INDIA DESIGN ID 2024: FEB 7-12, 2024, NSIC GROUNDS, OKHLA, NEW DELHI
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INDIA DESIGN ID 2024 | 15-18 FEB, 2024 | NSIC GROUNDS, OKHLA, NEW DELHI

Home > This office complex by I-Con Architects and Urban Planners transcends the boundaries of typically closed workspaces

This office complex by I-Con Architects and Urban Planners transcends the boundaries of typically closed workspaces

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Fact File
Location: Rajkot, Gujarat
Size: 495 sq m
Principal Architects: Jaydatt Vaishnav, Dhaval Raghani, and Jaymin Patel Photography by: Bhavesh Raghavani, Yellow-Frames Photography

 

This office complex for Gopal Printpack Solutions by I-Con Architects and Urban Planners in Rajkot showcases a distinct square-planned structure, created at a contrasting angle to the rectangular factory and site. The design intention was to develop a language of the complex that showcases the manufacturing process of the factory. The process is such that a blank plastic sheet is dipped sequentially into inks of various colours that amalgamate to form the final Printpack. This idea of amalgamation is abstracted and explored through the landscape and the facades. The factory façade is clad in Corten steel, chosen for its inherent property of weathering, resulting in an amalgamation of changing colours throughout the seasons.

This façade acts as the backdrop to the whole complex, while the foreground is extensive landscaping that seamlessly integrates with the office building. The façades are an amalgamation of tilted concrete walls that act as skin and wrap around the building. These walls create triangular openings among them that bring in a play of light and shadow against the raw concrete texture. The curvilinear steps in the landscape act as an amphitheatre and further spill into the congregation space, which directly connects to the factory, while being tucked away from the sight of the main entrance to allow privacy. The seating along the landscape makes it a comfortable and calming space for factory employees to retreat into nature. The arched openings at the periphery allow diffused light, making it an intimate gathering space for factory employees. The ramps leading to the office building make one slow down and meander through the landscape.

The entry bay of the office is evident along the otherwise blank façades of the building, and the pathway makes the entry even more inviting. As one enters the building, one arrives in the waiting area facing the courtyard. The landscape flows inside the office building through the vegetation in this courtyard. Workstations, private cabins, and the meeting room are arranged around this space. Although physically segregated to justify the efficiency of function, these spaces are visually connected to the owner’s cabin suspended from the roof, transcending the boundaries of closed office habitats. The suspended cabin connects to the factory with a bridge that overlooks the manufacturing process on one end while leading to the dining area and guest rooms on the other. The bridge allows the owner to give an overview of the factory to the clients without disturbing the manufacturing process. Along with exposed concrete and metal, a raw wooden texture is used at various places to invite warmth and luxury. A skylight that runs around the core of the structure, maximising natural light and keeping the spaces well-lit throughout the day.

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