PATHFINDERS
66 | September 2019 | Commercial Design
RAVI SARANGAN AND SANJAY SRINIVASAN
Founders, Edifice Consultants
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in their design process, which involves research,
e[perimentation and imaginative problem solving. 7 he practice
engages in a rigorous research programme. ́:e study
organisational behaviour, scope for technological integration,
efÀciency and economy of space, potential for deployment
of sustainable design, and willingness and spending ability of
the clients. 7 he data and Àndings from these e[ercises help
us outline the current as well as future aspirations of our
users this is our basis for establishing a design dialogue,μ share
Sarangan and Srinivasan.
7 he team·s response to the design challenges at hand is
not driven by products but by services. 7 hey focus on the
engineering of systems and design for culture change rather
than culture permanence in their projects. (diÀce·s projects are
designed to have high positive impact on the individual users as
well as the collective economy and environment. 7 he duo say,
́7he fundamental Tuestion our designers ask is ¶+ow will our
design elevate the mood of the occupant, improve productivity
and health, and contribute to the economy of space·. :ith
every project we handover, we are better prepared to
challenge the norms of what a workplace can be, for us and for
our clients.μS
ingh has adapted and implemented various transformative measures and
tools over the course of four-plus year at EY, which have helped innovate
and deliver scalable and sustainable services across all verticals. “:e Àrmly
believe that organisations must think strategically if they are to do more than
simply survive in today·s increasingly competitive market. 7 his applies to both
core and non-core businesses. In the case of the latter, FM plays a pivotal role in
support of the core business and must be closely coupled with the organisation·s
strategy overall,μ e[plains Singh.
Since millennials of today demand a workplace that stimulates creativity,
collaboration and communication, while also reducing stress and an[iety, EY introduced some crucial
design concepts that aided the overall development of its workspace quality. “In addition to health
beneÀts, stand-up work zones are ideal for people to brainstorm, discuss or meet. Fle[ible and ergonomic
workstations allow us to easily move and resize desks and chairs as per need. EY has created zones
that hold cosy furniture-sofas, couches, pod seats and coffee tables ³ suitable for a variety of activities
including impromptu meetings, breaks, etc,μ highlights Singh.
One of the most powerful and enduring trends that EY adopted is reshaping the workplace by
reconnecting people with nature, resulting in better health, concentration, creativity and work
performance of employees. :ith the clear understanding that natural light is healthier than artiÀcial light,
the team strives to harvest natural light in most of its facilities. 7 his not only saves cost but also improves
physical and psychological health of employees. Additionally, indoor plants help purify the air that may
otherwise be harmful to human health at all EY·s facilities.RAVINDER SINGH
Director, Ernst & Young