C P Kukreja Architects (CPKA) is set to design the State Headquarters for Indian Oil Corporation Limited at Mohali, Punjab, India. The firm has won the project through a national design competition.

Being the largest commercial oil company in the country, the proposed office design was selected based on the Architects’ concept of understanding of three factors – corporate governance, climate responsiveness, and introduction of workspaces thriving with culture. The site spreads across 2.2 acres of land, strategically located at the junction of major roads, having access to public facilities and transportation. The project encompasses the design of IOCL Headquarter Building, Senior Management Centre, Transit Camp and Residences. With a striking façade, the fluidity of oil inspires the viscous curvaceous forms, instilling a sense of curiosity over its visitors and allowing the edifice to emerge as a beacon of progress for the City.

Mr. Dikshu C. Kukreja, Managing Principal of CPKA, explains, "The intent is to use ‘iconography’ as an element to establish a conversation between the users and the general public. The fluidity of ‘oil’ is taken as an inspiration for imagining the skin of the building which renders a free - flowing form to the building that is organic in its appearance and induces a natural pattern. Through the project, we have aimed at creating a Campus which is technology-driven in its functional performance capacity as well as possesses a significant architectural language and at the same time is path-breaking in the legacy of office building designs in India.”

Technology plays an essential part of design development and has been rigorously accommodated to safeguard the health provisions for top management staff of IOCL as well as Ministerial and VIP visitors, their security and communication along with ensuring an unhindered workflow at the office. A confluence of art in architecture, deriving inspiration from the industrial nature of the Corporation, inspires a fusion between a high profile functionality and imbibing an aesthetic appeal to the edifice.

The proposal also has been appreciated for its resolve to manifest as a leading example of Net Zero Energy Complex. Through careful implementation of energy, water and electricity conservation strategies, the concept presents a visionary module of design which heralds as a Smart development for the city.

Top Image: A visualisation of the recently won, State Headquarters for IOCL at Mohali, Punjab, © Dikshu C. Kukreja

>via C P Kukreja Architects