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

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

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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

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