I am a co-founder of and a Principal at Studio Lotus. Since establishing the practice with Ambrish Arora and Ankur Choksi in 2002, I have overseen its Architecture & Master Planning initiatives, working extensively on large-scale developments for a diverse clientele, with a focus on Spatial Articulation, Environmental Planning, and Sustainable and Modular Construction Methodologies. I graduated from the TVB School of Habitat Studies and started my career with veteran architect Gautam Bhatia; here, I explored various mediums of spatial expression – including Interior Architecture and Exhibition Design – in the following years, before founding Studio Lotus. I am an active member of the Indian architectural fraternity and often serve as visiting faculty and juror at numerous schools of design and national competitions of note.
At Studio Lotus, we are driven by the process and not the outcome. We employ a collaborative and iterative style of design that includes all stakeholders — be it the artisans on-site or our clients; this process is not dictated by a pre-determined design strategy and allows instead for the solution to emerge.
2. What are some of the key strategies implemented by the team for the company in the past year to ensure safety and workplace efficiency?
In the COVID-19 age, the design of the office –– from its spatial planning and ventilation strategies to the choice of furniture and materials –– will be focused on the health and wellness of employees. Growing evidence suggests that COVID-19 can be transmitted through the air, especially in closed, crowded, and poorly-ventilated spaces. That means that the archetype of the 21st-century office –– the hermetically-sealed, air-conditioned glass cubes we work in today –– is a potential breeding ground for infection and disease and is no longer relevant. In response, we’re looking at the past, at some of our traditional building principles and techniques. At Studio Lotus, we are in the process of creating an extension to our own workspaces. Incorporating fresh air circulation systems, multiple open verandahs and courtyards, and open, flexible workstations that encourage social distancing are some of the measures that we have adopted to enable smooth workflows and provide a safe work environment. While we cannot eliminate conventional air-conditioning systems, limiting their use to a minimum so that all peripheral and circulation spaces rely on natural ventilation must be of paramount concern to us all. Although remote working has become an integral part of our lives today, the return of the workforce to the office will be prompted by the need for social engagement and collaboration to drive innovation and increased productivity. Hence, small clusters for seating would need to be planned on shallow, efficient floor plates around large, open courtyards for safe interaction. These outdoor, breakout spaces and naturally-shaded and ventilated circulation spaces would offer employees the opportunity to step out to have casual meetings or to just switch off for a few minutes.
3. What has been the impact of the low-touch economy on workplace design AND operations? Could you share with us what you identify as the short-term fads and long-term trends in this sector?
Modular partitions between work desks would maintain distance and hygiene, while the doors for the cabins would be removed to maintain air circulation through the entire office, while enabling a sense of privacy. While the future remains undecided, the COVID-19 pandemic has definitely forced us to come out of our comfort zones and question the way we live and work. If we are to become resilient to more such disruptions, we’ll need to adapt quickly and with agility to ‘a new way’ with borrowed wisdom from the past. Predicating the design of spaces on employees’ health and well-being through courtyards, day-lit spill-outs and breakout zones such as terraces negates the need for retrofitting. Making buildings work through simple design mechanisms is the most effective way of dealing with COVID-19 transmission and similar potential health emergencies.
4. Given the accelerated pace of transformation, what emerging technologies is the industry working with?
The pandemic has highlighted the need to incorporate design principles that have long formed the basis of our thinking and processes. There is a renewed focus on improving circulation, optimizing natural light and ventilation, and creating hygienic, dust-free spaces in the workspace segment. Indeed, organizations worldwide have adopted a string of safety measures to curb Covid spread in the office. Technology is also set to become a paramount aspect in the design of workspaces with the integration of devices like open meeting pods and video-call booths. From occupancy sensors that monitor employee strength and disinfection robots that clean up spaces throughout the day to automatic, touch-free doors for minimal surface contact, technology is making significant strides towards ensuring a pandemic-proof workplace. We must, however, rely primarily on design interventions that stem from a simple and frugal approach to maximizing employee safety and comfort, besides such basic measures as social distancing, staggered shifts, and the like. Ensuring maximum fresh air circulation must be a top priority for businesses since keeping openings shut can trap and spread contaminated air.
5. Sustainability was a key factor for every company prior to the pandemic; has it now taken a back seat? How are companies working towards balancing sustainability with safety in the post-pandemic era?
In response to the pandemic, we’re looking at the past, at some of our traditional building principles and techniques. Before the advent of air-conditioning and its eventual spread to homes and offices everywhere, buildings were designed to optimise cross-ventilation and penetration of daylight with operable windows and shallow floor plates. In light of the pandemic, we need to return to this model; the resultant, improved natural air exchange in conjunction with the pumping of fresh air through the interiors will lower the possibility of the spread of the virus. Additionally, the incorporation of skylights and clerestory windows, and controlled ventilation using louvers can also help reduce the buildings’ energy requirements.