Penguin Random House, a globally renowned publication house with a rich history spanning close to a century, is dedicated to encouraging a universal passion for reading by creating books for everyone. With an impressive annual publication of up to 70,000 digital and 15,000 print titles, the company holds a special place in the hearts of readers worldwide.
Penguin Random House in Gurgaon Encourages Personalisation of Workspaces | SJK Architects
Designed by SJK Architects, Penguin Random House India’s new office headquarters in Gurugram responds to the evolving landscape of work environments. With the company’s transition from an office-first work model to a hybrid one, the design creates a post-pandemic workspace that encourages meaningful exchange and collaboration.
Three common clusters (Courtyards), connected by passageways (Streets), form the social heart of the office. These clusters offer diverse seating options and facilitate varied ways of working, be it individually, in small groups, or large groups.
The central cluster, which marks the entrance to the office, and the eastern cluster, resemble living rooms for storytellers, featuring a mix of lounge and round-table seating. The western cluster, on the other hand, houses a coffee bar and has an amphitheatre for large team catch-ups.
Meeting rooms, cabins, and workstations for individual use are strategically arranged around these clusters to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Terrace seating along the corridor acts as public seating accommodating two people in each pod. Thus, transforming the large corridor into a meandering street with humble proportions.
All these areas receive ample natural light from the north, east, and west. While primarily serving as individual and formal workspaces for both creative and non-creative teams, the design breaks away from traditional formality. The smaller cabins can easily adapt into meeting rooms when needed.
These versatile spaces allow users to choose their preferred settings for various activities. Whether it’s a casual catch-up over coffee, a relaxed conversation with authors, or a focused work session, the options cater to all needs.
The result is an environment that encourages users to personalise their workspace, fostering a conducive atmosphere for creative productivity.
A restrained material and colour palette is used, featuring white and grey hues as finishes on the floors and walls. The architects collaborated with the Penguin Random House team to strategically place thematic artwork throughout the office. Framed book jackets add touches of the brand’s heritage, creating a strong sense of belonging. The artwork and dispersed green pockets add a sense of vibrancy to the otherwise muted colour palette.
Rather than integrating the company’s name and logo plainly, the architects designed a handcrafted cement screen. Thus, resembling books to subtly incorporate the brand identity into the spaces.
Featuring penguin-shaped motifs engraved into its central row, the screen forms the backdrop to the reception. Moreover, serving as the ideal entrance to the creative and collaborative office space of a company that is in the business of books.
The heart of the design lies in the seamless layout that metamorphoses into offering multiple workspace options within the same space. Thus, creating an office space that is truly collaborative in spirit and design.
Fact File
Designed by: SJK Architects
Project Type: Office Interior Design
Project Name: Office for Penguin Random House
Location: Gurgaon, New Delhi
Client: Penguin Random House
Year Built: 2021
Built-up Area: 6,850 Sq.ft
Team Design Credits: Roshni Kshirsagar, Shimul Javeri Kadri, Tanvi Namjoshi & Anshita Hinduja
Photograph Courtesy: Niveditaa Gupta
Interior Contractors: DCA Contracts LLP
Technical Lighting: Abby Lights
Decorative Lighting: Orient Lites
Loose Furniture: Gulmohar Lane, Mangrove collective, Blue loft, Tianu, Magnolia, Design Ni Dukaan
Firm’s Website Link: SJK Architects
The Firm’s Instagram Link: SJK Architects
Firm’s Facebook Link: SJK Architects
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