Penguin Random House, a globally renowned publishing house, has long been dedicated to encouraging a universal passion for reading. With nearly a century of literary excellence, the company publishes up to 70,000 digital and 15,000 print titles annually. Now, with its new office headquarters in Gurugram, designed by SJK Architects, Penguin Random House India has redefined its workspace to align with the evolving nature of work which beautifully blends creativity, collaboration, and functionality.
A Hybrid Workspace for the Post-Pandemic Era
As companies shift from traditional office models to hybrid workspaces, Penguin Random House India’s new headquarters is a testament to this transformation. Designed to facilitate meaningful interactions, the office layout is centered around three key clusters (Courtyards) connected by passageways known as Streets. These communal spaces serve as the social and creative heart of the office, offering diverse seating arrangements catering to individual work, small team discussions, and large group collaborations.
Each cluster has a unique identity. The central cluster, marking the office entrance, and the eastern cluster are designed as warm, inviting spaces reminiscent of living rooms and are ideal for storytelling and casual conversations. Meanwhile, the western cluster features a coffee bar and an amphitheater perfect for large team catch-ups. Meeting rooms, workstations, and private cabins are strategically placed around these clusters to ensure a balance between collaborative and focused work environments.
Aesthetic and Functional Design for Productivity
The office design integrates natural light, greenery, and a restrained yet sophisticated material palette. Ample sunlight enters through the north, east, and west, enhancing productivity and creating an inviting atmosphere. The corridor, designed as a meandering street with cozy terrace seating pods, leads to informal interactions and dynamic work settings.
SJK Architects have incorporated the brand’s heritage into the office design. Thematic artwork, including framed book jackets, is strategically placed throughout the space to reinforce Penguin Random House’s literary legacy. A handcrafted cement screen resembling books serves as the reception backdrop, subtly embedding the brand’s identity with penguin-shaped motifs engraved into its central row.
By offering flexible, innovative spaces that cater to different work styles, Penguin Random House India’s new headquarters sets a benchmark in workspace design. It is an office that not only inspires creativity but also nurtures collaboration, making it a perfect home for storytellers and literary minds alike.
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