The building is designed with emphasis on utility. The entire scope of work has been so divided as to facilitate the vertical stacking of similar areas. In order to achieve functional efficiency, the plan is divided into three distinct zones, the contiguous character of the building notwithstanding. The central zone accommodates circulation and service areas like entrance hall, main staircase, and toilets. This zone is flanked by officers wing on the left and general offices on the right. The clear-cut segregation helps in achieving congenial atmosphere in each zone. Officers wing has an additional entry, and a staircase. A spacious lobby, with adequate light and ventilation, replaces the conventional long corridor. Each floor has been designed as a self-sufficient unit to serve one type of office, thereby minimizing the unwanted vertical circulation in the building. The main entry to the building is through an extended porch with low-height walk-in corridor. It acts as transitional space between outdoor and indoor spaces, and receives the visitors in an ambiance of courtesy and dignity.
Efforts have been made to protect the interiors from the harsh summer heat. The building is oriented north-south, with predominantly dead facades on its east and west to keep off the unwanted glare. Windows are deep-recessed.
The building-form has been evolved to take advantage of mutual shading. All the reinforced-concrete slabs project from the external wall-surfaces, and create interesting shadow-patterns, which together with chamfered corners lend the building a distinct identity of its own. Externally, the building is finished in rough-cast gunnite concrete in its natural grey.
1994
1995
