groupDCA Studio, New Delhi
Category: Workspaces
Location: New Delhi
Area: 19046 sq. ft.
A workspace that harnesses the simplicity of nature to cultivate joy and productivity.
groupDCA Studio reimagines workplace design, blending architecture and nature to create a tranquil, eco-conscious office for groupDCA on the Delhi-Gurgaon border. Developed to nurture creativity, it reflects the studio’s commitment to sustainable design, using locally sourced materials and honouring traditional craftsmanship.
The layout comprises four distinct rectangular blocks, each dedicated to functions such as reception, meeting rooms, workstations, offices, and a cafeteria, all seamlessly integrated with lush lawns beneath the shade of dense tree canopies. Thoughtfully designed to encourage collaboration and creativity, the space draws inspiration from nature while respecting principles of climatology and Vastu. It’s modest scale and intimate proportions lend a welcoming, studio-like warmth, inviting visitors into a cosy, approachable environment.
Oriented along the east-west axis, the blocks use dressed rubble masonry to shield interiors from intense sunlight. North-facing walls feature large glazed windows opening onto shaded verandahs, while southern walls have small fenestrations to control heat and glare. These strategies keep the studio cool in summer and bathed in soft winter light, creating an environment of diffused natural light ideal for clear thinking and inspiring views.
At the principal cabin’s entrance, intricately carved wooden columns from a demolished Mangalore home evoke the warmth of a traditional verandah. These repurposed columns reflect a design ethos rooted in heritage and sustainability, creating a welcoming threshold that blends cultural resonance with modern workspace charm.
The interiors, woven with textures and memorabilia, embody a theme of simplicity while celebrating Indian heritage. Repurposed items from the previous office carry the DCA ethos into the new space, like the 80-year-old blue British lights casting a soft glow. The central table, crafted from century-old Mangalore doors with unique patinas, adds rich texture and colour. In the principal office, the unpolished table reflects the firm’s early charm. Personal memorabilia throughout the workspace fosters individual expression and celebrates the team’s collective spirit.
groupDCA Studio is a workspace in sync with the rhythms of nature, nurturing innovation and creativity through slow craftsmanship and heritage. Designed to be enduring and climate-responsive, it enhances well-being, with each corner offering unique moments of discovery, delight, and contentment.
