Located in Kolkata, India, a new workspace designed by groupDCA, in collaboration with Salient Design Studio, provides a functional environment for staff that has at its core wellbeing and environmental responsibility.

The project, Primarc Office, spans three levels that includes a terrace and boasts a footprint of 265-square-metres. The layout projects inwards, into the central atrium and a staircase connects the levels with communal pockets and pause points along the way. Senior management and Directors’ offices are situated on the upper floors with outstanding views of the surrounding landscape, while workstations, pantry, utility areas and bathrooms are positioned on the lower levels.

Initially, workstations were to be located on the western side of the building, however, with little natural light it was decided to move to the north, south and eastern areas, reserving the western orientation for services and staircases.

The workstations are designed as clusters with cabins, conference rooms, team tables, flexible seating and lounges for customers and all seating arrangements prioritise ergonomics. Privacy and acoustic comfort is paramount, with acoustic panels covering the overhead rafters for optimal comfort. Lush plantings have been used extensively as a biophilic inclusion and to demarcate spaces. Meeting rooms overlook the atrium and with open and closed spaces collaboration is enhanced. Cutting-edge technology, along with communal and ancillary spaces are interspersed through the spatial layout and help facilitate community and discussion.

The material palette is locally sourced with recycled timber accents and handcrafted furniture and there are polished concrete floors throughout. Expansive windows have been strategically placed on all sides of the building and allow for ample natural light, minimising the dependence on artificial lighting. To further engender a relaxing aesthetic, artwork is showcased throughout the interior and has been curated by Dolly Dabriwal of Ddartspace and designed by artist, Pradip Das and his team.

Related: A sanctuary for health

Creating a more open plan spatial strategy for the office complements the core values of the business where staff are a priority and the working environment is both light-filled and comfortable. Workstations are spacious and there are multiple break out areas for individuals or a group. There is also an amphitheatre in the atrium that doubles as a recreational area for staff where everyone can meet and gather.

This is a refined project where people are central to the design. With sightlines across floors there is visual connectivity that promotes and enhances communication, while a concise colour palette of earthy tones for the interior reflects the outside landscape but also provides warmth and texture within.

groupDCA in collaboration with Salient Design Studio has conceived a working environment that speaks of home but is definitely a place for business. It is contemporary but not overwhelmingly so, and just the place to work well and be productive. Primarc Office sets the agenda for workplace design and through fine architecture and design provides a place where wellbeing is enhanced.

groupDCA
groupdca.in

Salient Design Studio
salientdesignstudio.com

Photography
Niveditaa Gupta

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