addition to brand perception, and is symbolic of putting down roots
in a new geography. And underlying all this is the basic requirement
that the office spaces must be functional and enhance productivity
and foster a feeling of belonging among the employees who would
inhabit the space. For the design partner, striking the right balance,
evidently, is crucial.
Perhaps with this as the point of departure, the NCUBE team set out
to design the headquarters for Bosch, a Germany-based company, in
Pune. The design was required to resonate the key values of Bosch –
“Invented for life, products that spark enthusiasm, improve quality of
life, and help conserve natural resources”. As expected, Bosch was
also inclined towards infusing a strong regional flavor into the design,
so that their employees could always feel at home, which in turn
would perhaps consolidate Bosch’s presence in the Indian context.
Responding to this design brief, the NCUBE team outlined an approach
that highlights the industrial aspect of the company and uses quirky
yet functional design elements to express it. These quirky elements
not only add a fun twist to the office space, but also bring in a sense
of belonging given that these elements draw heavy inspiration from
their local context. Reiterating this, the NCUBE team says, “The layout
was conceptualized with a strong emphasis on colours, textures,
material, and graphics, furniture, amalgamated in a manner to create
the sublime feel of Pune.” The resultant office spaces are unusual,
colourful, with unexpected features that add to the dynamism of the
space in an almost kitschy manner, while retaining a strong sense of
sophistication and professionalism.The reception space, with its jaali-inspired lights and a vertical
garden wall, sets the tone for the design and identity of the space.
The customer lounge retains this visual interest and the use of the
jaali as a filter of light and privacy, accentuates the space giving it
a neo-vernacular design character. Following a similar thread, key
work areas are accommodated under a colourful baffle ceiling, “a
dexterous application that was used to combat acoustic problems
and to create a mirage of colours which mirror the celebrated
festivals of the city.” The formal work areas are washed in colour
so as to break the monotony and add curiosity to the design, as well
as the employees who would most likely be spending long hours at
their desks. Another brilliant design element enhances the employee
experience – Biophilia.Throughout the office space, the design team has interspersed plants
that give the office a sense of calm, connectedness to nature. The
use of biophilia also helps to soften the space and intends to create
a connection with the outside world, in addition to lowering stress
levels and increasing productivity. It is also reminiscent of the rampant
greenery all over Pune city, thereby brining in another element from
the city that guides the design direction. Blending in the natural world
into the modern built environment of this office is definitely one of the
most striking features of this design.↑Conference Room.