BackStriking the right note
Striking the right note
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When Radio City 91.1 FM moved its corporate office and Mumbai broadcasting operation in May 2007, the architect attempted to use music as the theme for the interiors of the new building. The brief to Mumbai-based Vijay Punjabi Consultants Pvt. Ltd was to inject verve and youthful vitality into the new office, situated in Bandra, through the use of bright colours, murals and stylish but comfortable furniture. And according to several Radio City employees, the 17,000 sq. ft space provides them a great atmosphere to work in. “What welcomes me as soon as I step off the elevators is a vibrant riot of colours which really pumps me up and gets rid of Monday morning blues," says RJ Harssh, host of the Radio City Breakfast Show, adding that he starts work by 6am each morning. The channel is operated by Music Broadcast Pvt. Ltd.
The interiors are almost entirely themed on music. In one meeting room, a discussion table with a trumpet base and tabla-shaped chairs take centre stage. In another, the tables and chairs are designed in such a way that they look like string instruments such as a harp or a guitar. This room is shaped in a circular wave, lending to the theme of flowing rhythms.
The environment was a top priority, says Anil Dimri, vice-president, technicals and infrastructure. “We wanted the space to be both comfortable and creative," he explains. “One that lends itself to creative thinking."
The breakout room does just this. Complete with beanbags, a dartboard, carom set and television, the room is a favourite spot for many employees. The interiors are enlivened by the use of bold, funky colours, even on the murals seen throughout the office. Images depict a woman doing yoga and listening to music, a skateboarder and young people dancing. According to Kartik Punjabi, CEO of Vijay Punjabi Consultants, Radio City wanted to show how different kinds of people relate to music and life.
“We wanted to infuse a sense of vibrancy in the workplace," says Punjabi. Bright colours were deliberately chosen to create vibrant interiors, keeping in mind the largely youthful workforce. The main entrance is another highlight of the décor. The elevators have been designed to replicate speakers, an easily identifiable symbol of music.
The corporate office area for general managers and senior managers is somewhat more formal. The idea was to follow a sober, less-is-more approach, said Punjabi. High ceilings and white walls contrast with the black armchairs, adding to this effect. The décor for the CEO’s office follows the same idiom. The colours are mostly subdued, but interspersed with bright splashes of blue and orange. A mahogany desk, wooden panelling and floors imbue the rooms with an old-world feel.
“The design of a space surely affects the mood at work," says Ahmed Nazari, Radio City’s group head of sales. “We in sales need to be alert and on the move. The lively graphics, vibrant colours and natural white lighting makes for a healthy work environment and ensures that the adrenalin levels are always high."
Click below for pictures
1. With huge, boldly coloured murals, the architects have tried to show how different people relate to music.
2. Chairs shaped as tablas in the meeting room.
3. The main work area.
4. The corporate boardroom.
5. Elevators replicated as speakers at the entrance.
6. The CEO’s room with its subdued colours interspersed with bright splashes of blue and orange.
Photographs courtesy Radio City
(Mint’s publisher, HT Media Ltd, operates Fever 104 FM, which competes with Radio City.)
Write to us at businessoflife@livemint.com
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