BGRT (Bearys Global Research Triangle) at Whitefields, Bengaluru, is a skillful response by the architects to the client’s rather complex brief to design a multi-functional public cum office space with a variety of programs. The waffle slab system, which is the most dominant part of the space, is left exposed to highlight the structural clarity of the space - one of the earliest design decisions that paid dividends.
The lobby is dominated by a central column, which supports the waffle slab system that spans across 32m x 32m space, with a height of 9m. The front facing sides have structural glazing and the sides on the back are stacked with services and toilets.
The central column anchors the spatial disposition in the vast space and became the axis for spatial orientation. The architectural lighting has been conceived as foliage which stems from this anchoring element. The column has been clad with Corian panels, with special details to have access for maintenance and service.
The aspiration of the client, who is a patron of good designs, made the design process challenging, and pushed the boundaries of innovation, that set a benchmark by its out of the box design and sustainability agenda. The project is Platinum LEED Certified
Ar. Lalita Tharani & Ar. Mujib Ahmed, Collaborative Architecture
Fact File
Project: BGRT, Bangalore
Area: 12,000 sq ft
Client: Bearys Group, Bangalore
Architects: Collaborative Architecture (Mumbai, Kerala)
Architectural Lighting Design: Collaborative Architecture
Design team: Lalita Tharani, Mujib Ahmed, Muneeb
Site Team: Iqbal, Sherif, Anand, Nazir
Electrical Consultants: SAN Design Consultants
Structural Consultants: Mahendra Raj
Photography: Lalita Tharani & Manish Gala
Material Palette
Flooring: Quartz Stone
Walls: Exposed Concrete, Stucco on Masonry
Ceiling: Structural Waffle System left untouched for the main area, Gyp board for the mezzanine
Furniture : Plywood and Veneer /Plywood and Corian
Indoor Tree Vase: Flexi-Plywood and Corian
Custom Designed Lights: Ferrari Fabric in MS Frame with LED Tubes
Waffle Lights: 600 x 600 GE Trilux LED Panel Lights
Mezzanine Lights: 600 / 1200 Linear GE LED Panel Lights + 5W LED Spots
BMS System: Dynalite, Philips
Chairs: Herman Miller
Custom Designed Cluster Seating: MS framework, Plywood, Corian and PU Upholstery
The project is unique in that sense, to make the architectural lighting as the raison d’être, and the space definer, not just in stylistic terms, but in terms of tectonic manipulation of the neutral space.
The pattern of the waffle system acted as the spring board for the design of the customised lighting, which resulted in a highly dynamic space - reflecting the geometry of structural system.
The seating cluster, specially designed for the project, triggers social interactions, and creates an undulating topography of contoured volume at the eye level, in a way complementing the undulating pattern on the ceiling. The Strip light, highlights along the bottom of the sofa clusters, creates a dynamic pattern and goes as an integral part of the overall design.
The lobby functions nearly 18 hours a day. The space has 5 private meeting rooms, with 4 located at the mezzanine level as added cantilevered units projecting into the atrium space.
Lighting System & Design
The project is equipped with BMS with Dali ballasts for Daylight Harvesting. The expansive glazing on two sides allow ample daylight during any season, making the system utilize minimal energy during the day.
LED-based light sources include Customized Fabric lights with 1200 long LED tubes; passage spaces have 600 & 1200 LED panel lights and 5W LED Spots. The waffle has 600 x 600 LED Panel Lights to supplement the customized lighting and to create a pattern in the waffle, which complements the configuration of the fabric lights.
