Sustainability and connection to nature
Office buildings are being designed to incorporate sustainable features to reduce their environmental footprint. From the method of construction and materials used to the design of the building envelope, there is an increased focus on designing offices for holistic sustainability (environmental, economic, and social) and energy efficiency.
Another important element influencing the design of office spaces is regulating the ingress of light and air. Areas that were hardly in use earlier (such as terraces and balconies) which let in light and air—are now becoming critical to occupants’ health and wellbeing.
Moreover, people are looking for spaces that offer flexibility of use and a connection to nature. These spaces can merge the inside and the outside through sliding-folding doors and windows, among other features, allowing immense flexibility. These requirements have certainly influenced the design of office spaces, creating a more porous and permeable experience for the users, enabling them to make optimal use of what were traditionally considered ‘secondary’ spaces.
Purpose-built design and environmental-friendly materials
Addressing functional requirements are the primary consideration when designing an office. Aesthetic beauty then becomes a natural consequence of designing sensitively. Functionally, an office space should be purpose-built to suit an organization’s specific requirements. The design should aspire to represent the organization’s core values and the culture it seeks to nurture. It must also be designed to foster social interaction—through spill-outs, common areas, and breakout zones—helping build a sense of community and belonging among the workforces and bridging the generation gap.
Another prime consideration while designing spaces is to make the right material choices. We prefer using natural and locally sourced materials instead of imported materials that carry considerable embodied energy. Since our natural resources are limited, we must collectively work with environmentally compliant materials as designers.
Integration of technology
Peak productivity is simply not attainable without the right tools and so it is imperative to keep an integrated approach towards office design and technology. Today, technology is making significant strides in the design of offices, from occupancy sensors that monitor employee strength and disinfection robots that clean up spaces throughout the day to automatic, touch-free doors for minimal surface contact.
Employee well-being
We spend roughly two-thirds of our days at work, so creating comfortable physical work environments with a strong and memorable aesthetic appeal is essential. Fundamentally, the design should consider the provision of adequate lighting and ventilation, both of which are required for employee well-being.
The use of timeless materials, and integration of regional crafts—as we’ve been experimenting with since the beginning—can help create a balanced expression that celebrates company culture and fosters a sense of belonging amongst staff.
Architect Mr. Reza Kabul: ARK Reza Kabul Architects
Architecture, as a subject, is always in an ever-evolving cusp of transformation. All factors affecting the built form, such as climate, global trends and technology are in a constant push to adaptation and change, thus influencing the
Ar. Himanshu Patel: 6thdesign studio
As an architect deeply rooted in the ethos of sustainable architecture, I believe that Indian architecture is indeed in a transformative phase, and this transformation is deeply intertwined with our commitment to environmental
Ar. Shruti Dimri, Ar. Madhav Raman, Ar. Vaibhav Dimri: Anagram Architects
In today’s context, the idea of modernity in architecture has shifted towards addressing the pressing needs of society. This includes a strong focus on technology, artificial intelligence (AI), energy efficiency, and the well-being of
Ar. Akshara Verma & Ar. Dinesh Verma: Ace Group Architects
India’s unique advantage lies in its ability to blend modern methodologies with traditional craftsmanship, thus fostering a distinct architectural identity. The convergence of these elements serves as a catalyst for innovation within
Ar. Akshay Selukar: Akshay Selukar
The future of architecture will be driven by innovation and a commitment to creating built environments that are environmentally sustainable, technologically advanced, and responsive to the needs of society
Architect Lalichan Zacharias: Lalichan Zacharias atelier
Yes, Indian architecture is in a transformation phase. Modernisation, Globalization and exposure to International Designs have influenced the Indian architecture to a great extent. Architecture is becoming more and more technology
Ar. (Dr). Harish Tripathi & Jyoti Tripathi: ARHATA
The architecture of any country is deeply rooted in the culture, psyche, economy, and politics, and India’s situation is no different. In addition to this, the advent of new technologies has a profound effect on the thought
Ar. Amey Dahanukar: ARA Designs
In modern India, architects have extensive travel experience, while earlier, travel exposure to different parts of the world used to be somewhat difficult. However, everything is now accessible due to many travel options, and each
Ar. Archana Van Gils: AVG Architects
Being a part of this endlessly mutable field for almost more than a decade, I can attest to the remarkable evolution of the profession in response to global trends and technological advancements, while also adapting to the needs of
Architect Mr. Arpan Johari: AW Design
India has a rich history of building design trends that have cross influenced across borders and have slowly transformed over the centuries. In fact, the transformative phase in Indian Architecture has always been ongoing. Sometimes it