MANDI CROODS, Hyderabad

An exquisite yet subtle eatery tucked in the bustling neighborhood of Vijayawada; Mandi Croods, an Arabic cuisine-based restaurant chain, by Eternal Frames is designed to be vibrant and a nuanced visual experience while you please your palate.

A bit of unconventionality along with vernacular materiality brings together the design identity of the space which is an experimental creation inspired from various details of a traditional mandi diner.

To immerse the guests in the Arab delicacy, the dinning space is characterized with ‘Majili’ seating style that incorporates screen walls to maintain a sense of privacy by limiting visibility yet maintaining a visual connection of the entire space unlike a typical enclosement as the partitions employ Jaali bricks and Cane within the Iron grids meeting the functional needs and staying in harmony with the design language of the place. To ensure inclusivity, regular table seating arrangement are also provided for audience between the aisles that give a panoramic view of the restaurant.

 

Upon entering, diners’ attention is grasped by the geometric cane panels installation suspended from the ceiling which sets the tone of the place by repleting warm hues producing an elegant atmosphere. The installation further interprets the lighting element of a traditional lantern/ ‘Fanous’ from the Arabian Culture that is used to light the way and add up as a beautiful ornamentation during celebrations. Preserving lanterns as a concept and applying it to hundreds of frames to create the symphony of light and shadow that contribute to perceive the embellishment as the Jewel of the space.

 

The driving philosophy throughout the process of developing the vision of project is to stay true to the materials in works and to use them appropriately by exposing their innate qualities which in turn brings out the balance and aesthetic potential of the place. 

 

The design is a modern day take on a contemporary approach to an Arabic ‘Mateam’ which is contrasting yet interrelated, producing a pleasant spatial atmosphere inviting diners to immerse themselves in an elegant dining experience.