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Building an Opulent but Homely Space of coffees, Affogato brings together the amazing flavors
of the two worlds that are quite apart and yet so similar.
Suren and Shalini had a vision for an inviting space From the four steps you climb down to enter the space to
that exuded both luxury and warmth. They aimed to strike every surface and texture, everything has been meticu-
a harmonious balance between opulence and a welcoming lously envisioned, planned, and executed.
homeliness. With Affogato, Kaviar Collaborative sought “During our initial visit to the site, our thoughts
to transform a gelato and coffee shop disguised as a sub- instantly transported us back to our experiences in New
terranean art gallery. York City, particularly our visits to the intimate art
“Our concept for Affogato is reminiscent of art galleries nestled within the narrow lanes of the Lower
pieces and sculptures showcased on pedestals within East Side of Manhattan. They were essentially hole-in-
an art gallery. The design seeks to place the wide array the-wall establishments characterized by expensive glass
of gelato and coffee offerings of Affogato at the center facades and minimal interiors, where the showcased art
stage, gracefully positioned atop a collection of stone itself was the magnetic centerpiece that drew people
blocks,” shares Kasturi. in,” shares Kasturi elaborating on the design vision that
“Our approach was to elevate the components of an Affogato has been built on.
affogato to the status of artistic pieces rather than treating Undoubtedly, affogato is the artistic centerpiece of
them as everyday consumables, and this philosophy is Affogato. The space employs a singular texture across all
embodied in the very essence of the space we have creat- its surfaces, providing a subtle backdrop, allowing the
ed,” she adds. coffee and the gelato to shine as the central artistic cre-
The entire space has a warm beige monotone, ations that draw the crowds in.
which gives the space a very warm feel with a rich “A layer of beige micro-concrete envelopes the entire
charm to it, it is inviting and luxurious. The color, in space, providing a cohesive and continuous finish. Stone
Affogato’s case, is significant. cladding adorns the pedestals where the consumables and
“It is the color of coffee, it is the color of some of our coffee machines are housed, lending a texture and charac-
most popular gelatos like salted caramel,” says Shalini. ter to the functional areas,” explains Kasturi.
To give the place a warm, homely feel, minimal furniture
The Process of Building the Affogato crafted from wood is strategically placed, adding a natural
and inviting element. Together all these design and texture
Being a pioneer of a space requires vision and cour- elements create a balanced and harmonious environment
age. Offering over 58 flavors of gelato and a wide selection amidst the predominantly concrete and stone surroundings.

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