Architect’s Note:

The architects, from the conceptual phase, intended to design this office building in such a way that it embodied the client’s commitment to contribute to the development of the nation through their endeavors and to become a prominent multinational organization in the country. This led to a dignified and professional, yet amicable, design approach. However, it also created some conceptual impediments throughout the design process, from diverse design perspectives; in trying to create a robust and bold architecture with noticeable features and synchronized play of functions that blends smoothly with each other. These along with making a statement in the urban setting to communicate honest material expression that is welcoming, warm and contextually modern. A decision was taken unanimously to adhere to unpretentious form in a bold manner but embrace softness through greeneries, smart planning of function and fluidity of space. The designers envisioned a design language that is aesthetically pleasing–embodying an open floor plan in the workstations area – that moved easily yet could be controlled effortlessly.

As the building is to be located adjacent to an already existing factory, the designers explored the option to portray the building as a buffer between private industrial area and the public outer area. This enables users of the factory a sense of crossing over a prominent threshold and a screen of pleasing view to the passer-by. The site is located at a node, therefore is quite visible from different points and allowed the designers to be playful with the exterior facades. During design initiation, the key aspect to be considered was the users of the building and their experience through it. The regular users will spend a great chunk of their day here, hence, the functions inside were arranged in an unrestricted manner to limit monotony as much as possible, the green terraces and rooftop also adding to the cause.

Speaking of users, it is expected by the client that many people will come here from different organizations, including VIP’s, who may visit the place recurrently for diverse purposes. That insinuated the design of two entry points. Factory lorry and office executives will enter through the double-height eastern entry which also houses a security vestibule and a pedestrian entry for the factory workers. The western entry, nearer to the node, is for the VIP’s access. This entry displays lush greenery with a statement sculpture to welcome the visitors and also subtly add to the beautification of the node. On the road-side of the structure, a pedestrian plaza is provided to serve the immediate pedestrians, which is connected with the large assembly space through security inside. Partially shaded and otherwise open, it can serve and be enjoyed in all seasons.

The building was planned bearing in mind the site’s terrestrial condition. The function of the project is immaculate and modest to provide all the facility and utility works in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable way, while being efficiently usable. Two blocks are connected with a central service zone for maximum efficacy. Although the building is fortunately elongated at north-south direction, measures were taken to design the surfaces of the building to lessen heat-gain but enable a useful amount of daylight access to save energy. Wire-mesh housing greenery has been used to reduce heat and filter pollutants from the natural air. The west facade is designed with more solidity and indirect openings and the rooftop houses a 1.5 feet deep grass-bed for the same purpose. The roof and green terraces act as respite areas for the users.

Internally, the plan is kept open and adaptive, considering the purpose of usage for maximum efficiency and minimum monotony. The meeting rooms and senior employee cabins are designed in a manner to convey the welcoming trait yet prominence of the organization, while giving the entire office open view of the road side. There are four main functions in the building after the entrance lobby –all of which are well connected yet significantly separated by vertical arrangement.

The expectation from this design, as mentioned in the beginning, is to make a statement and grab attention. An additional key consideration of the design was also to not overwhelm with dominance, but rather be complementary to the surroundings. This practice led to an end result that is well accepted yet distinctly memorable to the clients, designers and most importantly and hopefully, the future users.

Project Team: