South Solarium | Benchmark for A Vibrant & Resillient Workplace Design
Project Specifications:
Service
Architecture, Masterplan
Sector
Office
Location
Bangalore, India
Area
Site Area: 8.70 Ha
Total GFA: 3,095,364.00 m2
Client
Confidential
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Team
Guido Bigolin
Kien Do
Juan Velasquez
Mel Alog
Rizalito Tabinas
Paul Empe Queblatin
Ting Chen
Consultants
Structure: PRASAD CONSULTANTS (PRC India)
HVAC: Airtron Consulting Engineers Pvt Ltd
PHE & Fire Fighting: Rivulet Engineering
Electrical: Sripeksha Engineering consultancy Service Pvt. Ltd
Landscape: Deeproots Design
Lift Specialist: L’Avenir
Traffic / MasterPlanning: Urban Lab
Sustainability / LEED: EN3
Lighting: Ministry of Light
Signage: Stories By Design
Amid Bangalore’s rapid urbanisation and environmental challenges, South Solarium stands out as an innovative, modern office space that caters to the well-being of the new workforce. This sustainable tech hub’s integration with contemporary civic spaces and eco-friendly design aligns with the city’s efforts towards a greener and more sustainable future.
The project aims to set a pioneering positive and resilient office design benchmark. Its spaces and amenities are thoughtfully designed to encourage productivity, creativity, and personal well-being. Several eco-conscious solutions were also integrated. Overall, the South Solarium hub aims to attract and retain top talent, cementing Bangalore’s position as the Silicon Valley of India.
Reshaped Workplace Design Priorities
The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the priorities in workspace designs, emphasising employee wellbeing and achieving a harmonious work-life balance.
Architects undertaking the challenge of crafting thoughtful workplace masterplans are confronted with multifaceted challenges that necessitate innovative solutions:
- The imperative is to balance spaces for focused work and areas conducive to collaboration.
- Infuse elements and amenities within the workplace to create an environment that nurtures the physical and mental health of those working within South Solarium.
- Balance eco-friendly initiatives with functionality.
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Moreover, South Solarium’s prime location, less than 500 meters from a metro station and a bustling road, adds more complexity to the design process. While it offers a convenient location, this would require careful design solutions like soundproofing, green buffers, and designated quiet zones. The area also meant increased exposure to traffic-related air pollution, which must be addressed.
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Brushstroke Signature Concept
From the project’s inception, the central focus has been the well-being of the campus users and the strategic incorporation of sustainable design strategies.
Situated in an optimal position, South Solarium aspires to become an iconic landmark, its design standing out against the Bangalore skyline. Guided by the innovative brushstroke signature concept, the project takes on an organic form, immersing itself in nature and capitalising on the serene lake beside it.
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The facade, characterised by a horizontal expression with a layering effect, utilises an extensive amount of glass and metal, creating an ambience of lightness and transparency that forms a mesmerising visual experience. The passive design strategy of the facade aligns with the sun’s path, ensuring an abundance of natural daylight within the space.
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Workplace Design Essential: Environment with Work-Life Harmony
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The integrated campus program, coupled with an open ground floor concept, nurtures a holistic connection with nature, enhancing the users’ overall well-being. South Solarium introduces exclusive campus amenities such as amphitheatres, F&B spaces, urban farming initiatives, and fitness zones to infuse vibrancy into the space.
In terms of structure, the buildings are meticulously oriented and shaped to embrace the green landscape within the development. Defining axes connect green courtyards with all office blocks, optimizing views for the serene lake or the lush green campus surroundings. Integrating an indoor-outdoor environment fosters connectivity with nature, promoting healthy social interactions, leisure, and relaxation.
Beyond the immediate benefits, the sustainable ethos of South Solarium serves as a forward-looking strategy, aligning with global trends and regulations to future-proof office spaces for upcoming challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable workplace design.