NIRULA’S, DEFENCE COLONY
NEW DELHI
1986
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The DEF COL NIRULA’s , as it got be nick named, was a path breaking design . Opened January 1986, it was built under a city flyover in a structure which had absolutely no external architectural character. The challenge was to design an interior space which was double height ,noisy ( with the traffic above it ), and to create a landmark DESTINATION for South Delhi residents , while ensuring that the design would never be dated , and that it would reflect the philosophy of a class free family restaurant, the concept being promoted by the client - NIRULA’S chain of restaurants . The design used - then for the first time in India - hand made exposed air conditioning ducts without any insulation , and had a whole basket of firsts in the days it was built in .
The space came with an equal sized open to sky courtyard which was designed as a plant nursery and garden café , and became a successful concept often copied to the extent that outdoor dining became a popular idea after this restaurant opened. The DEF COL NIRULA’s was one of 32 odd restaurants designed by SVC .

Design team : SUDHIR VOHRA and ALOK JOLLY.