Gangtok Groove at M.G. Marg

Project Location: M.G. Marg, Gangtok, Sikkim

Project Architect: Ar. Sonam Tashi

Status: Complete

Client: Mr. Naresh Shreshtha

Social Spaces / Gangtok Groove

The changing dynamics of Gangtok city called for a space that could celebrate its spirit. Which is why, the concept of Gangtok Groove was to build a place for its people: and not the other way around. The town was hungry with young people, looking for a place to come together for reasons more than just food. The uber-young were looking for music, laughter and some brilliant performances within the town itself.

For this, a space spread out in an area of 3000 sq feet, was to be transformed into something that could have more definitions that one. It was going to host musical performances, stand-up comedy and therefore, couldn’t be anything less than spectacular.  A family and friends’ hangout, café and bar and performance ground, the layout of the space now lies in the heart of its activities. With the stage set in the north, bar to the south, a live pizzeria in the east and an open deck in the west, the place has become a popular hangout located in Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Gangtok’s main street.

​

A place for performances, we worked it out in a way to give the artists a true centre-stage. With shades that wouldn’t take away the attention from the stage, the ambience is somber with ekra-patterned walls, adapted from Sikkim’s old and rural architecture. Certain portions of the area have elements of red to bring out a stark contrast: the red also gives the olive green chairs a perfect backdrop. The open deck serves as a spill-out for those who opt for an open-air experience.But what is truly the talking point of the space is its acoustic treatment, to sound-proof the performances, as well as bring out the best audible experience.

Built to house 80 customers, the layout accommodates an artists’ cabin, a VIP cabin, a stage for six, a live display kitchen, a smoking area and a play area for children. We believe that design must complement the ethos of a place: with Gangtok Groove, we’ve added the touches that brings live performances and its people, truly alive.