Design
A nod to the past: Alfaz and Aahana Miller of ABM reimagine Jindal Group’s New Delhi headquarters
AUG 22, 2024 | By Disha Kalyankar
In the heart of New Delhi’s corporate fabric, the Jindal Group’s headquarters has undergone a striking metamorphosis. Once designed by ABM more than 20 years ago, the design firm led by Alfaz and Aahana Miller has yet again revived the structure to envelope newer, contemporary design ideas.
Layered and expansive, the HQ covers an area of 90,000 sq ft. “The idea was to create a new office look while retaining the bones of the building” reflects Alfaz. He adds, “ABM’s primary task was to repair the over 20-year-old facade, which was clad in Dholpur stone. This involved comprehensive repair work, waterproofing and the installation of new windows, curtain walls and lighting.”
The striking sculpture by Subodh Gupta basks in the glow of the sunlight; Photography by Suryan & Dang
Shared spaces
The black granite-clad central courtyard stands as the heartbeat around which the entire office orbits. A revolving door leads into a captivating workspace that is shared by three Jindal companies. Here, a state-of-the-art stainless steel reception desk awaits, inviting them to ascend the spiral staircase, which meanders across each floor. What carved the canvas for designing the office were the several discussions that ABM engaged in with the company representatives. Sleek workstations adorned with stainless steel trims, thus, become a nod to modern aesthetics. Pinboard fabrics in distinct colourplays mirror each company’s individual branding. Treading through the building, consistent design elements thread their way into the meeting rooms.
Despite being utilised by different companies, these spaces share a cohesive design. Each meeting room is dressed in fabric panelling accented by stainless steel strips, Corian-finished tables, concealed storage and televisions with black back-painted glass panels.
The Directors’ cut
“Our favourite space is the Director’s floor. A mix of furniture and furnishings,” shares Alfaz. Imagine sleek, ergonomic desks teamed with vintage cabinets, bathed in the soft glow of statement light fixtures. The design language of the Directors’ cabins weaves in textures, colours and styles into spaces tailored to individual sensibilities, which promotes a productive and inspiring work environment.
Each of the spacious cabins offers a serene view of either the entrance courtyard or the landscaped terrace. On the top floor lies the directors’ lounge — a sprawling meeting area — and a boardroom that seats over 20 people, seamlessly connected by a covered glass canopy with a terrace view.
Blending contemporary elements to the original fabric of the facade, ABM has created a thoughtful workspace that adapts to today’s environment, while preserving the beauty of its original structure. With reverence for the past and an eye on the future, they’ve crafted a space that balances the eye for aesthetics with timeless utility.
Scroll to see more glimpses of the office by ABM…
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