You Actually Want to Hang Out in! Brutown’s Got a Funky New Friend: Say Hello to Nervosa.
For those who enjoy café culture, a delightful spot has opened its doors to Dhaka’s vibrant crowd. Nervosa is a cafe located on Siddheswari Road, Dhaka, at the edge of a bustling neighbourhood—just above Brutown, which has long been a favorite in the heart of Bailey Road. Why Nervosa The name, “Nervosa,” is a deliberate nod to the beloved sitcom Frasier, where a fictional coffee shop of the same name served as a backdrop for the characters’ daily lives. Sabeel Rahman, CEO and Proprietor of BruTown and Nervosa, explains his choice with a playful intrigue: “The question of ‘Why Nervosa?’ is what makes it captivating. It draws attention, it’s a memorable name.” Consider Nervosa as the upscale, fancy, artistic neighbor of the popular cafe, BruTown, finding its niche in the community. Behind the Scenes Rehnuma Tasnim Sheefa, the principal architect of Parti.studio elaborates on the design philosophy: “Every design develops from a concept or a vision and if for a restaurant or a cafe, the branding has its influence as well. For Nervosa, that concept was built on strong character and a vibrant color palette, designed to draw a younger crowd into the cafe, as envisioned by the owner. When working in a public realm like cafes, as an architect I also had to focus on the psychological impact a person would have with the colors and the characters.” The color palette evolved gradually. Pale Orange took precedence, aligning with the theme initially, with striking illustrations bringing life to the walls. To make the illustrations stand out, a monochrome backdrop was introduced for the floors, ceilings, and other walls, allowing the boldly patterned and colored furniture to shine truly. The exposed brick on some of the walls adds a touch of urban grit, while the wooden flooring brings warmth and texture; keeping them aligned with the basic pale orange color. The cafe culture in Dhaka thrives on connection. Comfortable seating arrangements encourage heartfelt conversations, from an upcycled plush couch perfect for intimate gatherings to communal tables fostering spontaneous interactions. Nervosa goes a step further with cozy bookshelves stocked with comics and novels, perfect for anyone who wants to settle in with a good read. Instagrammable Spots Several strategically placed elements aim to create visually captivating ‘Instagrammable’ moments. The journey begins at the entry staircase, where a whimsical illustration introduces the cafe’s personality. Upon entering, a prominent neon light sign immediately catches the eye. Inside, a one-of-a-kind waffle mirror greets you at the entrance for your mirror selfies with your friends. Track lights are incorporated here to highlight specific areas, making them ideal for photos. “You will also find the neon lights in different spots around the cafe”, shares Architect Sheefa. The use of neon lights is an interior design trend in restaurants targeting younger crowds, particularly Gen Z. They create a visually appealing and Instagram-worthy atmosphere, making restaurants more attractive to social media-conscious customers, to create a unique and memorable visual experience. illustrations that speak to you To add character to the interiors, the beams and walls are filled with vibrant illustrations. In the beam above the counter, the illustrated characters resemble the target audience of the cafe, and how they interact and behave. Describing the artworks, Mashqurur Sabri, the artist, shares, “Nervosa walls are a burst of young energy and Dhaka madness — messy, loud, and full of heart. The hand-drawn, sketchy art style mixes raw lines with pops of bold, chaotic color — think warm reds, electric yellows, moody teals — capturing the city’s wild rhythm. From buzzing rickshaws to rooftop chill scenes, it’s the city on caffeine — vibrant, warm, and wide awake.” “When I think of Nervosa as perceived by the public, I wish it to be known as the most happening place in Siddeshwari,” says the owner, Sabeel Rahman. The vibrant interior, the playful name, and the strategic use of social media-friendly elements all point to a well-thought-out strategy. Nervosa isn’t just serving coffee; it’s serving an experience. And if the initial buzz is anything to go by, it’s an experience that Dhaka’s café-goers are eager to embrace. Written by Samira Ahsan
A Fresh Look of WE SPACE with Inclusivity at its Core
In the bustling Gulshan North Avenue of Dhaka, a unique office concept in Bangladesh replaces traditional departmental segregation and hierarchy with freedom of workspace and teamwork. Located in a prime location of Dhaka’s business hub, WE SPACE is Woolworth’s Group’s Bangladesh office, co mprising an area of 6,300 square feet. The entire project was completed in 90 days, which was a challenge in itself. The spaces in this project have been designed with Woolworth’s inclusive concept of “WE” and togetherness in mind. This concept is reflected in the layout, flexible workspaces for users, and an interesting colour palette that complements the brand identity. As per the question, Sudeshna Shireen Chowdhury, the founder and principal architect of Studio.O, explained, “All functions are arranged together in a loop. If you enter the office from one side, you can come back and end up in the same space.” Inspired by the concept of “We Space,” the layout has been developed with a central collaborative social hub and town hall space as the heart of the office. Upon entering, a clean, central circulation spine welcomes the user into the space. This loop leads them towards designated zones, which are specifically marked to enable easy navigation. The design ensures universal access for both circulation and entry into all spaces, promoting proper orientation and mobility. Overall, the office space has been designed to be exceptionally user-friendly, showcasing unique details and features while upholding the brand identity of Woolworth’s Group. Architect Sudeshna explains that there are no designated seats or fixed workstations. The concept is for all functions to be connected in a loop, allowing users to enter from one side and return to the same space upon exiting the loop. The design team did not introduce a traditional reception area, as the other Woolworth’s offices do not have one either. The zoning prioritises common areas, meeting rooms, and a multifunctional room near the entrance for guests. The kitchen, designed more like a coffee pantry, is also placed near the entrance for easy access by guests. Public spaces are readily accessible upon entering the office. “As you move further inside, you’ll find the workspaces located near the terrace space,” as explained by Architect Sudeshna. All the furniture for this project has been locally sourced and designed, making it exclusive to the users and the office. Hatil provides modern, space-saving compactor storage that allows for a significant amount of storage within smaller areas. Height-adjustable tables and workstations were made locally using handmade techniques. The vibrant colour palette within the workstations incorporates orange and green shades. A unique feature is the collaborative table they designed. It can function as a whole table for four people or unfold into individual workspaces. One of the most striking features of the space is the ceiling. The Woolworth’s logo is cleverly incorporated as a ceiling light fixture, adding a unique and memorable touch to the ambiance. The clients loved this detail and are considering replicating it in our other branches to create a consistent and memorable brand experience. Vinyl flooring is used throughout the space, with a colour scheme that complements the blue ceiling light to further highlight the blue colour in the ceiling and the brand association as well. No partitions were used in open spaces; the variation in the texture of the floor materials separates the zones. Biophilic principles were considered throughout the design process. Planters were strategically placed to integrate nature into the workspace. The architect adds, “We always consider biophilic principles. So, we planned where the planters would go and designed accordingly.” The meeting room features a TV panel that doubles as a whiteboard, demonstrating a smart design element. Acoustics were also a priority. To minimise echo, a false ceiling with sound-absorbing panels was installed. Carpets were also used for the same purpose. In the main workspaces with exposed ceilings where talks and town hall meetings are held, sound-absorbing carpet flooring was used. Another unique addition to the project was the soundproof office pods for four people. “These pods are fully furnished, offer 85% sound absorption, and have their own ventilation systems,” explains Architect Sudeshna. She further adds, “Every space has its own identity. There is a focus zone, a collaborative zone, and a social zone, all with different kinds of identities and characters.” Completed in January 2023, WE SPACE is a collaborative project by the eminent architecture firms Studio.O and Binyash, located in Dhaka. The team of architects brainstormed together to come up with a concept that ensures efficiency, comfort, and a positive ambiance for office users. Architect Sudeshna Shireen Chowdhury concludes, “Working with the Woolworths team was an exceptional experience. We appreciate the unparalleled support from our partners.”
Delifrance’s baked items are made with flour from the Grands Moulins de Paris, a major French milling company operating since 1919. The recipes served follow the franchise standards, and the new recipes also get approved by Paris. Hence, the international-quality chefs bring to the table a range of savoury dishes alongside croissants and other finger foods.
