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AWARDS

Up to 8 best-performing teams will compete at the national finale for the following prizes:
National Winner
National First Runner
National Second Runner

Jury’s Commendation: A certificate of commendation for the team(s).

Special Recognition: A certificate of recognition for the team(s).

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REIMAGINING THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICTS

As the epicentres of human civilisation, cities mould the lives of millions of people around the world. The convergence of economy, culture, and innovation shapes urban life, and at the heart of this lies the Central Business District (CBD). CBDs are more than clusters of buildings and busy streets; they are intricate ecosystems that drive economic activity, foster cultural exchange and impact countless individuals. The design of CBDs, particularly their interior spaces, is immensely significant in attaining a work-life balance, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and creating welcoming and joyful spaces.

Characterised by high density, intense economic activities and a large variety of goods and services, CBDs host an array of functions—corporate headquarters, co-working spaces, businesses, banking and financial institutions, retail shops, and public buildings to name a few. With changing patterns in economy, society, technology and climate, this list has expanded to include mixed-use functions like residential, recreational, cultural and educational typologies. This diversity calls for a flexible, innovative and responsive approach to the needs of varied user groups.

For Interior Designers, CBDs are an interesting playground for designing highly inclusive and functional spaces. In such settings, the design and organisation of the interiors must create comfortable and productive work environments for businesses, facilitate ample opportunities for retail and commerce, and promote well-being, accessibility, connectivity and social interactions in public spaces. These spaces must cater to a diverse array of users including but not limited to working professionals, business owners, smaller enterprise owners, formal/informal economies, visitors, and the young and old alike. There is tremendous scope for experimentation in creating hybrid spaces that go beyond conventional functions. Designers must also show sensitivity towards cultural and historical heritage and integrate it into their scheme.

Saint-Gobain Transparence 19.0 invites you to conceptualise and design the interior spaces in an existing building or a complex in a future-ready Central Business District (CBD) located in a city of your choice, incorporating a standout feature. Adaptive Reuse and Redesign are also welcome in a pre-existing building with the same or a different function.

YOUR TASK

There are two parts to your design task:

PART 1

Conceptualise and Design the Interior Space(s) in an existing or presumed building in a Central Business District (CBD), located in a city of your choice. Do not restrict your design to just the inside but make sure that your design connects well to the surrounding urban context of the CBD.

You may choose any one or more functional typology(s) as suggested below:

LOBBIES AND PUBLIC SPACES:
  1. Multi-use spaces or a large connected floor open to the public to encourage social interaction, relaxation and connectivity.
  2. Integrate Public Art, Greenery, and Seating Arrangements to create a welcoming environment.
OFFICE SPACES:
  1. Office Layouts, Co-Working Spaces, Break Room, Conference Rooms, Cabins, Workstations, etc.
  2. Add ergonomic furniture, efficient lighting and acoustics for a productive work environment.
RETAIL SPACES:
  1. Shopping Malls, Retail stores, Shopping Streets, Showrooms, Boutiques, Experience centres for brands etc.
  2. Create an attractive and engaging shopping experience, from the shopfronts to the interiors.
OTHER TYPOLOGIES (NON-RESIDENTIAL THAT ARE JUSTIFIED IN YOUR PROGRAM):
  1. Public Amenities and Services like Restrooms, Public Information Kiosks, Childcare Facilities, Restaurants and Cafes, etc.
  2. Recreational functions, like Entertainment Zones, Rage Rooms, Spas, Salons, etc.
  3. Designated Market Area and Street Vendor Zones for informal sector workers.
  4. Hybrid Typologies that are not conventionally seen in CBDs.

PART 2

Feature a Hero Element in your design, i.e. a standout accessory, furniture, sculpture or installation, designed by you. This is an important requirement for your design.

DESIGN GUIDELINES

CHOOSING YOUR SPACE:

Choose your space on the premises of an existing/presumed building. This built structure should be located in a CBD in an urban area of your choice, although we encourage taking up a small or a medium city or town to boost development opportunities. Feel free to look for proposed or existing CBD projects in your chosen city/urban area to select your site. We recommend visiting your site and getting familiar with the surrounding context for a better understanding of the area. Observe the activities, interactions, different user groups and usage of spaces.

DESIGN PARAMETERS:

  1. The total Carpet area of your design should be up to 20,000 sq ft, located in a building with a total of 2 lakh sq ft. carpet area or above.
  2. Follow local bylaws and building codes.
  3. Design accessible and inclusive spaces, following the Universal Design Principles.
  4. Consider ease of accessibility, response to neighbouring spaces and buildings, and references to the local cultural and historical heritage.
  5. Consider the horizontal and vertical circulation within the building and your chosen space, and how your design complements the overall building layout.
  6. Respond to the neighbouring architectural context and landscapes.

HERE IS SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

https://www.gensler.com/blog/mixed-use-public-space-future-of-central-business-districts

Section ‘What residents want from their CBDs’

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

INCLUSIVITY AND ACCESSIBILITY

  1. Use universal design principles to ensure accessibility for all users. Provide clear signage, wayfinding, and navigation aids.
  2. Design spaces that accommodate the needs of diverse user groups, including the elderly, disabled, and families with children.

SUSTAINABILITY

  1. Use environmentally friendly materials and energy-efficient systems.
  2. Incorporate natural lighting and ventilation to reduce energy consumption.

FUNCTIONAL EFFICIENCY

  1. Optimise space utilisation to create efficient and functional layouts.
  2. Provide flexible and adaptable spaces that can accommodate changing needs.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL SENSITIVITY

  1. Respect, preserve and integrate local cultural and historical elements into the design.
  2. Create designs that reflect the unique identity and character of the chosen CBD.

THE INSIDE-OUTSIDE CONNECT

  1. Reflect the spirit of the outer context of the CBD in your design, i.e. the streets, public spaces, different users and materials.
  2. Treat the interiors as a continuation of the exterior spaces, and vice-versa. Feel free to engage with street furniture, landscaping, public art, etc. around your chosen space.

COMPETITION TIMELINE

Registrations Open:

August 2024

Last date for Registration:

15th October, 2024

Last date for Submission:

21st October, 2024

  1. Entries will be reviewed by a panel of experts, who will shortlist the best entries for the National Finale.
  2. Up to 8 Shortlisted Teams will present their designs to the Panel of Jurors at the Finale, where the winning teams will be chosen.

ELIGIBILITY & TEAMS

In the Architecture Category of the Competition, there are two sub-categories for participation based on the academic stage of the participants:

  1. Students enrolled currently in Interior Design Courses and Undergraduate Architecture Courses are eligible
  2. Those graduating from the above courses in 2024 are also eligible.
  3. Teams of up to 3 students are allowed to participate. You can make teams with students from different batches or colleges, as long as they are eligible.
  1. Submission will be completely ONLINE. Plan your content and graphics to be viewed accordingly.
  2. The submission link will be provided in the confirmation email after successful registration.
  3. Your entry (single file) should be in the following format:
    1. Up to 12 A3 sheets in landscape orientation ONLY
    2. The drawings, images and text should be legible and high-resolution.
    3. Your sheets should be compiled into a single PDF file up to 20 MB in size.
    4. Name your submission file in the format ABC_XYZ, where ‘ABC’ is the name ofyour team members, and ‘XYZ’ is the name of your college(s). Your entry will be assigned a unique ID to ensure anonymity.
    5. Limit the amount of text per A3 sheet to 100-150 words.
    6. Include a summarised area statement with reference to the bylaws in a space not larger than an A4 sheet.
    7. Remember to include the North Arrow and a Graphic Scale where relevant.
  4. As a SEPARATE FILE, upload a scanned copy of your College ID/bonafide
  5. Mentioning your name, college or any other identification in your sheets will be grounds for DISQUALIFICATION.

DESIGN QUALITY:

Creativity, originality, and aesthetic appeal of the design.

PROGRAMMATIC JUSTIFICATION:

Reasonable area program and functions on a CBD site.

HERO ELEMENT:

The relevance of the standout feature, in Part 2 of the Design Task, to the CBD site and proposed spatial design.

INCLUSIVITY:

Effectiveness in creating accessible and welcoming spaces for all users.

SUSTAINABILITY:

Integration of sustainable design practices and environmental impact reduction.

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY:

Respect and integration of local cultural and historical elements.

FUNCTIONALITY:

Practicality and efficiency of the spatial organisation and layout.

Register Now

RESOURCES AND READING SUGGESTIONS

IMPACT OF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN ON URBAN SPACES:

https://www.iiad.edu.in/the-circle/the-impact-of-interior-architecture-and-design-on-urban-spaces/#:~:text=Social%20Benefits%20%2D%20Sustainable%20interior%20architecture,cost%20savings%20for%20urban%20spaces.

INTERIOR URBANISM: THE IMPLICATIONS OF INDOOR PUBLIC SPACES:

https://www.archdaily.com/1011933/interior-urbanism-the-implications-of-indoor-public-space

URBAN + INTERIOR:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337960720_URBAN_INTERIOR