Corporate Headquarters for MaRS, Ahmedabad, India
Nestled on a sprawling 63,186-square-foot plot in the heart of Ahmedabad, this corporate headquarters was designed as a haven for productivity, creativity, and connection with nature. The building serves as the home for MaRS, a multidisciplinary consulting firm that prides itself on delivering innovative solutions across traditional and emerging industries worldwide. With space to accommodate over 200 employees, the corporate house reflects the firm’s ethos of integrating functionality and sustainability into modern workspaces.
From the outset, the client had one primary requirement: to create an office environment where every employee could feel connected to nature. Recognizing that much of the staff's time would be spent at computer screens, the design focused on ensuring that greenery surrounded the employees, creating a serene and rejuvenating workspace. The result is a thoughtfully planned and beautifully executed facility that merges architecture with landscape to form a harmonious, people-centered environment.
Design and Layout
The corporate house is divided into two distinct yet interconnected blocks: the MD block and the employee block. These structures are strategically positioned at the center of the plot, surrounded by lush greenery and landscaped gardens. Both blocks are oriented to provide stunning views of the natural surroundings, ensuring a constant visual connection with the outdoors.
The MD block is designed to house the main director’s office, along with manager cabins, the accounts department, and a VIP waiting room. This block is compact and elegant, reflecting the leadership-focused activities it accommodates. In contrast, the employee block is a larger, G+2 structure that hosts various working sectors. The floor plan for this block consists of 28' x 26' workspaces, which are connected via a central passage and courtyard. This thoughtful arrangement enhances collaboration while allowing for moments of quiet reflection in the courtyard's calming ambiance. The employee block also includes a state-of-the-art conference room and a canteen, offering spaces for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and relaxed breaks.
An exceptional feature of the design is the aerial layout of the employee block, which forms the alphabet "M", a creative and symbolic gesture inspired by the initials of MaRS.
Architectural Features
The building façade seamlessly blends form and function, utilizing RCC with textured grooves and expansive glass panels on all sides. This combination allows for an abundance of natural light to flood the interiors, reducing reliance on artificial lighting while fostering a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The glass panels also ensure uninterrupted views of the landscaped gardens and urban greenery, aligning with the client’s vision of a workspace immersed in nature.
Interior Design and Employee Experience
- Inside, the furniture and workspace arrangements are meticulously planned to ensure that every employee enjoys a view of either the central garden or the urban landscape. This arrangement not only enhances productivity but also aligns with the project’s central theme of creating a nature-connected office. Each workstation is bathed in natural light, with open spaces and a layout that promotes collaboration and creativity.
Landscape Design
The landscape is a defining feature of this corporate headquarters, thoughtfully designed to serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. At the heart of the project lies a large circular garden, which is divided into two sections. One section serves as a venue for corporate events and festive celebrations, while the other provides a tranquil space for employees to unwind and recharge.
In addition to the central garden, there are multiple smaller landscaped areas scattered across the campus. These include secondary outdoor lunch zones, featuring wooden benches and tables where employees can enjoy meals or casual conversations. The pathways and hardscaped areas are adorned with dual-tone tiles, red kapchi, and granite, lending a sophisticated touch to the outdoor spaces. The soft landscaping is enriched with vibrant flora and fauna, adding layers of color and texture to the surroundings.
A standout feature of the landscape design is the placement of three palm trees at the center of a smaller garden, situated between the MD and employee blocks. These trees not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also serve as focal points for the view from the director's cabins and the first-floor terrace, creating a picturesque frame of natural beauty.
Sustainability and Functionality
Sustainability is at the core of the design philosophy for this project. The extensive use of glass maximizes natural lighting, significantly reducing the need for artificial illumination during the day. The open courtyard and landscaped gardens contribute to improved ventilation, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable work environment. By integrating green spaces into the design, the project promotes employee well-being and reflects the firm’s commitment to sustainability and innovative design.
Conclusion
This corporate headquarters is more than just a workplace—it’s a thoughtfully crafted space that harmonizes modern architecture with the serenity of nature. From its symbolic layout and sustainable materials to its employee-focused design, the building is a testament to MaRS’ forward-thinking approach. It not only meets the functional needs of the firm but also creates a nurturing and inspiring environment where employees can thrive. This project embodies a perfect blend of innovation, aesthetics, and functionality, making it a landmark in Ahmedabad’s architectural landscape.
