Spatial Narratives

Rising above constraints posed by a tight budget and strict building regulations, Studio Hinge creates a simple, yet delightfully detail-oriented office for creative agency Please See in Mumbai, while keeping its architectural beauty intact.

- Rupali Sebastian

Design intervention needn’t be a design imposition. Instead of a chest-thumping proclamation, it could be a gentle gesture: a programme that adds functional overlays judiciously on the beautiful bones of a space. Like this office that Studio Hinge and its founder architect Pravir Sethi designed for creative agency Please See. “We connected with the agency when they were marketing a residential development that we had designed. They needed a workspace to be designed for a staff of 14, with a requirement for future expansion up to 20. Additionally, they required a formal conference room, pantry, and informal brainstorming/discussion areas with varying degrees of privacy. The client was keen on having a ‘zero-hierarchy’ workspace, one that felt more like a studio than an office. They were also keen on using the space for events/open houses,” says the architect.

The brief and the quality of the existing shell in terms of its generous height and abundant natural lighting called for a very light touch in terms of design intervention, which was also necessitated by a shoestring budget. This led to the only essential works being done initially, with add-ons planned phase-wise. Key ideas were maintaining an open, informal working environment that was transparent and encouraged interaction between the team. “We were also conscious of catering to the unconventional work habits of some staff: there were some who preferred to work standing; others while sitting cross-legged on the floor,” recalls Pravir.