search
  • Workplace Design in India: Gensler and RSP In Conversation | Elev8 2025 | TADialogue

    This interesting panel discussion, titled “9 to 6: Nexus of Launchpad and Living Metropolis,” explored workplace design in India. The conversation explored how contemporary work environments are being reshaped by changing cultural dynamics, climate responsiveness, technological shifts, and evolving aspirations of the workplace design in India.

    Moderated by two professionals from diverse backgrounds, Aruname Roy, an architect, and Shravan, a data strategist, the session bridged design intuition with empirical insights, emphasizing the necessity of context-sensitive, inclusive, and sustainable design.

    Cultural Context in Design:

    The discussion began by acknowledging the uniqueness of Indian cities, particularly Mumbai, where both speakers are based. Aruname highlighted how India’s intrinsic cultural and climatic diversity demands localized design thinking. She emphasized that workspaces here must cater to heterogeneous lifestyles, backgrounds, and cultural practices, unlike the routines observed in Western cities. Shravan supported this with data showing that Indian employees typically take 2.5 times more breaks than their counterparts abroad, reinforcing the idea that the Indian workplace functions almost like a second home, a place for social bonding, recreation, and community building.

    The Fusion of Global and Local

    Aruname elaborated on how global standards have historically influenced workplace design in India, especially with MNCs preferring familiar formats when entering new markets. However, over the years, there has been a visible shift toward celebrating Indian aesthetics and materials. Clients are increasingly open to vernacular architecture, sustainable materials like clay tiles, stone, and shaded walkways — all of which respond better to India’s climate and cultural sensibilities. This fusion of global functionality and local identity has become the new benchmark for excellence.

    Shravan added that organizations are now seeking design narratives that align with their core values. For instance, companies like Google and Meta are embracing unfinished aesthetics (like exposed concrete and visible joints) to signal transparency, innovation, and their philosophy of being “always in progress.” This push toward storytelling through architecture, he noted, helps attract the right talent and fosters stronger cultural alignment.

    Materiality, Technology, and Climate Responsiveness

    The panel also touched upon how material choices have evolved drastically over the past decade. Aruname pointed out the advances in building technologies like dynamic glass, which adjusts to changing weather conditions, and the reintroduction of earthy materials, which help reconnect modern buildings with traditional design sensibilities. She stressed that while international workflows and programming may be adopted, the facades, interiors, and passive design strategies must still speak to local contexts and climatic realities.

    Workplace Design in India
    Photo by: www.rspindia.net

    Workplace Density and Dignity in Design

    When discussing India’s urban density, especially in workplace campuses, Shravan made a powerful observation: scale should never be an excuse to compromise on dignity. He cited examples of how small yet thoughtful design interventions — such as covered waiting areas, dedicated walking paths, and quiet spaces — could significantly improve the daily experience of employees without requiring large investments. He praised Indian design firms that are proactively creating humane, respectful environments even in high-density situations, underscoring that quality and dignity must be non-negotiable aspects of design.

    The Role of Collaboration and Data in Design

    A recurring theme throughout the conversation was the importance of collaboration between data and design, tradition and modernity, and local and global perspectives. Shravan emphasized how data can uncover behavioral insights (like post-lunch walking habits) that designers can respond to with targeted spatial solutions. Both panelists agreed that an interdisciplinary approach that includes the voices of users, data scientists, and designers alike can result in workplaces that are not only efficient but also culturally resonant, emotionally nurturing, and future-ready.

    Workplace Design in India
    Photo by: www.gensler.com

    Conclusion

    The panel closed on a note of optimism and responsibility. As India continues to urbanize and integrate into global economies, the speakers urged designers and stakeholders to consciously shape workplaces that are not just backdrops to economic activity but active participants in building equitable, inclusive, and sustainable urban societies. Through thoughtful design that responds to both macro trends and micro behaviors, workplaces can truly become launchpads for individual growth and collective progress.

    Nestled In An Ecological Environment, Eden Moss Tells A Story Of Purity | Urbane Ivy

    “Even within the smallest green lies all the purity and freshness of Eden.” This idea became the seed for Eden Moss, a home nestled in an ecological environment and imagined as a breath of freshness, evoking the scent of mud after rain, and seamlessly intertwined with nature while still embracing comfort and contextual charm. Nestled […]

    Read More

    Layered Architecture Brings Out The Cultural Memory Of The Client’s Vision | Tales of Design Studio

    In Tiruppur’s industrial heartland, where the rhythm of textile mills sets the tone, the layered architecture in this Villa offers a quiet counterpoint. Shaped by stillness, proportion, and cultural memory, the home reflects the clients’ vision for a contemplative retreat. Set on a square plot within a gridded residential layout, the residence embraces architectural restraint […]

    Read More

    Sanctum Is A Home Within Nature, Built With Nature | ma+rs

    Nestled in what was once a coconut orchard, Sanctum serves as a sanctuary for a retired couple. Their daughter & a feline companion join them to offer a tranquil environment for everyday goings-on. The site is a 60’ x 90’ portion of land with six coconut trees. Two teak wood & silver oak trees, each […]

    Read More

    Openness In Structure And Spirit Is The Soul Of This Urban Home | Archemist Architects

    Tucked into the calm, tree-lined lanes of Nagarbhavi in Bangalore, Avani Residence rises as a poetic response to the chaos of the city, a vertical sanctuary where light dances, materials breathe, and space unfolds in gentle rhythms. Designed by Archemist Architects for a family of four, the residence is a nuanced interplay between constraint and […]

    Read More

    This Bespoke Cafe Is A Bold Experiment In Layered Raw Textures And Sculpted Forms | UrbanNest Design Studio

    The designers envision Asterix Café as a flagship destination that challenges café design conventions. While coffee culture often associates with warm, pastel tones, Asterix dares to be different by embracing darkness as its defining aesthetic. Designed by UrbanNest Design Studio, the bespoke cafe is a bold experiment in creating a multi-functional, community centric space where […]

    Read More

    This Home With An Earthen Design Opens Out To Lush Farms Outside And Cosy Interiors Inside | Bhutha Earthen Architecture Studio

    Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]

    Read More

    Open Courtyards And A Biophilic Design Connect The Outdoors With The Indoors | R+R Architects

    Situated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Anandvan residence beautifully embodies biophilic design, fostering a deep connection with nature through its thoughtful integration of outdoor and indoor spaces through open courtyards. Open Courtyards And A Biophilic Design Connect The Outdoors With The Indoors | R+R Architects Location The location and surroundings played a significant role in determining the […]

    Read More

    The Chair Affair | India’s Iconic Furniture Design Competition 2025

    What if the simplest object in your home could turn into a design icon? Tectona Grandis Furniture and The Architects’ Diary come together to introduce the Chair Affair. This is India’s first-of-its-kind furniture design competition that dares architects and designers across India to rethink the most essential piece of furniture – the Chair. Beyond function, […]

    Read More

    This Kindergarten School In Mysore Is Redefining Classrooms By Opening Into The Nature | Baya Studios

    In a calm and serene residential area of Mysore, a 10,000 sq. ft. site with mature mango and coconut trees set the stage for Eden Kindergarten school. One half of the land was already occupied by an existing block, while the other half was shaded by the canopy of old trees. Instead of altering this […]

    Read More

    Farmhouse Designs in India: 15 Inspiring Styles To Know

    The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]

    Read More
  • How to Navigate Truck Accident Claims with Pre-Existing Injuries

    Healthcare Architecture In India: Future of Patient-Centered Design