Before and After: Upgraded, not uprooted

Studio PKA reimagines its SoBo office with memory, light and restraint

11 Aug 2025

When Studio PKA’s principal architect, Puran Kumar, began his search for a new 2,100 sq ft workspace, the decision to stay within South Mumbai’s familiar fabric — the very one that had once housed his old studio — came naturally. This decision, however, was also strategic. With Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to the East, museums and galleries to the South and open maidans to the West, the studio sits at the heart of a living creative and cultural ecosystem.

"We wanted to land a studio space, within the district, which would be conducive to its sensibilities - a space with a strong affinity for natural light, one that would be easily accessible by public transit, and could also respond to its needs"

Puran Kumar of Studio PKA

DUSTY CHARM

But the space itself, part of a dignified heritage structure, told its own story. Think a faded heirloom, full of potential but weathered with time. Its large, arched windows had long been boarded shut; wooden columns stood strong but were retrofitted with metal bracings; non-load-bearing brick walls sliced the space into smaller zones and restricted movement.

Still, there was a comfort under the dust that hinted at what the space could be. All it was asking for was a design response rooted in respect — for context, for character and for all of its stories.

TAKING THINGS SLOW

Even before he attempted a formal design blueprint, Puran knew exactly what the space would focus on — natural light, ventilation and utilising all vantage points to the fullest. “The idea of unearthing and discovering, rather than a set mandatory approach, was adopted not only to respect, retain and celebrate the spirit of the place but also respond to the myriad experiences the space could possibly offer.” The design process was intentionally slow, a rhythm of pausing, stepping back and then moving forward again, like a staccato beat that allowed the space to lead the way.

PAST FORWARD

To retain the raw essence of the 100 year old Victorian-era structure, the studio took to “revealing surfaces beneath the superficial layers of paint and plaster,” shares Puran. Discarded doors salvaged from across the area were reimagined and what could be used from their old studio, just a few floors above, was brought down and given new purpose. Objects were carefully dismantled and re-worked to help breathe a fresh, yet familiar life into the space. Adaptive reuse here isn’t a strategy, but a philosophy.

Addition of new materials is limited, with them being introduced only when necessary. Cement blocks, hollow metal sections, stone and wood are selected for their lightness and cost-efficiency. Glass offers the only deliberate contrast — its sleek clarity a counterpoint to the rustic brown brick, introducing moments of transparency and depth.

“The transformation of the space alludes to a journey through time – remembering the past, living the present and looking out to the future.” — Puran Kumar

NOW ENTER: THE DREAM STUDIO

All these elements come together to form a space that is a tool, a collaborator and constant source of feedback. Its open, light-filled layout encourages movement and conversations and large communal tables echo the scale of old SoBo apartments. Yet, its layout repositions the studio as a contemporary workshop — democratic, creative and alive.

It is the material palette that truly sets the tone. The studio becomes a living moodboard. Brick, wood, metal, stone and glass come together like swatches, offering daily inspiration. Each texture holds a memory and together, they map out the studio’s new identity.

In combining the bones of a heritage building with the demands of modern design practice, Studio PKA has created a space where ideas stretch, materials speak and stories are narrated.