Gian P. Mathur & Associates Pvt. Ltd. has crafted the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) office in New Delhi, an IGBC Platinum-rated project that seamlessly integrates sustainability with cutting-edge design.
Located amidst the bustling heart of South Delhi, the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) office, perched on the 10th floor of the NBCC building, epitomises a modern transformation of government workspace design. The project’s unique design stands out from the traditional aesthetic of office spaces characterised by bright colours and geometric shapes. Instead, it embraces a palette of soft pastel colours and fluid lines, creating a harmonious integration between the employee workstations and private cabins.
The spatial arrangement is thoughtfully designed with the reception area at the centre, branching out to the executive zone, boardroom, and conference rooms, and extending further to include the general workstations and cafeteria. This layout supports both functional efficiency and thematic coherence. The reception area, inspired by the rays of the sun, with radial patterns creating a point of focus and symbolising growth, serves as a gateway between the employee workstation area and the executive section, including the Director’s office and additional cabins. The parametric design and columns clad in natural moss enhance the reception area, reflecting the latest trends in design.
One of the most striking features of the project is the ceiling design with aluminium baffles which boasts free-flowing patterns that are visually appealing with varied levels and enhance acoustic quality. The bevelled details follow throughout the project, including the corridors and hallways, significantly enhancing the spatial connectivity and creating a sense of flow.
The workstation and cabin areas, marked by arch designs that recall fossil imagery, align with the project’s overarching theme of blending natural history with modern design.
The executive zone introduces glass-panel cabins that seamlessly integrate natural components such as grass and pebbles, fostering a balance between workplace functionality and the natural environment. Further down, the boardroom is adorned with a sunroof through a ceiling that simulates sunlight with inlaid metal fins and carpets in various shades of green, reinforcing the theme of connecting with nature. Just off the boardroom, a corridor leads to the Director’s cabin, distinguished by a custom display wall and unique ceiling treatments that diverge from the rest of the office’s design to create visual interest.
The Director’s cabin also connects to a terrace creating a retreat overlooking palm trees with tiered levels, offering expansive views of the cityscape and enhancing the office’s integration with its urban setting.
In addition to the executive zone, the project includes a cafeteria, multiple small balconies and small huddle pods designed to offer employees a relaxed setting for informal meetings or personal downtime. These pods have a comfortable, inviting decor that differs from traditional office spaces’ more formal aesthetic, which helps lower communication barriers and fosters a sense of ease and creativity. The custom-designed workstation furniture is a testament to the project’s commitment to employee comfort and productivity.
It caters to ergonomic requirements, offering adjustable heights and reclining options that align with contemporary workspace standards. This thoughtful design ensures that every individual can work in a comfortable and efficient manner, underscoring the innovative approach to government office design.
The design and construction of the IOCL office emphasises sustainability through its thoughtful selection of eco-friendly and practical materials that promote environmental health. One of the innovative features is the sound-absorbing moss wall, which not only enhances the space’s aesthetic appeal but also plays a critical role in reducing noise pollution, contributing to a more serene environment. Moreover, the project prioritises local sourcing, utilising components made within India or sourced from local suppliers, which supports the local economy and reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation of materials, lowering the project’s carbon footprint. These efforts in sustainable building practices have been recognised with an IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Platinum rating.
This IOCL Office marks a pivotal shift towards a new era in government building aesthetics. It focuses on innovative space utilisation, material choice, and themes of nature and sustainability, aiming to transform traditional perceptions of governmental work environments by creating a modern, efficient, and eco-friendly space that reflects a commitment to both employee well-being and environmental stewardship.
