Text by Zoha Abbas
In the bustling food hub of Islamabad, sits the glistening Aurum. Literally translated to Gold in Latin, the eatery is synonymous with its namesake—a creation that stands out from its contemporaries. The aim was to draw passers-by into an enclosed experience–based on nothing but visual elements that draw the eye. Beholding the structure from across the street is a tempting invitation.
The whole concept revolving around the mood board was to establish a contemporary designed eatery, that is a design bubble given a unique identity in contrast to the context. In the collage of facades running throughout the thriving food hub, the eye of a passerby is caught by a monochrome niche, with shades of teal and what appears to be a cloud formation peeking out from a wide base arch that cuts through the main facade. Hence establishes an in-out visual connection and further intrigues the passerby by what more the space has to offer. That is the beauty of the effective use of an arch, it gives a glimpse of a little and conceals more from the eye. Here, it too frames a section of the interior space but does present an intriguing element of cloud which in fact is a curation of various-sized globe fixtures hanging at different heights, appearing to be a volumetric entity from afar.
Upon passing through the outdoor seating with broad leaf planters sitting atop the two-toned monochrome flooring, a wide metal staircase leads the way up to a dimly lit patio inviting into an opening through the main facade cutting arch. Arches of various cuts and base width formations are explored along the main peripheral walls that constitute a primary design element in facade making and as a backdrop frame of the interior seating as in the interior design element. Hence, through artfully placed arches, the indoor-outdoor sensation reveals its true magnetism.
Upon entering into the main dining space through the arched entrance, details of different forms seize attention: the textured walls, fluted columns, hand-cut marble pieces embedded within the terrazzo floor and the dynamic nature of the light fixtures. In an overall monochrome rendering of finishes, the complementary use of the brand colours in fluted columns, the exposed industrial style ceiling, and the fluted bar detail encourage the eye to explore the elements. But what really uplifts the space is the orchestrated motion of terrazzo inlay patterns on the floor and the fluid motion of an emissive line of light throughout the space. Lux level of space was cautiously monitored so that it should not exceed the comfort level and space should be illuminated through a very uniform emissivity. Outdoor seating carries the interior theme and works well with the surrounding foliage. Space acts in a whimsical way at night. surrounding glass reflects the interior light play and works as an isolated entity.
The light streak that spans the ‘sky’ acts like a wave of light that adorns the ceiling, mimicking terrazzo floor patterns. The strategic seating placement is meant to elevate elements of the glowing clouds of light globes above which to are placed on internal nodes formed as a result of the fluid movement of the floor and light patterns. Swings transmuted into dining seats add to the illusion of being hung from the clouds. The gold-tinted mirrored arches with strip light running on its internal periphery add a sense of continuation to the space, thus amplifying the spark of the ambience. At the same time, it brings a gold hue into space when the light from the globe reflects off it and gives a sense of uplift and depth. The main bar stands proud against the grey stone texture wall, adorned with fluted teal finish in contrast, backed with minimalist metal shelves adorned with brand boxes. As a complete visual the main elements of exploration of light and pattern in parallel planes appear to be in sort of a dance where one element is mimicking the steps and formation of the other, tied together by the hanging pendant lights.
Project Aurum
Location F-11, Islamabad.
Team Affan Ahmed, Dawar Zia, Muhammad Ali
Contractors Grand Solutions
Project year 2022
