- Interior
Affogato is not just an ice cream and coffee shop; it is an exploration of the border between gastronomy and art, strategically disguised as an underground art gallery. Located on 17th Road in Khar West, Mumbai, this 600 square meter project is the brainchild of kaviar, led by visionary partners and lead architects Kasturi Wagh and Vineet Hingorani.
The space is designed as a minimalist and monochromatic volume that radiates tranquility and refinement. The interior, characterized by soft curves and textures, is inspired by the delicate swirls of gelato. The design philosophy revolves around presenting the components of 'affogato', ice cream and coffee, as works of art and not merely as consumer goods. These are displayed on stone plinths, similar to works of art in a gallery, making them the focal point of the room. On their first visit to the site, Kasturi and Vineet were transported back to their time in New York, visiting small, private art galleries on the side streets of Manhattan's Lower East Side. These galleries, often no more than small openings in the wall with large glass facades and bare interiors, allowed the works of art to be the real eye-catchers. This concept became the core of Affogato, where the coffee and gelato are the heroes of the space, against a backdrop of unique textures adorning the walls, ceiling and floor. 
Both the interior and exterior have been deliberately kept sleek and minimalist, using only three materials: concrete, stone and wood. The interior is dominated by a layer of beige micro-concrete that runs seamlessly over the floor, walls and ceiling. This finish is applied by hand, using a trowel to leave subtle marks reminiscent of the swirls of gelato. The stone cladding gives shape to the plinths, in which the consumables such as coffee machines and the gelato machine are integrated. The minimal furniture, made of wood, adds a touch of warmth to the space.
The interior, characterized by soft curves and textures, is inspired by the delicate swirls of gelato
Kasturi Wagh is energetic, passionate and driven. She obtained her Master of Science in Architecture with honors from the Pratt Institute in New York in 2020, after previously completing her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Mumbai. Kasturi sees design as a powerful medium to tackle the challenges of the modern world. Her fascination for new materials and textures is strongly reflected in her work. Besides architecture, she is a fashion maven, a self-proclaimed professional Scrabble player, and a dog whisperer. Vineet Hingorani is known for his eye for detail and his pursuit of perfection. Like Kasturi, he graduated from the Pratt Institute in New York with a Master of Science in Architecture, where he focused on the role of design in the Anthropocene era. He obtained his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Mumbai. Vineet has a deep interest in phenomenology in design and strives to integrate this into every project. He is also a lover of dogs, long drives and is a passionate cinephile. 
With Affogato, Kasturi Wagh and Vineet Hingorani have created a space that is more than a simple coffee shop. It is an experience, a celebration of the art of consumption, where every element has been carefully considered and perfectly executed to form a harmonious whole. Affogato's design reflects not only their architectural skills, but also their deep appreciation for art and design as a power to stimulate the senses and open new perspectives.
Photography by Syam Sreesylam
Text by Celien Hemelaer