Design Atelier

The conceptual process for the design of the SUFI IT Park (Start Up Farms IT Incubator) aims to create an integrated unified composition through the articulation of the different form components, understanding the building as a volume and not as independent facades. The Sufi building is set on a South-North orientation, massive volumes of the staircases anchor the whole, and the various elements. The modern glass and stucco insulated façade is at the same time avant-garde in its expression and fits into the industrial surroundings. The design, which displays no symbolic elements on its monumental facades, stands in purposeful contrast to the local Indian traditions; preferring to integrate active and passive technology over decorative articulation. Entry and exit is from the front allowing for the creation of an "island" form set in greenery. Combining circular, triangular, cubical forms the plan makes a play on the possibilities of discovering unique geometries to shape Interior spaces. The building shell has recesses and offsets that are made possible by a complex geometry of conjoined cylinders and cuboids. The recesses and overhangs formed are used to shade- the interior volumes to look to the outside where small landscaped spaces and perimeter trees are placed at transitions and pauses in the movement sequence within the building. The resultant floor plan is articulated with the qualities of a street/path, with gradations of spatial and interactive (open and naturally lit) spaces, creating congregation spaces and places of work. The path meanders along the facade, providing visual connections to the open balconies and the landscape outside. Additional climatic features and technology interventions for the building utilities design are included to achieve a sustainable building performance. In keeping out the hot sun, many Indian buildings complain that office spaces are dark and claustrophobic. At SUFI, the openness of the social areas and the integration between outdoors and indoors were an important concern; this was realized through the resolution of the architectonic forms, and to the detailing of the doors of the facade that hide completely behind a providential wall with their trail inlaid in the floor, free of unevenness between interior and exterior. The sights of Outdoor informal hangout spaces with small gardens are seen through the glass lined movement corridors and staircase cores. The idea is to offer diverse experiences while moving through the building, of graded light and shaded spaces, landscape variations, made at all pauses and transitions. The projected forms relieve the bulk of the built and supply natural light to the floor plates within. Passive solar systems are integrated into the design with insulated walls, insulated glazing systems and Sun-shading Louvers on Curtain Glass Facades. Technology is utilised to maximise energy efficiency using Chilled beam convective air-conditioning, with Treated fresh air units addressing issues of stale air in the work spaces. Jet fans are used for ventilation of basements reducing energy requirements. LED lighting and high efficiency light fixtures providing glare free lighting at the worktable, with day light/ occupancy based sensors allowing zoned control and Two Way Reflected Lighting in the offices. Passionate contributions by the owners/architects and engineering designers, Be it with chilled beams air conditioining, enthalpy recovery, external shading, efficient light fixtures etc. The floor to floor height of the building was reduced, as large ducts were eliminated, thereby reducing the capital cost on the structure, fenestration and finishing. This also reduces the external heat gain, and thereby the operating costs. Energy performance of the building was evaluated after completion, and the results demonstrated a 28 % energy saving on the base case, without much struggle and investments.