HOW TO DESIGN YOUR OFFICE

The office, where we spend the most significant portion of our working lives in our work places, which is the reason that one should always be very careful about the functionality décor of the working space. Our work space, where we spend at least half our walking time, six days a week, is as important a part of our lives as our homes. The working conditions and the environment in the offices directly affect the way people interact with the family and friends at the end of the day. These also have an influence on our productivity , mental well-being and general health.

PLANNING THE OFFICE : To plan an office effectively, the designer should have a thorough understanding of the functional and aesthetic requirements of the client, followed by an in-depth evaluation of the possibilities and constraints of the given space, including columns, beams, existing plumbing and so on. An office should ideally have enough space not merely to seat its employees, but to locate ancillary and support services, from the stately boardroom to the humble pantry, as well as for circulation between these areas, with adequate access to stairs and fire escapes. When planning a given space, it is important to conceive a long term master plan, keeping in mind planned growth and future requirements, even if the intention is only to implement part of the plan now and execute the rest as needs and funds arise. The master plan would ensure that what is installed now will not have to be dismantled or relocated when new developments take place. This would help eliminate unnecessary wastage of material and labour.

THE RECEPTION AREA : It is the reception area that makes the first impact on the visitor and which colors his expectation of the space ahead. If the business of the company calls for continuous interaction with guests who need to be suitably impressed, then it is important that the reception area be adequately dressed.

- The reception can be used to display the company’s product or operations with visuals or models.
- Alternatively , paintings or aesthetic accessories in the room can be chosen to reflect the company’s taste and style.
- The receptionist should have direct visual access to be able to keep an eye on office comings and goings .

CONFERENCE ROOM : Conference room is the central area of any office and can give impressions to anyone new having meeting in that room

- Conference should ideally be easily accessible from the entrance, so that the visitors do not have to travel all over the office.
- The facility of a nearby toilet will be an advantage for the same reason.
- The equipment necessary for presentations, such as a screen, TV, video monitor black board ,flip chart etc, needs to be provided .
- The design should provide a calm, neutral background for visual presentation and adequate lighting.
The furniture and ambience should be designed so that the participants can communicate with each other

CEILINGS : It is well to remember that ceilings, like any other surface, reflect light and sound, and contribute significantly to the lighting and acoustic qualities of a space.

- Suspended ceilings are available in different materials, and increasingly, acoustic tiles and panels are becoming standard, especially in open offices and where no special ceiling treatment is required. Usually made of non-combustible which prevents sound waves being reflected back into the room.
- Holes for recessed lights can be cut out wherever required.
- Plaster or gypsum board is harder and reflects more sounds then it absorbs .
- Exposed structural ceiling are sometimes used to create a hi-tech image, as a stylistic alternative to the typical office interior.

LIGHTING : Good lighting is crucial for effective work, be sides which, lighting accounts for a considerable part of the energy consumed in an office. Therefore, two basic elements which the designer must keep in mind are the cost and the efficiency of lighting. On the other hand ,it is lighting which makes design come alive and it should be exploited accordingly. It can create a warm, inviting and dramatic interior, or result in a cold and monotonous office.

- One effective use of the standard bulb is as a wall wash , which tends to imbue the whole space with incandescence and makes the room warm and friendly.
- Incandescent downlights , halogens included, can complement fluorescent and can be used to highlight specific objects, such as desks, plants, paintings, objects, etc.
- To reduce eye strain and fatigue,high contrasts should be avoided. Use of job oriented, task lights can be practical, if complemented by general lighting.
- Suspended or pendant lights can serve a dual function in this regard, and while providing overall illumination, can be lowered to concentrate on a given space.
- A system of selective switching and operational control area wise, or where possible even desk wise, can help restrict usage and operating costs of lighting to only as and when required.

FLOORING : Office flooring is subjected to more wear and tear than any other surface in the room, and it is therefore imperative that it be hardy and resilient.

- Flooring materials vary greatly. hard flooring, such as stone, granite, marble, kota, etc. Wood, cement, terrazzo, ceramic tiles, are usually noisier
- Soft coverings such as vinyl or carpeting, but they are hardier.
- Choice of flooring material will depend on the function of a given area and its requirements where durability, appearance, cost and maintenance are concerned.
- Flooring can be used as a design tool not only in an obvious choice of material and color, but to demarcate departments, private/public areas and circulation paths, by a selective use of different hues and surfaces.

STORAGE : While providing enough storage the emphasis today should be on eliminating unnecessary garbage.

- The basic storage units such as the cupboards, filing cabinets, drawer unit, open shelf, are still as useful as ever, whether they are free standing or built into walls, or used in lieu of the partitions to save space.
- In addition we have certain new innovations such as filing shelves which move on tracks, and which completely fill a given space.
- Furniture too can be designed to save space, using the space above and below work tops..

PANTRY: For offices that can afford the space , a clean well designed and pleasant looking cafeteria or canteen will help employees relax.

- Pantries should be designed to incorporate all the essentials, such as a hot plate or gas burner with cylinder space below and a sink, a stainless sink is hardy and easy to clean.
- A storage cupboard , shelves or hooks can hold the cups and saucers, plates ,cutlery, tea, coffee, sugar, etc. A small compact refrigerator is useful for storing milk, cold drinks, preserving food items, etc.
- A good garbage storage system will help circumvent the inevitable mass of tea dregs , papers etc.
- Disposable plastic cups , plates , if economically viable can save on maintenance and cleaning.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES : coming to the toilets, which perhaps more than any other room , reveals the true class of a company, its attitude to cleanliness and the activity of its employees and visitors.

- Bathrooms don’t have to be exotic, but they do have to be adequate in number for the staff employed and they have to be clean.
- They should have tiled surface, preferably in light plain shades which are not overpowering and which cannot be scrubbed down easily.
- Separate toilets for men and women are statutory to a given number of employees . The traps , the Indian and the western WC with the urinals to accommodate all the users.
- If ventilation is less than ideal, an exhaust or ceiling fan may help, for there are few things as off-putting as a smelly toilet.
- Facilities for dispensing toilet paper,towel,hand dryer etc should be provided.

Thus, planning the ideal offices large and small, opulent and spartan, the professionals can help make the complicated thing, simple to understand and to work out.

VAASTU WISDOM

Are you headed in the right direction?

If in doubt, better stop and check with the help of the Vaastu compass. This will save you from the chaos and hardships on the unpredictable road of life.

Vaastu Shastra, basically a science of directions, specifies the correct directions for everything — from eating to sleeping and from working to decorating the house.

According to Vaastu, each direction is governed by a ruling deity and a ruling planet that dictates the location of rooms and the placement of components within. If any element is not located or placed in the proper direction, it causes defects and compromises the suitability of the place.

What Vaastu does is to harness the energies of different directions for our prosperity. This makes it all the more important for all to have some knowledge about the attributes of the eight directions.

Let us take a look at the characteristics of each direction:

North: The north is governed by Kuber, the God of Wealth and Soma, the Lord of Health. It is ruled by Mercury, the planet influencing the mind and intelligence. Its element is water and colour black. Its attributes are : Associated with tranquillity, relaxation and sexual relationships. Good zone for spiritual studies and meditation. Enhances the healing properties of medicines. Source of female issues and should never be blocked. Ideal for master bedroom, bestowing contented marital relationship and stable sex life.

North- east: The north- east is governed by Eesh, the Lord of Energy and Knowledge. It is ruled by the planet Jupiter. Its element is earth and colour blue. Its attributes are: Associated with self- awareness and knowledge. Promotes divine contemplation. Bestows honour, respect and prestige in society to the occupants. Most favourable for keeping Gods idols and pictures.

East: The East is governed by Indra, the King of Gods. It is ruled by the Sun, the promoter of health and source of divine influence. Its element is wood and colour green. Its attributes are: Provides contentment, optimism and encouragement. Infuses positive energy in the dispirited and the depressed. Bestows long life and continuance of family lineage.

South- east: The South- east is governed by Agni, the Lord of Fire. It is ruled by the planet Venus. Its element is wood and colour purple. Its attributes are: Influences health, wealth and prosperity in all forms. Promotes creativity and natural abilities.

South: The South is governed by Yama, the God of Death. It is ruled by the planet Mars. Its element is fire and colour red. Its attributes are: Most auspicious for wealth, success, happiness and peace. Provides strong energy for business and other commercial ventures. Helps re- ignite passion and promotes enjoyment of carnal pleasures.

South- west: The South- west is governed by Niriti, the Lord of Demons and the Goddess of Destruction. This direction is ruled by Rahu. Its element is earth and colour pink. Its attributes are: Bestows tranquillity and purity. Provides character and longevity.

West: The west is governed by Varuna, the God of Water and Rain, and Upholder of the Universal Law. This direction is ruled the planet Saturn. Its element is metal and colour white. Its attributes are: Associated with success, glory, fame and fortune. Promotes love amongst family members and ensures their overall prosperity. Children do not face childhood difficulties. Most suitable for locating the dining room

North- west: The North- west is governed by Vayu, the God of Wind. This direction is ruled by the planet Moon. Its element is metal and colour grey. Its attributes are: Promotes sense of responsibility and ability to plan, organise and lead. Benefits employees seeking promotion and enhances social life.

Pyramid yantra for vaastu remedies

The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt still fascinates people. Although posing as a tomb, it seems to have a greater purpose. Otherwise, why would the Egyptians build their tombs in the shape of a pyramid and not in any other shape? Research has shown that pyramid- shaped structures possess certain powers that influence persons and objects placed under it. Pyramids are seen to heal and improve the general state of health, help in mental relaxation and even keep milk and grocery fresh! The powers possessed by pyramids have been used in Vaastu remedies for long. Since, in the present- day scenario, it is practically impossible to ensure Vaastu in readymade apartments, flats and even designer houses, pyramid yantras come in handy. Furthermore, their use help prevent expensive demolitions and renovations — the common remedies for Vaastu defects. The pyramid yantra works on the premise of mind over matter, that is, it rectifies the negativity of the structure at the mental level and obviates the need to do anything at the physical level.

Let us see how the pyramid yantra helps in overcoming Vaastu defects:

Plot shape: According to Vaastu Shastra, the Vaastu- compliant shapes are square, rectangular, circular (provided the building constructed on it is also circular), hexagonal, quadrangular and octagonal. The plot shapes that should be avoided are triangular, dholak or mridang shaped, wheel- shaped, cartshaped, fan- shaped, winnow- shaped, bow- shaped, elliptical and irregular shaped. In case you are stuck with any of these defective plots, you can make use of the pyramid yantras . Place nine yantras on each corner of the plot to form a square or rectangle. The combined power of these will help confine the prana energy within the four walls of the plot and ease their circulation over the plot. Plot direction: According to Vaastu Shastra, the alignment of any plot should be exactly along any of the cardinal directions. A plot not orientated to the cardinal directions should be avoided. In case you already possess a defective plot, pyramid yantra can help remedy the defect. Plot slope: According to Vaastu Shastra, the south- west corner of a plot should always be higher than the north- east corner. So, a plot with slope towards the southwest constitutes a major flaw. To remove this defect, place four pyramid yantras in the north- east corner and five in the southwest corner of the plot. Centre of the house: According to Vaastu Shastra, the centre of the house is ruled by Brahma, the Creator, and is called the Brahmasthan. Although it does not belong to any direction, this central zone possesses the most powerful energy, which influences the physical, spiritual and emotional health of the occupants. Unfortunately, the modern- day architecture pays little importance to the sacred space and does not even cater for it. Ideally, place 25 yantras in the centre of the house that is built on 500 square yards and 49 for the one built on 1,000 square yards.

Entrance: The main entrance of the house is important, as this is the entry point of prana energy, which brings good fortune, prosperity and happiness into the house. So, the main entrance should always face the auspicious directions – east, west or north. In case it faces some other direction, make use of pyramid yantras . For the main gate on the compound wall, place a yantra about two feet from the pillar on either side of the gate. For the main door of the house, place the yantra in the centre of the door.

Bedrooms: Wrongly located bedrooms pose a serious problem for the occupants of the house. For example, a bedroom in northeast strains relationships and undermines health and the one in south- east lead to irritability and short tempers. Place one yantra outside the entrance door of the room and another opposite to the door on the far wall, inside the room. One yantra should be placed in the corner of the room, adjacent to the wall on which the door is installed.

Toilet: According to Vaastu Shastra, a toilet in the east causes illness and one in the north- east weakens the finances and general prosperity of the occupants. So, if your toilet is located in any of these directions, rectify it with pyramid yantra . Place six yantras, three each on either side of the toilet door, on the outside. The correct placing of the pyramid yantras is important, as wrong placement can prove ineffective at best or cause negativity within the household, at worst. It is advisable to engage a Vaastu expert for this.

Introduction to Vaastu

Every living being in this world aspires for a place in which to live comfortably, enjoying all the luxuries and happiness of this world getting maximum benefits of heavenly boons. Every one is aspirant of having sound health, beautiful wife, healthy children, wealth, and means of earning through business, profession, and high reputation in society and over all mental and spiritual peace.
The sea animals and amphibians prepare a dwelling place on the sea shore, the birds build nests in the trees, the insects make a hive, and human beings are ambitious of making a house on the earth where all the liabilities towards this world and towards heaven can be fulfilled without any disturbance and trouble.
Therefore, aware of the need of a house and in order to avoid troubles, man wants to construct a house on such a ground where he can feel all sorts or happiness and can lead a peaceful life free of troubles and enemies, thereby deriving spiritual peace. With this aim in his mind, he sets out in search of the learned wise persons who can guide him in selection of a site (plot) of his choice, and in construction of the house. He wants to know the proper auspicious time, and principles (laws) of construction of the house.
Also he has in mind the colony or city, neighborhood, sources of water, natural environment, means of transport, etc. while selecting a plot for building a house, at the same time he thinks of his own interests and profits. The external features of the plot can only be known with the help of persons living around or nearby the flat. Only Shastra can judge the quality and nature of the land. Therefore the selection of a site and the plan of the building is materialized only after consultation and seeking advice of expert astrologer and Vaastu Specialist.
There are saying like Nadi Shotriyo Raja Devagyo Na Chikitasak Tatra Vaso Na Kartavaya A place where there is no river (Source of water - pond or well etc.), scholar, astrologer, ruler and medical expert, should not be selected for living thereon, it should be rejected. Dushta Bharya Shath Mitra Bhratiyaschottar Dayak;Sasarpe Ch Grahey Vaso Mirturev Na Sanshaya. If there is house in which lives an unfaithful wife, a foolish friend, an outspoken servant and a snake, the owner of such a house may die any moment.If such things are associated with the house constructed by some one, the life of the inmates becomes troublesome and unhappy, and there is always a fear of death.
Therefore everyone is curious to know as to what is Vaastu Shastra, and what principles and methods regarding construction of buildings have been given by the ancient saints and seers on the basis of their experience and commands in the divine scriptures. With the help of Vaastu Shastra and Shilpshastra, knowledge about the better and auspicious way of construction of a house, the positions and direction of gates, doors and rooms etc. in it, is gained so that a house may be built which will provide all round prosperity and happiness to the inmates.
Thus Vaastu Shastra provides some principles and rules on the guidelines of which suitable and comfortable buildings for residence, temples, etc. are built and towns, colonies are planned.