Studio Symbiosis: Fusing Tradition and Innovation in Office Design

Exploring the Punjab Kesari Headquarters: A Masterpiece of Sustainable Architecture

The inspiration for the design came from the traditional Indian facade pattern, which was translated into a responsive built form using digital simulations. The traditional "Jali" screen, a key feature of Indian architecture, was incorporated into the design to create a sense of cultural belonging. Sustainability was at the forefront of the design process, with features such as optimized natural lighting, cross ventilation, and reduction of heat gain.

The building's unique properties lie in its "fusion" design. The main objective was to reduce heat gain and optimize facade opening ratio, ensuring no artificial lighting is required on a typical day. An animated facade was designed as an outcome of different facade opening ratios depending on the orientation. The office spaces are flexible and are developed around a communicative atrium, promoting interaction and the exchange of ideas.

Digital parametric tools were used in the design process. An iterative loop system was set up for the facade design, with the facade openings achieving the optimized opening ratio as per the desired lux level inside and the shading requirements. The structure was constructed with a simple in-situ beam column system, with the complexity of the project inherent in the facade. GRC panels, molded in the factory, were used to achieve a high degree of precision.

The Punjab Kesari Headquarters is located in Delhi NCR, India. The project was commissioned in 2014, construction began in September 2015, and the project was completed in January 2017. The project won the International Property Award for Best Office Architecture India 2016-17 and was presented at a TEDx talk in Bremen, Germany in 2015 by Britta Knobel Gupta as part of the talk "Performative Aesthetics" and at Smart Geometry Hong Kong 2014.

The design faced several challenges, including the sophisticated and time-consuming digital simulations required to achieve the open closed ratios across all elevations. The design team also had to work within the existing height restriction and ensure enough area on the ground for fire truck movement. Despite these challenges, Studio Symbiosis was able to create a flexible office space that embodies the characteristics of a headquarters and respects the needs of the people and the climate of contemporary India.

In conclusion, the Punjab Kesari Headquarters stands as a testament to the power of innovative thinking and sustainable practices in architecture. The design by Studio Symbiosis is a unique fusion of traditional Indian architecture and contemporary office space, demonstrating that sustainability and design excellence can go hand in hand. The project serves as an inspiration for future designs that seek to blend tradition with innovation in a sustainable and efficient manner.