NICMAR – interiors

Built Up Area : 3,500 sq.ft.

Location: Baner, Pune

The design of educational environments plays a pivotal role in shaping the student experience. At NICMAR University, Pune – we were tasked with a challenging yet rewarding mission: to breathe new life into key zones of the campus. Our scope included the redesign of the Placement Cell, Group Discussion area, Classrooms, toilets and hostels. While the project saw successful completion for the administrative group discussion areas, I it remains a “work in progress” in spirit, as the classrooms, toilets and hostel areas are currently in the design phase.

For the Placement Cell and the Group Discussion area, The goal was clear: transition the dated, utilitarian spaces into a contemporary, professional environment that reflects the prestige of the institute which welcomes professionals from across the construction, real estate industry and allied fields simultaneously addressing the needs of a growing campus.

The Placement Cell : (Images 1 – 7)

The heart of the professional transition at NICMAR lies in the Placement Cell. We moved away from heavy, dark wood partitions (as seen in the “before” images below) toward a more transparent and dynamic design.

Covering a total area of 149.70 sqm (1,611.33 sqft), these spaces were reimagined to create a light filled, airy and corporate-ready environment perfect for high-stakes interviews.

Materiality: We utilized sleek glass partitions with frosted panels to balance privacy continuing with an open-plan feel. The area is divided into a reception and waiting area, interview rooms, lounge and a back office. All the network, electrical, HVAC and telecom schemes were also designed in tandem to integrate seamlessly with the layout.

The transparency of the glass partitions and minimalist ergonomic seating has transformed these rooms into corporate- ready environments, perfect for high-stakes interviews. Old, exposed AC units and basic tube lights were replaced with clean modular false ceilings featuring hanging LED light profiles and integrated HVAC diffusers, creating a clutter-free overhead plane. The carpeting and false ceiling contribute significantly to a noise and reverb free environment.

Group Discussion area : (Image 8 – 12) 

NICMAR being Construction Management institute has a requirement of group discussion rooms as a part of their MBA pedagogy. This involves debate, discussions and consensus building in smaller groups. Clear professional communication and active listening, good acoustic design was integral to the space design.

Some photos of the space before intervention:

Usage of wall panels, ceiling panels with dampers and good soundproofing were very critical to this space. An additional challenge was to divide the semi circular floor plate with a large glass facade exterior on the curved edge. A corridor is taken along this curved facade borrowing the view and openness of the campus landscape outside thus making it feel expansive and not claustrophobic.

The discussion rooms were purposely kept inside allowing for least distraction from the campus outside. DGU partitioning with partial screening along the curved passage was taken for sound insulation. Between the three GD rooms, an insulated partition with sound damping panelling was taken to reduce reverb and sound leakage through the divisions. Provisions for projectors, screens, PA systems, servers and networking were also planned to integrate seamlessly with the layout.

The project was executed within a time span of 2-3 months. Our vision for these spaces was to bridge the gap between an academic environment and a contemporary corporate environment retaining the soul of the established institute.