Kajal Jain
BSc in Interior Design, Bangalore
The Astral Abode – JD Design Awards 2024
The Design Strategy by Kajal Jain, a BSc in Interior Design & Decoration at JD School of Design, bagged the Best Design Strategy at the JD Design Award 2024. The Astral Abode is a much-ahead-of-its-time theatre design that combines cutting-edge technology within a natural aesthetic to come up with a very extraordinary cinematic experience.
ILLUSTRATIONS
Astral Abode is an ambitious project that borrows its inspiration from mesmerising ‘stargaze’ experiences. Kajal Jain envisioned a theatre that would recreate the magic of lying under a canopy of stars, transporting viewers to a world beyond the ordinary. At the heart of this design is the ingenuity of introducing ST Series Cool Lite Glass to the ceiling, which has brought improved thermal insulation with clarity that remains exceptional. Its advanced retractability mechanism lets visitors have the magic of the stars at night or different hues of nature throughout the day, regardless of outside weather.
Her concept of design was therefore themed on intimacy and luxury. Each seating arrangement was done with the purpose of comfort and privacy for guests, resulting in plush reclining chairs with adjustable settings and in-seat temperature, light, and sound controls. High-end audio and visual surround audiences with crystal clear surround sound and high-definition projection for an unrivalled cinematic experience.
JDDA 2024
The Astral Abode was designed around the concept of how technology interacts with nature. Its colour scheme is inspired by nature, with warm, earthy hues that seem to have blended into a rather calming yet very luxurious atmosphere. The biomimicry in the reception area has used natural textures and lighting with sustainable materials working perfectly with futuristic technology to evoke harmony, peace, and serenity for a better user experience.
Some of the key materials used in The Astral Abode include ST Series Cool Lite Glass for the retractable ceiling; warm-toned woods, notably teak and walnut, used for seating structures and wall panelling; rich velvet fabrics in hues such as deep emerald green, chocolate brown, and midnight blue for upholstery of seating; and a dash of metal finishes, particularly brushed brass and gunmetal, used to lend an air of elegance to lighting fixtures, hardware, and decorative accessories. Carpeting, wall coverings, and lobby furniture highlight sustainable materiality through the use of renewable resources like natural fibres and recycled materials, reflecting Kajal’s sustainable design philosophy. In addition, live greenery in the form of small potted succulents, air plants, and moss further establishes the bond with nature within the theatre.
Kajal Jain
BSc in Interior Design, Bangalore
www.jddesignawards.com