INCOME TAX DEPARTMENT – AAYAKAR BHAWAN
Typology
Government office interiors
Client
Income Tax Dept. Tamilnadu and Puducherry, Dept. of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India
Built-up Area
7741sq.ft
Location
Nungambakkam, Chennai
The new envisage of spaces at the Income tax Department, Aayakar Bhawan, Chennai for Government of India is a pride to the department. The Principal Chief Commissioner’s office, VIP lounge, Video Conferencing Hall and allied facilities have been recreated now, as spaces of contemporary, formal, opulence of stately grandeur much to the appreciations of the leading civil servants at the helm. The inspirations for place-making are derived from the bureaucratic insignia and the heritage roots of our state. The ambiences elevate the standards for governing spaces, patriotic to the regional culture, being wreathed in glorious traditions and symbolisms, which is brought about with rich palette of materials soaked in golden lighting.
RADIANCE – THE LOUNGE FROM ANCIENT PALACES
The elegant journey through the indigenous amalgam of rich tradition and modernity in this VIP Lounge reflects not just a spectacular intricacy but also a shy grandeur by the way in which it portrays itself to the onlookers. A warm welcome with gentle greetings takes a step forward in pleasing the people to step back in complete awe of the entrance that has within it, elements of surprise. While the rich flavours and style of our culture can be experienced, this space takes us down the line of a narrative through every element present. Right from the seating to the ornate embellishments, even the columns sing a story of opulence. What more do we need than a “Thinnai”, a traditional platform, that provides a comfortable ambience for crucial discussions or a leisure chat.
As one takes a look around the woven heritage from their seating, the light calls them as the rays take their graceful movement over time, emphasizing the “Kumba Panjara” (a traditional vessel overflowing with prosperity denoted by scared water, symbolically alluded to by the central brass pot in the covered courtyard here) that has been passed down as a symbol of prosperity from ancient Tamizh architects. Placed right across, the louvers kindle a sense of inquisitiveness to take a peek beyond the edge, only to reveal a salient aura around. It would be incomplete if the ceiling goes unnoticed but the exotic essence treated over with the wooden rafters and brass motifs alongside those classical chandeliers, would make it difficult to miss and impossible to not leave an appreciation note. The overall composition combines a sense of completeness not just in design but also in addressing comfort and hospitality through our very own traditional style.
PRINCIPAL CHIEF COMMISIONER’S OFFICE – A SPATIAL CARICATURE OF CHIVALRY
The post of the chief of commissioners, in the Income tax department is quintessential of certain symbolisms. Held by one of the top bureaucrats of the nation, the post is a seat of power, birthed from a storehouse of knowledge. Commanding an unmatched respect, inspired due to the awe felt in the presence of a sophisticated aura, rooted in the wisdom of years in dedicated service to the nation, a certain solemnity is associated with these individuals excelling in administrative brilliance. A space envisioned for one in pursuit of such an exemplary cause and as an embodiment of lofty ideals should no doubt exist in congruence of the above facts.
The context thus arrived, is translated into materiality of space, by inferring the said intangibles as a tangible visual narrative. An austere palette of soft beige marble floor and painted walls, counterpoised by a sombre light brown veneer, enwreathes the illustrious presence. Exposed rectilinear, dual, structural arches in wooden cloaks, produce an arresting monumental effect inside the volume, while functionally enabling to elevate the height of the cover above. A triumvirate of sterling white panels of the worktop, the wall panelling and ceiling, exhorts attention towards robust brass detailing, first taking the form of the arresting insignia of the namesake behind, second thelinear floor to ceiling straight gossamers in the veneer backdrop, thirdly dispersing out as the unassuming concealed lighting frame of the melting liquid grid centrally above. A map of the state with choicest of quotes adorns the plane in front of the seat, and is an ode to the pride one experiences seated here, while also being a solid reminder to the huge responsibility associated with it. Every civil service aspirant’s goal and dream to build the nation, by upholding virtuousness through righteous law enforcement finds a constant honorary reminder here. Fluid glimmering light browns of lacquered glass adjoin the elements of pride and glory, enhancing the focus to the highlights.
An august ambience of formal simplicity reigns supreme, by the reserved treatment of the embellishments, enforcing the analogy of the eminent personality in the place-making process.
CONFERENCE ROOM – MODERN STROKES IN ROYALTY BEFITTING A STATELY DURBAR
“Treasury is the root of administration” and paddy crops are epitomized for prosperity and growth, as also represented in the logo of the IT department. The very same are extracted into a glow of admiration, over the view point, as a moment of wonder and in it’s humbleness, a sense of faith and hope is hinted to on the upper echelons of governance. The brightly lit ambience with order and symmetric composition of elements, establishes a formal impression of respect and duty. Every point, line and plane placed in the surroundings is focused towards creating balance and harmony to bring in string clarity of decision. The energy flows from the top and transcends to the walls, creating a stream of focal bands. On the whole, the design is of confidence and integrity of thoughts.
