The Capgemini Campus at Mahindra City is a typical state of art IT Campus, planned along 2-3 phases with Software Development Blocks, Customer Care Centre, Cafeteria and Recreation Block, an Open Air Amphitheater and other amenities. In Phase 1 the Software Development Block houses workstations/cabins for about 1800 people along with necessary meeting rooms and other ancillary facilities. Customer care and Cafeteria Blocks are also designed in Phases to match the SDB requirements.
The Masterplan aimed to create a cohesive free flowing Campus with a definite iconic presence amidst other IT Complexes in the vicinity
Planning Principles …
Locating the Customer Care Block close to the road, with a definite architectural form and a sculptural Entry Block housing the Visitor’s Lounge and PRO Offices.
The Software Development Block located diagonally from the Customer care Centre with formal landscape and free flowing pedestrian paths linking the two. Clear demarcation of zones achieved by an internal paved road.
Cafeteria Block located further inside with large partly covered terraces (facilitating Open Dining) overlooking the Amphitheater.
Landscape integrated into the Campus design and used efficiently both in the foreground and as transitions between building blocks.
Vehicular movements restricted to periphery with separate entries/parking lots for Staff (Buses and Cars), VIPs and Clients and Utilities and Services.
Efficient Structural and Services Design …
Conceptually, an efficient building design has been achieved through optimization of structural and Services design.
RCC Structures planned with flat Slab design to achieve maximum floor to ceiling height in a services intensive environment. Efficiently planned Structural Grids with optimum spans and cantilevers has resulted in an economic structure which gives maximum utility of Office Space.
Efficient and State of art Services planning has further helped in achieving an optimum space ratio of almost 65-70 sft per person without appearing congested or over crowded. Efficiency in Services planning achieved through a judicious mix of water and air cooler chillers for AC (for catering to base and swing loads respectively), incorporating VAVs, VFDs, efficient Lighting fixtures (CFL), State of art fire fighting and Security Systems, all controlled by an integrated IBMS.
Further the Campus is a Zero Water discharge Complex with 100% grey Water utilization for Chillers, Flushing and Landscaping. Rain water harvesting has also been implemented for the entire campus.
Interiors …
Interiors are finished with eco-friendly, locally available, recycled materials. Colour, graphics and imagery create a bright and inviting atmosphere for both regular Staff and Visitors. Spatial Planning and Interiors of each section are customized to suit different types of users. Common spaces like lobby and atrium form interactive nodes where both permanent and temporary displays disseminate information on a variety of topics.
Thus sensitive architectural design and efficient building services solutions have resulted in a sustainable, low-energy Campus, which can grow through phases retaining its character, all delivered within a commercially viable budget without compromising aesthetics.