Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Area: 15,000 sft
Year: 2003
Premier measurement company Agilent Technologies commissioned us to design offices for them at multiple locations all over India. Since the client was not particular about projecting a standard brand image over these locations, we were able to create a different look and feel for each facility while working within a flexible framework. This was achieved sometimes by incorporating local craft, and sometimes by responding to the setting or by introducing elements that were unique to that particular area.
At Hyderabad, we drew inspiration from the setting, which was the boulder strewn landscape of Hitech City. The grey of the surrounding stones became the basis for the colour scheme. To set this off, we used a bright magenta and shades of mauve and purple. The curvilinear shapes of the boulders inspired the vocabulary of curving sweeps and circles that we used in the design. We even placed some boulders in the break out area, which became a conversation piece even before the facility started operations! Again, the attempt was to subtly (and humorously, if possible) incorporate local elements in a contemporary setting without resorting to pastiche.
