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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This bungalow style house influences the site context and can be visualised in multiple facades of sharp edges & cuboidal form. Her,e salient features like U-Projection are an expression of the bench on a level one. The house divides itself into three bays. On the ground floor, where first bay acquire all public activities like […]
Imagine yourself on the terrace of your hidden mountain retreat, drinking a fresh cup of coffee as you admire the sunrise emerging from behind the rolling hills across the valley. This serene atmosphere is exactly what Hello Wood’s latest project, the Console House, is designed to offer. The Console House showcases modern architecture design while […]
As cities continue to grow and evolve, there is a growing desire to incorporate elements of rural living into urban design. By embracing rural living principles, cities can create more eco-friendly and sustainable spaces. Rural living is not just about wide-open spaces and rolling hills. It’s also about community, sustainability, and a connection to nature. […]
Located in the thriving city of Ichalkaranji, this is an example of luxury residences is a seamless blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. The striking exterior, adorned with brick and natural stone cladding, exudes warmth, character, and permanence. These rich textures create a visually captivating façade, harmonizing tradition with contemporary design while making a […]
Throughout history, stone has embodied permanence, artistry, and raw beauty in architecture. From the grandeur of Roman amphitheaters to the earthy elegance of modern villas, stone remains a beloved material for its strength, sustainability, and aesthetic richness. As design trends evolve toward natural materials, eco-conscious decisions, and biophilic design, stone has found new expressions — […]
The space adopts a biophilic office design and climate-responsive approach, creating a workspace that reimagines urban interiors by deeply embedding them with nature. The style is earthy, minimal, and modern with a strong contextual sensitivity to its location. Also, a lush canopy surrounds the bare-shell site on the first floor, allowing for abundant daylight and […]
The design started from an old house where a family of seven stood, one yet to be born. Hari & Sreelakshmi, Usha-Hari’s mother, Malathi, teacher, Hari’s grandmother, kids, Sankari, Paru, and yet to be born Sreebala. Four generations living in a 60-year-old house that had begun to show its age with dimly lit rooms, leaking […]
The clients’ requirement was to create a wellbeing centre at Oleander Farms, Karjat, Maharashtra, that would be a tranquil sanctuary for their visitors. Walking through a dense canopy of trees, hearing the soft chirping of birds, we slowly embarked on an expanse of a 2-acre of land that was both open yet heavily tree-laden. This […]
The thought was to create a space which would act as a formal real estate workspace in the daytime and a family retreat in the evening. By its name, as it is, ‘Leveled. This office with a garden is defined using levels, in terms of volumes, surfaces as well as edges. These levels are rationalized […]
Nirmay (निर्मय) reflects purity and holistic well-being. Envisioned as a quiet sanctuary amidst the noise of urban life, these courtyard villas offer a way of living that is calm, conscious, and deeply connected to the land. Rooted in sustainability and ecological harmony, the design responds to both nature and the everyday rhythms of its inhabitants. […]