Workspace Design: Build to suit Human Biology

groupDCA's aspiration behind designing innovative workspaces is to create a unique identity giving users the comfort and ease within work environments by facilitating human interaction with the outside environment. The biophilia theory implies that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other life forms. These deep affiliations are rooted in our biology. Designing spaces that suit human biology is what groupDCA’s workspace designs aim for.

At groupDCA, each project is treated individually with an approach that is most appropriate to the project’s identity, vision, site location and budget. The studio believes in sustainable design, which is well-balanced, contextual and fosters longevity as well as practicality. A conscious effort is made to use local, sustainable materials and technology, while minimizing the impact on the environment. Each project is climate-appropriate and designed to meet specific needs. For example, the design for JD Office – a collaborative co-working space – is a deliberate attempt towards incorporating biophilic design through the use of local materials and natural finishes. Despite the site being landlocked and devoid of sufficient natural light, the vibrant design vocabulary exuberates with energy and enthusiasm. Integration of indoor plants ensures engagement with nature, thus enhancing occupant health, happiness, and overall well-being.

Above: The design of J.D. Office ensures engagement with nature and enhances employee well-being.

In an environmentally progressive world, groupDCA focuses on crafting working spaces that promote good health and well-being of the users, by integrating the outdoors with the built form and bringing air, light and greens inside. To cite an example: Enrich office and academy is designed as a framed picture, just as the landscape is usually seen through a large window. The space uses a warm and grounded design strategy. Enabling breathing spaces and bringing nature indoors, the space is accentuated by a sizeable green wall.

Above: The workstations in Enrich Office and Academy are designed to have natural day-light on one side and greenery on the other.

Given the current constraints of the Indian Economy, the studio tries to keep human beings, their relationships with the environment at the heart of their working methodology. Their design solutions are driven by a distinct focus of delivering design excellence and innovation; rooted within a local, climate-appropriate approach. With 21-year long expertise in the workspace domain, groupDCA's concepts are aimed at bringing out the best through their designs.

- Amit Aurora and Rahul Bansal