Photography by: Noufel Sharif Sojol
Located at Gulshan South Avenue, the Robi Head Office designed by Roofliners Studio of Architecture executes to get the maximum openness and transparency to evoke a sense of futuristic ambience. The 800 square-meter office spreads across two floors – one of the floor areas are reserved for the higher officials and managerial designations while the other floor comprises spaces for clients and customers.
Robi Axiata Limited is one of the largest mobile network operators in Bangladesh. In conjunction with its huge legacy and being at the forefront of contemporary telecommunication industry, the urge of redesigning the interior space of the head office emerged. The fifth floor of the office is a relaxed lounge-style and conceived like a gallery space designated for visitors. Upon entering the lounge floor, the visitors are welcomed in a central gathering space which is being linked through multiple angular walls forming meeting rooms of variant occupancy.
The central area is equipped with multiple group lounges connected with a pantry area. These lounges offer a sense of cosiness while seating in a public space. Each of the meeting room is painted in references to the brand’s prime colour while the dark open ceiling with triangulated lighting sheds is derived from the brand’s logo, forming continuity within the lounges. The entire visitor’s lounge floor has been formulated in such a way that people can perform both formal and informal meetings while sharing their ideas like a salon kind of space.
“The flexible arrangement of spaces allow for one to work out of the desktop computer, have a quick team discussion or even make a presentation. Rows of white desks with well ergonomically fitted movable black chairs set in the open-plan layout further allow flexibility in work”,
On the other hand, the nineteenth floor of the office has been remarked as a place for the sophistication of high corporate value. Through a screened security area, the officials with accompanied guests enter through a brightly lit tunnel space. The reflective white marble floor of the office complements the white plain walls which also become the roof forming the tunnel.
The exhibition lounge represents the legacy of Robi Axiata Limited; with a wall installed with photographs and sculptures that exude their history and contribution in the field of telecommunication and networking of Bangladesh. People passing through this exhibition lounge then enter the bi-folded inner space. This section comprises conference rooms, lounges, and workstations with required separation along with the CEO room.
The floor designed in an open-plan layout has been given a more cellular arrangement, completed with blocks of workstations where staff can work independently. For the lead architects Sarawat Iqbal Tesha, Monon Bin Yunus and Rajib Ahmed, the intent throughout the design process was to keep the office flexible thereby giving the designers options and collaborate out of different seating and meeting arrangements.
The entire visitor’s lounge floor has been formulated in such a way that people can perform both formal and informal meetings while sharing their ideas like a salon kind of space.
“The flexible arrangement of spaces allow for one to work out of the desktop computer, have a quick team discussion or even make a presentation. Rows of white desks with well ergonomically fitted movable black chairs set in the open-plan layout further allow flexibility in work”, adds the design team.
The entire floor is designed in a more futuristic sophisticated manner and is finished with dark blackish-grey carpet with customized triangulated pattern whereas everything else is kept white and transparent with some highlighted red coloured backdrops and some plush lipstick-red sofas.
A balanced contrast has been attempted throughout the office space of Robi Axiata Limited. To match up with the new identity, the interior design of the office represents a stimulating blend to redirect the corporate cultural environment.
Architect Profile
Roofliners Studio of Architecture was founded in the year 2012 and is lead by architect trio Sarawat Iqbal Tesha, Rajib Ahmed and Monon Bin Yunus. The trio completed their B. Arch Degree from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 2010. After graduation, Ar. Sarawat Iqbal Tesha and Ar. Rajib Ahmed worked for Synthesis Architects for several years and co-founded Roofliners Studio of Architecture. Ar. Monon Bin Yunus completed his MA. Arch degree in Dessau Institute of Architecture in 2013 and became one of the partners of Roofliners Studio of Architecture in 2016 and since then he has been actively working in Bangladesh.
Over the years, Roofliners Studio of Architecture has been awarded in many significant competitions for its simple yet contextual approach to design. The studio in all of its design tries to accomplish something beyond the arid formal functional requirements. With an attitude of co-creative collaboration, Roofliners endeavours to harmonize the spirit of space with the programmatic intervention
