Archohm, a design studio specialising in innovative design consultancy across different verticals, finds the impetus to develop aesthetical, efficient and futuristic design solutions for a construction giant.
The brief was simple: “To reflect the company’s role and vision.” The Archohm interior design team decoded this client requirement with a humane objective and delivered on it by taking user experience to another level. It starts with a spectacular entrance and continues to an intimidating tunnel lined with interactive displays that slowly reveals the interiors of the office to the visitor.
Located in Gurgaon, Haryana, the building shell for this national award winning construction company was imagined as an exaggerated experience that went beyond normal sensibilities for visitors. The design team mixed ‘intimidation’ with a sense of ‘inquisitiveness,’- a process that included long dark passages with a constant flow of exhibits and initiation.
The exhibition space was accommodated into the waiting area, thereby transforming the challenge presented by the client (desire for spectacular spacing) into an opportunity for design innovation.
The warm expanse of a private room with customized European furniture and
inspiring artworks of the company’s portfolio.
To present the hierarchical structure of the company, a two-dimensional and flat look was aimed at. This was achieved by the extensive use of glass and subtle layout positions which gave the building a sense of existing in layers – though its perception remained that of an equal and a democratic environment.
Figuring out the best furniture solutions came a close second to the main concern of services, which explains the Italian workstations and Herman Miller seating for class and comfort. A sophisticated two-tone ambience for the two top floors, done in black/white and beige/brown combinations extend a sense of formality to the spaces befitting the top brass of the company. It is most evident in the chairman’s office, which is a massive, naturally lit volume with a wooden inner skin of large designer pieces of classic furniture.
Yet, opulence doesn’t half begin to describe it! There’s an Italian crafted main table made of specially oiled wood stretching 25 feet with four visitor chairs to match its tone and continuity. There’s also a raw concrete wall serving as a backdrop that counteracts the fineness of the wood herein and adding to the ‘construction’ appeal of the said space.
White leather sofas dominate the volume of the Chairman’s office while the famous Eames lounge chair, Herman Miller’s Aeron and the Ronald Schmidt television stand punctuate the space with their classic appeal.
This is further enhanced by the office space extending itself vertically to a private lounge attached to large terrace garden and meeting room – perfect for private gatherings and special events.
Functionally segregated floors like a basement for public functions that include an auditorium and canteen facilities as well as a sculptural bridge accent marking the entrance coupled with a strategic mix and match of bright and dark tones (workspaces versus exhibit areas) and contrasting materials (furniture fashioned out of ‘kadappa’ stone in one space and smooth Corian elsewhere) are some of the key highlights of this office.
A line of pure white for the wall and floor language keeps the furniture feel constant by lending various wooden and stone pieces elegance and clean linear looks while exposed pipes and tinted glass effects help strike a balance between contemporary chic and raw construction stimulation.
Equal emphasis was laid on highlighting the fresh and exclusive approach of the company towards making the interiors and furniture user-centric. This is the reason why the kadappa stone reception table with carved storage and wire management niches provides functionality and style in one mono-block, while a solid stone boardroom table exemplifies the strength and determination required of the managerial team to keep the corporate flag flying high.
The formidable black reception that evokes awe and wonder as one walks up to this creatively camouflaged space.
Fluorescent colours keep the funky yet influential identity of each of the five corporate work floors intact by day while come night, each of these floors exudes a band of different colour, creating a playful façade to the space that was simply functional in the light of the day.
At the end of a visually delightful tour, a visitor to the D.S. Constructions Corporate office is awakened to the power of architectural imagery integrated with custom-designed experiential spaces.
Text By Deepanjolie Sonya Figg
Photographs Humayun Khan
Contact:
email: media@archohm.com
web: www.archohm.com
