Architect Abin Chaudhuri and his team at Abin Design Studio have redefined the corporate house of RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group in Kolkata, showcasing craftsmanship in a vast 195,900 sq. ft area.
The RP Sanjiv Goenka Group Corporate Office, designed by Abin Design Studio, stands as a meticulously sculpted office within the landscape of Kolkata. This contemporary museum-like office comfortably fuses itself with art, permeating its spaces with artifacts. Each corner tells a story, effortlessly intertwining narrative elements with the practicalities of a dynamic work environment.
Planning
The eight-storeyed office layout is centered on a full-height central atrium, beginning near the entrance and gradually receding towards the rear of the rectangular floor plan, seamlessly incorporating work areas. This design enables visual connectivity while maintaining segregation based on corporate hierarchy and functional requirements. The atrium fosters openness, allowing natural light to permeate the office and alleviate the typical monotony of enclosed work environments.
Indoor Aesthetics
Considerable contemplation and thoughtful planning have been dedicated to shaping the interior design of the office and the workplace, particularly evident in the grand atrium located at the entrance, which serves as a central focus of interaction. Designed to foster community engagement among workers, its cascading steps offer an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and encourage meaningful conversations, fostering problem-solving and solution-seeking amongst coworkers while also ensuring a seamless transition between different levels of the office. Furthermore, the strategic use of lighting enhances the atrium’s mood, emphasizing its monumental yet inviting design approach. The interaction of light and shadow produces a dynamic atmosphere that captivates the senses while elevating the overall beauty of the space in question.
A subdued material palette and carefully selected artifacts evoke the tranquil essence of the country’s river ‘ghats’, culminating in the majestic spires of temples and centers of communal wisdom where the intersection of daily life and spirituality is palpable.
The library’s shelves of RP Sanjiv Goenka Group Corporate Office, containing a remarkable collection of literary treasures, are accessible via these stairs. The partitions separating several conference rooms are effectively utilized to showcase an ideal use of space while efficiently displaying every detail.
A contrasting array of colors adorns the flooring, from the lobby to the entire building palette. Each office floor showcases distinct design themes, treated uniquely to convey the same essence. Glass, rugs, flooring, and other elements are utilized to create standout statement pieces against a compelling backdrop.
Rooftop Oasis
The terrace for the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group corporate office by Abin Design Studio is a ‘space’ for sensing sky, light, water, and nature using various elements.
As urbanization increases and cities grow vertically there is proportionally an increasing demand for accessible terrace and roofscape design promoting sustainability, and user engagement making it an innovative destination for recreation and leisure.
The 10,000-square-foot terrace at RPSG Group’s office is a luxurious guest entertainment area, emphasizing the connection between the space, the building, its occupants, and the urban skyline with great views. Architect Abin Chaudhari says,
“What I feel is, in a dense urban city, the roof has always been ‘space’ for provocation to connect sky, light, water, and green… nature as a whole.”
The design prioritizes light and air to permeate in, enhancing the ambiance. Spaces seamlessly connect, allowing movement across water features, lush greens, a foyer with a fountain element, a reflecting canopy, glazed dining area, creating a liberating experience amid urban density. Natural elements blend with luxurious details throughout, offering a holistic sensory journey.
“In the design of the RPSG rooftop, we have tried to connect all senses possibly with an experience and we have used installation as a tool to navigate these senses,” adds Chaudhari.
Exterior Canopy Crowing the Headquarters Building
As a team of architects, designers, engineers, and fabricators, they installed a celestial canopy made of bubble-like stainless steel spheres atop it, reflecting liveliness and highlighting the rise and aspirations soaring towards the sky, yet firmly grounded while denoting mirrored pools of thoughts, frozen conversation bubbles and encourages an upward perspective.
Source: Office rooftop design in Kolkata by Abin Chaudhuri creates a sensorial experience (stirworld.com)
The installation comprises 752 spheres, ranging from 1 to 3 inches in diameter, supported by 11 structural columns, each at least 15 feet tall. Attached to each module are dozens of hollow spheres created by bending stainless steel sheets into various sizes, followed by welding and mirror-polishing. Chaudhari says,
“Under a sky of stars, stands this terrace of rejoicing – of thought and contemplation, of gratitude for blessings and the prospect of a brighter future” while explaining about the installation over the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group Corporate Office rooftop.
As a result, the headquarters of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group recognizes the fine line between creating spaces and user comfort while playing with the spatial narrative by combining a work environment with a contemporary museum setting attained via skilled workmanship.
References:
ArchDaily. (2020). RP Sanjiv Goenka Group Corporate Office / Abin Design Studio. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/942653/rp-sanjiv-goenka-group-corporate-office-abin-design-studio [Accessed 23 Feb. 2024].
worldarchitecture.org. (n.d.). The Art of Redefining a Commercial Space with Abin Design Studio. [online] Available at: https://worldarchitecture.org/article-links/eghez/the-art-of-redefining-a-commercial-space-with-abin-design-studio.html [Accessed 23 Feb. 2024].
Archello. (n.d.). RP Sanjiv Goenka Group Corporate Office | Abin Design Studio. [online] Available at: https://archello.com/project/rp-sanjiv-goenka-group-corporate-office [Accessed 23 Feb. 2024].
world, S. (n.d.). Office rooftop design in Kolkata by Abin Chaudhuri creates a sensorial experience. [online] www.stirworld.com. Available at: https://www.stirworld.com/see-features-office-rooftop-design-in-kolkata-by-abin-chaudhuri-creates-a-sensorial-experience [Accessed 23 Feb. 2024].
Interior Design. (n.d.). A Celestial Outdoor Canopy by Abin Design Studio Encourages an Upward Perspective. [online] Available at: https://interiordesign.net/projects/a-celestial-outdoor-canopy-by-abin-design-studio-encourages-an-upward-perspective/ [Accessed 23 Feb. 2024].
www.youtube.com. (n.d.). RPSG Rooftop Video Edmund Sumner 1. [online] Available at: https://youtu.be/t58xy5cdj6A?feature=shared [Accessed 23 Feb. 2024].
www.youtube.com. (n.d.). RPSG Rooftop Video Edmund Sumner 2. [online] Available at: https://youtu.be/IE1GjznLsK4?feature=shared [Accessed 23 Feb. 2024].
