Logic transforms bland commercial office into "humble and collaborative" workspace

Brick arches frame views through the interior of this office in Gugarat, India, which also features colourful glass panels informed by one of architect Anuj Kapoor's favourite artists.

Kapoor's studio Logic Design + Build shares The Mortar House workspace with an e-commerce start-up, and the architect told Dezeen that the project aimed to provide a suitable creative environment for both companies.

"We wanted the office to feel comfortable, inviting, humble and collaborative," said Kapoor.

"The idea was never to make two small offices when we could make one large shared workplace where all the functions were solved properly."

The 280-square-metre workplace is located within a low-rise office building that had been awkwardly carved up to create a series of compact, fragmented rooms.

The project's first phase involved removing existing partitions and unnecessary internal walls to make the most of the available natural light, while enhancing connections to a large terrace and dual courtyards on either side of the space.

Existing openings were re-framed and new ones were introduced to control the amount of light entering the office, while also limiting unwanted solar heat gain.

"The most innovative aspect of our design is the way the spaces flow into each other and also act as invisible partitions," Kapoor explained.

"The spatial planning ensures natural light throughout the day, with priority given to areas where people spend longer hours."

Brick-framed arches replace the original openings, helping to organise movement and frame views throughout the space.

The arches also introduce a textural detail that complements the building's masonry construction.

Panels of red, yellow and blue stained glass function as partitions that delineate meeting rooms, private offices and multipurpose spaces used for presentations and conferences.

In addition, the workplace contains a breakout zone for relaxation and conversation, along with shared washrooms and a shared pantry and coffee-making area.

A tight budget and timeframe of just four months necessitated a pared-back approach to material use, with a palette consisting mostly of clay brick, lime plaster, birch ply and leather.

The considered application of materials, craft and detailing helps to introduce a subtle sense of hierarchy between leadership and team spaces.

The studio designed most of the office's furniture, including shared work tables and individual desks with built-in charging points and storage. Offcuts were repurposed into smaller functional details such as handles covered with surplus leather.

"I believe that to make the most of any space, specially designed furniture, nooks, objects and cabinetry should combine forces and make an impact together," said Kapoor.

"The furniture is brutalist in nature, respecting the execution time we had, but it still manages to respect craft."

The work of Dutch artist Piet Mondrian informed the use of primary colours throughout the space, with stained glass creating shifting chromatic effects as light changes during the day.

"We wanted colour to pop against natural textures," Kapoor added. "Yellow also connects to both brand identities in some way, as it has always been an accent colour for Logic and Dring's colours also include yellow and purple."

The architects included subtle nods to vernacular Indian architecture in the form of concrete cornices added to the brick arches, which are repeated in the bevelled edges of the plywood work surfaces.

A central lift lobby was integrated into the plan to enhance the workplace's spacious feel. It contains a reception desk and sofa, along with a marble panel with the two companies' logos on either side.

To make the most of the existing outdoor spaces, the architects introduced openings that help to bring light, air and greenery deeper into the plan. This connection to nature also informed the introduction of two plumeria trees surrounded by built-in seating on the terrace.

Other recent offices featured on Dezeen include a minimalist Madrid office based on 1990s New York and a London co-working space with a sunken lounge.

The photography is by Suryan Saurabh.

The post Logic transforms bland commercial office into "humble and collaborative" workspace appeared first on Dezeen.