दूर | Hospitality

Quoted from the book of Rigveda, “Ajyesthaaso Akanisthaasa Yete Sam Bhraataro Vaavrudhuh Soubhagaya” proposes the idea of equality and collectivism. In the context of “Little India” Brickfields, rapid development raises concerns about the capitalist gentrification and alienation of the neighbourhood’s cultural identity and social fabric. Historically, the flood in 1881 prompted the use of brickwork in this city. This construction could withstand the strong water currents and facilitate citizens to co-exist with nature.

Though an unfortunate incidence, psychologist Richard Tedeschi theorises that trauma can be an opportunity to improve resilience and social environments. This project expands on that theory by exploring the incorporation of water within the building instead of keeping this element out. Namely, the essence of water in Indian culture and communal activities. Titled as दूर (Away), this hospitality project aims to provide a way to deviate away from the numbing gentrification that has plagued this cultural city.

Referencing the concept of Ayurveda, an emphasis on materiality and natural elements stimulate the guests' senses whilst highlighting the craftmanship of the architecture. For instance, the meticulous arches found in the nooks of "Little India" are celebrated in this hotel. Furthermore, the volume and perforations illuminate the spacious areas with daylight, which suggests a sense of community and wellbeing observed in Indian verandas. In addition to natural elements, water are expressed through communal participation in the cultural spatial experiences, such as the usage of water in daily activities or the expression of art.

Upon entering दूर's foyer, repetition of arches and lamps illuminate the water feature, which plunges the guests into a state of calamity. Woven ceiling feature with shisha mirrors introduces the concept of volume and craftmanship, which suggests the sense of openness for cultural expression and community.

Indian etiquettes of welcoming guests inspired the spatial experience of the Mantra reception area. Whilst waiting to check-in, water is used to blend Indian spices like Masala, which are used in beverages served at the bar area. Conversely, they can head to the Tilak station, where a paste and water mixture are applied onto the guest's forehead as a sign of spiritual protection. In the Rangoli mezzanine, guests can choose from a variety of sand and hung timber templates to express themselves artistically. This area is strategically placed in a zone with lower traffic to prevent pedestrians from accidentally defacing the artwork.

The Banyan laundromat is inspired by the tree's symbolism of shelter and wisdom in Indian culture. To reference this reverence, guests can co-work and share their knowledge while waiting for their laundry in this biophilic environment. In the mezzanine, guests can craft Indian garlands from the floras. To further encourage communal participation and instill a sense of responsibility, the biophilic environment can be watered and tended to by the guests.

At the back of this hotel, the Aarti lounge accommodates guests who have parked their vehicles in the mechanical car park. The towering parking mechanism minimises the amount of daylight in this space. Instead of viewing this as a disadvantage, the darkness allows the story of the Diya oil lamp to be narrated - where light conquers the darkness. Curvaceous chandeliers and lights underneath the water feature resemble the glistening candle light reflecting off the oil lamp. This immersive installation ensures that guests entering through the car park are experiencing the cultural narratives as well.

In the first floor's communal area, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" inspired the spirit of interconnection amongst communities in the pursuit of knowledge and resources. In the Gayatri communal kitchen, a farm-to-table concept is implemented. Pillars of micro herbs are watered and harvested at the balcony, where sunlight illuminates the farm and dining area. Platform seats are inspired by Indian methods of dining, which enriches the cultural experience. The threaded staircase acts as a form of semi-partition for the dining area and a book shelving system. Guests can read while they dine or pick up a cook book to explore different dishes in the kitchen. Conversely, a zero waste system is implemented in the kitchen. Rather than purchasing ingredients and discarding the unused remnants, a communal pantry with spice racks allow guests to try a variety of Indian spices and ingredients economically. Also, long and open counters with countersunk sinks encourage guests to socialise while cooking, which are ventilated by pillars of exhaust systems. 

Towards the back, the Warli art studio teaches guests about the Indian art of pottery. Potter's wheel are arranged in an open plan to encourage guests to express their ideas while crafting. In the end, guests can fire their pottery in the kiln, which are then cooled on the display shelf. Inspired by the Indian art of weaving, the mezzanine accommodates equipment for guests to learn this skill. For instance, water pipes to dye the fabric, reels and looms to measure and weave the threads, and rods to display the fabric. 

Pods allow guests to craft, read or work in private. The threaded elements are implemented onto the privacy screens without segregating the areas. As a communal activity, the guests can weave into the woven screens and increase its opacity - figuratively and literally rebuilding the fabric of the city.

Inspired by the Indian art of purification, guests can relax in the Snan pool area. The stepwells into the pool resembles the Baori staircase, which was used to conserve water. Guests could feel as though they are floating over the depth of the water body, suggesting sensory deprivation. Meanwhile, the cascade provides a strong current of water, which flows into the depth of the Baori. Guests can feel as though they are washing away any impurities and rejuvenate themselves.

Regarding the Shanti bedrooms, there are mezzanines to accommodate more guests. Inspired by Indian verandas, the volume and openness allow the guests to bond in a comfortable environment. Likewise to the pods, the woven elements provide a sense of privacy without segregating the area. Louvers allow guests to look on to the exterior and tend to the greeneries, which brings back the concept of water and communal participation. 

By reinstating local culture and fostering a sense of community, दूर is a hospitality project that aims to mitigate the issues surrounding gentrification and alienation in Brickfields. This concept is expressed through spatial experiences that are inspired by Indian culture and the celebration of water, an element that has once been a threat to the city. In the reception, Indian etiquettes tailored the way in which guests are welcomed. In the communal space, Indian philosophy and ethics encourage guests to explore and learn about cultures. As for the pool area, guests are rejuvenated through the Indian art of purification. Lastly, the bedrooms are inspired by Indian residential verandas, where guests can bond in an open and biophilic environment.