- Interior
Near the calm banks of the Tapi River in Surat, India, rises Capiche - a pizzeria that stands out radically in its approach to space and ambience. Far from the usual clichés of Italian-style eateries, this pizzeria offers an immersion in form, material and craft, where the experience is as important as the meal itself. Everything here is about harmony between interior and intention: an ode to the age-old art of pizza baking, translated into a contemporary context.
The design is the work of local firm Neogenesis+Studi0261, which has been operating since 2011 under the leadership of Chinmay Laiwala, Jigar Asarawala and Tarika Asarawala. The three architects, who all graduated from Sarvajanik College of Engineering & Technology, are known for their poetic approach to material and space. Their practice moves effortlessly between residential, commercial and public commissions. In each case, they seek an authentic relationship between function and imagination. Earlier work by the firm shows a fascination for geometry and light, characteristics that are also evident in this project. 
The pizzeria is conceived as an overall experience, with every surface carefully chosen and articulated. The undulating ceiling structure, clad entirely in reddish-brown brick, together with the masonry of the floors and walls, form an encompassing scale that radiates warmth. The choice of this material is a deliberate nod to traditional wood-fired pizza ovens. The resulting colour palette of burnt orange tones and deep earth tones exudes an understated luxury where time seems to slow down.
The brick floors, walls and undulating ceiling structure are a deliberate nod to traditional wood-fired pizza ovens
Central to the interior is an open kitchen with a visible oven, again a deliberate intervention that strengthens the connection between guest and dish. Around this culinary core, a flexibly designed space unfolds with different seating combinations. The contrast between the rough brickwork and the glossy black countertop creates visual tension, while integrated modern equipment gives the whole a sleek look. An illuminated menu board above the counter acts as a playful reference to classic pizza shops, but with a contemporary twist. Thanks to the glass frontage, natural light streams in, constantly changing the play of shadow and light across the curved surfaces. 
Capiche is not a sum of stylistic elements, but a holistic whole in which material, rhythm and atmosphere merge seamlessly. In the hands of Neogenesis+Studi0261, this pizzeria has become a place with a direct link to the dishes they serve - an architectural gesture that elevates the everyday into something special.
Images courtesy of Neogenesis+Studi0261
Text by Carolien Depamelaere