How often do we imagine a workspace without symmetry in design, muted colours and predictable functionality? Not very often, right? That precisely is what design does for us. It provides us with a new lens to look at things – beyond the conventional, ahead of predictability. A mystery in disguise and an experience that speaks for itself.

The Martian Odyssey by R.A.A.R Studio in the vibrant city of Surat transcends the barriers of run-of-the-mill office design.  R.A.A.R Studio, with the expertise and support of the design team transformed an area of 1000 SQ.FT. into a tactile environment that stimulates impressions. Through a skillful approach to symmetry in design, choosing materials, and textures, the design practice has crafted a space that seamlessly blends expression and structure without compromising on age-old ideas of symmetry, rhythm and axis.

R.A.A.R Studio

By employing a play of alignment of symmetry in design at the entrance, the deep green-veined reception desk emerges as an obelisk in disguise. Standing tall and alone, it catches one’s eye with its precise form and dynamic lines. The burnt-orange walls and ceiling serving as a background to the desk, add more power to its unmissable presence. The reception leads to the passage further heading towards the glass-walled conference room where sunlight- soft and otherworldly filters through the sheer drapes of the room.

Common Area

The common area of the conference room features a bright mustard sofa along with circular wooden center side tables. A common dining area besides the reception includes a Table in deep green-veined stone and chairs. The ceiling, unlike the usual, integrates triangular extrusion filled with partial light which juxtaposes otherwise curved out surfaces.

Furniture

The furniture, subtle yet commanding, explores the thematics of sensory simulation through color dynamics complimenting the monolithic space. A yellow sofa, graphite-grey armchairs, and a conference table placed on an orb-like structure, give a peek into the various colors and elements of design that were explored to enhance the underlying principles guiding the space making. Keeping it all aligned with Martian, a thematic idea deriving cues from interplanetary voyage especially Mars, and the designers continue to add layers through crater-like elements, raw textures and bold choice of color on the designed surfaces. 

Material Palette

The Martian Odyssey’s material palette is an epitome of contrasts- balancing raw with polished, natural elements with modern, organic with extra-terrestrial, diving into the realm of spirituality. Kadappa floors leave a striking impression wherever they are laid out. Used with careful intention, the flooring enhances the subtle glow of light through its choice of finish and is laid in a manner which generates strong linear lines amplifying the view of the river beneath. A recurring feature, the green stone appears on the reception desk, the wooden  side tables and as a cantilevered tabletop for the desks.

Calculated Risks

Taking calculated risks, allowing the energy to flow through the space, inviting warmth—all of it without affecting the nature of activities to be carried upon—reframing how the workplace can be. The design reflects a fearless approach with the use of a bright and amber as the primary color in the palette deriving its cues from Mars. Used throughout the space seamlessly on walls and ceilings, the hue itself is a striking feature of the design. Complemented by the equally dominating shades of green, black and mustard, it takes the users with a sense of surprise demonstrating balance with a striking choice of expression.

Contrasting Elements

The contrasting elements balance out the intense colors utilized in the design. The deep green tones and intricate veins bestow a refreshing counterpoint to the. The desks, far from usual, vary in forms, as a result of a playful, sculptural approach to furniture design. A stunning ochre Sofa with hints of wood ensures the Martian thematic blends with the underlying earthen elegance. The star of the show, the deep burnt-orange walls with their textured finish is a subtle portrayal of the wind-curved crust of Mars. The designers have played thoughtfully with the textures to give depth and dimension to this space. The clever layering of colours, lights and shadows complements otherwise single-colour schemes from feeling monotonous. Thus, giving the surfaces a dynamic essence.

Symmetry In Design

Thriving on juxtaposition, the design with its rough, textured walls and organic elements, leaves no stone unturned in adding vibrancy to the space. The sharp lines of the furniture and modern lighting are softened by the gentle folds of the curtains. They complement the rounded shapes of decorative vases. The lighting, being no less than a design feature itself, allows the office to flourish. It does so through its unique moods and functions. In some spaces, the large, recessed, artificial rectangular skylight emits a bright, uniform glow. The circular downlights add an intimate layer of illumination in others.

Conclusion

Crafted to engage and inspire, the bold color choices and mysterious material combinations in the Martian Odyssey provides a reworking on the established ideology surrounding a workplace. R.A.A.R Studio, along with their design team, worked thoughtfully on creating one of a kind sensory experience which could become a source of inspiration

Work itself is an experience, events leading up to work too, make for an experience.

But again, what if a workspace choosing mystery over predictability, itself is an experience?

Fact File

Designed by: R.A.A.R Studio

Project Type: Office Interior Design

Project Name: Martian Odyssey

Location: Surat

Project Size: 1000 Sq.ft

Principal Architects: Ar. Rihen Mehta & Avi Punamiya

Photograph Courtesy: Chetan Jain

Text Credits: Binoli A Zaveri

Firm’s Instagram Link: R.A.A.R Studio

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