The aim was to break the stereotype of office architecture and spaces, connecting the user with their surroundings. An office that is not just surrounded by landscape but a part of it which in turn blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The infinity stair sculpture at the end of the pathway personifies the motivation for the users to “achieve new heights every day.” The ‘Deceiving Dimensions’ reception table is an embodiment of different possibilities in the field of construction.

Editor’s Note: “The long rectilinear office space with organic forms in the landscape, creates a harmonious symphony to break the stereotypes of office architecture. The spatial planning merges with the landscape and blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Bathed in abundant natural light and surrounded by verdant foliage, the office exudes a revitalising ambience, inviting creativity and productivity to flourish within its walls.” ~Simran Khare

The Aim Was To Break The Stereotype Of Office Architecture And Spaces | Dot Dimension

Architecture

The office designed by Dot Dimension is for the Avadh group of developers in the prime of Surat City.
The design aimed to break the corporate stereotype of office spaces and connect the user with its surroundings. To achieve this, the footprint of the built mass was kept long and rectilinear, ensuring a continuous relationship between the spaces and the exterior. The surrounding groves became a key element of the project. They had to build the office within a strict time frame. To adhere to this the structure, there is a steel structural frame.

These systems provide organization and logic to the design which leads to quicker project construction and low maintenance. Workers premanufactured each building element and assembled them on the site. They construct the steel structure of posts and beams using simple joinery. This in turn helps in the reconstruction or addition of the office module hassle free. The floor-to-ceiling stained-glass partitions allow a connection with nature.

The resulting form of the building is a simple transparent glass cuboid with a pitched roof resting amidst a grove of trees, shading the building and allowing for views from all sides. A long linear passage connects the entire office, the shadows created by the vine covered pergolas make organic patterns on that passage at different times of the day, adding an intangible element to the design.

A deck from the center in the back connects the space into the wilderness. At night, the building appears as a jewel, reflecting and spreading all the light harnessed from the surroundings.

Interior

The interiors are done in raw and rustic tones using shades of brown and gray. With an approach towards minimalism, we have linear solid walls that house the toilet blocks, cladded with ash gray stucco, serving as the backdrop for all the workstations in the entire design. This prevents any visual disturbance in between the different work areas of the office.

We used solid wood for furniture and partitions. We inserted the interiors, including shelves, cabinets, and the restroom, along the short sides of the office space.

Sustainability

Designed the entire glass facade and overhangs while considering the building’s net heat intake. The landscape and openings of the built mass regulate the temperature and help reduce of HVAC usage.

There’s a sprinkler based irrigation system, which reduces the use of potable water. We use water-efficient plumbing systems and fixtures in all the washrooms.

Artwork

Conceptualizing their new office space had an organic reaction of giving them the wall arts that reflect their work identities, ‘cityscapes’. We have taken some abstracts of the cityscapes that we see in our daily lives and still do not have an observant look at them. Like 1) ‘old building facades’ the articulated old heritage, 2) ‘topography’ of various undulating landscapes near us, 3) ‘plan view’ of the hustling bustling city we live in yet we don’t see the organic urban plan, 4) Nathdwara city map’ the most age old miniature planning of Nathdwara with Srinathji temple, which is vintage in the world of cityscapes and has been treasured generations after generations.

The artwork and its colour scheme break down the monochromatic palette of materials and help improve the work efficiency of the users.

Landscape

Unlike the indoors, we keep the landscape organic in shape, creating a high contrast across the entire site. Artificial contours and tree plantations in the west cut down on direct sunlight. The indoor bonsai court divides yet connects the director’s cabin and lounge space.

This courtyard regulates the amount of natural daylight entering the executive workspace. The entire complex is surrounded by arica palms (east) and champa trees (west) with many native plant species, which not only beautify the site but also maintain CO2 levels and local temperatures.

We planted the vegetation to ensure that its height, the mound, ground covers, and foliage adhere to the light and ventilation requirements of the entire office.

Fact File

Designed by: Dot Dimension

Project Name: Office in the groves

Project Type: Office Architecture & Interior Design

Location: Surat, Gujarat

Year Built: 2021

Project Size: 3100 Sq.ft

Principal Architects: Ar. Sharmen Mehta & Ar. Heet Saliya

Photograph Courtesy: Umang Shah

Firm’s Instagram Link: Dot Dimension

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