The Foundation of Economic Development workspace was developed to support a cluster of independent but strategically aligned organisations operating within the broader Central Square Foundation ecosystem. While each organisation operates with distinct leadership, program priorities, and operational frameworks, the workplace needed to provide shared infrastructure and opportunities for cross-organisational collaboration.
The project addresses the need for a spatial system that supports start-up level agility alongside institutional governance and policy-level operational maturity. The workspace operates as a hybrid between an incubation environment and a structured institutional headquarters.
The facility enables independent organisational functioning while supporting shared institutional learning, resource efficiency, and long-term adaptability.
Independent Organisational Clusters Within a Unified Institutional Framework
The planning framework creates distinct operational clusters anchored around leadership zones and adjacent team environments. Each organisation is provided spatial autonomy while remaining connected to shared infrastructure systems.
Leadership cabins are positioned along the perimeter to maintain visibility and organisational access. Sound-insulated meeting environments are placed between leadership zones to support confidential discussions and inter-organisation coordination.
Modular planning bays support transitions between open office environments, enclosed cabins, and meeting spaces. Circulation planning ensures clear visitor movement, examination flow management, and segregated access for public, staff, and service users.
The cluster structure enables operational independence while maintaining institutional connectivity and spatial continuity across the workplace.
Shared Collaboration Infrastructure Without Forced Interaction
A centrally located shared workspace zone supports organic cross-organisation interaction. The spatial structure enables collaboration through proximity while allowing each organisation to maintain independent workflows.
Shared facilities including boardrooms, meeting rooms, and informal collaboration environments are positioned for equal access across all clusters. This ensures resource equity while supporting flexible collaboration patterns.
The spatial system supports future organisational restructuring, scaling, and program expansion without requiring structural redesign of the workspace framework.
Acoustic Performance, Safety Infrastructure, and User Accessibility
The fan-shaped hall geometry improves line-of-sight and acoustic distribution. Anti-clastic roof geometry and sound-absorbing wall panels reduce echo and reverberation, ensuring clarity across event formats.
Evacuation and disaster response systems are embedded into circulation planning. Wide staircases, distributed exit points, and intuitive movement routes support safe evacuation under full occupancy.
Multiple entry systems support separation between public visitors, students, and operational staff, improving security and movement clarity.
Spatial Movement Logic and Neutral Multi-Organisation Identity
Angular spatial planning elements are introduced across flooring patterns, ceiling geometry, and circulation pathways. These interventions support subtle zoning without introducing physical barriers.
The workspace uses a neutral material palette to support multiple organisational identities. Cohesion is created through acoustic ceiling systems, layered flooring strategies, and consistent spatial detailing rather than brand-specific visual overlays.
The neutral spatial identity ensures long-term relevance while allowing organisations to evolve independently within the shared infrastructure system.
Acoustic Stability and Long-Term Workplace Performance
Acoustic performance is treated as a primary operational parameter. Treated ceilings, soft flooring systems, and spatial zoning support sound control across collaborative and focused work environments.
The workspace supports long-duration knowledge work by maintaining visual clarity, acoustic stability, and controlled environmental comfort across all zones.
The facility enables sustained productivity across research, policy development, and strategic planning functions.
Conclusion
The Foundation of Economic Development workspace demonstrates how multi-organisation environments can support autonomy and collaboration within a unified institutional infrastructure.
The project establishes a framework for shared institutional ecosystems by combining behavioural planning, acoustic performance, and spatial neutrality.
The facility operates as a long-term institutional asset supporting evolving organisational structures, collaborative governance, and national development initiatives.
Client
Central Square Foundation / Foundation of Economic Development
Cost
INR 22.8 Cr | INR 228 Million
Area
13,275 sq. m.
Facility
Workspace for Emerging Ventures
