Architect Overview

ORAD is an islamabad based multi-disciplinary firm. Affan Ahmed (Architect) graduated from COMSATS (Arch. Dept.) in 2011 with Distinction. He has worked with Islamabad based Architectural Firm before creating O.R.A.D. He has taken Part in National and International Level Architecture Competitions.Dawar Zia (Architect) graduated from COMSATS (Arh. Dept.) in 2012 with Hons. He was working with an established Architectural firm in Islamabad Prior Founding O.R.A.D. He is a teaching faculty member at Comstats (Arch. Dept.)Muhammad Ali (Architect ) graduated from Comsats (Arch. Dept.) in 2012. with Distinction. He was an adjunct at SADA - NUST Islamabad in 2013. Now he is a teaching faculty member at Comstats (Arch. Dept.)Hidaya Zia is an upcoming communication and graphic Designer. she has expertise in Product, Graphic and Communication Design.

Project Overview

Banana leaf is a pan Asian restaurant situated in Islamabad. Restaurant is split in two levels. Level 0 holds Bar and dining space and LEVEL 1 has kitchen, terrace and dining space. Space was perceived as a deconstructed oriental painting in coral pink and deep blue hues.

Four basic elements were extracted from the painting i.e mountain scape, Sky, Sea and Jungle / Foliage. These elements were then further translated to the planar surfaces. Jungle / foliage and sky on walls, mountains on floor and sea on ceiling. Folding staircase with coral pink metal grid intersects the floors.

Culture of locals sitting outside and consuming food is very prevalent. Terrace is placed on first floor which opens up to Margalla hills. Floor is monochrome terrazzo laid with black granite partitions depicts mountains. Neon accents are added on multiple planes to introduce some vector characters in the space. Furniture is in polished solid ash wood. Dado Walls are wrapped in white square porcelain tiles. Silhouette of canoe in neon is placed on the ceiling of terrace which is visible from the adjacent service road and parking.