Minimalism, after all the hype, more often than not doesn’t get justice. And how often does one come across a diamond merchant’s office, with a minimalist design? Subtle, pristine and reflecting a refreshing honesty, this workspace breaks the conventions of designing an office space.
Every designer dreams, at least once in his lifetime, to make something pristine and clear; and the colour ‘white’ hardly stays away when we talk about such ideas. Moreover, clarity and its expressions are more easily imagined than portrayed in as tangible a form as walls, bound by the limitations of an enclosed space.
We can see such a bold attempt made by Nainesh Jain at Sim Diam’s Mumbai office. When most of the offices are trying to break away from the formality and conventionality of workspaces, it is quite an achievement to come up with a design that fits into these requirements.
When the areas are small, the necessities are more; the idea is to create something that feels open and not restrictive. In an office dealing with diamonds even the slightest shade or tinge makes all the difference. But in this case it certainly comes across as a blessing in disguise.
White walls, white furniture and white flooring give us the sense of magnificence and stark openness. The elements of black and yellow at places break the singularity and give us the much needed visual balance as well as something the eye can hold on to and linger around and make the references with.
The need for numerous sales/inspection and purchase cabins has resulted in the ‘compartmentalising’ of the plan. In such a situation more often than not we’re faced with a box for an outcome with a lot of corridors, giving us dark looking rooms and dead spaces with no use.
But the non-linear plan comes across as a novel solution for the above mentioned issues.
All the cabins, halls and rooms are oriented along the one main passage to help cut down on corridors. It also helps in all the rooms functioning independently. For creating a working and workable business atmosphere it is instrumental that the planning is efficient and the implementation is precise.
The level of attention that has been given to details, right from the tinge of blue on the white tiles to break the monotony, to the fixtures and fittings that have been used, helps to avoid the overdoing of any particular element. The use of glass has been carefully planned keeping in mind the need for space and lighting. It is, in its own way, the rediscovery of contemporary office design which is responsive to its users.
There is a significant complexity involved in the choice of colours, material and design elements when it comes to catering to a wide variety of people with diverse tastes and ideas. At the same time the feasibility and functionality of it has to be of the highest priority.
The designer has proved here that the bigger picture is not spoiled when you pay attention to the smaller details. The neutral hues lend a fresh feel and are justly broken by the contrasting undertones. Texture also plays an important role in defining the neat, sleek and glossy nature.
To some white means infinity. This particular feature of the colour has been focused on to create a visual impact that stays with us when we are walking inside this elegantly styled office. But never does it make you feel uncomfortable or intimidated by its sophistication.
Warm elements have been cleverly tucked in. The well balanced mix of reflective and transparent surfaces, glossy and matte textures, light and dark colours has resulted in a space that is luminous and light in terms of mood.
It is as dreamy as the diamond it deals in and yet as practical as the people dealing with it. Some might say that so many white elements hinder in defining each and every feature separately. But they will be pleasantly surprised. With one main theme in the background, every time we open a door we are hit with the changes introduced with the help of a few basic colours.
It is gentle flexibility and a firmness of purpose all served on an elegant platter, well garnished and perfectly flavoured.
Text By Nimmy Joshi
Photographs By Samir Chawda
Contact:
+91 22 23828466
nainesh.jain@gmail.com
