Creating an Immersive Office Experience in Old Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Design firm Spaces & Design walks us through creating an inspiring office for the Indian construction manufacturer Omkar Infracon.

When tasked with designing an office space for two partners in the business of manufacturing paver blocks, the design team at Spaces & Design saw it as a unique opportunity to blend functionality with creativity. The client’s brief was straightforward — they needed a workspace for a specific number of employees but entrusted the design team with full creative freedom. With a long-standing relationship built on trust, this collaboration promised an exciting and innovative design journey.

The office’s location in old Kolkata presented a distinctive advantage. The design concept sought to create an immersive experience for the occupants, using the views and context of Kolkata’s heritage as a central theme. To achieve this, vintage elements were incorporated into the interior design, creating a harmonious blend of the past and present.

Project Planning

In a creative twist, the design team sought to forge a deeper connection between the workspace and the client’s business by integrating the client’s own paver blocks into the office design. Typically associated with industrial or outdoor use, these blocks were reimagined as artistic and functional design elements, serving as a unique expression of both form and function. Their integration sparked inspiration while reinforcing the company’s identity. By weaving these materials into the workspace, the design celebrated the product’s craftsmanship, creating an environment that was not only visually striking but also deeply personal and meaningful to the client.

The paver blocks were thoughtfully incorporated throughout the office, from the conference room to the reception area, and even as distinctive tabletops. Their use introduced a contemporary element, seamlessly blending the heritage of the space with modern aesthetics for a cohesive overall design.

The workstations themselves were a testament to customization and innovation. They were all constructed on-site, enabling the team to tailor the layout to the client’s specific needs. The lights were also customized. Additionally, niches were carefully designed within paver blocks to showcase the company’s awards and accolades, as well as construction equipment for a touch of authenticity. This idea, proposed by the client, perfectly complemented the overall design ethos.

Project Details

The pièce de résistance of this project was the restoration and integration of arches into the design, which paid homage to the building’s historical roots. The arched windows were restored and the same character of arches was infused in a new-age manner in the glass partitions. These partitions with arches reminiscent of the building’s original architecture served both as functional dividers and nods to the heritage of the space. Another strategic decision was to opt for a light colour scheme throughout that creates a larger sense of space and enhance the connection to the building’s colonial charm. The high ceilings of the building, a hallmark of its historical significance, were preserved to the greatest extent possible. The original wood was also retained. This not only added character but also maintained a sense of continuity with the building’s past.

The office’s unique location in old Kolkata provided a great opportunity to showcase the city’s exquisite heritage and the aim was to make the views even more elaborate and immersive for the occupants by incorporating vintage elements into the interior design.

Bringing the Outside In

Another one of the standout features was the unconventional use of grass pavers. Typically relegated to parking areas, these were smartly repurposed as partitions, offering a striking visual contrast and a unique environmental benefit. These pavers, when used horizontally, help to combat the heat island effect by promoting evaporative cooling, reducing the need for excessive concrete surfaces. To emphasize their role in cooling the microclimate, the paver blocks were used vertically and layered with artificial grass, beautifully exemplifying their environmental significance. Their presence added a contemporary touch, harmoniously blending the heritage of the space with modern aesthetics.

Construction Details

The site initially presented itself as a rudimentary structure, characterized by a cramped interior with a low, unappealing ceiling and a rather dilapidated appearance. To enhance its overall aesthetics and functionality, the team embarked on a comprehensive renovation journey. They dismantled the low ceiling completely while preserving the building’s original structural integrity. A distressed white finish was implemented instead, adding character to the space while maintaining a connection to its historical roots.

The building was also aged, while the timelines were stringent. Additionally, ensuring compliance with Vastu principles was imperative. The site required extensive retrofitting, and its persistent waterproofing and seepage issues demanded immediate attention. The beams were restored to their former glory. Structural and waterproofing experts were roped in to achieve the desired exposed aesthetic.  

Products 

Furniture: Bespoke on site | Art: Artemist | Lighting: Kaleidoscope Lighting LLP

Overall Project Results

This office space design not only maximized the available floor plan to accommodate as many people as possible but also transformed an old building into a place where history, innovation, and the environment coexist. This project is a meticulous blend of the past and the present that breathes fresh life into a vintage property as it serves as a testament to their craftsmanship. The fusion of heritage elements with cutting-edge design, coupled with the innovative use of paver blocks, has created an inspiring workspace that not only meets the client’s needs but also encapsulates their identity and values ushering in a new era of workplace innovation.

This project is a stunning transformation that showcases the site’s historical significance while providing a functional and visually striking space. Though the project experienced a slight delay (3-4 months) due to the team’s dedication to restoration, it was the right choice — a testament to the dedication that brought about this intricate renovation. Looking back, not just the team but also the client shares the satisfaction.

Design

Photography

Suryananddang

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