UNICEF India HQ Read More

UNICEF India Headquarters

SPACE DESIGN + SPACE BRANDING+ ACTIVATION

Driving UNICEF’s future through its ethos.

Visual branding permeates into spaces merging with interior design to create holistic environments that reflect UNICEF’s ethos.

We brought energy and life into an outmoded UNICEF office, coalescing the organization’s mission directives within its interior spaces.

Why did UNICEF India HQ need an upgrade?

UNICEF’s India head office is situated in the beautiful Lodhi Estate area of New Delhi with strong architectural features being designed by the reputed Joseph Allen Stein. At the time of our intervention, the 60-person office space was crammed full of old furniture, uncomfortable chairs and several closed partitions. To top this chaotic situation, the cafeteria was very noisy and the space was unappetizing. The existing reception was old-style, dull and unwelcoming.

Our brief was to bring life and vibrancy into the spaces and make the environment purposeful without being overly imposing for the users — the spaces needed to have a natural flow and energy.

How did we energize the UNICEF HQ?

We envisaged a 360-degree change, opening up the space by removing the existing partition walls, which made it light-filled and approachable, giving all interactions more transparency. We planned all the utilities and functions carefully to increase interaction and exchanges between different sections of the office.

The open office systems allowed better optimization of spaces. However, this increased workplace noise and disturbances. After extensive research, a noise cancellation device was installed, along with the modular ceiling with a high NRC (noise rating coefficient). For the flooring, we used carpet tiles, which helped reduce the noise levels drastically.

The rigid and heavy wooden doors were replaced by sleek glass and aluminium systems for greater transparency and an open feel. Colourful accents on the wall were introduced with bright modular graphics complimenting the white ceiling and flooring.

The reception was revamped into a modern interior balanced with custom-designed wooden furniture and subtle, earthy fabrics that complimented the space, creating a warm and welcoming feel. The reception table was angled to welcome the visitors coming in, adding to the positive experience.

The show-stopper installation ‘UNITE FOR CHILDREN’ at the reception was created with three layers of printed glass slabs. You could read the lettering as you entered the reception area. Coming closer, the three layers were revealed, and the SDG symbols gave context to UNICEF’s purpose.

Alongside the open systems which made the space bright and airy, a graphic modular system was developed to showcase the various Rights of Children at the lobby landings of the facility. The system allows the client to update or replace the units when required, and thus refresh the look periodically.

We created common meeting areas for people to gather naturally. The cafeteria was transformed into a space with improved layout, acoustics, aesthetics, colors, and furniture. A vibrant tree of life installation on the wall enlivened the space. Apart from this, the acoustic ceiling helped reduce clutter and overall noise levels. Thoughtful details like the frost film on the glass, the table colors, and the flooring pattern, all made a huge difference to the cafeteria. What was merely a place for lunch earlier became a favorite breakout space for the staff.

The dark and gloomy basement was transformed into an elegant meeting lounge with comfortable furniture, ambient lighting, ethnic handwoven rugs and stimulating wall graphics.

We took the opportunity to turn the typical Stein window of the stairwell into an extraordinary column of many hues by inserting exquisitely designed stained glass panels. Each of the slots was carefully hand-cut and precisely fitted with colored glass by skilled craftsmen.

An inviting and energetic workspace

We took a holistic approach to design the entire facility of the UNICEF HQ, from the basement, corridors, conference room, library, and office spaces. We transformed the space by the adept integration of interior design, graphics, and material treatment.

The strategic environmental branding of the spaces in this immersive fashion made the UNICEF headquarters in Delhi into a functional and vibrant space that reflects the organization’s essence and purpose.

Team

George John
Ajay Sharma
Anshul Kapoor
Mohan Godwal
Chhavi Oswal
Ashish Rehani
Anisha Thampy
Dwarka Nath Sinha
Shannon D'souza
Jonak Das
Anthony Lopez

Support

Lalit Kumar
Chetan Swarup
Raj Kishor Gupta
Zeena Lopez

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