NEW DOMAINS (AND DESIGN)

Steeped in history ADND's new studio in Mumbai relies on rooted materiality and scripts an experience that celebrates evolved luxury and the studio's past

- LAVANYA CHOPRA

Peering over their shoulders into Mumbai’s unrelenting spirit is an eternal reminder of what the Maximum City has given team ADND: a beginning, stories worth a lifetime and its entire being. Catapulting into its 22nd year of practice, the twin-founder studio by Anand Menon and Shobhan Kothari inhabits a 5,000 sq ft space, heralding an advent on several fronts.

After over 14 years at their previous outpost, the team’s expansion warranted a larger, unified space, housing ADND’s dedicated minds and hands under one roof.

What ensued was a tryst with destiny! In the heart of Mumbai’s Vile Parle, awaiting the flick of a design wand, rested a 100-year-old industrial compound that is home to Parle’s heritage enterprise.

Decrepit, mould-ridden and light-deprived, this silo building was rough around the edges yet held immense potential brewing under its skin.

“Our intent was clear, to delve into this adaptive reuse endeavour while celebrating the ingrained architectural elements and to reimagine how materials could convey the essence of evolved luxury within the Indian design landscape,” mentions Shobhan.