INTRODUCTION
An eminent architectural firm, CREATIVE CONSORTIUM, has designed a landmark building called Orbit IT tower in phase –, Mohali, for their client, a distinguished developer, Mr. P.S. Grewal, director Orbit Pvt Ltd. A design innovation of a young acclaimed architect – Ar. Mohita (Garg) Vashisht, Partner & Design Head, CREATIVE CONSORTIUM, is stage set to become a precedent for futuristic urban built forms.
The building mesmerizes spectators by its striking dynamic & rhythmic façade. But the design is not just superficial. In fact, the striking form is actually a produce of functionality i.e. ‘the form as ever has followed the function’. This case study dwells deep into the ORBIT building design approach and role played by Fundermax panels in delivering a futuristic iconic urban form.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The developer, Mr. P.S. Grewal (ORBIT Pvt Ltd), with prominent niche in the industry, is environmentally conscious real estate brand and wanted a futuristic prototype for a sustainable & adaptable built form, which breaks free from typical match box approach and stands Iconic to attract premium Informational technology companies. Ar. Mohita (Garg) Vashisht, with her versatile design knowledge & experience, could bring in a fresh breeze of design innovation which really impressed the client.
DESIGN CHALLENGES & APPROACH
Ar. Mohita draws her inspiration from complex natural systems and she is of the opinion that the built environment has to be designed on lines of natural systems – one’s which are diverse, complex, dynamic, multi-layered & multi-functional.
The design was very challenging given that the site was linear rectangular block 83’-6”x215’ with the front of 83’-6”. Therefore, the main challenge was how to have form in a linear volumetric box. The functional aspect of the building was the most important start point. Integration of a. Design grid; b. Planning Grid; and c. Vehicular Grid, was lopped in to maximize the design adaptability, flexibility & efficiency. Integration mimics natural systems i.e., can be defined as interdependence and inter-exchange of the above three grids.
- Design Grid: – It follows the building footprint which is 50’x 175’. A grid of 50’x 25’ is followed. The Aim of the design grid was to come out with a column free internal layout plan for IT flexibility & adaptability.
- Planning Grid– It is a grid which maximizes utilization and flexibility for all types of IT office requirements (i.e., for functional aspect) such as open office, workstations, cabins etc. The basic module for workstation is 5 feet X 5 feet and that for cabin is a 10’ wide grid. Ideally a grid size with multiple of 5 works very well. Hence 50’x25’ grid provides the required fluidity to all sorts of IT planning.
- Vehicular grid: – 50’x 25’ grid works well for parking planning in basement as well as stilt parking. 25’ grid accommodates 3 bays of car parking spaces.
This integration of various dimensions (grids) imitates natural analogy behaving as a constantly dynamic system which is in a constant flux with its demands.
CLIMATIC RESPONSIVENESS & SUSTAINABILITY
This functionally dynamic volume is also climatically responsive and for that the west façade is enclosed with a multi-layered & multi-functional façade. The façade elements – glazing, fundermax solid panels, aluminum louvers work together to reduce the heat gain of the building while maintaining the natural daylight and outdoor views. Various simulation models were studied and hence the final form in its present shape was evolved.
Application of principle of modulization, standardization, repetition and pre-fabrication of façade modules allows for reduction in material wastage while promotes time & cost efficiency. Façade consultant, Mr. Kazmi, Kazmi enterprise, plays a key role in delivering the intended look.
Aesthetical freedom
Though the form has evolved from the function i.e. functional aspect is pre-dominant factor, the form behaves with ‘Free-will’ as opposed to ‘deterministic’ approach and is allowed freedom at instances to break free from structure to evolve and express liberally. The rhythmic, fluid, floating facades creates the perfect balance and movement which enthrall its audiences. It spreads the feeling of freedom and expression.
Splendid Structural System
The structural design was equally challenging for such free-flowing structure. If one looks carefully in the front elevation, there are two massive volumes projecting out unsupported/cantilevered. One is a three-storey high office block, which projects out (almost like floating in air) symbolic of grandeur and the same is balanced by a 25’x25’ wide cantilevered R.C.C. & smart glass pergola, again three storey high and free floating.
ROLE OF FUNDERMAX
Fundermax being a versatile product played a key role in this architecturally remarkable project, by providing the required flexibility for creating rhythmic structures without adding any un-desirable dead weight. It also encases the structural systems that supports the floating masses creating for its viewers the true illusion of rhythm and fluidity. Fundermax provides benefits of value for money and ease of work.
CONCLUSION
It is truly said that all creation in this world is first conceived in mind i.e. One’s imagination and in this case Ar. Mohita (Garg) Vashisht’s imagination and evolved through design process. It worth applauding that the final form looks exactly like the 3-d visualization that was once imaged by architect. Orbit IT building is a striking example of good aesthetics, solid functionality and neat workmanship. Result is truly WOW!
ABOUT ARCHITECT
Ar. MOHITA (GARG) VASHISHT,
PARTNER & DESIGN HEAD, CREATIVE CONSORTIUM
With masters in ‘Integrated Sustainable Design’ (2013 with First Class (CAP-4.55) from National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore and bachelors in architecture from Chandigarh College of Architecture (CCA), Chandigarh, (2007), Ar. Mohita (Garg) Vashisht is a highly motivated & ambitious women architect with a versatile design knowledge and practical experience drawn from her contribution in various large scale architectural design and urban development projects over last 15 years. She was working as senior architect at M/S CREATIVE CONSORTIUM for 5 years (2007 to 2012) and formed partnership in the year 2015. Since then, under her design leadership, the firm has grown larger and won a number of awards. Her contribution to the organisation is to bring in new stream of design planning concepts which are rooted in sustainability, adaptability and bio-mimicry. Her passion for perfection and meticulous attention to scale and proportions is clearly reflected in her designs.
“I Believe in greener tomorrow by evolving built environment on lines of natural systems – one which is diverse, complex, dynamic, multi-layered and multi-functional” – Ar. Mohita (Garg) Vashisht
ABOUT CREATIVE CONSORTIUM
Started in 1990, the firm is presently managed by two partners, Ar. Madhu Garg & Ar. Mohita (Garg) Vashisht (a mother – daughter duo), with extensive experience in their respective disciplines. with over 50 plus employees, the firm is one of prominent architectural firm in northern region. Working tirelessly with commitment, dedication and hard work towards delivering functional design and aesthetically pleasing outcomes, for past 39 years, the firm has grown multiple folds and is recognized for its pan-India multi-crore projects spanning a vast array of typologies like residential, commercial, educational, retail and civic designs.
ACCOLADES
“For this project, AR. MOHITA VASHISHT (Partner & Design Head, m/s CREATIVE CONSORTIUM ARCHITECTS) was shortlisted FOR WADE AWARD YOUNG EMERGING ARCHITECT CATEGORY (MOST INNOVATIVE PROJECT), 2018, at National level.
The project was acknowledged as a masterpiece –A true architectural excellence chiseled into a perfect state through vision, dedication, and determination. The multi facet jury accredited the IT orbit Project as a design innovation for a better future and recognized it as a piece of excellence.”
