www. (Where We Work) - A New Urban Hybrid

WWW. (WHERE WE WORK) A New Urban Hybrid

A project report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE B ARCH

by KARAN M HASIJA

1RW15AT040

R V COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE (Affiliated to the Vishvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum)

Site CA-1, Banashankari 6th Stage, 4th Block, Near Chikagowdanapalya Village, Off Vajarahalli Main Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560062 Bengaluru 560 062 FEBRUARY – JULY 2020

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am deeply indebted to my guide Ar. Anup Naik, Ar. Mehul Patel, Ar. Nagaraj Vastarey and Ar. U. Seema Maiya for their invaluable guidance and constructive criticism rendered during the course of the project.

I wish to express my gratitude to Dr Om Prakash Bawane, Principal, R V College of Architecture, under whose encouragement all possible facilities were provided for the successful completion of the project.

I would also like to express my warm appreciation to the members of the faculty of the College and my friends for their kind co-operation during the course of my work.

Several people have directly or indirectly contributed to the success of this project and writing of this report. It is my pleasure acknowledging the help of these people.

Karan M Hasija 1RW15AT040

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT

1

INTRODUCTION A. Understanding the Premise and User Group B. Area of Intervention C. The Project D. Scope E. Limitations

2-5 2 2-3 3 3-4 4-5

BACKGROUND STUDY AND RESEARCH

6-7

CASE STUDIES

8 - 11

CONTEXT A. Understanding the Context and Location in Relation to the Program B. Identifying Zones of Influence Around C. Documenting the Site C.1. Context Plan C.2. Site Plan C.3. Site Section D. Regulations E. Inferences

12 - 19

PROGRAM

20 - 22

DESIGN PROCESS A. Initial Exploration B. Ideation B.1. Option 1 B.2. Option 2 B.3. Option 3 C. Design Development C.1. Structure C.2. Development of the Workspace Module - 2 and 3 C.3. Structure (Final) C.4. Elevation C.5. Future

23 - 45 23 - 24

DESIGN DRAWINGS

46 - 57

DESIGN VISUALISATION

58 - 61

12 13 14 - 17 15 16 17 18 19

25 - 26 27 28 - 31 32 - 45 33 - 37 38 - 41 42 43 - 44 45

CONCLUSION

62

REFERNCES

63 ii

ABSTRACT This thesis explores the effect of the gig economy on the architecture of the workplace. It represents the new urban hybrid growing out of a changing demographics needs.

The current workforce comprises of knowledge or creative knowledge workers who spend their time processing knowledge and data to create and solve problems that exist in society. Their success depends on their ability to constantly learn and develop skills and expertise, these come from multiple collaborations and learning from a community, hence giving rise to the need for a centre for knowledge workers who can collaborate and develop by learning.

With the world moving towards a new work culture, the thesis looks at the importance of a collaborative workspace. The program brings together a collection of different workspaces and plays to the constraints and advantages of each of them to create a highly dynamic work environment that facilitates higher levels of productivity, creativity, innovation and collaboration in addition to work life balance.

1

INTRODUCTION

A. Understanding the Premise and User Group The current workforce comprises of knowledge or creative knowledge workers who spend their time processing knowledge and data to create and solve problems that exist in society. Their success depends on their ability to constantly learn and develop skills and expertise, these come from multiple collaborations and learning from a community, hence giving rise to the need for a centre for knowledge workers who can collaborate and develop by learning.

In an article published by Richard Florida, an American economist, he splits the knowledge or creative workers into two categories: The Super Creative Core - This group comprises of scientists, professors, poets, novelists, artists, entertainers, actors, designers, architects, writers, editors, cultural figures. He puts these together based on the fact that they produce using creativity.

The Creative Professionals - This group includes the tech community, financial services, legal, health care, business management. This categorisation is based on the fact that they get together and collate data or information to creatively solve an issue or problem.

Now, the above mentioned professionals could have varying employment states, where some could be freelancers, consultants hired on a contractual bases or entrepreneurs. Further, they could be of varying sizes meaning they can be individuals, small groups or larger almost established companies.

The above information helps define the user group for the project. In addition, it also paints a picture of the kinds of spaces that would be needed.

B. Area of Intervention The selected context is the CBD of Bangalore city, its location stems from the demographic and urban condition of it. Furthermore, the CBD has seen its fair share of such mixed use developments that have served their purpose well and have succeeded in becoming landmarks of the city, one such example is Barton Centre.

2

The CBD is a central point in the city for all industries to come together from the various categorised areas spread across, the improvement in public transport (metro) will only emphasise this and will see the CBD as the hub for collaboration.

Choosing a site along a transit line has two advantages; a) It increases mobility. b) It gives the opportunity to build more usable area.

Testing this type of development in the CBD also gives rise to the challenge of economising space and generating as much revenue as possible from the site. High economic gain becomes a driver for the type of building this project will be.

The site for the project is Shrungar Complex, located on MG Road and stretching through to Church Street, the building has been a landmark in the city ever since its construction, however, currently it is unoccupied and will be redeveloped. The existing building is also a mixed use development.

C. The Project Upon defining the issues the project will address, the people it will cater to and its location, the project began to take shape as a mixed use single block tower in the CBD of Bangalore. The location gave rise to the public aspect such as retail and food, whereas the premise gave rise to the workspace aspect of it.

D. Scope

- Current developments in the workspace for the future are retrofits,

-

-

they are constructions that served multiple purposes over time and have now come to serve the purpose of co-working spaces. This development will be a fully purpose built project for the workspace of the gig economy.

Spaces like incubators and accelerators have existed globally since the dot com boom, Bangalore also has its fair share of incubators and accelerator programs that function out of houses and hotels respectively, the project would create a defined space for these activities.

In most cases, shared workspaces, co-working spaces and serviced workspaces exist independently and in different buildings, this project would bring all of these together under one roof, giving rise to a very dynamic work environment with people from various professions and places.

3

- Having varied types of workspaces also helps in maintaining

-

-

-

diversity and avoiding a type of industry monopoly where all the occupants are from only one industry, this further leads to a drop in innovation as there is lesser cross-collaboration.

Being located next to a metro station, the development will have a higher economic yield, as the buildable area is higher and so is the footfall.

The site also gives the opportunity of testing out new urban design ideas as the ground condition is highly pedestrian and sees a large number of walkers.

Furthermore, the site having a rather small footprint gives rise to the opportunity of exploring how a vertical development can be less monotonous in its design and can still have the character of a highly urban and dynamic space.

In addition to the dynamism, it will also be interesting to explore the interface of public functions like retail and entertainment and private functions like workspaces and residences.

The verticality also gives rise to the opportunity to explore the importance of exterior form and finish and also the importance of the skyline of the city and its global image.

The tectonics become a very important aspect in a development like this. Structure, envelope and space will have to come together in a highly detail oriented manner in addition to being sustainable and climatically sensitive.

Finally, the project will prove that it is possible for commercial real estate and architecture to be functional, well designed, dynamic, aesthetic, sustainable and at same time be profitable.

E. Limitations

- The initial intent of the project was to create a transit oriented

-

development, however due to limitations like the site footprint, the idea to use an existing transit point was let go and the idea of choosing a site in close proximity to a transit point was picked.

However, establishing this link in a way that is realistic and not idealistic or hypothetical is a challenge.

The intent of the project was to be a high-rise development in the CBD, however, even after the highest FSI, this seems like a challenge due to a small site footprint.

Since the current trend of co-working spaces is more about interior design rather than space creation and careful, studied space generation, it will be challenge to create the same environment without delving into interior design and decoration.

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- Creating a clear definition as to who is using which space and

-

-

dividing the program based on users will be a challenge as a defined user group does not exist. The user group or base is slightly open-ended. Such is the condition of the workforce.

Defining the workspaces based on industries only will create a limitation on what the project is and also dilute the idea of a flexible workspace that can be used by anyone. Hence, the open-ended user group is what drives the dynamism.

Failures in the industry, such as WeWork pose a threat to the future of this type of a workspace. However, research proves that the gig economy is the future and there is a demand for such workspaces.

Such failures are independent of the concept of the gig economy as the shift is inevitable.

Also, the WeWork failure is a case of a flawed business model, not a flawed observation, analysis or concept.

5

BACKGROUND STUDY AND RESEARCH The thesis was born out of an article written in the Harvard Business Review, titled Thriving in The Gig Economy. The article targeted the reasons of failure in this new work world.

HBRs Article targets the independent workers, freelancing is a high risk high reward state of employment, however, most independent workers fail due to distractions and lack of motivation, HBR feels we need four connections to thrive in a freelance work environment, all four can be offered only by a physical (social) workspace.

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Place - A place to relate to and partition the mind to function differently between work and play.

Routine - Having somewhere to go every morning generates drive that helps sow the seed.

People - You are bound to derive motivation through admiration or envy by watching other people work Purpose - Knowing you are part of a larger community helps in creating internal purpose and developing a successful value and belief system.

https://hbr.org/2018/03/thriving-in-the-gig-economy

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Another key research finding during the project was the Gensler Asia Workplace Survey, which is a survey carried out by Gensler at intervals, the survey takes into account the social and physical aspects of the workspace. The survey coincidentally was carried out in Bangalore as one of the case situations, The key findings of the survey are illustrated below.

The above illustration depicts the physical aspects of the workplace, such as openness and privacy in relation to productivity and preference.

The data represented below is based on the social aspects such as collaboration and learning from peers.

This data helps extrapolate the key aspects of successful workspaces.

https://www.gensler.com/research-insight/gensler-research-institute/asia-workplacesurvey-2016/

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CASE STUDIES Three projects were studied to understand the typology in terms of space planning, architectural character and spatial quality in addition to construction methodology.

Services

Serviced Worksp

A. WeWork Galaxy, Bangalore (Total ground up built to suit project) Identifying layering and programming in addition to proximities and tentative sizing of spaces.

Community

Services

Serviced Workspaces

Community

Circulation

Circulation Hot Desks

Hot Desks

Private Offices

Private Offices

8 315 Work Avenue

Prestige Trade Tower

Understanding space planning and percentages of each space at WeWork Galaxy.

Services

Serviced Workspaces

Community

Circulation

Hot Desks

Private Offices

15%

20%

10%

20%

45%

40%

40%

10%

20%

20%

15%

30%

30%

9

30%

30%

35%

35%

20%

20%

15%

Analysing materials and spatial quality in addition to furniture and collaboration spaces through images.

10

315 Work Avenue

Prestige Trade Tower

WeWork Galaxy

WeWork Galaxy in Bangalore was studied as an example for a typology that attempts to break the traditional workspace, the study helped inform the program division, proximities and space programming. Apart from WeWork two typological workspaces were looked at. One being 315 Work Avenue, a fit-out operator that converts any available commercial space into a rentable space. The last one is The Prestige Trade Tower, which is a recent important commercial project in Bangalore, that is supposed to represent the future of commercial spaces in the city.

Based on the above studies, the project bases itself as a sum of the strengths of the above mentioned projects, being spatial collaborative synergy, flexibility and looks to the future in terms of construction and creating a new urban hybrid

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CONTEXT A. Understanding the context and location in relation to the program

The CBD is a central point in the city for all industries to come together from the various categorised areas spread across, the improvement in public transport (metro) will only emphasise this and will see the CBD as the hub for collaboration.

In any dense urban condition, like the city of Bangalore, different areas of the city represent and house different functions or industries of work. Similarly, in the case of Bangalore, areas like Whitefield, known as the IT Hub have arisen over time. Studying this overall pattern, it can be noticed that connecting the various areas a spine of sorts can be identified. This spine currently connects Electronic City (IT), Sarjapur (IT), HSR (Startups) and Koramangala (Startups and MSMEs). Now this consist of the first half, now the CBD becomes the halfway point of this spine, linking the first part to the second part of the spine which consists of Indiranagar (Startups and MSMEs) and Whitefield (IT). Hence locating the project in such a location is a strategic move which brings together employees of varying employment states and also varying professions.

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B. Identifying zones of influence around

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Metro Purple Line 6

1.

2.

3.

3

1

7 2 8

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

4

Vidhan Soudha Cubbon Park Chinnaswamy Stadium Kanteerva Stadium Shivajinagar Ulsoor Lake Ulsoor Indiranagar

Shrungar Complex

Along the Purple Line, two locations can be picked.

- MG Road - Church Street, this site is interesting because of the Urban scenario around it and it’s location, the location becomes important because a building here would shape the skyline of the city and become a dominant figure in the city.

- Srungar Complex - MG Road and Church Street Metro Station, with an adjoining building Finally, the Shrungar Complex site was chosen, this was because the other site posed issues like a small footprint and being a metro station it would have a lot of back end spaces that could overpower the usable and functional spaces which were intended to be built.

Total Site Area = 4104 m2.

FSI = 4 Total Buildable Area = 16,416 m2 Site Dimensions = 54m x 76m 13

C. Documenting the Site

Photomontage Elevation of Mg Road

Panoramic Image of Mg Road

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C.1 Context Plan

MG R OAD

CHUR CH ST R

15

EET

36

0 12

54

C.2 Site Plan

MG ROA D

52m

76m CHU R

CH S TREE T

12

0 16

4

30

C.3 Site Section

In a context like this, terrain usually does not play an important role. However, in the case of this site, the 3.5m drop across the site is a strong opportunity to design efficiently.

Another interesting aspect of the site was the presence of the work completed by the TenderSure project which put in appa Memorial place good public infrastructure Park on both sides of the site, helping Walkway the designed urban insert fit Elevated in Detail B seamlessly.

LEVA RD

3.5m

METRO STAT ION PLE

KAM

(PUR

ARA J ROA D

BOU

OVERHE AD MET RO LINE

LINE )

MG ROA D

CANARA BAN CIRC LE OFF K ICE

BARTON

METRO OVERHE AD

CENTRE

SHELTON GRA ND

CHU

Mahatma Gandhi Road

METRO STAT ION

STREET

CAUVER HANDICRY AFTS EMP ORIU M

CHU

RCH

STREET

BRIGAD

E ROA D

Boulevard - Rangoli Art Centre

RCH

BRIGAD

E ROA D

Key Plan

ppa Memorial Park

Church Street Elevated Walkway Detail A

3.5m

Detail C

Mahatma Gandhi Road

Boulevard - Rangoli Art Centre

A Cariappa Memorial Park

B Elevated Walkway

C

3.5m

ARC10.1 Thesis Studio emester X, Section A

Mahatma Gandhi Road

Boulevard - Rangoli Art Centre

Site Extents

(76m)

Church Street

0

Cross Section 9

3 17

21

D. Regulations Being located in a dense urban context, an important constraint of the site are the regulations and bylaws of the site. Having an FSI of 4, it was known from the inception of the project that the requirement to achieve the total FSI would require the project to be a vertically dense one given the small footprint of the site, hence one of the most important regulations to study was the height restrictions imposed (if any) by the government, and if they were applicable to the site in question.

Outer Conical Surface

Site Inner Horizontal Surface (0km - 5km)

In this zone, the building height can increase by 1m for every 20m it is away from the Inner Horizontal Surface 7.5km - 5km = 2.5km 2.5km = 2500m 2500m/20m = 125m Total height = 125 + 45 = 160m

5km

2.5k

m

7.5k

m

However, the site lies on the Outer Conical Surface of HAL Airport, which is a defence aerodrome, according to RMP 2015, the maximum height in this zone is 100m.

HAL Airport

5km

Outer Conical Surface (5km - 20km)

Within 5km of an Aerodrome Reference Point

16m 16m

Max height in this zone is 45m

16m Setback (Above 50m)

100m

88m

16,000 sqm Built Up Area + 100m Height Restriction 18

E. Inferences

Photomontage Elevation of Church Street

The figure ground clearly shows a high density of vegetation in the residential area of the context (Rest House Road). However, the island between MG Road and Church Street is devoid of any lung space or greenery. Therefore, carrying the green through from Carriappa Park on the west and the green from the residential areas of Rest House Road on the east will help bring in the needed vegetation onto the MG Road-Church Street Island. It is important to understand the density and footprint of the built elements in the context, as this becomes a driver for the design in any urban project. Usually a figure ground does not consist of vegetation, however, including it has helped understand the context better and has given rise to a valid design inference.

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The thoroughfare is a key spatial aspect of the context, in most cases it exists hidden in plain sight, for example through Barton Centre. However, the level difference and the lack of a direct visual through the site cause it go get lost in all the density, therefore creating a more flowing movement spine will help create a more prominent connect between the two.

The site prior to being redeveloped acted as a thoroughfare as well, Shurngar Complex was an important pause point on this island connecting MG Road and Church Street.

PROGRAM The program has been developed keeping in mind the fact that the project locates itself in a dense urban environment that must cater to the needs of the context as well as to the needs of the time, in addition to catering to the main component, the workplace.

In a general condition, it is rare to see this mix of workspaces and programs together under one roof.

Bringing these types of workspaces together under one roof helps create a dynamic program which is ever evolving and modifiable.

The people who use these spaces are of different backgrounds and and belong to different schools of thought, hence bringing them together can help create an extremely dynamic and collaborative workspace that pushes forth the main purpose of work today, innovation.

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- Retail - Formal - Built - Stores / Rentable units - Informal (pop ups and flea markets) - Open - Entertainment - Restaurants - Built - Event Spaces (informal, music, cultural) - Open - Workspaces - Start-up Spaces - Incubators - Thinking - Discussions / Meetings / Brainstorming - Working - Hands on / coding etc.

- Presenting - Discussion with mentors and possible funders - Accelerator - Learning - Experimenting - Discussing - Co-working Spaces - Shared workspaces - Hot Desks - Can be booked day to day (app based) - Meeting Rooms - Can be booked day to day (app based) - Hot Desks - Normal (Public Vision) - Focus (Hidden) - Private offices - 1 - 2 Pax - 3 - 4 Pax - 5 - 10 Pax - Innovation Hub - Maker Space - 3D Printers - Woodworks - Metal Works and Welding - Prototyping Lab - Brainstorming Areas - Discussion spaces - Exhibit / experiment areas - Recreation - Gym - Indoor Sports - Sleeping pods - Cafeteria - Arcade - Sensory Deprivation Rooms

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Space

Area (Percentage / Area)

Area / Unit

Units

Retail

1,000 sqm

100 sqm/ 150 sqm/ 200 sqm

3, 2, 2

Restaurants

2,500 sqm

500 sqm (3:2 ratio dining to kitchen) 1,000 sqm

3, 2

Incubator

2,500 sqm

500 sqm

5

Accelerator

1,500 sqm

500 sqm

3

Co-working / shared workspaces

4,000 sqm

2,500 sqm

1

Serviced Workspaces

2,000 sqm

150 sqm/ 300 sqm/ 600 sqm

2, 2, 2

Innovation Centre

3,000 sqm

1,500 sqm Maker Space/ 1,500 sqm Library

1, 1

Parking For Office Spaces - 1 per 50 sqm.

Total Workspace area = 14,500 sqm. => 290 Car Parks

Parking Area = 30 sqm per car park => 5,250 sqm Achievable in one basement = 50m x 72m = 3600 sqm Requirement = 1.5 Basements

For Retail Spaces - 1 per 50 sqm.

Total Retail area = 1000 sqm. => 20 Car Parks For Restaurants - 1 per 25 sqm.

Total Restaurant area = 1000 sqm. => 40 Car Parks

Toilets Assuming 9 sqm. per person, Total Number of People = 1700 = 850 Male => 34 WCs and WBs (1 per 25) + 56 Urinals (1 per 15)

Total = 350 Car Parks => Can be halved because of metro => 175 Car Parks

= 850 Female => 56 WCs and WBs (1 per 15)

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DESIGN PROCESS A. Initial Exploration

Some of the initial exploration sketches grew out of the idea of the organic nature of the program, which has varying demands day by day. So, is it possible to create a building which responds to these demands by altering the spaces within a framework to accommodate the need of the day and also vary according to the time of day, this would help create a dynamic being in a dense ever changing urban scenario.

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F

&

B LINE

(PURPLE

STATION

KAMARAJ

METRO METRO

ROAD

BOULEVARD OVERHEAD

LINE)

MG ROAD

CANARA CIRCLE BANK OFFICE BARTON

METRO OVERHEAD

CENTRE

S E R V I C E D

SHELTON GRAND METRO STATION

STREET

CAUVERY HANDICRAFTS EMPORIUM

O F F I C E S

STREET

BRIGADE

ROAD

CHURCH

Key Plan BRIGADE

ROAD

W O R K

S P A C E

P R I V A T E

CHURCH

R E C R E A T I O N

S

A N D

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S H A R E D

R K S P A C E

W E L L N E S S

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Cariappa Memorial Park Elevated Walkway

Boulevard Rangoli Art Centre

3.5m

n

n

o v a t h u b

R E T A I L

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F

F

& B

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B

Mahatma Gandhi Road

Church Street

p a r k i n g 9

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B. Ideation - Option 1 Every form of work follows a process, the process can vary, but it exists.

This iteration explores that process of work. It divides the built elements to each occupy a process or stage of work. The vertical towers house the working and development aspects whereas the horizontal connectors house the discussion and collaboration spaces, all coming together on a podium consisting of a public platform to test the creations before they are sold to the outside world.

I N N O V A T E

DISCUSS SELL

BUILD DISCUSS

TEST Schematic Sketch

D LINE

(PURPLE

METRO

KAMARA J ROAD

BOULEVAR OVERHEA D METRO

STATION

LINE)

MG ROAD

CANARA CIRCLE BANK OFFICE

BARTON

METRO OVERHEA D

CENTRE

SHELTON GRAND

CHURCH

METRO STATION

STREET

CAUVERY HANDICRA EMPORIUMFTS

BRIGADE

ROAD

STREET

BRIGADE

ROAD

Key Plan

Elevated Walkway

Boulevard Rangoli Art Centre

3.5m

W O R K

S P A C E

S

n

n

o

v h

Cariappa Memorial Park

S E R V I C E D

A T

O W

I

R E C R E AT I O N AND WELLNESS

R

T

U

P

S H A R E D

R K S P A C E

S

S

P

A

C

E

P R I V A T E

O F F I C E S

CHURCH

a u

t

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o

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b

R E T A I L

F

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Mahatma Gandhi Road

Church Street

p a r k i n g 9

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Programmatic Section

3

25

15

B. Ideation - Option 1 C O W O R K I N G

The first tower would consist of the co-working spaces for independents or small teams developing ideas. This would occupy the majority chunk of the area of development to accommodate the growing freelance workforce.

S T A R T U P S

COLLABORATE

O F F I C E S

TEST

Once the division and calculations are complete the plates would be staggered and added or subtracted based on user requirements and to create a dynamic workplace which supports collaboration and synergy amongst the workforce.

GENERATE VOLUME

Outcome Finally, the idea of dividing the built aspects based on the stages of work was carried forward however the triple fork arrangement was let go due to the fact that on a site with such a small footprint the towers would house floor plates that would be inefficient and unusable.

26

STAGGER

B. Ideation - Option 2 This exploration looks to create a module of spaces which is repeatable across a framework of structure and services. This module consists of a singular type of space and a collaboration core attached to it. The module is repeated till the area is achieved.

The module is rotated by 15o at every repetition, this helps climatically avoid direct harsh lighting.

Outcome From the above exploration, the idea of the multi level module repeating across a framework was carried forward. In addition, the usage of structural masts as depicted was also carried forward. However, in this case the module as not usable as it housed only a singular type workspace hence defeating the purpose of a dynamic work environment meant for collaboration.

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B. Ideation

Central Core

Split Core across

Split Core x 4

Offset Core

Corner Core

Split Core across

Split Core L

Front Core

If a traditional core and structural system is used, the floor plate becomes less usable hence reducing the efficiency and flexibility.

In a development like this efficiency is one of many constraints of the project.

Therefore combining the structure and service core becomes an advantageous design strategy as it frees up more usable floor area.

By splitting the core, multiple possible interaction points are created across the building, hence helping improve and push forward the idea of a collaborative workspace.

Another interesting takeaway is the creation of multiple movement paths through the building creating a varying approach every time.

Split Core x 6

Movement Core

Toilet Core

Fire Core

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B. Ideation - Option 3 Volumetrically, this approach is divided into four parts, the lowest one housing the public program, and a playful urban environment, the next an innovation hub, separating the next volume of co-working spaces and this is a cafeteria acting as a soft interface between the two, beyond which is a recreation volume consisting of a sky park and other recreation programs like a gym and sports facilities. Finally the top most volume houses serviced workspaces for enterprises. The recreation volume is again an interface between the co-working spaces and the serviced workspaces, it acts as a node for interaction and networking.

+68m S E

R V

I

C E

D

W O R K S P A C E

S

+56m +48m

R E C R E A T I O N

C O W O R K I

N G

S P A C E S

+28m C

Schematic Sketch

I

A

F

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R I

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+22m

A O N

+10m

H U B

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F

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Cariappa Memorial Park Elevated Walkway

Boulevard Rangoli Art Centre

3.5m Mahatma Gandhi Road

Church Street

Programmatic Section

Initial Sketch

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B. Ideation - Option 3 - Development of the Workspace Module - 1

Traditional volumetric approach

Ring/Belt Approach

The repeatable module houses the four different types of workspace. The diagrams represent the articulation of them.

The modules each accommodate 2000sqm. of area, hence requiring four repetitions to house all the required workspaces. Each repetition is rotated by 180o which helps create a different facade condition at every three level interval.

Creating Volumes

Plates staggered to alternate levels Private Offices Open Plan Hot Desks Formal Rentable Meeting Spaces

Scaling plates to accommodate area

Vertical connection, movement becomes space

Startup Spaces Informal Meeting spaces and movement

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B. Ideation - Option 3 This scheme builds on the previous scheme by developing the structural masts and the idea of the module. It also introduces spaces in between the modules as interfaces. This helps create a dynamic building with varying vertical density and interesting spatial adjacencies. It also represents a new development in the skyline of the city, representing the future of a dense urban context like the CBD of Bangalore city.

Ground

Structure/Service Cores

Adding Workspace Modules, Four Inversions

The Playground

Serviced Workspaces and Workspace Operator Offices (Support)

Expansion, small scale, day to day basis, using openable facade panels

Outcome This scheme was not taken forward as the the floor plates were too small due to the height of the building. The height required a s setback of 16m which made the floor plates highly inefficient. However, the idea of the structural steel service masts was carried forward. In addition, the volumetric approach was broadly carried forward for the final design scheme.

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C. Design Development This scheme is a scaled version of the previously illustrated scheme, it’s vertically scaled down and horizontally scaled up, this helps create a more efficient floor slab which increases the flexibility. In terms of a contextual response, matching the buildings height to Barton Centre creates a more respectful structure visually. The larger floor plate allows and facilitates a modular workspace and accommodates a possible program change.

IDEA discuss

METRO METRO

LINE

(PURPLE

ROAD

BOULEVARD OVERHEAD

STATION

KAMARAJ

Modular Workspaces

LINE)

MG ROAD

CANARA CIRCLE BANK OFFICE BARTON

METRO OVERHEAD

CENTRE

SHELTON GRAND

CHURCH

METRO STATION

STREET

CAUVERY HANDICRAFTS EMPORIUM

BRIGADE

ROAD

STREET

BRIGADE

ROAD

Key Plan

C

E

B

P R I V A T E

collaborate

O F F I C E S

CHURCH

S

H U B

T S

W

O V A T I O N P R I V A T E

W O R K

S P A C E

P U T

test

P

S E R V I C E D

U

O

T

O F F I C E S

R E D

P A C E

S

A I L F

F &

B

&

B

I

n

n

Elevated Walkway

a r k i n g

o

v h

SELL

a u

t

i

o

3.5m

n

b

R E T A I L

Cariappa Memorial Park

R E C R E AT I O N AND WELLNESS

R

W E L L N E S S

build

A

A N D

S

Industrial Makers Space

E C R E A T I O N

S H A R E D

R K S P A C E

K

E

P

A

D

F

&

B

Mahatma Gandhi Road

Boulevard Rangoli Art Centre

Church Street

p a r k i n g

Schematic Sketch

9

0 3

Max Height 48m

s

W O R K S P A C E S

ild

C I

A N

F N

E O

T V

H

E A

U

R T

I I

A O

N

B

RETAIL

Cariappa Memorial Park Elevated Walkway

Boulevard Rangoli Art Centre

FOOD

3.5m Mahatma Gandhi Road

Church Street

Programmatic Section 32

15

C.1 Design Development - Structure

Further, after the resizing of the floor plate and height of the building it was decided that the main service cores would be placed at the opposite corners, whereas the structural masts would be made in such a way that they would carry the conduits.

In the initial scheme the structure and services were incorporated into six service/ structure cores, this however had workability issues in terms of the sizing of the cores and increasing the sizes was not an option as that would reduce the efficiency of the floor plate.

Glass enclosure for structure

Braced Structural Steel Masts (3m x 3m)

To completely free the floor plate from structural elements, the idea of suspension was explored, this was done as two variations, one where the plates were directly suspend from the masts, one where the intermediate plates were suspended from intermediate masts.

Internal Concrete Shear walls, housing shafts for services

33

C.1 Design Development - Structure

After detailing out the previous structural system, it was identified that the depths of the structural members would hinder the headspace internally. So then the usage of the space frame was proposed, the space frame facilitates even more flexibility in terms of the floor plates. The space frame and the masts combine to form a complete system of structure ands services, this completely detaches the space from the services, hence giving freedom in terms of the usage of the space, and gives it the potential to adapt further on as well.

Variation 1 - Direct Suspension

Intermediate Plates supported by intermediate masts that hold cantilever beams, in addition the plates are also held by the hangers

Supported by Masts

Cantilever system with hangers

Cantilevered from RCC Core

Variation 2 - Intermediate Suspension

34

C.1 Design Development - Structure Space Frame supports two intermediate levels, its worked out on a grid of 3m x 3m x 3m, this gives it enough space to accommodate functions and services in addition to being a structural element, because of its scale it also becomes an element of the overall aesthetic. This variation explores the usage of tension and suspensions cables and how they can help in creating a totally flexible space which can be completely dismantled into its kit of parts.

Configuration 1 - External Suspension The configuration of the structure can be varied based on need, the first variation looks at suspension along the periphery of the floor plate. This frees up the internals of the floor plate, making it more usable and efficient.

35

C.1 Design Development - Structure In this configuration, the floor plates are suspended internally, this can be helpful when internal division of space is required.

Configuration 2 - Internal Suspension 36

C.1 Design Development - Structure Here, the floor plates are fragmented as per need. Each plate is independently suspended. This configuration can quickly adapt to changes in demand and program.

Configuration 3 - Fragmented Suspension 37

C.2 Design Development - Development of the Workspace Module - 2 Similar to the Module Development done for Option 3 on Pg 31, here is another variation of the same, this tries to increase the amount of usable space and also pays attention to the adjacencies of the various spaces. In addition to this it looks to create cutouts in the slab that will better facilitate a visual connection across the three levels of the module.

Private Offices Open Plan Hot Desks Formal Rentable Meeting Spaces

Define Movement and Space

Lift first tier

Startup Spaces

Informal Meeting Spaces

Lift second tier

Articulate and Optimise

Articulate and Optimise

Structure 38

C.2 Design Development - Development of the Workspace Module - 2

Each such modules accommodates 3750sqm, therefore to accommodate the total required workspace area two repetitions of module would be required, in this case, the module is placed on top as a rotated mass, which creates an interesting elevation.

39

C.2 Design Development - Development of the Workspace Module - 3 This variation of the module is the one carried forward to the final design detailing stage, here an optimum balance between cutout and floor area, informal and formal and open and closed was identified.

Private Offices Open Plan Hot Desks Formal Rentable Meeting Spaces

Define Movement and Space

Lift first tier

Startup Spaces

Informal Meeting Spaces

Lift second tier

Articulate and Optimise

Articulate and Optimise

Structure

40

C.2 Design Development - Development of the Workspace Module - 3

Each such modules accommodates 3750sqm, therefore to accommodate the total required workspace area two repetitions of module would be required, in this case, the module is placed on top as a rotated mass, which creates an interesting elevation.

41

C.3 Design Development - Structure (Final) For a structure like this to be workable, most of the load distribution must happen within the slab. Therefore, a lattice of primary and secondary beams is created, in addition to which tie rods are added for increased tension, upon which a lightweight material like decking sheet is placed.

Suspension from space frame, carrying main beams to hold slab

Space Frame, supported on structural masts and core

Suspension from space frame, carrying main beams to hold slab

Tie Rods for horizontal bracing

Lattice of secondary beams

42

Decking Slab placed on the lattice

C.4 Design Development - Elevation Since the building was designed keeping in mind repeatable varying volumes, this was to reflect in the elevation as well. The elevation was developed to emphasise the programmatic diversity of the project. The project is divided into four volumes, each having a varying function and hence lending the elevation varying edge condition. This creates a clear visual understanding of the project from the outside as well as the inside.

This helps create a contrast to the traditional commercial buildings in the context. The project looks to break down the age old design strategies applied to projects that aim to maximise economic gain, while applying newer design strategies that drive economic gains while breathing in a newness into the context.

The Workspace Module is solid on one edge and Porus on the other, this addresses climatic concerns as well as helps in creating an interesting elevation.

Workspace Module acts as a larger three storey volume with smaller volumes suspended internally, creating a sense of a larger collaborative space enclosing the workspaces.

Innovation Hub, enclosed in Translucent Polycarbonate, held by tension rods creating an industrial aesthetic for the makers space.

Ground Plane with undulating roof canopy, opening up the dense elevation on MG Road.

43

C.4 Design Development - Elevation The space frame is a dominant element of the building, its edge condition would play an important role in the overall aesthetic of the project. Here are three options for the same.

The building uses the space frame as a structural element as well as a service floor, exposing the structure would bring to the outside the complete functioning of the building.

Option 1

Using Landscape helps humanise the heavy structural aesthetic of the space frame.

Symbolically, it in a way represents the fact that nature is the sole structural combine holding the earth together.

Option 2

This Option creates a slightly clearer aesthetic, which also helps programmatically differentiate the spaces visually. The cover on the space frame makes the building take on an overall cleaner aesthetic.

Option 3 44

C.5 Design Development - Future The project addresses the changing needs of a typology like this by creating a module that can be completely built off site and brought and placed on the existing built structure in a scenario when the regulations permit so.

45

DESIGN DRAWINGS

M . G

R O A D

ramp to basement 2

security cabin -3500mm

basement 1 market hall

cafe

-3500mm

gas bank

-3350mm

transformer yard

entrance lobby

-3500mm

-3350mm

security cabin

C H U R C H

p l a n

46

o n

S T R E E T

c h u r c h

s t r e e t

6

0 3

15

M . G

R O A D

+/- 0.0mm

+/- 0.0mm +150mm

entrance lobby

+/- 0.0mm

+150mm

retail

+150mm

retail -3500mm

retail cafe

cafe

-3500mm

C H U R C H

p l a n

47

o n

S T R E E T

m g

r o a d

6

0 3

15

woodworking metal shop

electronics shop

laser cutting

rapid prototyping

fabric workshop

woodworking

metal shop

cnc workshop

electronics shop

machine shop

makerspace

laser cutting

rapid prototyping

fabric workshop

cnc workshop

woodworking metal shop

machine shop

cnc workshop

machine shop

library

6

0

p l a n

48

a t

11 m

3

15

gym

library

cafeteria kitchen

p l a n

a t

1 5 m

p l a n

a t

6

0 3

49

1 8 m

15

focus zone

focus zone

6

0 3

p l a n

15

50

a t

2 4 . 5 m

incubator for 8 x (1)

accelerator for 8 x (1)

private office for 12 x (1)

private office for 8 x (1)

private office for 3 - 5 x (1) incubator for 4 - 6 x (2)

discussion space for 10 x (1)

discussion space for 8 x (2)

discussion space for 6 x (2)

discussion space for 6 x (1)

private office for 1 - 2 x (2)

private office for 1 - 2 x (2)

private offices

startup spaces

informal collaboration spaces (furniture is representative) formal collaboration spaces

p l a n

51

a t

2 8 . 5 m

6

0 3

15

incubator for 8 x (1)

discussion space for 10 x (1)

discussion space for 8 x (2)

discussion space for 6 x (2)

discussion space for 6 x (1)

private office for 15 x (1)

accelerator for 8 x (1)

incubator for 4 - 6 x (1)

private office for 3 - 5 x (3)

private office for 3 - 5 x (2)

private offices

startup spaces

informal collaboration spaces

(furniture is representative)

formal collaboration spaces

6

0

p l a n

52

a t

3 2 m

3

15

+54.5m +50.5m +47.5m +44.5m +41m

+37m +34m +31m +27.5m

+23.5m +20.5m +17.5m +14m

+10m +7m +5m

+/- 0.0

e l e v a t i o n

53

o n

m g

r o a d

6

0 3

15

a

+54.5m meeting spaces +50.5m private offices

+47.5m +44.5m

startup spaces

+41m

informal collaboration spaces

+37m +34m +31m +27.5m

+23.5m +20.5m +17.5m +14m

+10m +7m +5m

+/- 0.0 -3.5m

-8m

s e c t i o n

54

a

6

0 3

15

b

+54.5m

meeting spaces

+50.5m

private offices

+47.5m

startup spaces

+44.5m informal collaboration spaces +41m

+37m +34m +31m +27.5m

+23.5m +20.5m

+17.5m +14m +10m +7m +3.5m +/- 0.0 -3.5m

-8m

s e c t i o n

55

b

6

0 3

15

workspace module 2

terrace structure extending above to depict vertical expansion

terrace

sunken slab for soil fill cross laminated timber partitions

structural glazing with mullion extension

poured in foam concrete slab (polished) decking sheet

planter box raised by 300mm for soil fill

workspace module 2

polycarbonate parapet with aluminium frame

glazing on space frame edge, held by patch fittings welded to space frame

primary suspension member suspended from space frame

steel grating catwalk and service platform suspended

workspace module 1

openable glazing panel, hydraulically operated (2m HT) primary beams from suspension

cross bracing for facade

polycarbonate sliding panels with aluminium frame

polycarbonate wall panels with aluminium frame

cross beams

poured in foam concrete slab (polished)

tie rods for horizontal beam bracing

innovation hub

workspace module 1

innovation hub d e t a i l i n g

56

steel louvers framed and attached to space frame

3

0 1

15

Reference Images (images that have influenced the project)

ceiling throw Sainsbury Visual Arts Centre, Foster + Partners

Funktion Design Studio, BL Manjunath

vertical throw (possibility to use cutouts)

suspended primary beam

underfloor throw

HSBC Tower, Hong Kong, Foster + Partners Essence Bank Tower, OMA

Taiwan Market, MVRDV

ceiling throw use cutouts to take in the stale return air (stack effect)

Wills Faber and Dumas HQ, Foster + Partners

vertical Throw (Possibility to use the suspension members)

hvac system (concept)

Startup City, Schmidt Hammer Larsen

d e t a i l i n g

57

The Shard, RPBW

Toronto Courthouse, RPBW

DESIGN VISUALISATIONS

e n t r a n c e

f r o m

c h u r c h 58

s t r e e t

a e r i a l

v i e w

d a y

59

a e r i a l

v i e w

n i g h t 60

e n t r a n c e

f r o m

m g 61

r o a d

CONCLUSION The thesis began as an exploration of the workspace, arising from the question of what the workspace for a new remote and flexible workforce would be. It questioned the trends and happenings of the current climate of commercial real estate. It analysed new changes and turning points in the future of work. At every step of the way new findings, new information and new events and technologies informed the design process and shaped the design philosophy of the project.

The project aimed to create “a new urban hybrid” in the city of Bangalore, bringing together a new mix of workspaces and public functions, it aimed to democratise commercial real estate and make it available and accessible to all. Along the way the project questioned the age old practices of traditional commercial real estate in the country and also globally. In an attempt to break down and analyse these trends, such as efficiency and flexibility, new solutions were found.

The design strategies taken forward in the project in terms of programming and structure can be further explored. For example, the emergence of a new mixed use typology in urban conditions due to low availability of land. With a changing global scenario an alteration to the workforce would definitely lead to a proportional alteration to the architecture. We must build and design for flexibility and adaptability. The themes of flexibility of space through detailing of structure can be taken forward and adapted to varying typologies, hence creating more resilient built environments. Through the same detailing, even though maybe not entirely feasible in the current scenario, we can also create buildings which can account for further expansion in the preliminary design stages and can then be explained in phases if built in modules, much like this project (Pg 45).

Commercial real estate demands high efficiency and economic gain, which is agreeable, however this has for far too long come at the cost of spatial quality. The project attempts and partially succeeds to obtain a balance between all the constraints placed upon it.

In conclusion, a project like this is an opportunity to explore new avenues and solutions in the face of multiple constraints that restrict the design process. The problem solving process can be creatively approached to make it a design oriented problem solving equation with the search for a feasible and buildable design solution with the help of the ever advancing technology of the world.

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REFERNCES https://hbr.org/2018/03/thriving-in-the-gig-economy http://www.businessworld.in/article/How-The-Gig-Wave-Is-DemocratizingWorkspace-In-India/11-02-2019-167052/ https://www.fastcompany.com/3049532/heres-why-the-freelancereconomy-is-on-the-rise https://hbr.org/2012/05/the-rise-of-the-supertemp http://www.forbesindia.com/blog/business-strategy/gig-economy-its-timeto-welcome-the-future-of-work/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb4SR-uoeUM Innovation Spaces: The New Design of Work by Julie Wagner and Dan Watch The Creative Workspace - A Comparative Analysis of Stakeholders (Masters Thesis submitted at California Polytechnic State University) by Augustina Radzuinaite CBRE Research - The Rise of The Shared Workspace in The Sharing Economy Accenture - Liquid Workforce: Building The Workforce for Today’s Digital Demands https://www.gensler.com/the-future-of-workplace https://clutch.co/hr/resources/future-of-work-how-workspaces-meetworker-needs https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/collaborative-spaces-represent-changingface-future-work-virwani? articleId=6493109357797044224#comments-6493109357797044224&trk=publi c_profile_article_view http://elleipsis.org/portfolio/sainsbury/ https://www.arch2o.com/willis-faber-dumas-headquarters-fosters-partners/ https://www.mvrdv.nl/projects/2/market-and-civic-offices http://www.rpbw.com/project/new-toronto-courthouse

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