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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Skill Development Center in Malad, Mumbai by Studio NACLMay 19th, 2021 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Studio NACL The PCJF Skill Development Center in Mumbai is a CSR project designed to create an inspiring and encouraging learning environment. The design concept focuses on crafting multi-functional spaces for the institution, emphasising effective space utilisation and acoustics to control elevated sound levels while breaking away from the typical and cliché classrooms. The site was previously used as a gymnasium on the top floor of a commercial building- with bulky beams, stand-alone columns creating dead spaces and minimal natural ventilation. This area needed to be converted into a centre, where one could get hands-on practical training and accommodate heavy machinery within a clutter-free environment.  Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia
 Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia The design approach, both functionally and aesthetically, aims to capitalise on every element, object and material that is integrated within the space by using it in more than one way and ultimately transforming the room with minimal alterations, thereby ensuring versatility within the space. To achieve this, the space design revolved around limited use of varied materials and colours and with the play of textures and grids and linear patterns throughout the space. Spatially, the space has been divided as per the window locations on site. All classrooms have been lined by the windows to enhance the learning process for the user, and the back-end office and utility areas have been planned towards the rear part of the building. To ensure maximum space use in the classrooms, minimal circulation spaces have been created. A single passage acts as a spine to the entire space and connects the various rooms of the single 5000 sq. ft. floor plate.  Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia  Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia As per the development control guidelines, the space required for each classroom was insufficient on-site. To overcome this constraint, a single space has been used in multiple ways to provide maximum usage and enhance the spatial experience. For instance, both the salons combine into one room by merely opening a mirror sliding folding partition and by rearranging the furniture in the retail class. Since both the salon spaces are identical, the merging of the two is seamless. Storage units have been distributed around columns and on walls, to create intriguing wall designs and functional storage space. For instance, the electronic lab requires a large number of tools that are stored on the wall, thereby creating interesting wall decor. Passages are lined with storage units that give a library-like feel, and niches have been designed to craft out seating that looks like it has been carved out of storage walls. To compensate for the low ceiling, the use of wire mesh panels as the ceiling covering help give it a lighter look and widen the space visually.  Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia  Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia Movable furniture was critical to the design; it is therefore designed and customised to be stowed away when not in use and moved around as per requirement. Every corner, furniture piece and blank space has a utilitarian value, thereby resulting in an open layout with clutter-free spaces. With the constant movement of students, staff, and the use of tools and machinery while training, the institute had to be acoustically treated. Prefabricated wall panels with acoustical properties are used as an effective and economical substitute to Siporex walls to ensure minimal disturbance within classrooms. There is extensive use of materials requiring fewer treatments and low maintenance, like birch ply on walls and furniture, concrete tiles on the floor, lime plastered walls, fluted glass, M.S. furniture and metal mesh panels. A muted grey palette in different materials and textures that are low on maintenance is used to create a subtle backdrop. The vibrant brand colours endow identity stand out as a highlighting feature across the space. Clean, stark lines in the form of partition designs, lighting design and the graphics created through the furniture elements, all aid in creating an understated pattern, allowing bold forms such as the logo design to get highlighted.  Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia  Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia Modern, yet minimal patterns and grids are followed throughout the space, in order to augment functionality as well as adding versatility to the space. The result is an effortlessly practical design solution that keeps the user engaged and intrigued, whilst motivating them to learn, network and train in an environment that is soothing to the senses and efficient for learning.  Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia  Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia  Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia  Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia  Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia  Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia  Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia  Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia  Image Courtesy © Kunal Bhatia  Image Courtesy © Natasha Aggarwal  Image Courtesy © Natasha Aggarwal  Image Courtesy © Natasha Aggarwal  Image Courtesy © Natasha Aggarwal
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Categories: Center, development, Interiors |
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