Creative Conveniences

By Annie Aggarwal

Photography: Sanjiv Sutar & Tanay Kumar; courtesy FIDS

Read Time: 2 mins 

Priyanka Agrawal & Tanay Kumar of Fractak Ink Design Studio

A playground of colours and intriguing spaces inspires enthusiasm, keeping with Fractal Ink Design Studio’s core values and culture… 

'Creating digital experiences using human-centric philosophies’, Mumbai-based Fractal Ink Design Studio is a pulsating open-plan office buzzing with vibrancy and camaraderie. 

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Just when you ask yourself, whether they work at all, you see people in a serious brainstorming session at a glass enclosure marked ‘think tank’ or pouring over sophisticated technology at the ‘Xperience centre’ that reiterates the firm’s vision of innovation, showcasing their latest developments in the digital realm.

 

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A big ’hello’ of 3D letters in warm hues greets you right at the entrance and a sense of labyrinthine openness sets you across various zones, asymmetrical, each with a distinct character, offering multi-dimensional views, demarcated by subtle variations underfoot. The largely carpeted flooring mitigates noise and stands in for essential zoning, keeping conventional vertical partitions completely out of the picture. 

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Refurbished from a rather mundane commercial property into a milieu of warmth and energy, the disadvantages of a hexagonal fit-out with several columns are skilfully overcome with a strategic layout that retains the abundant natural light streaming in from all sides. Artificial lighting gives each space its individual character and visually lightens the numerous columns, making them appear floating rather than bulky.

 

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Interspersed with bright, colourful pods, finished in Duco paint, enclosed meeting spaces offer a visual break from the otherwise unabridged space. An alternative to conventional workstations, the workspace is weaved with informal hangout spaces to encourage interaction, blurring the lines between play and work.

 

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Despite this, the homely atmosphere is fed by a plethora of break-out spaces -  a vibrant café with colourful chairs; a 3-hole practice golf course and a basketball ring; a huge two-step stage, where one can stretch, when lazy or gather around for an open house or workshop... Interesting activities are carved out of minimal spaces, like the library along a passage. Lined with low height cushions the passage turns into a space to enjoy a good book with feet folded up.

 

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The entire space is unified by bold, colourful graphics and typography with quirk balancing the décor in the form of a bicycle mounted on a wall showcasing the design process, inspirational quotes on walls and ceiling, while bold alphabets and numbers identify spaces.

Unrestricted, flexible and warm, the ambience and vibe goes beyond that of an office transforming it into a space full of vibrant energy and comfort - a home for its employees.  

Fact File:

Interior design Concept: Priyanka Agrawal and Tanay Kumar

Implementation Architect: Shashikala Chander

Contractor: Sharukh

Area: 8000 sq. ft.

Location: Mumbai