Unique Speciality Chemicals Office
2016
Chembur, Mumbai
A collaboration between a-RT & Soumya Raja Architect involved conceptualizing a 700 sq.ft. space embodying an aesthetic that could imbibe notions of cultural diversity between the Japanese parent company and their Indian subsidiary. The concept revolved around creating an open, texturally rich, heavily programmed, flexible workplace that could appeal to local as well as international sensibilities. Zen concepts of design were referenced to balance and test our responses:
Kanso–Simplicity or elimination of clutter
Fukinsei– Asymmetry
Shizen– Naturalness
Yugen– Subtlety
Datsuzoku– Break from routine
Seijaku– Stillness
Shibui/Shibumi- Austerity.
A single, bare volume was divided into three main zones; service area, workspace and discussion spaces. All three zones were connected using a similar set of materials and formal language that transformed subtly based on their changes in use. Bare concrete, muted flooring, raw steel, bison board contrast with the dark oak flooring, timber slats, polished stone, pastel laminates and wood storage units to create a balance between textures and changes of experience. On entering the office, the façade and entry create a sense of simplicity and openness where a display wall unit lines the edge. Workstations with timber slats and pastel surfaces are designed as levitating elements emerging from a thick timber wall, which doubles as a storage system for the office. Pastel shades are also used on shelves and planter boxes on the display wall unit as well as workstations to differentiate against the naked concrete ceiling and grey floor. Track lights run as parallel lines dividing the concrete ceiling. Raw steel is used as a structural frame for the display unit, supports for workstations and as handles on the partition dividing private spaces from the workstations. Cabins are sparsely populated with raw steel furniture, polished white stone and deep grey oak flooring. The timber ceiling in the conference room adds a formal character concealing the clutter of beams above and a resting box finished in bison board sits inside the conference room creating an augmented utility for the space. The art and accessories add a sense of local culture, history and craft without being excessively invasive to overall design aesthetic.
- Client: Uniques Speciality Chemicals
- Design: a-RT & Soumya Raja Architect
- Working drawings: a-RT & Soumya Raja Architect
- Interior detailing: a-RT & Soumya Raja Architect