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    • Design

    Collaboration, creativity and calm: The Parasol workspace in Calicut is a seamless combination of all three

    JUL 5, 2023 | By Diya Shah
    The material library and discussion area is an eclectic and whimsical space, characterised by bold colours and a storage unit with 80 custom-made knobs; Photograph by Yash Jain

    It is no secret that communication and collaboration through design and function thereby, make for a rewarding workspace experience. In Calicut, Shirin Shahanaz and Anjum Ali, Principal Architects of the Kerala-based interior design studio Parasol have envisioned an effortlessly enterprising workspace that embodies this very principle. Occupying 850 sq ft, the eclectic studio has an open layout with many spaces that allow the team to work synchronously, have weekly meetings and even celebrate special occasions together.

    The studio is the primary workspace, where everyone sits together to work. Framed photographs and sketches stud the staircase walls; Photograph by Yash Jain

    Getting the creative juices flowing 

    Upon entry, one is greeted by the airy studio, which is the primary workspace. The team sits together around a long table next to a soft board used to make mood boards and pin up swatches. 

    Across the room, the cantilevered part of the table is used for smaller discussions and to check drawings. Glancing above, one sees a double-height space with clerestory windows that allow natural light to pour in, making the space warm and homely. Fabric lamps of various shapes and sizes hang from the ceiling, an intriguing addition to the space.  

    Custom-made fabric lamps from Purple Turtles overlook the cantilevered portion of the studio table where smaller discussions take place; Photograph by Yash Jain

     

    An eclectic modern aesthetic is present across the space with geometric shapes and bold accents; Photograph by Yash Jain

    Serving inspiration at (literally) every step 

    A walk up the staircase is similar to that in a gallery. A cherry-red railing guides one past a wall studded with framed photographs and sketches from the team’s favourite designers. A custom printed artwork by Navaneeth Ravindran complements the setting and draws one upward. 

    On the first floor, the material library which doubles up as a discussion area reflects the eclectic aesthetic of the designers. A seven-feet-long modern black table with a glass top and few mismatched chairs takes centre stage. A wall sconce with a long arm adds an element of interest.

    A seven-feet-long black table with a glass top and mismatched chairs take centre stage on the first floor; Photograph by Yash Jain

     

    The material library and discussion area offers ample storage with a built-in material storage unit and three independent shelves for display; Photograph by Yash Jain

     

    The storage unit comprises drawers of different depths and sizes, all fixes with 80 custom-made mahogany wood knobs; Photograph by Yash Jain

    Equally interesting is the built-in material storage unit with drawers of different sizes and depths, all fixed with eighty custom-made mahogany wood knobs. Independent shelves for material display are placed on top of this. Across, there are two pedestals for awards and accolades, along with a large artwork on the wall that completes the vignette.

    When in need of a break

    Towards the left is a charming seating area. A forty-year-old sofa from the designer’s ancestral home refurbished and upholstered in a bold black and white breaks the monotony and a modern circular table completes the set-up. Divulging on colour canvas, Shirin muses, “Warm colour tones cherry reds, browns and beiges with wood and blacks have been used to make the space casual and cosy yet provokes you to be creative.”

    The workspace fosters a sense of comfort that inspires both calm and creativity. “We wanted the space to feel relaxing and casual using classic furniture pieces from the 70’s paired with warm colours and fabrics interspersed with geometric shapes to make the space edgy and modern, staying true to our design aesthetic,” signs off Shirin.

    A seating area with a 40-year-old refurbished sofa and hemp rug from Rug Republic add an element of cosiness; Photograph by Yash Jain

     

    Two pedestals for awards and a large artwork overhead stand against one of the walls on the first floor; Photograph by Yash Jain