Transforming the entrance lobby of a tech park into an experiential art gallery—while retaining its core function—was a challenge that demanded both innovation and sensitivity. The goal was not just to enhance the space, but also to elevate its energy, making it an immersive and inspiring experience.
The task at hand was to overhaul the main entrance of RTP Technology Park, housed in an old building, and create a fresh and engaging arrival experience. PS Designs drew inspiration from the clients, Shobhit Rajan and Yuvraj Rajan, both passionate art collectors. The sheer scale of the lobby provided an opportunity to transform it into an Experiential Art Gallery, with a striking ceiling feature that would captivate visitors.
A gallery that engages
Spanning 15,000 sqft, the entrance lobby now serves as a dynamic art space, showcasing magnificent sculptures and a dedicated gallery along its periphery. The collection features curated artworks from the client’s personal repertoire, housed within corten steel-clad walls that lend the space a rich, time-worn patina. Designed as an experiential maze, the gallery requires visitors to ascend stairs to reach the first floor, subtly encouraging movement—particularly relevant for tech professionals accustomed to long hours of sedentary work.Among the gallery’s highlights are works by Subodh Gupta (27 Light Years), Jitish Kallat (Eruda, 2006), K.S. Radhakrishnan (The Ramp), Satish Gujral and Anwar Khan. A special dark room also features the original lithograph stones of Raja Ravi Varma, adding a layer of historic significance to the space.
A ceiling that inspires
The most striking design feature is the ceiling—an artistic spectacle that invites visitors to pause and immerse themselves in the unique environment. What appears to be a mesmerising wave-like formation of wooden slats is, in fact, a collection of carefully crafted patterns inspired by human fingerprints—a symbolic representation of positivity and individuality.
This concept stemmed from studying Dermatoglyphics, the scientific study of fingerprints, which classifies human personalities into eight distinct traits—four positive and four negative. The ceiling design is based on the four positive traits: Balance, Freedom, Originality and Focus, reinforcing an uplifting atmosphere.
The wooden slats forming these patterns adorn the ceiling and extend seamlessly onto the giant columns as radial louvers, visually channeling energy from above to the floor. The radial louvers on the columns and the adjoining walls create a dynamic interplay of textures while enhancing acoustics. A special fire-retardant clear coat ensures both durability and safety.
An entrance that transcends function
This is more than just a lobby—it’s an immersive environment that stimulates, enriches and inspires. Blurring the lines between function and experience, it offers a moment of pause and reflection in the fast-paced urban landscape.
