World Architecture Awards Submissions / 50th Cycle
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Bangkok Bank Private Banking redefines understated luxury by balancing sophistication with privacy, creating a rhythmic pulse that guides clients through their banking experience. The design concept, centered on "timeless rhythm," is achieved through curved pathways and corridors that facilitate a dynamic journey within the bank. These architectural elements not only enhance movement but also contribute to a unique, memorable visit. Central to the design is the use of Mahogany wood veneer, known for its durability and classic beauty, which adds a sense of permanence and elegance, aligning with the theme of timeless luxury. This choice enhances both the aesthetic and tactile experiences for clients. The integration of thoughtful space planning and high-quality materials ensures a welcoming, functional environment that resonates with the values and expectations of clients. To address practicality, comfortable seating and efficient transaction spaces were incorporated, focusing on a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Overcoming challenges such as aligning intricate design elements with client expectations involved extensive collaboration and iteration, ensuring every detail was perfected to redefine the perception of luxury banking. Bangkok Bank Private Banking stands as a testament to innovative design and functional elegance, setting new standards in the financial sector by enriching the client experience through a sophisticated, rhythmically inspired space.
Approximately 1,700 sq.m.
dwp Lifestyle and Workplace Team
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust had a small semi - dilapidated Guest House at their port in Navi Mumbai.
They wanted a refurbishment done to make it look modern and comfortable. The vision was to have a state of the art guest house where not only employees and visitors can check in, but will also be used by senior Govt officials and VVIP’s as well.
When we surveyed the site for the first time, we immediately understood the design challenges. The structure didn’t have a canopy which will make a statement and also protect the foyer with harsh Mumbai weather. The structure didn’t have a elevator. Also missing was a guest bedroom for the physically challenged.
Our design started with architectural intervention where we added a large canopy which was imposing and became the main feature to welcome the guests. The canopy starts from the slab of the second floor as such it covers the first floor terrace and gives rise a to a semi covered area for yoga or a sit out. One additional column in the reception was removed after careful structural analysis as it was fouling with the interiors and sightlines. We also removed a staircase in the double height atrium which was un-necessary. By removing the same we could achieve a grand double height sit out space.
Managers room was added in the layout and the positioning of the same was done in a strategic way to be able to have a visual connection with the lobby and foyer.
Guest rooms were designed for comfort and eleganz. also the main criteria was low maintenance materials.
The first floor has a sloping roof. The earlier defined guest house has maintained a flat false ceiling not respecting the structure. We decided to keep the profile of the sloping roof thereby giving a grandness for the VIP suits
As far as materials are concerned, the facade was cladded with ACP sheets and Aluminium windows. For interior materials, a large canvas was used - right from italian marble, to vitrified tiles, decorative wall papers, laminates, veneers, wood, corian and many other finishes, a delicate balance of which is now responsible for the final product that you see.
Chirag Thakkar, Gopal Ade, Vishal Makam
In the heart of Mahalaxmi, Mumbai, lies Lodha Excelus, housing the head office of HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers. The idea was to move from the conventional and traditional cubicle-style design aesthetics and transform the workplace by shifting from the standard type to the vibrant, from the conventional to the agile.
Creative challenge: Combining two zones
Beyond Design Architects took on the challenge assigned not only to create a visually appealing space but also to foster a culture of collaboration and motivation. They took on the task of developing a collaborative and inspiring work place by designing an aesthetically pleasing environment. The goal was very clear: go beyond convention, add colour and energy, and reinforce an atmosphere of maturity—a very fine balancing act.
The experience starts at the reception, where elegance and simplicity coexist. The tone is set by white walls and muted grey marble flooring, which are broken up by colourful seating combinations. The real test, though, was ahead of them. The design team faced a unique problem when they were required by fire rules to create a five-meter-wide tunnel that separated the office into two distinct zones.
That's when creativity took centre stage. The passage morphed into a vibrant hub, a link of collaboration and interaction. Decorative ceilings, bright hues, and an array of flexible furniture breathed life into the space, seamlessly binding the two halves of the office.
Harmonising sophistication with dynamism
Going a step further, the focus turns to the actual workstation. White furniture and ceilings preserve a feeling of refinement, and vibrant, patterned rugs bring a dash of energy. Every collaborative space is a brilliant pop of colour, thoughtfully positioned to enable creativity and teamwork.
The open office plan is all about variety, with a wide variety of workstations to suit any requirement. Employees have a plethora of options, from communal tables to linear configurations, which greatly improves their everyday work experience.
Nurturing collaboration
In the midst of the vibrant redesign of HDFC Life's office, a core principle emerged: collaboration. Beyond the aesthetics and functional layout, the essence of facilitating collaboration became the heartbeat of the workspace. Every design choice, from the layout of communal areas to the integration of flexible furniture, was carefully curated to encourage interaction and idea-sharing among employees.
This emphasis on collaboration not only enhances productivity but also cultivates a sense of unity and collective purpose among team members. As the physical barriers between departments dissolve within the colourful and dynamic environment, the spirit of collaboration thrives, pushing HDFC Life into a new era of innovation and success.
Embracing agility
But the transformation goes beyond aesthetics. The very essence of work culture underwent a revolution. No longer confined to rigid desks, employees welcomed an agile mindset, freely moving between collaborative zones and personal workstations. This newfound flexibility not only boosted productivity but also enabled a sense of ownership and empowerment among the workforce.
Moreover, the office became more than just a place to work. It evolved into a community hub, hosting events, brainstorming sessions, and informal gatherings. An office that was once cluttered with people working in silos is now buzzed with energy, creativity, and harmony in collaboration.
Shaping the future of work
A new chapter unfolds. It's a story of resilience, innovation, and transformation. A true testament to the power of design in shaping culture and driving progress. Welcome to the future of work, where colour meets maturity, and collaboration knows no bounds.
1) Project: HDFC Life
2) Location: LodhaExelus, Lower Parel, Mumbai
3) Client: HDFC Life
4) Clint team : Vibhash Naik, Gary Grover, Dilip Naik
4) Architect: Beyond Design Architects and Consultants
5) Project Area: 15,000 sft
Design team: Chirag Thakkar, Gopal Ade, Vishal Makam, Gabriel Malachi
The design and implementation of the executive offices of Onur Ambalaj, located in Düzce, were completed in 2024 by Yalın Tasarım Architecture. This project was meticulously planned to reflect the corporate identity of the company while addressing the specific needs of its users. The workspaces of three executives were individually designed to materialize their unique personalities, while maintaining a cohesive and unified corporate design language. This design approach prioritized both functional utility and the creation of aesthetic harmony and continuity between the spaces.
During the architectural planning phase, providing executives with a comfortable working environment was a fundamental priority. Accordingly, the offices were designed to offer personal privacy while also accommodating spaces suitable for hosting guests and conducting meetings. Alongside functionality, the inclusion of refined aesthetic details was emphasized, thereby creating a high-quality and conducive working environment for the executives.
The interior design aimed to establish a minimalist, high-quality, and impactful language that emphasized the use of natural materials. Materials such as natural wood veneer, lacquered surfaces, and marble panels were meticulously selected to achieve a sophisticated harmony within the spaces. Incorporating these materials further facilitated the creation of an atmosphere that is prestigious, high-quality, and user-friendly. A high-end design language was adopted for the executive offices, with all walls clad in natural wood veneer and lacquered surfaces to ensure visual continuity throughout the spaces. Simplicity was preferred in delicate details which were further enhanced with carefully selected materials such as marble, metal, and leather.
And also, all executive offices incorporated elements bespoked to reflect the personalized and professional requirements of their users. These details, distinguished by the use of marble, lacquer, and leather, contributed to the unique character of each office with user. For instance, in one executive’s office, vibrant lacquered surfaces were utilized to create a more colorful and dynamic ambiance. At the same time, other, darker-toned wood and leather elements were employed to establish a classical and sophisticated atmosphere, suitable for a more experienced executive. Hidden design features, high-end craftsmanship, and meticulous material selection were carefully integrated throughout both the design and implementation phases. Concealed design elements within desks, bookshelves, and cabinets ensured the consistency of the overall design principles, characterized by modernity and a clean aesthetic across the spaces.
Sculpting Spaces: A Concrete Residence That Celebrates Art and Nature
Overview:
The residence is play of design and function, where all spaces remain interconnected like one’s family and concrete’s textures and tangibility is explored as both the canvas and the subject to create a minimalistic house where the monotony is broken by the Art of colors, textures, and shapes at each turn connecting the house and its varied levels.
FULL DESCRIPTION
The residence, a stunning exploration of concrete and art, is the epitome of innovation and original thinking. Designed to house three generations of the client's family, the house is an intricate play of design and function that provides a home where all spaces remain interconnected like one's family. The project's inception was rooted in the client's simple and humble mandate to create a concrete residence that embodies his appreciation of art and design.
The project's plan is conceptualized as an inward-looking house, opening at the inner core with a triple-height courtyard. The ground floor is spatially designed to accommodate major public areas with a cut-out that itself shifts across the floors, providing green elements and a visual connection to all the spaces. The pre-existing tree in front of the site has been incorporated into special planning as a shading device and as a privacy screen. The panels used in the house are precast concrete, acting as a buffer wall from temperature modulation.
The upper two levels provide an increased level of privacy for all the family lounges with bedrooms designed solely for family members. The double-heighted balcony with its screens adds another dimension to the floor. The terrace level is kept as a complete recreational floor with amenities like jacuzzi, halls, open seating areas, and such. Stack effect is in full use through the triple height cutout at the center of the premises.
Throughout the house, concrete is the main element and material used, serving as both a canvas and the primary art as well. The artworks and sculptures used throughout the house were developed by multiple local artisans, accentuating the spatial experience. Even the furniture and lighting are carefully designed to complement the concrete's versatility, adding bold pigments to the material and textures on the surface.
The residence revolves around greens not only in its aesthetics through design elements but operation and functionality as well. From using solar panels on the roof to a rainwater harvesting system in place, all not only complies with the daily needs of its inhabitants but helps the environment thrive as well. The front elevation provides a true image of its interiors, with jaali and circular cut-out, creating an interactive exterior that arouses a hint of curiosity among every passerby.
In summary, this project breaks the norm of residential projects in the city to create a building that speaks for itself, yet remains a private home to a family. Its careful planning, innovative use of concrete and art, and incorporation of sustainable practices make it a true gem of modern architecture.
Manufacturers: AutoDesk, ART N GLASS, Bharat Flooring Tiles, Fan Studio, Fenesta, Hands Carpets, Havells, Kohler, Norisys, Orikrit, Otis, Sandhya Lights, Trimble Navigation
Structural Engineer: RELIABLE CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Civil Contractor: Adhunik Infrastructures
Landscape Design: 25 Design Street
Decorative Lighting: Emanate Homes
Design Head: Kapil Aggarwal
Project Lead: Pawan Sharma
Architect: Aruj Saxena, Amit Bhatia
Intern Architect: Anoushka Kriti
Site Engineer: Dharmendra Pal, Rajkumar