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    • Design

    Kochi’s newest restobar Booyah designed by Workers of Art is redefining casual community spaces

    NOV 23, 2024 | By Navisha Sogani
    The outdoor seating area extends the bar’s inviting ambiance accompanied with lush greenery; Photography by Justin Sebastian
    The seating layout of the outdoor area fosters a communal environment with cosy corners for more intimate gatherings set with a tropical climate; Photography by Justin Sebastian

    As most two-tier cities, the city of Kochi is a land of possibilities to innovate and reinvent. While rich in diverse historical sites — tourist favourites — comfortable community spaces for the residents to unwind and relax were few and far between. Priya Rose and Rahul Mathew, co-founders at Workers of Art came to the rescue with the city’s newest restobar Booyah.

    This 2,300 sq ft space is a rebirth of an existing bar that shut down in the year 2014. The space is deeply rooted in creating an inclusive and inviting atmosphere for the guests. Transcending from a focus on aesthetics, the design for the space aims to venture into social transformation. 

    A resplendent play of hues—tinted glass panes in a gradient from orange to pink to blue, evoke a feeling of perpetual sunset; Photography by Justin Sebastian

     

    A diverse range of seating design ensures a versatile experience in the space; Photography by Justin Sebastian

     

    Sense of belonging

    Challenging the recreational norms, Booyah is brought to life owing to the need for a warm and welcoming space that is playful and relevant to Kerala’s evolving social culture. Crafting a strong narrative through spatial branding, the space features shapes such as circles and arches subtly, evoking a sense of familiarity and comfort.

    A striking feature of the space is its play with artificial lighting and gradation of colours. Transitioning from orange to pink to blue, the space evokes a sense of an eternal sunset – a theme that percolates through the design. The tinted glass panes in the same palette flood the space with dynamic, ever-changing hues and reinforce the overall design concept of a perpetual, relaxing evening.

    The angled ferrocement seating booths are designed to foster a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, comfortably accommodating groups of four and more; Photography by Justin Sebastian

     

    The colour changing spatial branding offers a diverse range of mood settings for the ambiance. The place can transform itself with the light play; Photography by Justin Sebastian

    Journey to the future 

    Setting the tone for the spatial branding, you are greeted by a 100 kg light screen entrance door, crafted by stitching metal plates together. Making a statement, it represents the ethos of the brand – bold, grounded and ready to surprise. Stepping inside, the design provides an ergonomic yet intimate space for groups of 4-6 people within the angular seating booth. 

    Focal point of the space, the bar counter features composition metal plates stitched together. Delicately filtering out through the screen-like counter, the space fills up with dynamic lighting, transforming the space as the day progresses. Moving forward, the space offers a more casual setup with high tables, adjacent to the dance floor. The ceiling light installation above the dance floor features the spatial branding, creating a vibrant atmosphere. 

    The high table seating area is intended to promote social interaction and create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome; Photography by Justin Sebastian

     

    The outdoor seating area extends the bar’s inviting ambiance accompanied with lush greenery; Photography by Justin Sebastian

     

    The seating design for the space offers a dynamic environment for the guests; Photography by Justin Sebastian

     

    While the space is outdoors, it offers adequate privacy through strategic design elements; Photography by Justin Sebastian

    Focus on local

    Catering to the tropical climatic conditions, locally sourced wood and metal on the material palette extend durability and their ability to age gracefully. The seating booths are made in ferrocement, as the material is lightweight, highly adaptable, and well-suited for the climate – offering precise angles and flexibility. The raw yet refined finish of the cement adds a textural contrast to the overall warmth of the lighting inside the space.

    The 100 kg metal entrance door serves as both a tactile entryway and a visual statement incorporating the brand’s identity with a striking fusion of form and function; Photography by Justin Sebastian

     

    The reflective surfaces on the ceiling and walls at Booyah create a mirrored, fantastical experience, allowing guests to view the space from a unique perspective; Photography by Justin Sebastian

    At Booyah, the experience transcends from aesthetic to immersive, revolutionising the community interactions. With tools such as spatial branding, considerate design elements, and a dynamic palette, the restobar offers an inclusive environment redefining the nightlife for the city’s younger generation.

    Now read: Inside a glasshouse: Lord Elgin, the new cocktail bar is redefining Amritsar on the culinary map