Should a corporate office be structured merely to be functional, sans novelty, inspiration, iconic leanings or should it be one that goes beyond the fundamentals of physical structure to encompass the five elements of nature where the edifice impacts the mind, thought process, initiating a psychological shift? This is a question oft asked and many a time addressed while conceptualising contemporary corporate office spaces, prompting the infusion of appropriate intervention.
The Jaquar corporate office, designed by Gayathri & Namith Architects (GNA), is one such structure where the building displays a fine amalgamation of contemporary sensitivities and inspiration from nature. The 3,20,000 sq. ft net zero building, representing the ethos of the company and its future aspirations in its design, is built on a 12-acre site where the concept of flight is adopted, symbolising the company’s reach to global heights.
Infusing the five elements
“A tap brings together the five elements of nature - space, air, fire, water and earth - and these five elements have been brought into the lobby where water, space and light merge seamlessly with the earthy art forms relating to Indian philosophy, connecting to the fundamental fabric of the company”, explains Architect Namith Varma. Walking through the flowing expanse of the multi-storeyed building, a sense of the vast timeless space is experienced.
The building combines two functions: of the factory underneath, with a separate entrance, while the upper floors cater to the marketing and corporate functions. The building comes with an imposing entry, miming the belly of the nose of an aircraft about to take-off, the bermed landscape along with the water features raised by 8 metres at the entrance lobby. The three upper floors are perched on the ‘wings’ of this aircraft where all the three wings are structured to project in three different directions.
“This was achieved by staggering the three levels and rotating the floor plate at each level”, says Varma. “The shift here happens along the central pivot of the quadruple height atrium which is the central core of the structure.” The staggering naturally shades the lower floors, permitting right amount of natural light while offering a stunning design to the structure.
The three levels open on to a massive sky-lit atrium, the white fluted ceiling at each level merging into the skylight, ushering in the sense of infinity into the workspaces. The open flowing workspaces bring forth unhindered connectivity at each level as well as between the three levels of the corporate office.
Water being the core product of the firm, the multiple characteristics related to it is subtly brought into each level through use of demarcating colours. Each floor is marked with a specific colour, the green, grey and blue silently connecting to the grand ‘Sangam’ of the three oceans while the brown roots the water to earth.
Given the theme of flight opted in the grand edifice of the corporate office, the floors too bring in this concept, the discussion pods on each floor resembling the merging of twin noses of an aircraft. The large, free-flowing Directors’ cabins visually connect to the exterior landscape where the space and earth tattva are effortlessly blended and infused into the interiors.
The grey marble floors too connect to water, the diamond polish permitting reflection, reminiscent of still-water.
Art forms
Water is not the only focus of the interiors, the art forms taking their due place. The entrance lobby has art forms and water features, leading to the experience centre which is designed by Michael Foley, tracing the history of Jaquar from its inception. The tale is told in the most stunning audio-visual form, where the artistic visual rendition leaves an indelible mark on the viewer.
Published - April 19, 2019 05:00 pm IST
