At Architect Vistasp & Associates (AVA), the design philosophy is simple — “We believe that good design is by design”. However, hidden in this approach is a task that is no cakewalk. This quest can best be seen in this New Delhi-based practice’s design for Epsilon India’s office.
“Because we delivered so well in Hub 1 for the company, we were rewarded the new office extension by default,” shares principal architect Vistasp Bhagwagar. As much as it was a testament to its skills and capabilities, AVA saw this as an opportunity to push the boundaries for good design. “We took a stand that we would design an office entirely from scratch with a new concept,” he adds.
Besides being distinct in appearance from Hub 1, the new extension was envisioned to bring in a unique experience of its own. “We deliberately chose the theme of ‘unpredictability’ for the new office to increase curiosity for this new expansion,” the architect explains. The design was also going to be reflective of the corporation’s new black and white logo. A monochromatic setting was decided on, with splashes of colours departing from the scheme at regular intervals.
Each of the office’s three levels are identified by their own colours — turquiose blue, fuchsia pink and blazing orange, with surprises and design elements that weave the theme of unpredictability. “The greatest challenge was to do better than Hub 1 and to come up with something that would be appreciated even more,” shares Bhagwagar.
The first view of the office is past the entrance, where a free-standing wall in jagged monochromatic black Corian conceals lighting above it. A linear scheme draws attention to a seemingly expansive space that connects both wings of the floor. The combination of Grey William stone with white engineered stone runs along the floor matched with large flat-lighting panels that connect both wings. The visitor waiting lounge is kept unconventional with disparate seating options. A touch of Biophilic design elements, randomly placed within built-in troughs, add flourishes of green and warmth to the space.
The meeting rooms have panoramic wraps that are engaging and enthralling, with large scribble surfaces and AV screens. Placed in clusters of broken geometry, the workstations maintain the unpredictable theme and yet stay functional with well-lit alternate rows of linear channel lights and circular pendants.
While some work zones are marked by a clear false ceiling with acoustic panels disbursed randomly, others have fibreboard acoustic tiles on the ceiling with exposed ducting. This difference in ceiling levels across the spine, breaks the monotony and increases the spatial feel of the workspace.
Seventh floor plan.
Enclosed bubbles of amphitheatre-like collaboration areas, ensure better usability of the spaces for group discussions and ideation. Break-out areas are interspersed with suspended ‘Indian jhoolas’ that allow for an unconventionally homely and engaging space. The ample use of graphics with various themes across the floors, makes the office expressive and offers surprises and accents at every turn. “All the modular furniture and chairs are high-specification based and ensure a fit and finish that is incomparable,” Bhagwagar specifies.
The quest for good design, of course, goes beyond spatial quality and a theme that is attractive and functional. And with good design, AVA has also managed to receive LEED Platinum Green certification for the project.
Project details:
Client: Epsilon India
Project area: 150,000sq-ft
Location: Hebbal, Bengaluru
Project cost: Rs. 2,450 per sq-ft
Creative team: Architect Vistasp & Associates
Civil and carpentry contractors: Craft Interiors, Bengaluru
Project initiation: November 2016
Project completion: February 2017