Stepping Through Opulence: Grand Entrances of Retail Spaces by groupDCA

An entrance of any space offers a peek into what the inside holds, acting as the window to the aesthetics and overall design of the space and product. It’s also worth mentioning how the outer structure of imposing architecture allows local navigation hassle-free. groupDCA, an award-winning multi-disciplinary design firm, has a simple design philosophy- shape the world through design, craft, and building technology. Below are some retail entrances that are created based on their philosophy. Each entrance mentioned tells a story of the space and product that defines the retail brand.

Anand Jewels as a brand has strived to encapsulate the undying essence of preserving traditions through every collection and venue they have founded. One such is the Bhopal retail venue, which is a part of the DB Mall. The colossally imposing name and logo, royally glare at the entrance in red and gold, making it impossible to escape even the peripheral vision of pedestrians. It’s the gateway to curiously discover the spaces as they unfurl, revealing the spectrum of diverse jewels.

The entrance features glass doors with the brand’s logos etched in gold. Behind the glass doors stands a polished wooden frame featuring a wine-coloured velvet inside it, to provide a backdrop against the gold display. The indoor lighting throws a golden spotlight on the bottom end of the frame. The entrance is framed with granite tiles in contrast to the overall ethos. Guarding the jewels at the entrance stands a royally dressed guard echoing the theme and vision of the brand.

Ethos, Delhi

Ethos’ design language balances elegance and extravagance that reflects its products. Ethos Summit is in Delhi’s one of the prominent localities, Chanakyapuri. The design of the rectangular entryway is the extension of the showroom’s overall ethos of luxury and elegance imbued with warmth. There has been extensive use of exposed concrete in various colours to demarcate entryways. It features thick strips of matted tiles that border the glass doors with a white glow name fitted at the top. The watches displayed at the entrance are placed with poise and grandiose to capture the gaze of the passers-by, alongside a miniature of an all-black, glazed roaring lion placed next to it.

Tibarumal Jewellers, Hyderabad

A true reflection of the personality and brand value of its owner – Mr. Sanjay Gupta, this flagship store is spread over 2 floors over an area of 7,000 sq ft. Every design element of the entrance speaks with grandeur, echoing the extravagance of the products that await inside, inevitably leaving the patrons beguiled. The entrance features three contrasting designs in colour, texture and design. A small glass entryway has been scooped out of a grey-colour granite wall. Ornamenting the entire structure are apertured fixtures on the outer sides of the walls. The apertures are neatly carved to give an impression of a floral pattern in beige. The third element of the design is the tiled wall in subdued gold in paintbrush strokes pattern, adding texture. Right in front of the wall, plants in red and green add an aesthetical contrast. The second-floor wall above the entrance features an intricately designed apertured archway impression, strongly reminiscent of the city’s culture and architecture. One could assume it’s a regal tribute to Hyderabad’s heritage and culture.

Khanna Jewelers, Delhi

Khanna Jewellers houses the finest collection of exotic handcrafted jewellery so it’s only natural for the space to justify the legacy, reputation, and the clientele they cater to. The idea behind the entryway design was to create mystery leading the visitors into a lobby cum waiting space, that lies behind the dark ornamented doors, from where buyers can move towards the retail counters. The overall outer structure features a contemporary yet regal layout.

The beige walls have dark archway-carved glass doors with golden and black geometric-patterned detailings making a statement. Right beside the entry gates, black Victorian lights have been fitted, taking the aesthetic a notch high. Patrons will walk through a neat biophilic space that features small, colourful planters and a green carpet to mimic a manicured grass-covered earth. An oval shaped-white signboard with the brand name has been fixed with a golden fitting. The overall design of the outer structure exudes a European vibe.

Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri, Delhi

Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri is a prestigious jewellery brand that represents the brand identity through its contemporary design. The visual impact of the space on entering is emphasised through the choice of colour palette which is calming, the central area catching the spotlight.

The external façade is one singular built mass maximizing the interior volume of space. An abstract arrangement of square and rectangular shapes for the facade is accentuated by cove lighting and a series of golden strips trimming with the overall white background.

S.S. Jewellers, Ambala

Ambala city is a coveted trove of Colonial and Pre-Colonial architecture. The design has been woven together with the city’s architectural demeanour that has now lost some of its former lustre despite being a pivotal force in shaping Ambala’s ethos. Reaping inspiration from this sentiment, groupDCA closely studied and interpreted the architectural history of Ambala while designing the store. the storefront dons a minimalist facade expressed through an overarching timeless combination of black and gold.

The two show windows flanking the entryway make a striking statement attributed to the intricate floral wallpaper that lines these nooks, hinting at a luxe character. This design feature further creates an intentional pre-foyer space by recessing the main entrance to the store, allowing the patron’s palette to be acquainted subtly with the design vocabulary that unfolds indoors.