We were invited by the owners of this group to assist them in setting up their head office at the Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai. On reviewing the existing plan, we realized that we had to comprehensively address the planning considerations, in addition to which we had to set up a comprehensive yet minimal aesthetic that could be seamlessly carried throughout the space.

We zoned out the executive areas from the meeting areas and sorting areas, with one principal that we wanted to use as much natural light as possible in the spaces; albeit aware that natural light is no more such an important criteria in the diamond industry.

Our thought process in panelling set a simple geometry of solid and void, using simple veneers such as beech and Anigre to speak for themselves. We used glass extensively, providing necessary privacy where required.

We focused on a few key elements:

• CEO’s cabin and bunge: Used book-matched Anigre with a frustum ribbed wood ceiling to signify a seat of power akin to those seen in Greek and Roman temples.

• Conference areas: Aimed for lightness and egalitarianism with a floated glass ceiling and a cantilevered glass conference table (5×13 in size), where each plane metaphorically reflected the other. This was further delineated by a frustum-ed ceiling.

• Templum (prayer space): Designed with narrow coflonettes signifying divine power through incredible delicacy, serving as a place for homage before starting the daily journey.

Principal Designer: Cyrus Subawalla

Project Associate: Avinash Deshpande

Building type: Corporate Interiors

Location: Bharat Diamond Bourse, Mumbai, India

Site Area: N/A

Project Area: Approx. 5,000 sf

Client: Lakhi Group

Completion Year: 2011

Construction Cost: $866,000 (in 2011)

Tagline: Client Satisfaction through Design Excellence

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