Fact File
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Size: 2600 sq m
Principal Architect: Zaki Shaikh
Photography by: Soumya Kalani Photography

This uniquely “glocal” modern workspace for a leading corporation, designed by Zaki Shaikh’s Parthenon Architects, spans 2600 sq m in Mumbai. As conceptualised for a global brand providing technology products and services to the travel and transport industries, the office had to offer an experience that was both an acknowledgement of their international presence and a reflection of their vernacular sensibilities. Using their signature palette of restrained, understated quality and meticulous detailing, the architects have managed to achieve that. A pristine reception area featuring Statuario marble, striking red chairs, and a sleek desk leads to workstations laid out in typical office typology but enlivened with pops of colour. Minimalist, practical furnishings are the primary element of this area. The office also has a charming white cafeteria space with quirky lighting fixtures and a unique décor accessory of uplifting messages; however, the conference room is the highlight of this workplace.

“My favourite aspect of the office is the conference/board room. It has an armoury of modern gadgets featuring a contemporary international design with an Indian ceiling fused into it,” explains Shaikh. “For me, this room always radiates energy. Hence the choice of materials—from the Italian table, Statuario marble wall panels, Indian wooden ceiling, bright yellow window seating, and dual tone carpet, to the fabric wall panelling with aviation series artworks from Portugal—is a reflection of this,” he adds. “Technology has also been seamlessly integrated, with fine attention to elements like high-powered mics equipped into the jaali ceiling.” “Practical decisions such as a large-format, matte-finish, back-painted glass wall around the TV on which one can make notes during presentations.”