A Retrofit Revival

Unboxed Co-working situated in Noida is designed by Noida-based Chaukor Studio, its uniqueness is imbibed in its regenerative transformation from an old industrial unit to a dynamic co-working space.

The amalgamative approach used to create unboxed co-working provides the spaces with the comfort of familiarity. The building’s service lobby was transformed into an informal exhibition area turning into a memoir of the building’s past. The artwork and story exhibition creates a buzz in the place, giving way to strike up conversations. This acquaintance creates an ease with the space inhibited by the co-workers thus fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

The design is built around two diametrically opposite constraints; of redefining the functional usage while retaining existing structure. The available configuration of an industrial unit was recreated into an open plan workspace with basic interventions sustaining transparency and flow. The junctions are designed as informal breakout zones creating constant collision amongst co-workers,enhancing interaction. Illustrating this essence, the book racks designed around the lobby areas are places for daily dose of
discussion and debate.

Various salvaged goods from the factory are reused to depict design and cost efficiency. Metal frames, doors and window shutters and industrial scaffoldings were reconfigured and revamped to create ceiling elements, partitions and custom furniture. This is displayed by the translucent partitions for discussion pods created using reclaimed lattices and wooden shutters from the old factory.
The spatial character of different spaces is modified with the use of complementary patterns and textures on the backdrop of stripped surfaces, roughened floor and undulated walls.

One such feature is the eccentric bamboo-wood ceiling complimenting the earthen hues of natural surfaces finishes, which frames an aesthetic visual experience while depicting the idea of eco-sensitivity.

In addition to integration, imitation is also used as a design tool to showcase the initial use-case of the building. Ceiling elements are designed to resemble various parts of machinery and have been integrated throughout the co-working space that provides reflection to its users into the building’s past.

With the vision to create a space that showcases a sensitive identity of creation, Unboxed Co-working is a fine example of an evolutionary design approach that integrates the past to the future use-case of the building. By retention of existing elements and addition of newer ones, the retro-fitting of the co-working space has led to a holistic design. This has phenomenally reduced the environmental impacts and project costs while providing a work space that is humane and aesthetically sensible.