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    • Design

    At Mahati Wellness in Mumbai, RAD Co+Lab sculpts an effortless narrative of zen

    JAN 19, 2024 | By Tarjani Samani
    Bathed in comforting natural hues, a sanctuary where one's body, mind and spirit unite for self-reflection and illumination; Photograph courtesy Mahati Wellness
    At Mahati, one can experience effortless sync between spiritual approach towards wellness with a soothing design incorporating natural textures; Photograph courtesy Mahati Wellness
    The yoga studio offers a zone to nourish one’s connection with the world by being in touch with the divine within; Photograph courtesy Mahati Wellness
    This transitionary space offers an expansive spatial experience with natural light continually filtering from the ceiling; Photograph courtesy Mahati Wellness

    Tucked in the spirited neighbourhood of Bandra’s Carter Road, a meditative sanctuary takes shape as a calming respite for the city dwellers from their fast-paced lifestyle. Dubbed Mahati Wellness, the space in visuals and function instantly becomes a destination, much beyond the limitations of the various lifestyle and wellness venues in the city. 

    At Mahati, one can experience effortless sync between spiritual approach towards wellness with a soothing design incorporating natural textures; Photograph courtesy Mahati Wellness

    Designed meticulously and meditatively by RAD Co+Lab’s team of Aashna Shah, Ruchir Jain, Raj Kachalia and Siddharth Bapna, Mahati Wellness resonates with the timeless charm of comforting natural hues in contrast to the stark grey urbanity of the city around. Entering this tranquil space slows down one’s mind almost instantly and prompts one to connect within. While there are many fitness spaces in the city, Mahati’s soulful approach encapsulates the idea of healing on a more profound level. 

    This contemporary wellness space effortlessly creates an emotional impact on the visitors prompting them to begin a journey of finding harmony by cultivating inner peace; Photograph courtesy Mahati Wellness

     

    The sustainable bamboo wall subtlety infuses a lot of warm texture into meeting zones. Even the base of the table reflects similar panelling and thus brings forth a continuity in the design language from the walls to the movable furniture; Photograph courtesy Mahati Wellness

     

    This transitionary space offers an expansive spatial experience with natural light continually filtering from the ceiling; Photograph courtesy Mahati Wellness

    Connections and introspections

    There is no stark distinction between the inside and outside of this contemporary wellness space. The openings invite nature into the studio spaces and the red brick weathered walls merge with the outside as if innately a part of the site’s natural landscape. This seamless concept makes one realise that nature does not have to be an addition to our built spaces; we simply belong in and around it. 

    The sustainable bamboo wall subtlety infuses a lot of warm texture into meeting zones. Even the base of the table reflects similar panelling and thus brings forth a continuity in the design language from the walls to the movable furniture; Photograph courtesy Mahati Wellness

     

    Spaces with seating zones are also predominantly crafted with earthy textures; Photograph courtesy Mahati Wellness

    As Aashna and Ruchir mention, “Mahati Wellness takes a holistic approach to well- being, offering a range of programs that address physical ailments, vital energy imbalances, mental well-being, and spiritual growth. From nourishing nutrition to Ayurvedic wisdom, and posture correction programs to spine alignment, Mahati Wellness serves as a bridge to understanding Ashtanga and reaching Samadhi.” The inspiration for RAD Co+Lab to design this space was on one hand rooted in Mahati’s spiritual approach, and on the other hand the historical context of the site. Enveloping visitors in natural textures, the space has been designed to resonate with the philosophy of holistic healing.

    The sustainable bamboo elements subtlety infuses a lot of warm texture, and the entire design palette artistically permeates a healing aura in all the zones; Photograph courtesy Mahati Wellness

    Finding wellness amid citylife

    For the architects to enliven a spiritual space, it was crucial to curate a soft character intuitively in dialogue with the existing relic and landscape. Thus, the architects ideated on the concept of a palimpsest, layering natural elements in tune with the old house and ancillary structures on the site.

    The spa zone is akin to a cocoon embodying the ancient spiritual wisdom of nurturing one’s mind, body, and spirit; Photograph courtesy Mahati Wellness

     

    Flooded with natural sunlight and warm hues, the oasis is a getaway to serenity, assuring peace and private time with oneself, while also promoting physical and mental well-being; Photograph courtesy Mahati Wellness

    At Mahati, it doesn’t feel like one is walking through an insulated interior space, rather one traverses through an invigorating experience of open, semi-open and enclosed spaces. The entire design intuitively imbibes a crafted play of varying spatial volumes. At the sanctum is the classroom around which many other studios, private meeting spaces and a juice bar unfold. This play of volumes also reflects the nature of that zone. The public gathering zones reflect a much more open volume in contrast to the cocooned private meeting zones.

    Spaces with seating zones are also predominantly crafted with earthy textures; Photograph courtesy Mahati Wellness

    There is a compelling spirit about this 6,500 sq ft wellness space which is counter- intuitive to the urban experience of towering high-rises surrounding it. It captures a perpetual play in time-space. One can experience energising morning sunlight and also a calming reflective sunset in different studio spaces. Mahati Wellness thus resonates an in-between rejuvenation space, mesmerised by its effortless dialogue of built and surrounding natural landscape.

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