Designed for the staff of a pharmaceutical factory in a remote location of Punjab, Café Zero came into existence as a purely need – based space. With very limited access to eateries and cafes, the workers required a space where they could have their meals in a comfortable atmosphere.

An old factory warehouse was chosen for the purpose of setting up the café; the only challenge was the budget. There was no allocated budget for the space. This was the critical parameter that defined the way the interiors were shaped.

Recycling some and adjudging the re-usability of others, materials were scavenged from the administrative building, being built for the same factory. The entire design was set up, fabricated and erected by the workers of the factory after their work shift. Furniture and window blinds were salvaged from an old training center, due for renovation, minimizing cost.

The interiors were designed to be organic to make the most of the array of different materials. Left over ply boards were converted into screens and partitions; steel bars were interpreted as suspended ceiling elements. Visual connectivity was considered important and achieved via solid and void separator forming a background to the high table with bar stools.

The cafeteria also acts as a break out space for informal meetings and discussion of ideas. Executed by the workers, within a tight budget, it was named Café Zero by staff.

Designer: Studio Ardete
Photography: Purnesh Dev Nikhanj