Today’s office spaces are ruled by minimalism, exposed to imagery of neutral colours, clean surfaces, and restrained ornamentation. Which is why a harmonious blend of classical elements in a modern workspace imbued with an old-world charm offers a refreshing departure from the norm. Such is the latest workspace designed by the prolific Puneet Kumar, Founder and Principal Architect of Interactive Design Studio, which he calls the Classical Fusion Office, designed for AC Surgipharma. The office in Wazirpur Industrial area of Delhi, was inspired by Colonial (English) architecture. The exterior façade is adorned with classical mouldings, skilfully imbued with a contemporary finesse to harmonise the classical aesthetic with the industrial context, striking a balanced and refined visual impression.
The office layout unfolds across two storeys, culminating in an inviting terrace. This spatial arrangement deftly plays with volumes and heights, creating expansive, airy public zones that exude a sense of grandeur. In stark contrast, the focused zones like staff areas and workstations are characterised by intimate spaces, prioritising functionality and productivity. The terrace, designed for recreation, introduces a dynamic multi-level dimension to the workspace.
Team:
Architect: Interactive Design Studio
Photography: Tarang Goyal
Material Used:
The 2,0000-square-foot Delhi office bears all the grace of a colonial space: Finely-detailed mouldings; awe-inspiring heights in the enclosed areas and an attached terrace with lush greenery. “We drew inspiration from the English buildings that embrace luxurious volumes, inherently reflecting the client’s desire for grandeur with a simple colour and material scheme”, exclaims Puneet. This elevated sense of grandeur is evident from the double-height lobby. A mix of marble & patterned flooring, coffered wood ceiling, European accent lighting, chestnut couches- all these elements exist harmoniously to script an ambience that is classic, unapologetically luxurious and appears more lounge, less office. Sleek, modern clean lines dominate most areas, underscoring a sense of contemporary efficiency, while the entrance lobby introduces a dramatic flourish with coffered ceilings, a nod to English aesthetics. Skylights delicately carved between the mouldings infuse the space with an ethereal luminosity, marrying the classical with the contemporary.
As we move through the lobby, the conference rooms give us a glimpse through glass partitions that separate them from the lobby. Here, the Georgian bars, introduced in the dividers framed by aluminium, give a classical touch. Ascending through the staircase, the main workstations are planned on the upper floor, which predominantly follow an all-white palette with a few accents in red, reflecting the brand identity. The terrace again transitions into a public recreation zone adorned with arches and green plants.
The lighting and furniture choices within this office displays a thoughtful balance of functionality and aesthetic appeal. In the staff areas, a contemporary touch is evident with the integration of modern modular furniture, fostering an environment conducive to efficient work processes. On the other hand, the MD cabin and reception areas exude an air of classical elegance, featuring timeless Chesterfield pieces that exude sophistication and stature. The lighting design is equally strategic, ensuring every space is illuminated with precision. Profile lights line the corridors, providing an even distribution of light, while in the MD cabins, magnetic tracks offer focused task-based lighting. Workstations benefit from hanging profile lights, delivering effective and uninterrupted illumination, further enhancing the overall functionality and ambiance of the work environment.
In this elegantly conceived Classical Fusion Office, Ar. Puneet Kumar, Founder and Principal Architect of Interactive Design Studio, has deftly woven together the timeless allure of classical elements with the demands of a modern workspace. The result is a sanctuary of productivity and refinement, where every detail, from the classical mouldings to the strategic lighting, coalesces into a space that is both functionally efficient and aesthetically captivating.
