The clients approached us to design their 2nd office 4 years after doing their 1st premise in the same building. The earlier office design brief had a straight forward functional approach with colour schemes woven around the brand colours.  “We proposed integrating natural elements and a consistent colour scheme to create a cohesive work environment”, says the architect duo Mihir Desai & Ajay Sharma. The aim was to create an office space where people could Meet, Greet, Work, Eat, Relax – Repeat, amidst nature.

“Fun office spaces determine the health of the employees and the work being done simultaneously. This office space breaks the walls of monotony by including spaces to learn, grow and move forward.” – Nishal Sevak(Co-Editor)

Integrating Natural Elements And A Consistent Colour Scheme To Create A Cohesive Work Environment | Md&a architects & studioADAPL

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The lifts open directly into the reception designed with both form and function in mind, balancing the need for a practical and functional space with the desire for a calming and inviting atmosphere. The use of grey terrazzo as a flooring creates a modern base for the space. The cluster of plants behind the reception desk was a clever solution proposed to cut down on the glare from the glazing on the south wall. “The organic-shaped custom wall panel introduces some softness and balance into the space, especially since the rest of the reception area features a more orthogonal geometry” says Ajjay. The brightly coloured seating for the waiting area adds a playful pop of colour making the lobby cheerful.

The entrance passage to the main office space has been designed to create a smooth transition from the reception area, with the addition of a cluster of plants providing a natural and inviting welcome. The sneak peek of the cafeteria space adds an element of intrigue and encourages exploration of the office. “The use of insitu terrazzo seating for the informal meeting space was choice made to provide a durable and modern seating option that is also visually interesting” says Mihir. The green wall backdrop and metal origami birds installation add some texture and depth to the space, while also reinforcing the “Meet, Greet, Work, Eat, Relax – Repeat amidst nature” philosophy of the overall design.

“The show stopper informal working space is an innovative and unique addition to the office design” says Ajjay. A cuboid structure was planned to cleverly demarcate & separate this area while still maintaining an open floor plan. The punctures on the side planes gives visual access both from inside & outside, enticing people to use this space more often. The dholpur pink coloured box that sits in the middle of the space is a bold and eye-catching element that adds to the overall design aesthetic. The fact that the space is washed with morning east sun is a great way to incorporate natural elements and positive energy into the office

The pebbled floor and no shoe culture of the office contribute to the zen garden feel of the space. It has become a very popular space amongst the office people. This space is the green heart of the entire office, giving a feel of working in an “Upvan”. If only the neighborhood peacock could fly by this space wished the designer duo. The fact that important discussions are being held in this space while lightly swinging on the “hitchko” is a testament to the relaxed and informal working culture, resulting in better productivity.

The design has taken into account the practical requirement of seating a large number of people in the office. The use of modular systems on either side of the informal work space was a smart and efficient way to maximize space while providing ample seating. The addition of potted plants to break up the rigid geometry of the modular systems was a great way to add a touch of nature and create a more organic feel to the space.

Motivational quotes as graphics on plain wall surfaces is a creative and inspiring addition to the design that helps to create a positive and uplifting atmosphere in the office, and encourage employees to stay motivated and focused.

The design of the director’s cabin has been kept simple yet plush, creating a distinct space within the overall office. The use of a patterned marble flooring in beige and brown was a decision made to differentiate this space from the rest of the office, and add a touch of elegance and sophistication.

The use of marble on the MD table creates a seamless look with the floor, smartly tying the design elements together to create a cohesive look. “Replacing standard visitor’s chairs with comfortable couches makes the visitor’s experience more relaxed during meetings and conversations” says Mihir.

The attached board room with a miniature landscape table is yet another unique and interesting feature. This created more relaxed and creative atmosphere for brainstorming sessions and meetings, and has also become a point of interest and conversation piece for visitors to the office.

Overall, the design of the director’s cabin and board room has been thoughtfully executed to create a comfortable and functional space that is also visually appealing and distinct from the rest of the office.

The executive lounge’s design has been created to make a bold and memorable impression on high-profile clients. The use of 2 large ficus plants with intertwining stems adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space, while the chesterfield couch, veneer paneling, and large crystal chandelier add a sense of grandeur and opulence. These elements work together to create a luxurious and impressive environment that is sure to impress clients and make them feel valued.

Working on idea of eat, relax, work & repeat – the café is designed as large covered terrace. The cement grey tiled floor compliments the terrazzo table tops and enhances the greenery in the space. Warmth is added to the space with terracotta clad bricks. The custom designed wallpaper is the show stopper of this room adding vibrancy and to the space. The space is also adorned with hanging plants and potted plants, adding to the greenery in the office. The café is designed to be a place for employees to take a break, recharge, and socialize with colleagues.

Fact File

Designed by: Md&a architects & studioADAPL

Project Type: Office Interior Design

Project Name: Upvan

Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Year Built: 2023

Duration of the project: 70 Days

Project Size: 6500 Sq.ft

Project cost: 3.5 Crore

Principal designer: Ar. Mihir Desai & Ajjay Ssharma

Team Design Credits: Jeckey Parmar, Abhijeet & Tejas

Photograph Courtesy: Abhishek shah

Products/Materials: Furniture: Spacewood / HVAC: Daikin / Carpets: M R carpets / Seating system: Purple design solutions / Electrical fittings: Urban spacetech / Paints: Asian paints / Wall covering:  kalakaarihaath & Ambica wallpapers / Landscape: Temple of flowers / Ceiling: Hunter douglas / Partitions: Orno Hardware – Orno / Terrazo flooring: Terrazo India / Graphics: Greentech Solutions

Firm’s Website Link: Md&a architects & studioADAPL

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