The On the Grid project is an example of minimalist office design of a travel agency in Ahmedabad with a footprint of 700 square feet. Designed by Ahmedabad-based firm Compartments4, the client draws inspiration from Western modern aesthetics, resulting in a space that embodies simplicity and functionality. The material palette—whites, wood, and grays— wooden interior design serves as the foundation for a design that prioritizes clarity over complexity.

Compartment S4’s primary focus, “to create enhanced spatial experiences,” drives their exploration of crafting sensitive ways of using conventional materials to achieve innovative results. In their words, “By discarding redundancies in modern design trends, we emphasize a functional aesthetic derived from thoughtful design rather than superficial decorations.”.

Editor’s Note: On the Grid by Compartments4 redefines simplicity, turning minimalism into a soulful experience. Subtle hues, tactile warmth, and thoughtful details come together to create a serene workspace—where calmness inspires, stories resonate, and creativity flows effortlessly through an atmosphere of quiet elegance and refined clarity. ~ Isha Bora

The Wooden Interior Design Prioritizes Clarity Over Complexity | Compartment S4

Concept

The spatial concept, which derives from the idea of a ‘grid,’ keenly observes this and informs every aspect of the office’s layout and design elements. Moreover, this thematic synchronization is evident in the furniture, logo, artwork, and overall space planning. The flooring, inspired by the iconic flooring of Carlo Scarpa, features a striking combination of Indian white marble squares and gray terrazzo. Furthermore, this choice not only accentuates the office’s minimalism but also creates an illusion of a larger space.

Waiting Area

Upon entering the office, visitors are greeted by a reception cum waiting area. This zone is visually and spatially demarcated by subtle white perforated metal screens, which offer a glimpse into the workspace beyond. Additionally, the reception desk, with its wooden fluted front, stands against this backdrop, providing a warm welcome. Hence, the design ensures that the space feels open and inviting, setting the tone for the rest of the office.

Workspace

Moving deeper into the office, the main workspace reveals itself as a meticulously organized environment. A meeting table, accompanied by a custom-made informal hanging light, is the first thing one encounters. Additionally, the wooden furniture, set against white walls, combines well with the custom-designed block-printed fabric artwork on the walls.

Taking cues from the client’s travel stories, these artworks are made in collaboration with local artisans, which resonates with the people-centric design approach of the firm. However, these subtle artistic touches break the monotony by adding color and character to the otherwise straightforward material palette.

Additionally, work desks are strategically placed on either side of the main area, extending into the pantry and toilet facilities. One of the office’s most unassuming yet playful features is the arrangement of country shapes made from leftover marble pieces, subtly placed on the walls.

These elements, though not immediately noticeable, evoke the essence of travel, reinforcing the agency’s core theme. Henceforth, the office furniture is designed to be visually appealing yet unobtrusive.

White metal desks with marble tops, wooden drawers, and ceiling-suspended open shelves maintain the clean aesthetic. Moreover, the use of white on white ensures the space remains uncluttered and airy. Thus, contributing to a calm and productive work environment.

Director’s Cabin

Separated by a Georgian partition with waffle glass, the director’s cabin maintains the grid concept while providing necessary privacy.

The cabin features a custom-made olive green sofa, with block-printed artworks adorning the corners. Additionally, the louvered blinds allow natural light to permeate the space.

Furniture

The furniture continues the theme of fluted wood, with a primary working area topped with a combination of wood and white marble. This continuity in design elements reinforces the overall visual harmony of the office.

One might question how ‘plain’ the space is. However, simple spaces have the unique ability to convey concepts and ideas in the most clear and concise manner. In an office, this simplicity often becomes an element of branding. It is easy to fall into the trap of ‘more is more,’ where excessive details can overshadow the core design. And sometimes we can be led to believe that originality and complexity go together hand in hand. However, true originality often lies in simplicity and clarity, where each element serves a purpose and contributes to the overall harmony of the space. By focusing on minimalism, the team at compartment s4 creates a workspace that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior, embodying the essence of effective office design.

Fact File

Designed by: Compartment S4

Project Type: Office Interior Design

Project Name: On-The-Grid

Location: Ahmedabad, India

Project Size: 700 Sq.ft

Principal Architects: Aman Amin, Kishan Shah, Manuni Patel, Krishna Parikh, Nishita Parmar, Prasik Chaudhari, Monik Shah & Vedanti Agarwal

Photograph Courtesy: Murtaza Gandhi

Text Credits: Shivangi Buch

Client’s Name: Arpit Thakkar

Execution team: Amit Gajjar and team- Furniture, Govindbhai and team- Civil

Artwork: Dessine Art and Compartment S4

Firm’s Website Link: Compartment S4

Firm’s Instagram Link: Compartment S4

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