Commercial and Institutional Architectural Design
We transform commercial and institutional spaces into communicative environments, blending brand identity with functional, context-driven architecture.
The completed facade of the Nalli flagship store in Anna Nagar, Chennai. The design features deep, ship-hulk-like overhangs that provide shade, create a dynamic visual, and nod to the Art Deco style of the original Nalli store.
An aerial video of the Nalli store at dusk, showing how the building acts as a glowing beacon in the busy Anna Nagar junction. The design leverages its prominent location to create a powerful statement for the brand.
An interior walkthrough of the Nalli store. The design is modern yet classic, bridging intergenerational memories of the brand with a highly functional and easily navigable retail experience.
An undulating mesh curtain was introduced along the glass facade of the Nalli store. This element controls the intense glare of the Chennai sun while adding a layer of translucency and texture to both the interior and exterior.
This drawing explains the three-fold strategy for the Nalli facade design. The goal was to break away from the typical "decorated retail box" and create a self-advertising building that communicates its content floor by floor.
Design proposals for the Co-optex facade, a multi-use retail and office complex. The video shows two options: one with a copper finish inspired by a neighboring building, and another inspired by the "weave" of handloom sarees.
A series of facade iterations for the Dwaraka Apartment building in Chennai. Working with fixed constraints like the structural grid and Vastu, we explored different plays on material and perforation using brick, terracotta, and concrete.
A design proposal for the Holy Saint High School renovation. The concept includes a clean, modern facade, a scissor staircase to improve circulation, and a rooftop sports area and terrace garden.
Interior concepts for the Holy Saint High School, featuring collapsible walls to create multipurpose, flexible learning spaces. The design was guided by a user study to integrate modern pedagogy and learning through play.
A floor plan and section for the Zara Global School library. The project involved designing modular furniture using Lantana, an invasive weed, to create reading nooks and book storage while empowering local artisans.
About Commercial & Institutional Spaces
For commercial and institutional projects, we prioritize communicative architecture over mere ornamentation. Whether it is a flagship retail store or a school renovation, we ensure the facade and layout serve the client’s operational needs and identity, turning the structure itself into a strategic asset for the business or institution.
Our approach to commercial and institutional architecture moves away from the 'decorated box' model. Instead, we view each project as a site-specific dialogue between the brand's history and the physical context.
The Communicative Facade
In retail, we design facades that function as beacons. For projects like the Nalli flagship store in Chennai, the architecture negotiates between the city’s harsh sun and the need for retail transparency, resulting in a design that is both a protective shell and a visual statement. We analyze site constraints—sun path, pedestrian flow, and neighborhood character—to determine how a building speaks to its surroundings.
Pedagogy-Informed Design
Institutional work requires a deeper empathy for the end-user. When renovating spaces like the Holy Saint High School in Jayanagar, our process involves a user study to understand how modern pedagogy, such as learning-through-play, can be integrated into the built form. We focus on flexible interior organization, structural consolidation, and the creation of spill-over spaces that foster interaction.
Materiality and Process
Our design philosophy extends to the details. From prototyping modular library furniture using upcycled Lantana wood for Zara Global School to conceptualizing 'flying carpet' interiors for retail competitions, we utilize raw, honest materials. We believe that by integrating smart spatial planning—such as split levels for offices or undulating canopy structures for campus expansions—we can create environments that are sustainable, inclusive, and fundamentally innovative.
Looking for specific architectural expertise?
Explore our other architectural and design focus areas.
More services by Betweenlines