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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