Nilaya Anthology by Asian Paints

Nilaya Anthology by Asian Paints, described by The Hindu as "India’s newly opened luxury design mecca," is a distinguished space in Mumbai that elegantly integrates traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary global design. Conceptualized by prominent architect Rooshad Shroff, this expansive 100,000-square-foot destination features curated collections from 92 exceptional brands globally. Esteemed international brands including Lema, Cassina, House of Finn Juhl, Cesar, Bisazza, Zafferano, Glas Italia, Davide Groppi, Alma De Luce and Paola Lenti harmoniously coexist alongside notable Indian names such as Jaipur Rugs, Vikram Goyal Studio, Good Earth, and fashion icon Sabyasachi Mukherjee, enhancing the project's diverse cultural narrative.

The lighting design for Nilaya Anthology involved detailed planning, precise technical execution, and creative improvisation. Given the project's vast scale and varied materials, meticulous attention was given to lighting specifics such as relative lux levels, efficacy, contrast management, directional orientation, and thoughtful selection of colour temperatures. Each product category—including glassware, furniture, bathward, collectibles, and metalware—presented distinct illumination challenges, from managing reflective surfaces to achieving finely tuned accent lighting. Extensive coordination with automation, electrical, and civil teams was critical for seamless integration.

A particularly complex aspect was lighting the central triple-height atrium, where strategic placement of suspended and surface-mounted track lights had to be carefully aligned with limited structural beams positioned at spaced intervals. This challenge was further compounded by potential obstructions from other suspended objects like chandeliers and curtains, as well as modular setups for flexible gallery displays. The resulting lighting scheme provided both functional and dramatic illumination, effectively balancing ambient and vertical accent lighting. Another notable challenge was illuminating the ramp connecting the ground-floor area "Heart" with the upper-level "Mind," requiring precise fixture placement to mitigate visual interference from overhead beams. Additionally, specialized lighting was designed for the Anthology team's workspace, ensuring a blend of aesthetic quality, practicality, and comfort.

The entrance orangery, a vibrant green space beneath a glass ceiling, required careful lighting transitions from day to night. The design aimed to maintain visual comfort while enhancing the welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere throughout varying lighting conditions. Thus, the lighting design at Nilaya Anthology masterfully combined technical expertise and creative sensibilities, significantly contributing to the luxurious yet accessible character of this landmark project.