One aspect was to re-look at interpreting the basic necessities for a café in unique ways i.e, furniture and lighting, and the other was to explore the market to pick and re use objects. Tranluscent Ceramic cups and kettles made beautiful light fittings. Traditionally woven cane baskets from Manipur were custom made to suit our needs and they were then mounted as wall lights. These become the highlight of the space creating amazing light and shadow on the hand plastered walls. Chatai mats are used as a light fixture in the false ceiling.

Seating options are several with built in kadappa seats, milk cans, charpoys, modas and low seats made of packing wood. Used old doors are painted and re used as back rests. The tables are made of packing wood strips. They are polished and stamped with ‘Chai‘ quotes. The billing counter is a ‘thela’ look alike with wheels and frame attached to a wooden counter. There are other interesting features like a tea cup clock, wall space to display sketches and paintings of streetscape. All in all it was a fun project to explore and work on.

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