Design Imperatives

Jimmy Mistry : Designing commercial spaces is a process largely dictated by the nature of usage and industry specifications. Each sector has its own set of requirements and they vary drastically. The priciples followed while planning a 2,000 sq.ft. Corporate office cannot be applied to the layout of a 25,000 sq.ft. Call center operation, a luxury hotel or a showroom, simply because their priorities differ.

If you are designing a 24x7 call center the priority definitely goes towards services where the down time is zero. Critical areas are Power Supply backups, UPS with a hot standby, Dgs for alternate power, structurned cabling with 100% redundancy, and the acoustics. Last but not least are the aesthetics including recreational areas for unwinding.

Similarly, if you are planning the interiors for a studio, the power and acoustics matter the most. The approach to air-conditioning is also different. You can start designing the structure only once the services have been taken care of; again the downtimes have to be zero.

On the other hand, aesthetics is the most important factor when you are planning the interiors for a luxury hotel, followed by human safety standards and facilities.

Designing for corporated is a totally different ball game. You need to get involved in their philosophy, understand what they want to convey and then design as per those parameters. Companies are more cost-conscious and practical in their approach these days.

At the same time, there is also a greater emphaisi on aesthetics in the work areas. Previously, companies used to spend on front-end spaces to impress cleints and visitors, but now they are also doing up back-end offices to provide a better work environment.

Often human resources professionals get involved inthis aspect, because creating a comfortable and pleasing work environment is a key factor in employee retention these days, expecially for companies in the IT and ITES secors. There have evenbeen cases of people opting for lower-paying jobs i another company if there is a better ambience and working environment.

While designing, one companies are more cost conscious and practical in their approach these days.

At the same time, there is also a greater emphasis on aesthetics in the work areas. Previously, companies used to spend on front-end space to impress clients and visitors, but now they are also doing up back-end offices to provide a better work environment.

Often human resurace professionals get involved in this aspect, because creating a comfortable and pleasing work environment is a key factor is employee retention these days, especially for companies in the IT and ITES sectors. There have even been cases of people opting for lower-paying jobs in another company if there is a better ambience and working environment.

While designing, one has to be very particular about the air-conditioning and indoor air quality, otherwise you get what is known as office sickness, where employees end up yawning away after working for just a few hours. Many companies also conduct indoor air audits and ensure that the system is designed in a way that there is at least one air change every hour.

Security is also a priority while designing corporate interiors. Nowadays biometrics has replaced smart cards and proximity readers, analog fire panels are replaced by Digital addressable type with Programmed Smoke Detectors.
The impact made by commercial space on end user and visitors also depends a great deal on how you illuminate the space and make provision for changing light scenarios. With the use of mood lighting you can even make a factory look like a discotheque as long as you light it up properly.

Jimmy Mistry
Managing Director
Della Tecnica

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