AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, MANESAR

Crafted for the ultimate office experience, this building imparts a distinctive character to enhance productivity while maintaining the sanctity of a quiet work environment. Integrating various standalone features with energy efficiency, the project serves as an international model in ecologically appropriate office architecture in continental tropical climates.

The east approach within the campus is characterized by a large cantilevered office section with distinctive tensile structures which mark the staff entrance. This side lets the morning light filter in from certain portions. Elsewhere, the interplay of small square glass windows and local sandstone respond to the need to block the sun from the west and east. Despite this, the largely glazed (but protected) north and south façade instigate a feeling of the 'modern' glass office from inside without paying the attendant price of extra heat gain. The northwest formal entrance, under a triple height space, integrates a water body and a concrete shear wall. This entrance leads to a grand atrium with a tree which is the connecting element of all the spaces within the complex.

Intermediate spaces have been provided for repose from the intense work environment in the form of a roof top cafeteria, gardens, terraces and the atrium itself. Intermittent provision of internal and external courtyards also ensures enhanced indoor air quality. Meeting rooms project outwards, as distinct entities offering magnificent views of the building and outwards.

Personalized work environments utilize a hybrid under-floor air conditioning system based on the principle of cooling the user (not the space) while efficient variable air volume systems work even for the increased ceiling height of 3.2 meters. The extra height, as well as the limited floor plate depth of 25 m, allows much of the office to operate in natural light.

The building currently utilizes only about a quarter of the permissible floor area, allowing for future expansion to full coverage in the future. For now, this land (at the south) not only serves to create valuable outdoor spaces for recreation, but also enhances biodiversity by stepping the landscape, cutting dust and noise.

The flexible circulation patterns, tall day lit spaces, exposed concrete wall finishes and unhindered hill views to the south impart the structure integrity in concept and planning.