and the flooring would be
redone. A novel concept was also put forward: that a
special facility, a mobile charging station, would
be provided which could be useful for customers who
would be staying a while in the shop. Staying on the
safe side, and knowing fully well that it was first
and foremost a business establishment, emphasis was
given on the ancient vaastu principles. Therefore,
when designing this showroom, light wall furniture
was placed on the eastern wall with heavier display
of garments more on the western wall. The existing
wall at the back was also used as a wall display.
The cash counter was placed facing north. The island
display counters are of multi-purpose use, having
both types of display: free hanging and folded, with
a glass top that can be used as pread table. As one
enters the shop, one’s attention is drawn to the
jewelry counter which has inner lighting. The
waiting area is attached to the island display to
save circulation area. Except in the trial room,
mirrors are placed in between the wall displays. Two
trial rooms have been designed to accommodate more
customers. The cash counter is intended for two
persons. The design of all the furniture and even
the ceiling has been based on the single line
diagram. The teak ply furniture has been arranged
with a view to utilize space fully and they have
been finished with walnut polish. This polish was
chosen because it was thought prudent for the
furniture not to dominate the items on display.
Niches have been used for the display of folded
items and exclusive accessories.
Simple tiles have been used in the flooring to
ensure easy maintenance as well as good reflection.
The false ceiling follows the rectangular shape in a
straight line theme with hide lights as well as
square PL light fixtures. The important role of good
lighting in any showroom cannot be over emphasized
and this point has fully been kept in mind while
designing the false ceiling and wall display units.
Similarly, the how windows also have a vital role to
play in attracting customers. One of the major
features of Gulmohar can be said to be its
remarkably eye catching show windows and the credit
goes to the owners who have made all attempts in
making sure that the mannequins continue to look
beautiful and interesting day after day.
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