The design of Godrej South Estate Experience Centre in the heart of New Delhi by Studio IAAD draws inspiration from the beauty and balance found in nature

Exemplifying Grandeur

Fact File

Name of Project: Godrej South Estate
Typology: Experience Center + Show Apartment
Location: South Estate, Okhla, New Delhi
Client: Godrej Properties
Built-Up Area: 8643 sqft
Principal Architect: Rachna Agarwal, Founder & Design Ideator
Design Team: Rachna, Pooja & Sanket
Completion Date: 2019
Photographer: Studio Noughts n Crosses |Andre J Fanthome

The design process has combined sustainable thinking and knowledge of the renewable and natural material palette to build enriching spaces that transition seamlessly from one space to another – namely, the deck lounge, model experience, audiovisual experience, show apartment, customization gallery, and discussion lounge.

Exemplifying Grandeur

The objective is to take the end-users on a wondrous journey from the understated to opulent, engaging them at every step of the way. Given the constraints, the emphasis lay on creating a singular, focal structure that would exemplify grandeur.

To emulate a ‘larger than life’ experience, a semi-permeable curtain has been designed with an array of sleek MDF plates held together delicately, seemingly floating in the air. The modules assembled together form a curved volume and house the physical model of the property and the audiovisual zone. The openness of the curtain structure balances the enclosed nature of spaces within; the full use of the vertical volume of the space adds a unique dimension, thereby enhancing scale. The porous exoskeleton of the architectural envelope piques the customers’ curiosity, while welcoming them to engage with the space.

Exemplifying Grandeur

The curved plates that perform as the constituent building-blocks of the curtain are staggered at two levels, imparting a sense of fluidity to the form. The modules have been painted in two contrasting colours to provide the structure with a sense of depth, which is further accentuated through smart lighting design. The lighting intent was to create an ‘architectural chandelier’ of sorts that commands attention with its imposing yet graceful presence. Nearly 170 small aperture narrow beam downlights create a visual mimicking a pearl necklace of illumination around the feature. With a high gloss floor grounding the space, the visual impact of the lit-up structure and its reflection sets the stage for visual poetry. While the warm colour palette of grey and white is welcoming, the accents in gold lend richness and opulence.
Ar. Rachna Agarwal
A stringent time limit of three months and the spatial constraints required a flexible approach. The designed structure at the heart of the space was created with the aspiration of creating a sense of awe amidst visitors, while ensuring that the ensemble could be reused effectively in future projects

Ar. Rachna Agarwal

Exemplifying Grandeur

Keeping in mind the transient nature of the space, the entire structure has been designed and developed as a modular and reusable artistic installation, ensuring the conscious utilization of materials and resources. A biophilic design approach helps establish a connection with nature. The structure is easily the nucleus of the venue; it allows visitors to intrinsically understand the tonality of the brand and its services.