Regional art meets contemporary design at this office building in Punjab

The Nahar Industry Campus — envisioned by TOD Design Innovations — is a 25,000 sq ft architectural marvel that seamlessly blends innovation with local culture.

Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Maniyarasan R; courtesy TOD Design Innovations

The brief

When Nahar Industries sought the design expertise of TOD Design Innovations for their new office building at Lalru, Punjab… they were sure about what they desired in this new 25,000 sq ft space. They sought a functional and aesthetically captivating office that embodies the spirit of “incredible India.” They desired an open, minimalistic, and impactful design that celebrates India’s heritage while embracing modern innovation.

The design intent

Nestled within the Nahar Industry Campus, the office enjoys a vibrant location surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of Lalru, Punjab. The design philosophy revolves around creating a harmonious environment that celebrates local heritage and contemporary aesthetics. It aims to foster creativity, collaboration, and unity among the staff while providing flexibility and functionality.

The design and material details

A burst of colour greets one upon approaching the office building. The facade design draws inspiration from the vivid, highly saturated colour palettes of the local culture and the exquisite motifs of Phulkari, a regional craft. Stepping closer, one notices the building’s facade is a canvas of colours and patterns. It’s as if the hues of the surroundings have found their way onto the walls, creating a mesmerising display that’s both bold and welcoming.

On the southern side, the architects have cleverly employed full-height louvre panels. These panels serve a dual purpose, shielding the interior from the direct glare of the sun while allowing a gentle, diffused light to flood the central space. It’s a brilliant play of light and shadow that adds depth and character to the interior.

The heart of this building is a double-height central space that beckons one with its grandeur. Here, a bold, red spiral staircase takes centre stage, an artistic feature that not only connects different levels but serves as a vibrant focal point in the design. Upon ascending the stairs, one discovers a second level that houses private spaces, including the MD cabins and meeting rooms. From this vantage point, one can enjoy the panoramic view of the double-height space below.

The brilliance of this office space lies in its balance between open and private areas. The central core features a thoughtfully designed layout that seamlessly blends semi-open spaces with casual seating. It’s a place that offers flexibility, encourages creativity and collaboration, and fosters a sense of unity among the staff. This central workspace is adorned with furniture from Comffits and lighting from Uri Lighting Design Studio.

The highlights

The central workspace with its grand double-height space and vibrant spiral staircase stands out as the heart of the office. The facade, adorned with motifs inspired by Phulkari craft, creates a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

The challenges

“One of the challenges faced during the design stage was striking a balance between open and private areas while ensuring flexibility and functionality. Additionally, integrating local motifs into the design while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic posed a creative challenge,” say the architects.