The challenge was to create a banquet in the centre of the village from where the settlements were more than a km far away. Another important challenge to be taken care of was to choose an approach that will be used to construct the banquet. The area had loose soil and was 2ft below the road level.
The idea was to blend in the old architecture style with modern from planning and aesthetics point of view. We planned the entire garden, keeping in mind the modern usage of the space in Indian weddings or any functions. The spatial planning was done to create ease for the visitors as well as the host. The idea was to create a haveli theme for the banquet. The visitor entering the garden should get the feel of a resort and not of any other wedding garden. The idea was to provide an open space for functions with a stage, secondary stage, food counters and fountains just like a haveli. The use of exposed bricks and stone enhanced the concept of a haveli in the village. Spatial planning was the main concern of the project as it would dictate the movement, behaviour, privacy and functions of an open garden.
In the centre of the garden, we planned a multipurpose amphitheatre which could be used as Vedi for Indian weddings, secondary stage, special seating or any other way the planner decided to. The main stage area was planned on one side of the garden which is connected to the bride’s room by a walkway which becomes the focal point of the bride’s entrance. The stage faced towards an installation which acted as a fountain and on the side was L-shaped bar. The installation would be made up of abstraction of huge blocks providing informal seating by the fountain and on the contrary, the bar area was designed having minimalist frames in the stones counter. We covered some of the areas with a shed to create an area where food would be served. The toilets were planned at the beginning near the drop off facing a garden to provide a welcoming and fresh look. The drop off was designed with a fountain in the centre which acted as a welcoming feature for the guests. On the entrance, cinquefoil arches were used on the sides with a clear walkway leading towards the amphitheatre providing a clear path for the visitor to go in the amphitheatre or towards the main stage. The pavers were used in a way which guided the visitors as to which direction to go through. The use of arches all around the garden with exposed bricks gave a very earthy look, the main source of lights was huge vintage-style street lamps and some spotlights to enhance the elegance of the place.
