STUDIO PRAKRUTHI

'Padma 79' is Studio Prakruthi’s first workspace. It was designed to feel like a home away from home that functions as a workspace – a homage to the building's intended use. Originally a 1950’s residential building, it has been occupied by numerous commercial establishments over the years. 

 

The design intervention was to strip back and peel out all embellishments the space had adorned over the years to uncover its original form. What was discovered on a macro level was the opportunity to create connecting spaces of borrowed natural light and cross-ventilation. On a micro level , inset niches built into thick masonry walls were discovered which is currently used as a library. 

 

Doors have been omitted and the rooms connected - a series of photographic frames have replaced the original doors allowing plenty of natural light to find its way through different rooms. Cross-ventilation is achieved through the entire building for a comfortable and healthy working atmosphere. A neutral yet light palette of warm white walls and dark wood flooring induces a calm, classic internal environment.

The studio is welcoming to nature. Often beautiful branches, rocks, tropical plants are found both inside and outside. The sound of water from the urn pond in the courtyard and neroli fragrance in the interior inspires a soothing and sensory experience conducive of a healthy working atmosphere. 

 

Most of the furniture and décor is sourced locally. The office is styled with natural decorative objects such as a ‘dried elephant-ear leaf’ from a friend’s garden in a Haryali Planter made from serpentine clay local to Ukhrul District, Manipur. The artwork that hangs in the Library is a sheet of ‘hot-rolled mild steel’ – framed locally. In the Cabin opening out to the courtyard is a banana fiber and mild steel lamp. Re-editions of Pierre Jeanneret chairs made for Indian Offices in the 1950’s seemed most ideal for the space.