CP Kukreja Wins National Design Competition to Design the Prestigious State Headquarters of IOCL at Mohali, Punjab

The design for the prestigious State Headquarters for Indian Oil Corporation Limited at Mohali, Punjab, seeks not only to be a beacon of authority for the Corporation but also an international model of governance and prestige. We won the project through a national design competition. We believe the three factors – corporate governance, climate responsiveness, and introducing workspaces thriving with culture, created the core of all design understanding, aiding us to propose a harmonious and pioneering workspace model. Understanding the modified requirements of work environments as we proceed ahead, it was extremely important for us to re-consider spatial planning and include only essential design elements.

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The site spreads across 2.2 acres and its placement at the crossroads of two major 30 metre wide roads, makes it distinguishable. For our team, to carefully utilise this frontage was a crucial and defining factor in the overall design’s concept and its development. If we could somehow combine the functionality of the built with a Modern and artistic aesthetic, the building could successfully manifest as a forward-looking endeavour for the State.

Designing the State Headquarters for IOCL, the largest commercial oil company in the country, we aspired to establish an interaction between the edifice with its surrounding. We derived the use of ‘iconography’ as the primary conceptual element to spur a conversation between the users and the general public. Through this, in turn, the fluidity of ‘oil’ has been taken as inspiration for imagining the skin of the building which renders a free-flowing form to the building that is organic in its appearance and induces a natural pattern. The façade panels are designed to regulate indoor temperature, ventilation and daylighting in synchronisation with the outdoor environment. By using stainless steel on these panels, much of the incidental light is reflected back, absorbing minimum heat while the alternating glass panels filter a diffused volume of daylight to naturally illuminate the indoor spaces. Metal being opaque in its property allows shade against the glaring light. Combination of glass and steel allows customized adjustment of light and shade in the building.

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We designed the building envelope to extend from the vertical face and wrap the magnificent entrance projection. In doing so, we developed a graphic illustration over the ceiling of this cantilever which mimics the abstract iconography. Addition of such details manifests a collaboration between art and architecture.

For the project, we would be designing the IOCL Headquarter Building, Senior Management Centre, Transit Camp and Residences. With a striking façade, the fluidity of oil inspires the viscous curvaceous forms, instilling a sense of curiosity over its visitors and allowing the edifice to emerge as a landmark for the City. Technology plays an essential part of design development and has been rigorously accommodated to safeguard the health provisions for top management staff of IOCL as well as Ministerial and VIP visitors, their security and communication along with ensuring an unhindered workflow at the office. A confluence of art in architecture, deriving inspiration from the industrial nature of the Corporation, inspires a fusion between a high profile functionality and imbibing an aesthetic appeal to the edifice.

Fact File

Site Area: 2.2 Acres
Built-Up Area: 2, 25, 000 sq. ft.
Location: Mohali, Punjab
Year of completion: Ongoing