The Prestige Group, known for its pioneering real estate developments in India, embarked on the creation of its Mumbai office in January 2022. With a vision to resonate elegance without overpowering aesthetics, they collaborated with Lyth Design to bring their aspirations to life. This collaboration resulted in an office space that exemplifies the fusion of a formal and intimate environment, showcasing a fresh approach to contemporary office design.
Spanning 15,000 square feet, the office is located within Godrej BKC, surrounded by notable landmarks such as the Jio World Convention Centre, US Consulate General, and Canara Bank Treasury Wing. A
poorva Shroff, the founder of Lyth Design, employed informal materials like exposed bricks, reinforcement bars, and cement finishes, giving them a formal and refined identity. Shroff’s strategic planning ensured a clear distinction between external meeting rooms, visitor lounges, the boardroom, and public restrooms from the private office spaces.
The open floor plan and expansive high ceilings contribute to an impactful design that reflects the ethos of the Prestige Group. Floor-to-ceiling glass facades facing east and west allow for breathtaking views of Mumbai’s mangroves and enable the office to bask in the warmth of the rising and setting sun.
At the reception area, a theme of parallels takes centre stage, combining veneer backdrops and metal pinstripes derived from the office space itself. These fine lines create a sense of controlled fluidity, gracefully curving to form the top of the reception desk. Cold grey marble flooring juxtaposes against plant-adorned walls, infusing the office atmosphere with a touch of warmth and humanity. Two corridors, one access-controlled leading to private spaces and the other leading to visitor lounges, flank the reception and feature copper medallions that beautifully narrate the story of Prestige’s legacy, culminating in a magnificent Ficus tree.
The meeting rooms are named after various falcons, such as the Peregrine boardroom, which can accommodate up to twenty individuals. In keeping with the design intent of using stripes, the boardroom features formal matte black fluted wall cladding.
A laser-cut veneer interpretation of a falcon breaks the crisp lines, commanding attention and adding a touch of luxury. The marble table, pinstriped background wall, and bronze-finished oval hanging light exude grandeur, while smart glass partitions offer privacy at the touch of a button. Concrete light loops, acoustic ceiling panels, and switchable glass partitions create a cohesive visual expression across the other falcon-themed meeting rooms, with a metal strip unifying the grey aesthetic throughout.
In contrast, the visitor lounges adopt a softer and more intimate ambience, characterised by curvilinear forms in the walls, ceiling, and furniture details. A warm wooden finish envelops three sides of the lounge, while a fiddle leaf fig plant adds to the allure, silently enhancing conversations.
The main office area features open workstations and cabins aligned along an exposed brick façade, paying homage to the client’s vision. Cleverly designed breaks in the layout allow the western sun to permeate even the darkest corners of the office. Reinforcement bar wall assemblies adorned with vibrant money plants serve as a gentle demarcation to the workstations. Potted plants are thoughtfully placed to balance the presence of two substantial columns within the office space.
The tiffin room presents a dynamic and lively atmosphere with its vibrant tile flooring and a green wall that encourages informal conversations. A central metal island serves as a functional gathering spot for employees, fulfilling all the requirements of a congenial cafeteria.
The design of the Prestige Group office exemplifies the fusion of the client’s ideologies with the creative expressions of Lyth Design. It offers a well-orchestrated circulation, blending structured thoughtfulness with mindful planning, resulting in an exuberant workspace that inspires productivity and creativity. By utilising materials that mirror the values of the business, this atypical office space makes an honest statement in every aspect, truly exemplifying the harmonious combination of formality and informality.
