STATUS:(COMPETITION ENTRY 2018) The   project addresses the technical challenge to accommodate an underground substation above which offices for DPDC & other rentable offices can be provided. the form is a conciliation of function, context, climate & structure. a central core serves two office blocks. The leaning front mass invites visitors through a lofty semi open space which also serves as the main lobby area. This space is sky lit from above. a pedestrian ramp adds to the spatial dynamism of it.

The built form is anticipated in a way that natural light is wedged in between the two main blocks to create a kind of funnel effect. This also facilitates an open court in between the two blocks. Ample natural ventilation is also ensured by maximizing orientation to the southern breeze. the open & semi open spaces are proportioned & scaled down to smaller courts to cater a rich ambiance for the users. a smaller & more intimate court is dedicated for the DPDC office. These spaces would be a concession to enhance the working environment for the offices.

a diaphragm wall construction is suggested for the project along with a top down basement construction. the site is in a dense urban pocket surrounded by built forms leaving only the north side exposed. though the south side is empty at this stage but would eventually be occupied in future. Leaving only the north side for access & exposure. An existing substation is in the site & needs to be operational till the new UGSS becomes active- resulting in a phased construction. Keeping this in mind the project is designed to be made in two phases. the 1st phase provides the holding of the UGSS equipment including large access shafts, safety & emergency exits & works as a podium for the super structure part. This part also incorporates the transfer girders necessary for the lift shafts & pits of the super structure. The podium works as a public space for both DPDC & rentable office spaces. In the 2nd phase another deep excavation would take place providing mainly the vehicular ramp system to connect different levels of the basement as well as providing parking facilities. This part would eventually serve as the front plaza through which pedestrian is approached to the premise.

The lower floors above the UGSS are dedicated for multipurpose spaces, cafes, service spaces etc.

the top most two levels in front are for boutique offices. The spaces are arranged in a way that they can be both segregated for sub division or can be rented as one total space. The office spaces are designed to provide flexible office planning.

Depending upon the requirement of DPDC the building traffic can also be managed by dedicating the area currently allocated for service lobby area & freight elevators. thus providing separate access to DPDC offices if needed.

Safety stairs, fire exits, firefighting provisions are well provided for the project and also follows DMNIB regarding architectural issues. a provision for rapture plate is also suggested (gf.plan SE corner) to release sudden pressure   build up in case of any underground explosion.