When global tech giant Microsoft commissioned RSP Design Consultants to design their Hyderabad office, we knew this was no ordinary project. The designers had to think of how the techies of the future would work in the workplace of the future; the project had a 10 year master plan.
STATISTICS
Client : Microsoft India
Location : Hyderabad
Site area : 42.25 Acres
Total built up area : 1.5 million Sq.ft.
Scope of Services : Masterplanning, Architecture, C/S Engineering, M&E Engineering, Interior Design and Landscape
Active social spaces as integral components of workplaces
Sited upon 42.25 acres of undulating terrain the Microsoft campus etches a distinctive skyline composed of low and mid rise development blocks punctuated by rocky outcrops. The campus is located in the Cyberabad precinct adjacent to the Indian School of Business. The massing and articulation of the plan forms have been shaped by a rigorous process of review and analysis of the program requirements at each phase of the development.
A predominant feature that forms the structure for the layout of the Campus is the creation of an internal ‘street’ connecting work zones within each block and offering users access to a host of recreational and shared amenities. The ‘street’ is linked to the interstitial spaces between blocks which are ordered to form a progression of formal and informal outdoor activity zones comprising patios as spill over spaces from the cafeteria and conference facilities, stepped courts, an open air amphitheatre and active recreation playfields/ games courts.
Design Direction
Planning for 10 years
The current masterplan for the site has been established over 3 Phases with plans for a future phase. Building-1 and Building-2 are four storeys tall with a Lower Ground floor level below to suit site topography.
Designed around people
Building-3 is scaled up to minimise the built footprint and comprises two wings 7 and 8 storeys tall atop a plinth. The wings are connected by a five-storey central glazed atrium with connecting walkways that bridge between them. Vehicular entrances are limited to two points along the main approach road together with a ceremonial entrance to the East of Building-1. Vehicular circulation is confined to peripheral driveways and segregated from pedestrian routes that link the buildings and recreational open spaces within the campus.
Designed to let natural light in
The expanded ‘H’ plan form with asymmetrical wings connected by the core offers the highest surface area for daylighting of the interior and harnesses views of the external landscape for the building’s occupants. Each of the wings is oriented with the longer axis roughly East to West with shaded glazing on the North and South facades. Walls on the shorter sides are consciously designed as dead walls clad in sandstone with minimal fenestration as accents
Streets and destinations
Functional work spaces are zoned within the wings of each block and integrated with the internal ‘street’ down the centre. The open plan configuration of the workspaces together with connectivity to this central avenue at each level offers flexibility to reorganize work groups with minimal disruption to adjacent zones as business demands evolve.
Catalyzing collaboration
The introduction of varied informal spaces/ settings along the ‘street’ provides users with a seamless yet dynamic experience as they move through the facility. A vibrant and colourful theme is applied to the decor of the ‘street’ to enhance the work-play relationship between the various components of the facility. The ‘street’, while functioning as an efficient connector, is configured to afford opportunities for informal encounters between citizens of the campus.
Making spaces useful
The high degree of delight that employees experienced in this project is accompanied by meaningful conversations that take place each day in this office, fostering innovation. Just like the designers wanted it to be.