Bayer India House
PROJECT DETAILS
Bayer India House
Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai
Client, Bayer India Ltd.
60,000 Sq. Ft.
Completed 1995
Principal Architect , Hafeez Contractor
Associate Architect , Rajeev Trehan
Situated on a triangular site in Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, (a suburb of North Bombay), this is one project that illustrates the close relationship between architecture and interiors.
The building presents itself majestic and stately in off-white. Built in the classical style Bayer House stands out when viewed from any angle. The site, opposite the picturesque Powai Lake, with its lush green foliage, and against the backdrop of hills, is magnificent. The building itself is located on the most strategic position of the rotary at Hiranandani Gardens. In order to establish a distinct urban character and to make it a destination point we had ecided to apply the classical style to all the buildings in Hiranandani Gardens .
Though this took some convincing for our clients, each of whom wanted a distinct look for themselves, we prevailed in bringing them around to our point of view and succeeded in fashioning a classical ambiance. The building has an extremely strategic location, and the two shopping centers nearby in the same classical style complement the whole area.
Once inside, the color white is predominant. The triangular shaped interior has an atrium which provides natural light to the entire work area. On looking down from the upper floors, one sees a large lion mosaic, the former symbol of Bayer, made with colored tiles in blue, peach and brown shades, imported from Germany. Our concept by the usage of color and decor. The interior ambiance is such that it does not segregate one floor from the other.
The sixth floor which houses the Managing Director's offices, the boardroom and the executive offices, is a blend of modern and international features, and Indian ethnic styles. The decision to use antique Indian artefacts and not contemporary art was taken after many discussions with Mr. Brenniser's (M.D., Bayer India Ltd.) wife. Being a German firm the furniture is of international standards and style, the Indian touch being provided by the antique columns from Ahmedabad, Tanjore miniatures, and objects d'art like metal pots. This combination though exuding a rich is not the result of a large amount of money spent but, largely due to the knack of putting the right thing in the right place.
The most important criterion was that the new office should have a good working ambiance and better staff amenities. Open style work- stations, shining brass railings, etched glass balcony walls, antique wood carvings from Gujrat, an idol of Lord Ganesha and metal screens were used for the decor. Each floor has a differently designed reception area. The dominating colors of the interiors are white, cream and blue. No walls are used to segregate work-stations, thus giving the feeling of openness making the entire building feel like one unified space. No stair-cases are visible from any point; doors in brown discreetly shutting them out of sight.
The structure constructed on a triangular base, has an imposing dome. The dome is covered with Shaun tile mosaic, and houses the lift machinery and water storage tanks. The atrium has a polycarbonate double sheeting roof. The buildings pleasant ambiance and natural lighting is conductive to better productivity. Because of the central atrium, during the day time you require less than other conventional buildings, thus conserving electricity and making it a most energy efficient building.
We believe that a discreet, 5-star ambiance is necessary. With globalization, we have to be par with international standards. What is a necessity abroad as of now is a luxury here. Inspite of the tight spaces the impression one should get is that of an extremely spacious interior. The usage of glass is a necessity for tight spaces. It is a good material to work with and has many advantages like transparency, easy maintenance. The central atrium too makes the spaces appear large. The total area of the building is 60,000 sq. ft. and with around 274 people, after taking off certain areas, it leaves very little area per person.
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