The Commercial Design Awards 2022 was auspiciously hosted at the open lawns of Sofitel BKC on the 15th of December, 2022. With the latest development in technology in the design sector, Commercial design had the opportunity for designers to showcase their Innovations in the workplace. Out of all the remarkable entries, Ajmal Khan, Senior Vice President – I, HDFC, bagged this award.
He won this award for his innovative and agile design approach for the office at Gigaplex, Airoli, Navi Mumbai. The well-devised design brought an end to the conventional system of allotting permanent workstations, thereby enabling the office to achieve efficient occupancy levels.
Project Submitted: Gigaplex – Airoli office
The design concept of this office was based on 3 requirements –
1) Agile workspace concept with Digital lockers
2) Emphasis on well being of users
3) IGBC -Gold/ Platinum rated facility.
The design had to be human centric and also address the sustainability and environmental
concerns facing humanity.
Agile working is a workspace concept where workstation and storage spaces are not assigned to any individual employee. The workstations are flexible and can be booked through a workspace app, personal storage is available in Smart lockers which also can be booked through a mobile app. Introduction of these technologies and agile work place design concepts has made space utilisation more efficient, leading to reduction of real estate requirements, as more people can be accommodated in a smaller area.
The layout of the office is designed such that, all closed rooms and services rooms are built
around the core of the building, thus allowing maximum natural light into the workspace.
Over the years the percentage of area covered by formal modular workstations to informal
collaborative spaces have been steadily changing with more emphasis been laid on
collaborative and breakout spaces.
Design Elements
Workstations: A combination of agile and hybrid workspaces were introduced, workstations were segregated and space between seating arrangement were increased, shared storage was removed and replaced with digital private lockers with touchless technology for employees. Height-adjustable workstations were introduced in clusters across the office floor.
Air Ventilation: Ensuring natural ventilation by introducing treated fresh air thus avoiding recirculation of stale air and introducing an air purifier system with high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA filter). – check with MR.
Contactless Design & Technology: We continued with sensor-based automated lighting, temperature control, no-contact attendance systems, and cloud-based software solutions, to encourage an effective balance of remote and physical working.
Meeting Rooms: Meeting rooms are equipped with the latest technology to support remote participants through video conferencing, thus reducing face-to-face interactions.
Community Areas: More of smaller and multiple tables were placed instead of fewer, large community tables were considered. Breakout informal spaces were created for collaboration.
Washroom Design: Washroom design saw a huge overhaul. The use of sensor-based faucets and ensuring that the toilet exhaust fan air does not recirculate in another occupied area were taken care of.
Materials used
Colour, texture and forms have been introduced in the breakout and collaborative spaces to
enhance the feeling of informality. The open ceiling concept, adds to the spaciousness of the place and allows for exciting ceiling elements. The patterned flooring tiles makes it look contemporary and youthful.
The benefits delivered to the user and or society by the design
Feedback from employees has shown that informality at the work space has increased teamwork and efficiency. Introduction of ergonomic seating in breakout and collaborative spaces, improved lighting, air quality and biophilic design concepts has helped in their mental and physical well being. The MEP services and the Interior Fitouts have been designed keeping Green concerns in mind. Hence the IGBC Gold Certificate is a validation of our commitment to society and the world as a whole.
Does the design meet the intended purpose and needs of the user?
The new HDFC Bank office at Airoli has been a game changer for the bank. The employees are excited and adapting themselves to the new work culture. The design has been appreciated and we see it as a benchmark for future offices.
Will the design create a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction?
It’s the new normal, and with the majority of the workforce being youngsters, we feel it that the design fits perfectly into their idea of a modern contemporary workspace.