Our masterplan envisioned a series of connected courtyards enclosed by office blocks with active frontages at ground level. The proportions of the courtyards were studied to provide shading to the public realm, creating a pleasant environment at grade. The buildings were organised to create a north-south axis that becomes an active pedestrian hub away from the busy surrounding roads. We utilised a variety of floorplate sizes and typologies for maximum flexibility, our aim to create a diverse working environment that attracts multiple uses and enhances the resilience of the development.

Architecturally we sought to create buildings with excellent environmental performance that create an urban whole while retaining the identity of each building. We utilised a material that has been in use in India for centuries: terracotta. The envelope is shaded with external terracotta screens helping reduce solar impacts significantly while maintaining high levels of daylight on the inside. The rich earthy tones of the terracotta echo the hues of traditional monuments in Delhi in a novel way. We utilised a variety of colours that were mixed in different combination to create a distinctive image for each block. This was accentuated with large openings in the terracotta screens defining key interior spaces, and revealing key landmark corners.

The design is enhanced with sustainability, smart building technology, amenity and wellbeing strategies creating a distinctive experience for office users. Natural ventilation is encouraged in common areas and greenery is used extensively both inside and outside the buildings, solar power and water harvesting and storage are utilised through the roofs, and interactivity is encouraged through a dedicated smartphone app that enables interface with the buildings. A generous allowance of accommodation stairs with natural daylight ensure that staff can walk up and down the buildings.