Total pages 84Volume 6 | Issue 1 | September 2018 | `50

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BEHINDMINDS

WORKSPACESTHE BESTIN INDIA

5thAnniversary Special

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Commercial Design | September 2018 | 53

While designing the new Globant office, a number of factors were considered to ensure that the space is aimed to sustain efficient functioning.

Collaborative spaces were created giving utmost importance to open spaces for utilisation of natural light, LEDs were used as decorative lighting, the open ceiling integrated specially manufactured acoustical pods, auto-sensors in the washrooms were installed and the taps are ensured to have low-flow water systems to ensure wastage is controlled. Also,

a thermostat management unit ensured considerable power saving and allowed for controlling the temperature indoors to create a comfortable environment.

Building the infrastructure ensuring sustainability is the way forward, feels Kurup. “What started as an environmental or social cause has become a way of looking at the choices that the society and its members make every day. An organisation’s contributions to society are judged not just on the basis of the quality of the goods and services they produce but also on the care they show to the people and the environment, with assuring compliance with environmental laws designed to protect the environment and wildlife habitats,” she elaborates.

Facility managers must assess the overall effects of facilities on the environment at the earliest possible stage in all planning, design, construction and management processes. They play many different roles when it comes to sustainability initiatives, and they need to be thoroughly ready in the implementation of any given sustainability initiative.

IBM believes and promotes sustainability in all aspects of its internal and external business activities. They conserve natural resources like water, use plain

paper, reduce and proper dispose waste generated from offices and cafeterias, harvest natural lights and renewable power to reduce power bills in order to reduce the overall carbon footprint. During the design of IBM campuses, the architects were briefed to optimise space and ensure energy efficiencies. Most buildings in the campus have common fundamental elements like floor efficiencies, open space

designs, sustainability and energy efficient M&E systems with a focus on safety and security of employees.

As Prabhu and his team executed projects in phases, the core idea typically differed from building to building. The emphasis was to always be ahead of time and incorporate project elements, which are latest and contemporary in nature, while keeping in mind IBM’s design ethos. The team made efforts to synergise the brand with occupants through open and collaborative spaces, high focus on life and safety, natural light harvesting, deployment of technology such as like BMS, occupancy sensors, LED, etc, were carried out. “Being a technology company, it is our endeavour that all spaces provide ergonomic workplaces to the employees, equipped to cater to differently-abled people efficiently,” adds Prabhu.

MANJUNATH PRABHU

LEENA KURUP

Head – Site Operations, IBM India

Head – Facilities and Administration, Globant

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Committed to feed the growing appetite for design, Pai has never

hesitated in accepting projects across verticals, where design has been at the core. Mumbai-based Milind Pai Architects is a multi-specialty firm undertaking projects in commercial, residential, institutional, health

and hospitality interiors.Companies these days are looking for workplace that

give creative freedom and optimised results, says Pai. “Since we spend a major portion of our existence in the office, apt interior design is important. These days, trends in office designs are all about technology, collaboration, employee engagement and productivity. Innovative office design can inspire and empower employees to do their best,” he adds.

The modern workplace centres around its staff and their interactions. Hence at MPA, designing workspace begins and ends with the understanding of the occupants of the space, with the purpose of enhancing their performance. “For us, it is important to optimise lighting solutions to match the task being performed in that particular area. We always consider introducing ‘texture’ into spaces by using natural materials such as wood, plants and natural fibres besides others like graphics and colours. As far as technology is concerned, by the end of this decade, we are expecting that all offices will be embedded with sensors systems that monitor and maintain the environment like temperature, humidity, lighting and even office working pattern,” says Pai.

MILIND PAIPrincipal architect, Milind Pai Architects

The 113-year-old ITC campus has 22 buildings that were originally cigarette manufacturing units. The upkeep and maintenance of

these structures pose a big challenge. The systematic maintenance plan, re-certification of structural stability, waterproofing, selective replacement of old electro-mechanical systems, etc, have yielded in trouble-free and stabilised operations.

By careful data evaluation and implementing corrective measures such as chillers operation control, cold aisle and tot aisle segregation at racks without servers, set point control for return air and other operations measures result in achieving a reduction of 1.6 PUE from 1.8PUE. As a part of CSR initiative,

ITC runs a programme called ‘WOW’. “The entire dry waste generated in the campus is segregated at source and further recycled, sent to ITC Bhadrachalam and to other recyclers. We convert the wet waste through ‘organic waste converter’ internally and used as manure,” shares Cariappa.

The campus is presently undergoing redevelopment – 2.4 million sqft of IT office is being set up. The biggest challenge becomes the facilitation of the project activity, while the old campus is still in operation. The demolition and reconstruction, re-routing the services, integration of the systems, security, physical movement of employees, etc, are being carried out seamlessly without impacting the operations.

M K CARIAPPAHead – Administration, ITC

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For Sharma, the biggest challenge in the current industry continues to be managing transport operations, HSE awareness and talent retention.

“With so much infrastructure development happening in a city like Bengaluru, the roads continue to be clogged most of the time, the success factor lies in keeping stakeholders duly informed about the challenges and to promote flexible work options/working hours, car-pooling and leverage public transport. We need to

continually empower and coach our staff to retain them,” he opines.Facility managers need to start thinking beyond cost cutting and look for value

creation through implementation of new and forward-thinking technologies that will allow employees to concentrate on core businesses. This will improve the efficiency of the workforce, believes Sharma. “FMs are responsible for the energy management, HSE, waste management, recycling and water management, as these are directly responsible for increase and decrease of carbon footprint. FMs should be instrumental in educating employees on energy management, water conservation through rewards programmes too,” says Sharma.

Technology implementation is going to be one of the key competencies for any FM to sustain in the industry. With millennials being large stakeholders of the current workforce, they need everything at the tip of their finger. Hence, FMs need to leverage technology in transport management, cafeteria management, helpdesk management, etc, to make the workplace most efficient.

NAGENDRA SHARMAHead – Facilities and Admin, Eli Lily India Services

It is important that one has a continuous learning and sharing of knowledge between peers.

Today, every organisation requires services arranged in order to allow the administration to focus and actively participant in building future plans. The FM should strategically understand what they may be required to work on, and should be ready with vendors/

consultants/team members and resources at all times, feels Kulkarni.

“As we are a multi-location company, we conduct internal admin conclaves to share the best practises followed at different locations. Each team presets the initiatives taken and achieved. We, then, ask the individuals to present the quarterly plan to bring business enablers. We have bench marked the various costs, so that the same can be achieved at various locations. As it is important to have continuous improvements, the ROI for the utilities are carried by admin/FM,” explains Kulkarni.

Adiga has a proven track record of managing administration functions

such as facility management, travel arrangements, vendor management, coordination, etc, for 23 years. He is responsible for coordinating manpower planning, recruitment, selection, induction and socialisation activities in the organisation and involve in policy formulation. He also looks into overseeing the implementation of corporate policies at Sony. Adiga is a keen learner with a flair for adopting emerging trends and addressing industry requirements to achieve organisational objectives, a ‘must-have’ trait for facility managers of the industry. He is an excellent performer with demonstrated troubleshooting aptitude in managing maintenance and breakdown of various systems. With his excellent relationship management skills, he mentors and motivates the teams and workforce for keeping up the spirits and productivity at Sony’s software centre.

MAKARAND KULKARNI MUTHURAJ ADIGAGlobal head – Administration & Facilities,

Crompton & Greaves Head – Administration, Sony India Software Centre

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Britannia undertook various people practices, technology advancement and innovations that resulted in

effective people management through latest technology available, while delivering innovative services in seamless FM and employee services drive. Its leading FM business vertical provides effective, high quality and cost-effective services to delight internal customers in the rapidly changing scenario.

“Britannia is a pioneer and leader among the corporate world, when it comes to imparting knowledge and expertise regarding effective waste management. Our workshops encouraged other corporates to implement such systems that led to zero waste in landfills,” says Bhatia. This initiative encouraged employees on campus to segregate waste output. The eco-green centre has set up in the corporate office and co-manufacturing unit in Bidadi. The facility has the capacity and systems to compost 350kgs of organic waste that is generated on a daily basis and then fed to the gardens. Britannia was awarded the prestigious Namma Bengaluru Award, BCIC, GIREM, FMW and SDCRF Award for CSR activities. This award recognises Britannia’s extensive efforts and made a positive difference to the city.

NANDAN BHATIAHead – Administration & Facilities, Britannia Industries

Narasimhan accepts that aspirations and demands for a Google-inspired office, which was dominant over the past few years, have diminished and offices are

now reflecting a specific approach tailored to their industry, employees and company culture.

Technological developments and innovations in the workplace in terms of building automation, virtual offices, hot desks, data-based design, intelligent building controls, etc, helps Narasimhan rethink traditional concepts around offices and change the image of what an office should look like. “Technology now

provides a level of communication never before seen. Companies can now connect with any employee, supplier, client and co-worker anytime, anywhere. Many innovative ideas are born not only during scheduled meetings but also at impromptu gatherings. Hence, while workstations are being slimmed down in number and size, spaces for meetings and informal interaction are growing,” says Narasimhan.

With experienced people retiring later and more Gen Z employees starting their careers early, today’s workplace is increasingly cross-generational. Narasimhan lays more stress on factors that appeal to all employees. He works on providing settings for different work styles across different generations.

Over the years, the company has developed its own expertise and knowledge base in workplace design and emerging trends. It has devised a proven approach that is tailor-made to the project and company culture. Venkataramanan Associates’s portfolio spans multiple sectors and geographies ranging from complex research and development facilities, manufacturing units and IT parks to public institutions and real estate, creating the benchmarks for their typologies in India. The firm employs an eclectic work style of knowledge building in allied fields, a workforce with core strengths in varied sectors and extensive client research and fieldwork.

NARESH NARASIMHANManaging partner, Venkataramanan Associates

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KGD, as a firm, strongly believes that there is an opportunity to create a positive impact on environment by intelligently designing

spaces that create utility, not only for people using it but communities at large. Khan accepts that it is imperative that architectural design today is sustainable and hence every task is skillfully and sensitively drawn to comply with the principles of socio, economic and ecological sustainability. “It is the firm’s on-going effort

to bring innovations in design-technology and engineering that we are capable of improving the sustainability quotient of every project. A well accomplished work aims at minimising every step that could affect the building framework and environment in future and therefore KGD’s project just accomplishes this by sustainable design,” delivers Khan.

KGD also adopts an Integrated Project Delivery approach with the usage of BIM, which ensures precision-based deliverables and smoother project execution. The design services are combined with all engineering services which include mechanical, electrical, plumbing and lighting along with landscape design, assuring a seamless solution and a well-coordinated work.

Khan feels employees form the foundation of the organisation and therefore, shares his experience and knowledge with his team at KGD. Clients across the sectors have trusted him as he has always been a no-nonsense consultant. Owing to his hard work and direction, KGD has become an integrated practice offering architecture, interior, landscape, MEPF and PMC with a professional strength of more than 300 people.

NEJEEB KHANMD, KGD Architecture

As a firm that designs workspaces for the 21st century, JTCPL’s design philosophy is characterised by simplicity, distinct lines and

forms that incorporate a sense of flexibility as well as scalability.

Tipnis’s work is all about ‘creating partnerships’. Whether it is a client, a vendor or a team member, they strive to build a working environment where everyone enjoys a sense of ownership. He shares, “Our workplace strategy evolves in response to the

dynamic and demanding nature of work in the marketplace. Our specialised team is at the forefront – researching, developing, implementing and managing strategies that transform work, optimise space, enhance team experience and improve productivity. Our dedicated award-winning design leadership engages with key stakeholders at the nascent stage of engagements to understand aspirations, value stream map processes and align business plans with the evolution of workspaces.”

In each engagement, JTPCL goes beyond the brief to reach the core needs of the programme and create practical implementation roadmaps, with proactive change management and communication plans. This approach drives clients’ aspirations to deliver enduring advancements in the workplace.

NINAD TIPNISFounder and principal architect, JTPCL Designs

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Mangal says that office interiors explore the concepts of modality of

workplace, collaboration, activity-based workplace, co-working and unassigned flexible seating. “We have also learned that Gen Z prefers to work at places designed with sustainability and wellness-based design principles. The notion of work-life

balance has become an important consideration,” he elaborates. M Moser explores these thoughts and ideas in its architecture and interior design.

M Moser has been introducing ideas to propel the notion of increased employee satisfaction from work environment and office design to support client’s businesses.

Mangal rightly points out that, “Workplaces have been evolving at a much faster pace in the past five years than ever before. It is a reflection of technology firms and the millennial workforce, which is setting the agenda for change. Workplace design influences traditional businesses as well because there is empirical data available, indicating that office design contributes to increased employee productivity, employee wellness, attracting talent and reduced attrition of workforce.”

Wipro yielded a collaborative work environment for higher productivity. The colors, layout, lighting, furniture

and fixtures – all were thought through along with the business operations team to finally create a new and agile workspace. The design was created keeping in mind the nature of work to be carried out and by listing down minute requirements of the teams that included discussion rooms, huddle

spaces, client experience zones, etc. The changes made to the workspace bought a lot of energy and collaboration among the teams. FM executives are charged with a complex task of delivering vital services that support their organisation’s employees and site operations every day. “Whether you are new to the reliability field or a hardened veteran, one way to stay on top of your duties is to incorporate FM tracker and a right set of partners to ensure a properly maintained asset tracking, reporting and inventory management. Proper budgeting and planning helps soften the blow of costs and keep aging inventories from draining corporate revenues,” explains Bhalla, adding, “One of the lessons I learned is to maintain a balance between cost and expenses. While the management wants the business to run in a most efficient manner, there is always a need to explore better ways to deliver to keep the costs down. At Wipro, we have created transparent measurement criteria on SLAs and designed ways to reward and e-recognise efforts.”

NIRMAL MANGAL

NITTAN BHALLA

Director and country head – India, M Moser Associates

GM – Facilities Management Group, Wipro