We designed the space and furniture, curated furnishings and coordinated production and execution for the Admissions Lounge, the first point of contact for visitors to Ahmedabad University
Designing an elegant, welcoming and relaxed admissions space at Ahmedabad University
CLIENT: AHMEDABAD UNIVERSITY
LOCATION: AHMEDABAD
YEAR OF COMPLETION: 2023
When we were commissioned to design the Admissions Lounge at Ahmedabad University as an open, relaxed, yet exquisite, experience for potential students and parents, we decided to reinvent the idea of the visitors lounge & admissions lounge and design a space without fixed boundaries and hierarchies.
The space, a well-lit, single-storey, steel and glass structure, is surrounded by gardens on two sides and a quaint cafe and courtyard on the third.
With an aim to create a welcoming and crafted space which reflects the ethos of the University that is not formal and intimidating to young applicants, we designed an open, ‘desk-free’ space. This included an informal reception area, encompassed by a low, semi-circular bookcase, an open waiting area, 5 discussion ‘hubs’ and a discussion table.
The intention was to create multiple, individually designed ‘hubs’ to cater to a variety of visitors during admissions and otherwise.
Each hub is uniquely designed, with custom-designed ashwood furniture, hand-knotted rugs, lighting and accessories. The light and soft colour palette of the furnishings, combined with warm lighting and stylish rugs, create a pleasant and relaxed space where one feels at ease.
A low bookshelf, designed as a ‘swish’ along the center of the space, acts as a porous divider of the trapezoidal space. The hand-knotted rugs, woven cane detailing and hand-woven cushion covers were selected to enhance the crafted experience of the space.