India's First Tesla Experience Centre At BKC: Chief Architect Reveals What Went Into Building The Showroom

Tesla opened the doors to its first Experience Centre in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex. Designed by Nita Sarda, architect at Trident Interior Designers, the Tesla Experience Centre is minimalistic, elegant and crafted to let the vehicles shine.

The Tesla BKC showroom has a unique, pristine white interior. Sarda reveals the intentional choices behind this clean palette, layout, lights and more.

The architect said that the white backdrop was chosen for purity. "Anything stands out way better in a white backdrop, and that was the brief I got from them."

She further elaborated on the initial concepts saying that, "In fact, we were supposed to do red and grey and we did work around that theme. But we ended up doing the white and it's worked out because the cars are outshining everything. They are yet to be revealed, and they will be the stars."

Sarda's design philosophy for the showroom was clear: to create a space that prioritises the product.

"Every car showroom, we are selling the interiors, we are selling the cars. So I wanted that brief and worked around that, keeping a very minimalist look," she explained. The interior features live boxes showcasing images from global Tesla shoots. Sarda also hints at an exciting possibility of localisation.

"We might have an Indian version coming too, we are working on that." This thematic focus extends to the exterior, where live boxes display Y Model montages.

The layout of the showroom is meticulously planned to enhance the customer experience. Upon entry, visitors are greeted by an atmosphere of serenity, a deliberate effect of the white aesthetic.

For in-depth discussions and decision-making, the centre offers exclusive spaces. "We also have two lovely VIP rooms, which are meant for people to take decisions in post liking the car. We have three consultation tables as well."

The physical dimensions of the store, with "longer length than depth," were designed with ease of movement in mind, guiding visitors seamlessly from viewing the vehicles to consulting with sales representatives.

Even the lighting plays a subtle yet significant role in the overall experience. "The lights are in a way to calm the person to buy as well. So EV is the way forward as well," she concluded, emphasising not just the aesthetic appeal but also the message of sustainability.

Bringing this vision to life was a collaborative effort, as Sarda notes, as many names were involved in pulling this store together.

"I am the chief architect and team Elegance has worked with me to get my dream come true. It took about 45 working days. it was complete working days and night," she said.

Sarda highlighted the intense dedication as the construction involved innovative techniques. With "a lot of plug and play, furniture was made at their factory, so many people worked together on this. The amazing JLL got the work going."