When RSP Design Consultants was engaged by Wells Fargo to design their showpiece Hyderabad office, we knew that here was a client with a keen eye for detail and innovative ideas. At the end of this project, we had developed a special relationship with them that was for keeps.
STATISTICS
Client: Wells Fargo India
Site area : 26 Acres
Total built up area : 0.766 Million Sq.ft.
Parking area : 0.49 Million Sq.ft.
Scope of Services :
Building Design
M&E Engineering
Interior Design
Landscape
An office space built on around a rock
Buildings entering books of records is rare, and the Wells Fargo office in Hyderabad did exactly that. It is featured in the 2015 edition of the Limca Book of Records, the Indian version of the Guinness World Records. The Legacy Walk, a natural rock formation that is incorporated into the ground floor of the Wells Fargo Enterprise Global Services (EGS) building, has been named the “largest natural rock formation in an office building,” a new category in the book. The entry notes that, by integrating the “natural rock formation into its office building, the company aims to spread the message of green buildings and sustainability.”
This project is an example of how collaborative energies can come together and create the exceptional. One of the leading employers in the country, Wells Fargo is known for its exceptional commitment to employees’ well being. The project team at the company, led by Aveek Mukherjee, Managing Director, was closely involved in every stage of the project and this resulted in the creation of spaces that are used by employees actively. In many within this office, including the rock formation, employees have an opportunity to engage and create better products and solutions for the company.
Design Direction
Planned around a rock
Geologists say the rocks used in the Legacy Walk and other such formations in and around Hyderabad were formed 2.5 billion years ago, but rapid urbanization has threatened them. The Legacy Walk rock is made of granite, an intrusive igneous rock, and is rich in potassium feldspar and quartz. RSP was committed to preserving this legacy for the facility and the city in general.
Preserving legacy
The rock formation, which has overlooking and adjacent walkways, is about 191 feet long, 14 feet high at its highest point, and 25 feet deep at its deepest point. The Legacy Walk was inaugurated on January 23, 2014. The name was chosen to signify Wells Fargo’s legacy that, like the rock, has withstood the test of time.
Designed to be open
The multiple collaboration spaces within the office are themed. Each is a mini-oasis for employees of the organization to bond and work together. The space adjoining the rock formation is further linked to the spirit of interactions with the large amphitheatre space which the company frequently uses for town halls.
Focus on usability
The planning of the office is designed to be simple and efficient. People are able to get work done and go about their daily responsibilities in an effective manner.
Viewing deck
A viewing deck allows for not just interacting with the rock surface but to walk over and around it with lighting design capturing the features at different levels. All interior finishes were made to re interpret in modern materiality the tecture, color and character of the rock formation.
Calm in the office
Wells Fargo team members frequently walk by the rock formation and gather in the nearby amphitheater and library, which allow them to enjoy the view. The area gives me a sense of peace and silence, which can be very useful for people working in a corporate environment.