In the 21st century, sustainability is no longer a choice; it’s a way of life. This was summed up in the space created at India Art Fair (IAF) 2020 this January, where OYO’s multi-disciplinary design studio, OYOxDesign (OxD), conceptualized and created ‘Rivers in the Sky’, a breakout space at Asia’s largest art fair, which followed a conscious approach to design, and a representational ecosystem which depicted the devastating effect of human interference on the Amazon Rainforest.
The OYO space was a glimpse into the life-sustaining rain which is rapidly disappearing from our planet. Mini ecosystems were created inside glass tables, covered with translucent strips, representing Amazon’s protective mist. To ensure sustainability, we created bamboo furniture and lights for the space. All materials were not only sourced locally, but post the event, the creations were repurposed and reused at a government school.
Each OYO Townhouse is designed to be a part of its neighbourhood, conceptualized to be fuss-free and utilitarian by nature. Art plays an important role in bringing the concept of Townhouse to life. It defines the vibe of the space and also acts as a differentiator. A simple, confident colour palette with grey, white, black and OYO’s signature red forms a calm foreground for the interiors. The illustrations, used as decor in various Townhouses, represent the millennial traveller in their sleek, sharp, and modern styles. This also gives a visual and experiential distinction to OYO Townhouses compared to others in the market. The aesthetics of a Townhouse are rooted in elegant minimalism to appeal to travellers with varied tastes. It breaks away from decades-old hotel industry templates, where new-age systems and services have replaced the older, wasteful conventions of the past.
At OYO HOME for the budget traveller, a guest can create memories in a quaint 80-year-old villa near the beach or a modern apartment in the heart of a bustling city. OYO LIFE is for the young professional who is always on the move and needs a fully functional space which is also affordable. When it comes to spatial design, OYO LIFE is a blend of function and aesthetics, and equipped with workstations, breakout areas for groups, and private spaces.
At OYO, repurposing and reusing is an important part of design; and during construction we make an effort to select materials that are sustainable and locally sourced
Saumya
Repurpose, Rethink, Reuse, Recycle
Restoring an 80-year-old Portuguese Villa
Built in 1934, this grand structure is the epitome of Portuguese architecture. Its rich history was a key consideration while making the home modern. In a typical Portuguese home, the living style is open and communal, which was retained. The original flooring, which gives this home a rich, vintage feel, was also retained, and a 60-year-old Portuguese double bed was restored in all its glory. We used the mirrors from the bar, which was set in the centre of the living room, and reset them in a geometric pattern to make the unique wall decor.
Bringing a Contemporary Touch to a Dilapidated Urban Home
Restoring a heritage villa is a challenge, but restoring a house that is not lived in or looked after for a year is even more so. This home in south Delhi came to us in a dilapidated condition but it had a distinctive vibe to it, which we wanted to retain while making it comfortable and contemporary. While new furniture was introduced, we also upcycled and reused existing items like furniture, mirrors, and extra doors and windows. We also had to keep budget constraints in mind. So, with an innovative use of the existing infrastructure, including using windows to change the passageway, we gave this home a new life.
OYO’s way of LIFE encourages community, and the spaces are designed to enable just that. While doing so, we integrated our design philosophy by incorporating elements of upcycling in the decor, like the lighting centrepiece made entirely out of used bottles. In designing the murals and wall decor of this space, we put in elements which would encourage self-care for the occupants. Bicycle work stations were created to motivate occupants to keep fit while working. Wall murals with exercise gear were conceptualized and created in strategic places.
