We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer The Grid Architects about their original and creative Terrace Cafe design work. The Grid Architects is an award-winning architectural designer, that makes our world a better place with their original terrace cafe works.
The Grid Architects ("TGA") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Rope Terrace Cafe. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
TGA : •While the craftsmen were tying the rope to the pipe it was easy to keep the rope straight at the narrow end but as the angle increased the length and weight of the rope increased and to keep the rope straight they applied more pressure resulting in the pipe to bend. We realized This may damage the existing structure, so we let the rope be slightly loose. The sagging part of the rope created dramatic shape and shadows
TGA : Rope has been a tool used throughout time and the material has a purpose making an impressive statement. It has a beautiful texture and natural rope is made from natural fibers. These fibers are obtained from organic material (such as materials produced by plants). Reemphasizing the need to go back to roots and source natural and earthy materials.
TGA : The plan is to reach this design to as many as possible so that the people realize that a sustainable and economical project is possible easily, it’s a shared aspiration that we work for.
TGA : About 2 to 3 days and rest all decisions were taken onsite with the ongoing challenges and processes.
TGA : Exploring Rope as a material opened many avenues in our thinking and strengthened our design philosophy. With budget strictures there was a conscious endeavour to create an innovative, attractive and efficient space. Rope was our main material and design concept and weaving as a spatial partition defined the function for each space and experience. The adaptability of the material as a form allowing you to experiment with different sizes is a winner for the eco conscious The client had left the design completely up to us.
TGA : As the young clients were dependent on us it gave us the freedom to translate the idea and this followed our ideology too
TGA : The Rope materials used in the Indian Charpoy was our source of inspiration.
TGA : We would like to encourage the humankind that design by a designer can come out with exceptional results which are economical and sustainable and user friendly.
TGA : Rope can be used in its simplistic state to influence form and shape of a space and it symbolically inherits the interwoven spaces and light that creates new depth of fields, perspectives and sight lines. The processional influence simultaneously creates an interactive and changing quality of the space maintaining fluid motions of light and dynamism making this project an interesting intervention.
TGA : The humble material Jute Rope the focus materials itself gave the name to the design.
TGA : Autocad, sketchup
TGA : •The south-west facade features corrugated sheet as a protective layer from harsh sunlight. •The flooring is recycled babool wood •The angles of the woven canopy were decided such that the part canopy created a shadow for the rest of the terrace. •Building by-laws precluded the possibility of any kind of permanent or semi-permanent structure so we could cover the terrace with semi-permanent structure only, so the Rope was an apt material keeping in mind the climate. If the rope was watered, it would make the surrounding cool and it also does not absorb and retain heat
TGA : As local materials were sourced so all local labour and craft was encouraged.
TGA : Local technology and common sense. To ensure that resources are judiciously used.
TGA : We started with the thought that be sensitive to the local culture and natural environment. Some of the research included studying the Sun path, Rope materials, sustainable materials with low carbon footprints and means and ways to construct environmentally conscious spaces.
TGA : •The flooring is recycled babool wood sourced from the forest department for very low cost. The wood was not directly screwed on the floors so as to not damage the waterproofing layer for the offices below. Instead, flooring modules with aluminium frames (aluminium as it does not rust) were laid such that water flows easily below it. •Building by-laws precluded the possibility of any kind of permanent or semi-permanent structure so we could cover the terrace with semi-permanent structure only, so the Rope was an apt material keeping in mind the climate. If the rope was watered, it would make the surrounding cool and it also does not absorb and retain heat. •While the craftsmen were tying the rope to the pipe it was easy to keep the rope straight at the narrow end but as the angle increased the length and weight of the rope increased and to keep the rope straight they applied more pressure resulting in the pipe to bend. We realized This may damage the existing structure, so we let the rope be slightly loose. The sagging part of the rope created dramatic shape and shadows.
TGA : our project is simple and built with humble and sustainable materials and techniques, low maintenance, low carbon footprint. The purpose of the design was achieved as per client’s requirements and our philosophy. The project is close to nature and the design approach was honest
TGA : The project can be delivered at its best by having simple solutions, local and sustainable materials and local labour. Our approach and willingness need to be positive and we need to be persistent with our beliefs are our learnings.
