Many Indian Cities are hotspots of poorly regulated urban policies and opportunistic development in a highly chaotic and unpredictable urban context.

In our project for the Marble Centre International in Bangalore, we faced similar challenges but we were fortunate that the high altitude climate and current cityscape is relatively cool and green.

This project started out as a typical office block designed by a local architect. We were engaged after the basement works were in progress and were tasked to relook at the design of the building as a whole to suit the clients brief and introduce features that reflect the corporate values of the client.

Our highest priority in the design was to selectively shield out unwanted aspects of the urban environment but invite in the most desirable green aspects and promote a strong eco- sustainability agenda for the MCI brand and its occupants.

Thus, the main concept in making the new headquarters for MCI, a leading stone company in India, is to treat the building like a well-engineered screen that moderates the climate and maximizes light, air and views for the wellbeing of the people inside.

The plan of the building is focused around a series of double height courtyard gardens that create an internal microclimate so that staff and visitors may enjoy meeting and gathering spaces outdoors without excessive noise and pollution.

The facade is a combination of high spec glass and aluminium screens that not only reflect the lush foliage around the building, but dematerialises the building mass which also subtly and selectively creates a double ‘breathing’ skin around the upper floors where the meeting rooms are located. In this way, every office and meeting room in the building enjoys verdant green views of the trees around the site, which creates a tranquil working environment.