The Imagine Studio complex covers an area of 1000 sq.m in a 1-acre site. Two former power co-generation plants and a boiler present on the site have been repurposed to house a Studio, Workshop and Cafe. The complex manages to craft spaces which are used for marketing and promotions of upcoming residential and commercial projects by Godrej Properties.

THE ELEMENTS CRAFTING THE FAÇADE

Front elevation of the Studio with the repurposed Beacon Silo and Chimney. [Image Credit: Edmund Sumner]

Initially the design brief was to introduce a marketing office within the Studio which also adapted itself into a community space for public engagement. The interlinked spaces provide a space for various interactions. Certain vintage elements and forms have been preserved to maintain the site’s industrial heritage. Therefore, the material palette chosen consists of concrete, Corten steel, brass and timber.

LOUVERS WITH PERFORATED PATTERNS

The old louvers recovered and repurposed derive a new visual for the Studio. These act as interesting elements both in terms of function and aesthetic quality. [Image Credit: Edmund Sumner]

STUDIO, ON THE INSIDE

The inside of the Studio highlights the patchwork of materials - Corten Steel, Brass and Timber detailing. The brass cladding marks the silo being wrapped with the staircase. [Image Credit: GPL Design Studio]

The Studio, a collage of materials

The glass façade of the primary plant, which functions as the Studio, comprises of old louvers made of recycled Corten Steel and punctured with irregular patterns. The louvers screens the inside spaces from direct light creating a special play of light inside the studio. A huge silo with brass cladding encircled with a staircase inside the studio is a noticeable feature besides the other silos outside which are part of the entire cluster. The timber partition as a design element manages to draw attention while a tall chimney of the bygone industrial times adds to the imagery.

An interesting wall mural painted by artist Sameer Kulavoor (not seen in these images) is now housed inside the Studio adding an extra layer of intrigue to the space.

VIEW OF THE WORKSHOP

The façade of the Workshop with covered walkway on the front. [Image Credit: Edmund Sumner]

WORKSHOP, ON THE INSIDE

The Workshop interior shows the steel framework and the bold timber doors. [Image Credit: Edmund Sumner]

Certain vintage elements and forms have been preserved to maintain the site’s industrial heritage. Therefore, the material palette chosen consists of concrete, Corten steel, brass and timber.

The Workshop, an interactive hub

The second cogeneration plant has been converted into a Workshop. It comprises of an interactive space, a meeting area and a gallery for various cultural events such as discussions, art events and performances. On the inside, the steel trusses suspended from the ceiling blend effortlessly with the timber doors. These doors break the monotony of the elongated walls. The patterns incorporated on the façade of the first-floor walls, share a similarity with the steel framework.

INCORPORATED PATTERN

The pattern used on the wall surface is inspired by the steel framework. [Image Credit: Edmund Sumner]

THE UNIQUE ONE

The Café as viewed from the outdoor. The use of brick in this building is what makes it stand out from the rest. [Image Credit: Edmund Sumner]

A Café with a distinctive identity

The existing Boiler plant has been converted into a Café keeping the structural framework intact. The boiler tank has been retained. The external façade of the café includes the steel framework, brick cladding and glass. The balancing of the colours i.e; black and red and the use of brick cladding makes the building stand out amongst the rest . Minimal timber furnitures are set inside the café to maintain a harmonious vibe with the rest of the complex. The Studio, the Workshop and the Café manage to create a vibrant public space that can demonstrate the core philosophies of ‘The Trees’. 

SEEING THROUGH

The view inside the Café shows the minimal timber furniture. [Image Credit: Edmund Sumner]

The timber partition as a design element manages to draw attention while a tall chimney of the bygone industrial times adds to the imagery.

Sitting amidst an industrial hub

The landscape design of The Trees, strategically repurposes the heritage of the site, by retaining the industrial elements and integrating them with the surrounding greens using it to create spaces for public participation in an otherwise contemporary site. The greenery around the complex, the spillover spaces and the scattered silos seamlessly connect with each other thus expanding the boundaries of activities.

SILOS

The cluster of Legacy Silos shows the brand history and vision of ‘The Trees’. [Image Credit: Edmund Sumner]

Imagine Studio creates an out-of-the-usual experience centre for property development marketing as well as site-planning and design, where discussions and conversations can happen at many hubs. An experience centre which presents to the world of industry and modernity through materials, textures and colours making the journey unique.

THE CLUSTER AS IT IS SEEN

View of the Studio, Boiler Cafe and the Workshop with the Beacon Silo and Legacy Silos in the foreground. [Image Credit: Dilip Bhatia]

To know more the upcoming projects at Studio Lotus, visit their website.