Eros

Inspiration was the iconic Eros itself. It is such a legendary structure and the architects had a very big responsibility to keep the essence alive yet fit in the new area programme and make it relevant in today’s context. They had to be guardians of existing design sentiments. For inspiration, there was so much to pick up from the marvellous stepped wedge shaped exterior structural formation to the beautifully articulated fluted wooden panels and crafted doors. The grand atrium with marble staircase, to motifs on walls were all majestic and showed the design path of what could be done and what should be done. The architects wanted everyone who visits Eros to travel through the same door, the same grand lobby, the same grand staircase and wooden elevator and yet have a new feeling of theatre, retail and F&B. Exteriors look was properly and delicately restored. The canopy and some fenestration were new. The foldable MS entrance door was retained. The grand lobby civil structure and staircase stayed. The grand lobby finishes were recreated with original old motifs used on columns above dado. A new marble flooring with Art Deco pattern complementing the existing scheme was introduced with inlay work. The sun motif on the cut out ceiling was also recreated with original members. The grand staircase was redone with similar marble works and circular wooden handrails. The interior lift car of the octagonal elevator was redone with similar wooden interior and glass ceiling but with higher capacity. The wooden lift door was also reused. A modern hoist system, automatic collapsible shutters and mechanical system was provided. The wooden hologram near the lift was replicated at multiple places. The whole theatre side including balcony, box, etc. was gutted down to ground to accommodate new area programme. Towards theatre side two levels of retail was created with third level for modern IMAX theatre with 300 people capacity. A new concession and toilet areas were created with multiple fire exits and other modern amenities and facilities. The new levels that were created have seamless connection. Most aspects of exterior were kept as it is with the existing Red Agra Sandstone, plaster and stylised paint. Repairs were done to achieve the original aesthetics. Most of the old crumbling windows were replaced by new ones with similar looking frames at all levels including the large display window at ground floor. There are 6 recessing planes in existing art deco elevation. Each layer has multiple flanking pattern forming a Victorian ensemble. Each of these is lit and during night time there is nice play of light and shadow. As the old canopy was rusted and unsafe, the new canopy was introduced as a new powerful element enhancing the overall existing theme. The canopy profile is stepping back and creating multiple planes highlighted by strip lighting enhancing the profile. Folded Aluminium in stepped format was used for canopy with lazer cut Art Deco pattern soffit design inspired by the old theatre doors and wall mouldings. The static billboard was replaced with electronic billboard. Wooden wall panels and reliefs were installed. The chromium handrails were preserved and reused. Customised wall paper was used in circular staircase and new marble steps were introduced. Champagne leafing was done on internal rings of upper floor parapet and ceiling of atrium.