Located along the heritage mile of SoBo, on the 2nd floor of a 100-year-old Victorian era building, the studio space explores the innate tactility and highlights the structural integrity of the heritage structure. A conscious effort was made to rigorously explore, live and breathe the space so that the process of “peeling away” layers and exposing the natural character of the space followed simple acts of pausing, taking a couple of steps back and moving forward again.

 The idea of unearthing and discovering, rather than a set mandatory approach, was adopted not only to respect, retain and celebrate the spirit of the place but also respond to the myriad experiences the space could possibly offer. Natural light, ventilation (virtually non-existent in office spaces in the urban sphere) and the objective of utilizing the various vantage points to the fullest were of utmost importance while designing the space. 

Accentuated by the sheer volume, the unapologetic tactility and the visual connect with SoBo outside and between the spaces within - the space elicits an emotional response that evokes interstitial moments of reflection, discovery and presence. 

In effect, the space has embodied an inextricable layer of time that revels in its ability to intermingle with disparate components of distinct eras. 

The Loft | Redefined takes the concept of Adaptive Re-Use a step further by recycling elements and materials of the original studio space - signifying the task of carefully dismantling, re-using and ultimately re-purposing the existing components of the design. This challenging yet gratifying process helped breathe life into an intervention that would not only be fresh but also familiar. 

The tactility stays true to the raw, unkempt and stark nature of the space by: retaining the inherent character; revealing surfaces beneath superficial layers of paint and plaster; and re-cycling elements such as discarded doors, salvaged from demolished buildings within the city, and breathing new life into them.

 Limiting the introduction of new materials, that were lightweight as well as cost effective – cement blocks and boards, wood, hollow metal sections and stone – complements rather than detracts from the essence of the place. Glass, on the other hand, acts as an interesting departure and counterpoint to the roughness of textures that brings forth dimensions of transparency and depth. 

The transformation of the space alludes to a journey through time – remembering the past, living the present and looking out to the future. 

The studio has been envisioned as a multi-functional and flexible design solution. One that pushes the boundaries of conventional workspaces - where collaborative sessions, workshops and exhibitions can be held, and bridging the gap between students and professionals. 

The Loft is a poetic expression wherein the creation and the nature of the existing structure are allowed to take the reins and drive the design forward.