Workspace Design – Illumination and Well-being in Workplaces

groupDCA strives to craft workplaces that reflect the brands ethos whilst fabricating an environment that promotes employee well-being, facilitates collaboration and spawns inspiration. With 70% of one’s day spent in the office, stressful environments are induced by boxy and commercialized infrastructure, undermining one’s health and social conditions. In the midst of planning and designing an office layout, tangential components of design – such as lighting schemes – are often overlooked.

A good illumination scheme is a crucial player in sustaining personal health, ultimately steering motivation and production. Lighting structures a vital part of visual ergonomics and perceptions, shaping workplace productivity. Natural light protects vision, boosts concentration and creates healthy working conditions. Poor and misplaced lighting can cause visual discomfort, fatigue and gloominess, taking a toll on employee efficiency. Combining effective daylight harvesting with efficient artificial lighting constructs an optimal illumination system. Natural light if supplemented with strategically placed and adequately numbered table lights, floor lamps and ceiling fixtures can uplift aesthetics and yield positive outcomes.

The layout of Primarc Office evolves along two opposite walls endowed with long windows,
optimally utilized for natural lighting

Primarc Office by groupDCA reinforces the same paradigm by fabricating the design around this principle. The layout of the office evolves along two opposite walls endowed with long windows, optimally utilized for natural lighting and vistas to various spaces such as reception, cafeteria and work-stations. The design of this office not only incorporates efficient lighting but also recognizes the challenge of an often disregarded phenomenon – over-lighting a space. The meeting rooms, conference rooms and private cubicles have been tactically shielded from excessive daylight that may disrupt visual presentations. The dynamic design of this office facilitates an effective assembly of natural and artificial lighting, brought together to suit the vibrant and dramatic tone of the office. Energy efficient LED lamps reduce heat emission, energy consumption and minimize the load on artificial lighting systems, aiding the sustainable approach embarked on by groupDCA.

The meeting rooms, conference rooms and private cubicles have been tactically shielded from excessive daylight that may disrupt visual presentations

Contemporary workspaces are about efficiency, mobility and flexibility. Ditching closed cabins to open plans, not only reduces the barriers that obstruct natural light from coming in but can also position strategically planned landscape and open areas amidst the built form. Materiality, arrangement and treatment of surfaces also influence the lighting level of a space. A bright, illuminated office, deployed with adequate lighting levels, strategically calculated and arranged, enhances the visual appeal of a space whilst augmenting optimal efficiency of the employees. Endeavoring to put together the right narrative to craft engaging experiences, the deliberate process of light selection and customization to create the perfect lighting ambience forms a crucial part of groupDCA’s design ethos.

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

Workspace Design: Reimagining communal balance in workplaces

The design ideology of groupDCA embraces flexible and interactive configurations of workspaces in an effort to keep pace with shifting office trends. In recent times, contemporary practices are keen on employing transparent and adaptable environments to promote constructive dialogue and collaboration amidst employees. 

Responsive designs crafted by groupDCA cite an insightful paradigm of the new language of workplace ethos. A balance between physical and social infrastructure in a workplace instills a sense of place whilst nurturing community building and teamwork. These multi-functional spaces can be a café, breakout zones, a quiet room or even a corridor as seen in the design of Nando’s Office by groupDCA. A Long linear corridor divided into various interactive zones accentuates the spatial drama of the space, whilst providing for an array of open, co-working and individual space. Designed as per a brief of creating a vibrant and vivacious space, the playful and informal design of the workplace breaks away from the monotony of a stereotypical office.

Sketch of Nando's Office: A long linear corridor divides the space into various interactive zones
and accentuates the spatial drama of the space

 

The relaxed environment of such arrangements reinforces work culture in an informal extent and instigatesproductive discussions. With a pragmatic approach of crafting an egalitarian workspace, groupDCA's designs foster creativity, collaboration, and conversation. With 48-50 hours a week, every employee spends an overwhelmingly large amount of their time in the office. This emphasizes the significance of treating social spaces as premeditated design standards than just an extension of spare areas. These ideologies, if deployed effectively, compose inclusive designs that tend to the well being and productivity of its employees.

- Amit Aurora and Rahul Bansal

Workspace Design: Eliminating Hierarchies and Establishing Engagement

groupDCA's design philosophy behind conceptualizing workspaces is driven by a focus on spatial setting and disregarding traditional notions of professional hierarchy, thereby encouraging democratic engagement within the workforce. The firm strongly believes in conceptualizing collaborative and flexible spaces that do away with physical metaphors of authoritarianism.

Office layouts, over time, have come to delineate the culture of the organization, thereby lacking communication, whilst hampering work productivity and well-being. groupDCA recognizes the need for more interpersonal relationships, an environment of free discourse and communication of ideas. In a world full of static workplaces, the firm focuses on crafting spaces that foster creativity, collaboration and conversation in addition to promoting good health and well-being of its users. Dissolving hierarchal segregations to accommodate socially and physically transparent infrastructure is an integral factor in the design of these spaces.

By acknowledging the significance of socio-democratic offices, groupDCA’s designs recognize and reflect the growing trend of flexible workspaces. Open plans, economically efficient and flexible, have been interpreted to be employed in their designs, in a bid to boost team-work and co-ordination. This concept has been embraced and innovated in the design of Enrich Office and Academy, Mumbai. The plan of the office has been conceptualized as an adaptable floor plate, free of private cabins and physical barriers. 

The fabrication of interactive spaces, such as the discussion booths in the open cafeteria, functions as a breathable extension to the reception, thereby fostering healthy communication and discussion. Workstations have been aligned with windows, allowing ample glare-free daylight into the spaces, unobstructed by walls, promoting employee well-being and productivity. The office design, as a result, reflects the brand’s guiding philosophy, which is predicated on establishing a collaborative work environment that supersedes conservative hierarchal structures.

groupDCA’s endeavor of crafting office spaces that reflect an egalitarian structure can be observed in their receptive designs that are inclusive of natural influences drawn from social and physical perspectives. These designs eliminate orthodox norms and steer towards adaptive workplaces that are characteristically flexible and agile to suit the ideologies of a new-age work force.

-Amit Aurora and Rahul Bansal

ART OF DISPLAY

The walls are painted, the light fittings intact and the furniture is all set. However, for a space to be extraordinary needs to determine that one piece of special something that would bring up the visual interest of the entire space.

According to principal architect Amit Aurora of groupDCA, “The Art of Display is unique to every individual and space. It cannot have a set rule that fits all, as it needs to reflect the personality of the individual”. Successful displays are about character, composition and a pulled-together palette. It should reflect the dynamics of the user as well as space. Within the modern context, in addition to the essential need of optimal use of space, art of display is increasingly recognized as an important element; the eclectic fusion or mélange of elements should be one of the prime focuses for the architect/designer.

The Residence for Anands by DCA showcases these intrinsic qualities. The simplistic color palette accentuates the effect of all the other physical elements like the furniture and the artifacts. The balance in the arrangement of these elements is remarkably soothing. This is also an example of how lighting is of paramount importance to enhance the art of display and how all the elements in the art should complement each other to create a homogeneous story. It can be composed of varied elements but they all need to be woven together.

The Aggarwal residence also exemplifies the harmonious ensemble of displays. The striking contrast used with the dark toned artifacts and the light colored background helps in bringing out a powerful outcome of the overall composition.

Certain spaces can have a hero component where as other spaces may require a bunch of components that need to be consolidated to form one complete story. For example, the double height volume in the Gujral Residence by DCA has been ornamented with a stunning chandelier which hangs down and gives the space a whole new definition. No other element is evidently needed to support the magnificent effect rendered by the light fitting.

The Art of display needs to be well thought of, yet natural & progressive, it cannot be forced. The elements should not be artificial rather they should have a soul of their own and a relationship with the over all space. The flow and authenticity of elements should be the focus, only then can one create a conformation that is pleasing to the eye and can be truly called a master of innovating for blank canvasses.

- Amit Aurora & Rahul Bansal

SMALL SPACES SPEAK VOLUMES….

Over the years, ‘space’ as an expression has acquired multiple meanings and has evolved in terms of its perception and design. Spaces may need to be dramatic & emphatic, warm & calming, straight & functional, or minimalistic & simple. Different users derive different usage out of a space. In a day and age where large spaces are either very few or very expensive, the importance of  ‘relevant design’ and ‘value-engineering’ has become paramount.

While macro spaces are perceived as a combination of the larger ambience, spaces surrounding it and its use by masses, micro spaces witness a more personalized and customized approach. In today’s era of specialization, modularity and flexibility, spatial designing and multi-functionality have become a common and detailed phenomenon

.

Designing and Articulation of pre-existing small spaces is recommended in a manner that it creates a fresh definitive space, yet also maintains a relation to the previous meaning / experience lent by the space. The driving factors to instill the same come from a variety of elements that can be used to ornament a space. Factors such as highlights, contrasts, harmony and balance could be inculcated through the conscious choice of material, lighting, color palette etc.

Small spaces also need to be versatile in order to compensate for its limitations in structural changes and volume. Multifunctional items like modular tables, which combine together as conference tables and/or storage in offices, sitting that couples up as storage, or kitchen work-tops that are adaptable as dining spaces in homes – increase the efficiency of a space. Use of elements like glass, mirrors and green plants lend a spacious & positive feel.

A simple office corner cubicle with elements like ambient lighting, glass partitions, a neutral color palette and a touch of green could do the trick.  Greenery could be infused from even a small potted plant, but it will permeate to give a completely different experience as compared to a cubicle left bland, dull and mono-functional. Additionally, incorporating art (as per the likes of the user) gives a warm-personal feel to the space. Detailing of elements in a small space has the capability to impact a user to a great extent.

To sum up, the productivity of a space can be judged from the satisfaction its user derives from it and a designer is called proficient if he/she is able to ensure the same.

- Amit Aurora & Rahul Bansal

Designing a Home..

Designing living spaces is one of the simplest yet most complex tasks for a designer. Its simple because there is no fixed norm to design a designer can be limitless in his creativity. It is complex because the creative design must conform to the desires of each family member and must ensure practicality & functionality. A design that reflects the inhabitant’s soul & lifestyle could be a daunting task if not addressed passionately.

A ‘home’ is always referred to as an entity, independent in its entirety. Not only should it provide a comfortable haven to its inhabitants, it should be adaptable as a work space, a celebration space and be able to accommodate design changes/enhancements over time. Therefore, following are the 3 basic principles listed to throw some light upon variousaspects of designing a quality living space. 

    In the lap of nature -The layout of the houses should be such that it readily lets in nature and its intangible elements like air, rain and sunlight. Features like courtyards, skylights, terrace gardens, pergolas etc. help in welcoming these essentials.  This should be done as an ‘ode to nature’ as it is always the built that invades the un-built and it’s necessary to respect the balance between these. This will help the inhabitant to be in complete proximity with natural surroundings, even if the same is limited by cityscapes.

  

   The zones have to be right - Public and semi-public spaces co-exist in every building. However, a private zone for an individual only exists in his/her house. Zoning in a house has to be done right in order to make the house proficient and proactive.Depending on their functions, the privacy levels required in each house are different for varied spaces. A designer’s job is to analyze the functions correctly and zone the spaces accordingly.

   A home should be able to inculcate a sense of repose - After a hard day’s work of, everyone wants to head back ‘home’.This is so because the aura it evokes in a person, the feeling of content and relaxation, is something which cannot be experienced elsewhere. Therefore, the design has to be such that it enables an individual in attaining tranquility and comfort. Using subtle tones and a minimalist approach towards design helps in building these qualities.

‘Living the Space’ & ‘Loving the Space’ go hand in hand. Hence, a design should consist of elements that instill in the inhabitant a reminiscence of their roots, an introspection of their present and a forecast of the future. Successful living spaces are the ones, which impart the sense of freedom and solace to an individual.

DCA with its residential projects tries to work with these principles in an effort to transform a house into a home. With the aesthetics and the layout, most of the projects focus on the client’s comfort and lifestyle rather than being mere structures decorating the skyline of the place.

Evolution of Indian Luxury Retail by group DCA

Aerin Lauder (American heiress and Business owner Estee Lauder) rightly said , “Luxury is anything that feels special. I mean, it can be a moment, it can be a walk on the beach, it could be a kiss from your child, or it could be a beautiful picture frame, a special fragrance. I think luxury doesn't necessarily have to mean expensive” 

  

In keeping with this view, we at DCA believe Luxury to be an experience.

DCA’s contribution to Luxury Retail in India, gives it the much-desired opportunity to create an exemplary experience for the customer. Through DCA’s expertise, the brand owner gets the opportunity to showcase the brand product in the deserved realm of opulence and finesse, thus attracting the most decorous customer for the product.

Having designed the best and foremost jewelry, watch and other lifestyle product showrooms in the country, some of DCA’s design essentials are laying utmost importance on the following aspects:

Façade - The façade of any showroom is the very first impression of the brand. It is the one element, which needs to reflect the aesthetics and individuality of the Luxury Brand as also attract the customer into the showroom. Needless to say, it needs to be exemplary.

Due to its importance, a façade goes through intense design development stages. Starting with inundation of ideas & brand vision, the design practicality, material selection, the design proportion, originality, longevity, and adherence to budget is given sufficient thought. After a series of design developments, presentations, approvals and amendments, the resulting design is one that is inherent and unique to the brand.

Spaces - The spaces inside a showroom often flow into one another. The idea being to ensure the customer has had an opportunity to view the entire range of products on display. In addition to this, the spaces are designed with opulence, thus giving a special space to showcase the product, as also giving a luxurious feel to the customer seeing the product. It is ensured that the opulence borders towards warmth & coziness - so a customer feels comfortable being around the product, and feels special being in the showroom, which eventually fuels the desire to own the product.  This also fosters good relationships with the customer. The entry and exit to showrooms, the spaces behind the display counters and in front of them, the placement of showcases and billing counters are all designed around this essential need and encourage ease of movement of both staff and customers.

Lighting– No part of the design exercise can ever underestimate the importance of lighting. The color of lighting is important to set the mood of the showroom. The brilliance of light is important to correctly showcase the product. The lighting design makes or breaks the beauty of the overall showroom design. Optimizing the number of lights to be used, decision on the use of concealed lights in some places and detailed lights in others also becomes an important decision in the design aesthetic. While working out all this, it is imperative to optimize the energy usage as well.

Since, finding lighting, which meets all of the above requirements, is a herculean task, DCA very often designs lights for the showrooms. Having specialized vendors on its panel, DCA thus, customizes lighting for a brand, making it unique and functional.

Other Elements – Utilization of small spaces & corners, maximizing display areas, ease of movement within the showroom, ease of entry into and exit from the showroom (even to the extent of working out the parking facility), multi-functionality of elements & spaces, are some other design essentials that add to the virtue of the showroom, the brand and the product.

Some of the design accolades to the credit of DCA are:

·         Hazoorilal, New Delhi

·         Anand Jewels, Indore

·         Punjab Jewellers, Indore

·         Mallika Empire, New Delhi

·         Abhishek Zaveri, Ahmedabad

-Amit Aurora and Rahul Bansal

Crafting Engaging Spaces

DCA works on a wide scale of residential projects, ranging from contemporary to classic architecture.

A residence-being a dream, a haven, a place of comfort for any individual. The client’s aspirations are given utmost importance and are pivotal in shaping the design of a residence. All residential designs of DCA have their own inherent character, reflecting upon the owner’s disposition. 

With the vast knowledge of materials & products and experience on possibilities, DCA plays the role of a catalyst in achieving the client’s yearnings and desires through their designs. The resulting space is always unique.

One of the finer examples of this is the Aggarwal Residence at Chandigarh, Punjab.

Clean geometrical compositions for the facade with a culmination of exposed brick work and beige colored extensions make the elevation and entrance look modern yet organic in nature. Color schemes are kept simple to emphasize on the form of the built mass. The material used in the façade is such that promotes least maintenance and longevity. The scale of the built is kept such to make an individual feel the grandeur at the entrance. The relation between the inside spaces and the outside; inter-woven with the landscape at various levels, is given a lot of importance to enhance the user’s experience while residing in the building. The fenestrations are wide with clean lines and glazed glass, so as to promote airiness and make for an exhilarating affair. Wooden flooring has been given in most of the areas to retain the harmony with earthen feel of the space.  Art works that speak have been encouraged in open spaces, walls of bedroom, study and other areas, so each space speaks of its relevance & importance in the residence.

Function and aesthetics are believed to be the two pillars of the design process. While DCA gives importance to design, it lays equal importance on its functionality, practicality and budget. Residence designs for Mr. Ahmed at Noida and Mr. Mehra at GK-1, New Delhi, hence are such that foster multi-functionality of elements. For example: window sills are used as platforms for the planter boxes. Spaces are designed strategically on the basis of locality and climatic conditions. Here the location of windows is such that it restricts the harsh sun in summers and welcomes it in winters. While doing this, it also ensures sufficient natural light in the residence at all times.

Whether its plotted residences or large scale housing (Mount View Apartments, Faridabad, being a fine example) DCA provides highly luxurious, comfortable and captivating interiors, designed such that opulence is not restrained by the budget and is felt in all the residences. The layouts of the interior spaces are done in a way that manifests it into a highly modern, well lit and a spacious place. The ceiling height, wherever possible, is kept high in areas like drawing rooms and dining rooms – adding to the grandeur and is kept low in areas like bedrooms and family lounges adding to the cozy feel of the space. Each space is highly personalized as per the individual utilizing it. The colors and finishes of the walls and floors are generally kept muted with the intent of giving due emphasis to the pieces of furniture and art in the room. This also ensures the client the flexibility of changing color schemes and look of the place as the time goes by. All details like color scheme, floor skirting, selection & design of furniture, drapes, art, wall murals, lights, landscaping & foliage etc. go through an extensive design development process as per the current fashion, set budget and the client’s desires.

Our beliefs, knowledge & experience have helped us in making beautiful homes for very satisfied clients.

Reformulating Design with Simplicity

Group DCA have portrayed their ingenuity and originality in architectural and interior design in the hospitality sector . The restaurant projects undertaken by Group DCA have carved a niche in terms of modern , minimalism . One of them is the very popular Amour Bistro situated in the Diplomatic hub of Delhi , Malcha Marg. The restaurant draws its inspiration from an enchanting European bistro and is infused with a Mediterranean feel, not only in its décor but also its food. The design is such that one feels he is sitting in a cocoon of Mediterranean ambience amidst the hustle and bustle chaos of  a chaotic city. The design enhances the dining experience.

Amour Bistro has been designed magnificently yet the earthy tones, rustic touches and minimal elements speak volumes about its simplicity. It is  elegant and exudes luxury , its warmth and familiarity is inviting to anyone who dines here. Certain  design elements that have been so artfully put together to accentuate the above . Low wooden slatted ceiling with textured plaster white wall on one side and full length glass windows on the other allows passers-by to catch a glimpse of the interiors.  A trio of musician statues above the kitchen counter and a wine rack on the double height wall are two installations that catch the eye of the visitors.

The Euro-Mediterranean essence is further brought to life through the furniture made of fine materials with rustic colour finishes . They  are subtlety offset by a brick backdrop, painted in white. The dining space has black painted metal dining chairs interspersed with some sand blasted custom-made seating and bespoke wall lights. The chandeliers are made in wrought iron. All elements have been woven together to give you a bistro of fine dining with the feel of luxe and warmth.

Town Hall, situated in the middle of the central wing of Khan Market in New Delhi is another famed project by Group DCA. The location and the shell of the building which is distinctly colonial are the keys factors in the construction of its theme. The firm, truly adhered to the roots of the building and designed the restaurant in a post-colonial and post – independence theme. The furniture, the patterns and textures adopted are very classical and provide an authentic flavour to the space keeping alive the an old-world Charm of the 50s.

Another quintessentially charming place that has come to life by the firm is “Backyard”, situated amid the buzzing and busy streets of Green Park, New Delhi. As the name suggests it a little place where one can enjoy a ‘time out’ from the busy streets and feel relaxed and happy  . The design approach here went beyond the mainstream and the emphasis was on creative utilization of materials  are obsolete  or thrown away in one’s backyard. This out of the box design approach gave the café a distinct identity of its own.

 

The brilliantly creative team of Group DCA  has put in individuality, character and uniqueness in each of their projects through their artistically thought over designs themes. Whether it’s an experience of sitting in a European bistro, or enjoying a dining experience in the post-independence era. Whether the ambience is  colonial or it amounts to  experiencing a much-deserved timeout in place which would feel like your own backyard , each is beautifully and effortlessly designed to impart a feeling  of relaxation and ease.

Group DCA has simply put life into the inanimate.


Group DCA is a product of a partnership spread over 20 years of two ambitious and multi-talented architects Amit Aurora and Rahul Bansal. Graduating in 1993 from the esteemed School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, they are visionaries adept in the field of architecture and interior design. This award winning, interdisciplinary firm was founded in 1996, over the years it has acquired national and international acclaim for its out of the box ,contemporary design methods. They redefine spatial structure by enhancing aesthetics keeping in mind the client’s sensitivities and cost effectiveness. Their functioning is in sync with the “make in India” ideology, hence there is a conscious use local, Indian – sustainable materials/technology, along with minimizing the impact on the environment. The firm has self aggrandized in the field of design architecture through its accomplished projects. The firm is involved and has achieved success in a variety of projects such as commercial spaces and complexes, residential, salons and spaces, luxury retail outlets and restaurants.

-Amit Aurora and Rahul Bansal