i-bar, bangalore, india

The new I-bar is luxurious, mysterious and decadent. It uses traditional pink sandstone and carved timber screens in an altogether new way fusing established materials with a graphic sense of pattern and colour to create an ambience that is rich and enveloping. In addition the concept of 'patchwork' is introduced both as a motif and as a metaphor for the city. Elements are collaged together from the different pink colours on the floor to the dusky pink mirror on the walls and the ceiling tiles to the entrance.

The layout is understood as a box within a box where the inner sanctum is accessed via the sliding timber screens. This area has a lowered ceiling and features a collection of furniture all covered in red leather, silk and cotton. On the floor are a number of individually designed textured rugs by Project Orange.

The bar itself is on the end wall standing in front of a huge textured hand carved sandstone relief. It's timber top is supported on a long row of turned timber spindles that are lit by individual led lights. The counter rises in height on axis with the main entrance to act as a platform for the DJ who is in command of creating the right atmosphere all night long. The window to the pool side are etched with a delicate motif providing only a sense of the world beyond.

"The inspiration for the design came from a trip to northern India last year and a visit to the Qutb Minar. Here the sandstone structures have been standing since C13th and have an extraordinary patina of age as repairs have been made and additions added. This patchwork of colours, textures and shadows became a touchstone for the project which seeks to reconcile old and new India…" James Soane, Director.