Padma 97 is a minimal interior located in Bengaluru, India, designed by Studio – Prakruthi. The studio’s design ethos focuses on creating moments of interest within a space while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. The renovation aimed to strip away years of embellishments to reveal the building’s original form. This process uncovered opportunities for connecting spaces through natural light and cross-ventilation. Original architectural elements, such as inset niches in thick masonry walls, were repurposed, now serving as a library. The redesign replaced doors with open frames, allowing natural light to flow throughout the building, enhancing the workspace’s comfort and health. Studio Prakruthi’s approach to design emphasizes simplicity and warmth, creating spaces that offer a meditative experience.
The studio features a neutral palette with warm white walls and dark wood flooring, fostering a structured and calm atmosphere. True to its name, Prakruthi, which means “nature” in Sanskrit, the studio’s design harmonizes with its surroundings. The space integrates natural elements, with tropical plants and natural decor both indoors and outdoors. The courtyard features an urn pond, and the interior is infused with the soothing scent of neroli, enhancing the sensory experience. Furniture and decor are locally sourced, emphasizing natural materials. Notable pieces include a dried elephant-ear leaf in a serpentine clay planter from Manipur, and artwork made from hot-rolled mild steel. The courtyard-facing cabin features a banana fiber and mild steel lamp from Oorja. Re-editions of Pierre Jeanneret chairs, originally designed for Indian offices in the 1950s, were sourced from local manufacturers, contributing to the space’s authentic and functional aesthetic.
