Project Narrative
Rising gracefully in Newtown, Kolkata, Berger House stands as a nine-storied cylindrical landmark that embodies the essence of biophilic design in a modern corporate setting. This architectural statement transcends the traditional concept of office buildings, redefining how people connect with nature in urban environments. Conceptualized as “A Living Paint Bucket,” the design transforms the idea of a paint container into a terraced green canvas- each floor acting as a vibrant “layer of paint,” spilling over the edges in the form of cascading creepers and lush plantings. The building, with its terraced landscape and soft organic lines, blurs the boundaries between the built and the natural, making it a living, breathing structure that evolves with time and season.
At the heart of its design philosophy lies the principle of biophilia- fostering human well-being by reconnecting people with the natural world. Each floor of Berger House unfolds into expansive green terraces filled with native and hardy vegetation, creating accessible pockets of nature where employees can pause, reflect, and recharge. The concept integrates the six key principles of biophilic design: environmental features, place-based relationships, light and space, natural shapes, natural processes, and evolved human-nature connections. The result is a workspace that not only inspires creativity but also enhances productivity and comfort by improving air quality, natural ventilation, and thermal regulation.
The terraces are designed as self-sustaining ecosystems- a fine balance of beauty and intelligence. Sculptural rain chains adorn each terrace, gracefully guiding harvested rainwater to collection systems below. This water is then recycled through an efficient drip irrigation network that nourishes drought-tolerant plants, native shrubs, fragrant flowers, and productive trees. These green belts reduce the building’s heat absorption, conserve resources, and create a soothing microclimate. The rhythmic play of greenery and structure transforms each terrace into a sensory retreat- a space that invites people to gather, unwind, and reconnect with nature amidst their workday.
The design goes beyond walls by creating outdoor breathing zones that merge seamlessly with interior spaces. The stepped terraces wrap the building in a living envelope, where creepers drape down like flowing paint, softening the concrete form into a dynamic sculpture of green. Together, these layers of vegetation create a resilient, self-sustaining ecosystem that cools the structure naturally, supports biodiversity, and stands as a powerful symbol of how architecture, ecology, and human life can coexist in vibrant harmony.
At the heart of its design philosophy lies the principle of biophilia- fostering human well-being by reconnecting people with the natural world. Each floor of Berger House unfolds into expansive green terraces filled with native and hardy vegetation, creating accessible pockets of nature where employees can pause, reflect, and recharge. The concept integrates the six key principles of biophilic design: environmental features, place-based relationships, light and space, natural shapes, natural processes, and evolved human-nature connections. The result is a workspace that not only inspires creativity but also enhances productivity and comfort by improving air quality, natural ventilation, and thermal regulation.
The terraces are designed as self-sustaining ecosystems- a fine balance of beauty and intelligence. Sculptural rain chains adorn each terrace, gracefully guiding harvested rainwater to collection systems below. This water is then recycled through an efficient drip irrigation network that nourishes drought-tolerant plants, native shrubs, fragrant flowers, and productive trees. These green belts reduce the building’s heat absorption, conserve resources, and create a soothing microclimate. The rhythmic play of greenery and structure transforms each terrace into a sensory retreat- a space that invites people to gather, unwind, and reconnect with nature amidst their workday.
The design goes beyond walls by creating outdoor breathing zones that merge seamlessly with interior spaces. The stepped terraces wrap the building in a living envelope, where creepers drape down like flowing paint, softening the concrete form into a dynamic sculpture of green. Together, these layers of vegetation create a resilient, self-sustaining ecosystem that cools the structure naturally, supports biodiversity, and stands as a powerful symbol of how architecture, ecology, and human life can coexist in vibrant harmony.
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