---
title: "Public and Institutional Architecture Design by Thirdspace"
description: "We design public and work environments that prioritize human scale and site context. From corporate offices to university arenas, discover our process-driven architectural approach."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/public-work-environments
last_updated: 2025-09-02
---

# Architecture for Public and Work Environments

Tribe Verified · Context-driven design for public environments.

By [Thirdspace](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace) · Studios in Pune & Belagavi; Projects across India · ₹200 per sq. ft. (estimate)

Part of [Architectural Design](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/gallery)

We approach public and commercial projects as urban interventions. Our work prioritizes human scale, site-specific logic, and structural honesty to create environments that facilitate interaction and community.

## Photos and videos

- ![The exterior of an industrial project under construction, featuring polycarbonate and metal wall panels. The design focuses on creating a clean, efficient, and light-filled factory environment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/10ce60ec-5bfb-4e33-acfc-42eeb6e71678)
- ![The interior of the industrial building reveals the steel truss structure and translucent wall panels. This system allows diffused natural light to illuminate the workspace, reducing the need for artificial lighting.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/aee5a5e1-7407-4592-861b-1c791dcd1969)
- ![The "Hoverspace" office extension is supported by massive concrete columns, allowing the new volume to float above the ground. A red car provides a pop of color and a sense of scale.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0bc37a4f-2f50-4078-9859-a8c85dcf7adf)
- ![Inside the "Figured Ground" sports arena, a lone athlete stretches on the court. The vast, column-free space is made possible by the complex steel truss roof structure, which spans the entire arena.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/674bc3c5-c284-4605-8856-8a2aa8256051)
- ![A group of athletes rests on the tiered seating inside the sports arena. The vibrant green and orange seats add a splash of color to the otherwise neutral interior palette of concrete and steel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/98693887-af54-42e5-a6f6-1dff6490f6da)
- ![The seating tiers of the sports arena, with the expansive roof structure visible above. Clerestory windows bring in natural light without causing glare on the playing courts.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/168679cd-5449-4320-b04b-f648d349a743)
- ![A basketball game in progress at the "Figured Ground" arena. The facility is designed to host a variety of sports and community events, making it a vital hub for the university.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2a663b71-d4f2-47e9-a6a1-668f78ec4f8b)
- ![The empty seating banks of the arena highlight the scale and rhythm of the space. The design is both monumental and functional, capable of accommodating large crowds.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d02750a3-446b-4e9c-898f-9f9c65ba9e85)
- ![The vastness of the main hall in the "Figured Ground" arena is emphasized by the single figure on the court. The architecture is designed to inspire a sense of possibility and achievement.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f5431782-0793-4783-a609-f1e71985356d)
- ![The motion of the basketball players contrasts with the static, powerful geometry of the arena's structure. The space is a dynamic backdrop for athletic activity.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/01cc01da-7a1f-4bc5-9f6a-ed29a79d5229)
- ![The tiered seating provides clear sightlines to the court, ensuring an excellent viewing experience for spectators. The red doors at the top provide access and a point of visual focus.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/74f3730f-4692-4f7b-839d-d288dd1cedcf)
- [Video: This film provides a cinematic look at the "Figured Ground" sports arena, showcasing its integration with the landscape, the play of light on its surfaces, and its use by athletes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6a558008-ca83-4f36-82dc-dac8f14b0220)
- [Video: A feature on the "Figured Ground" project in ArchDaily, showing diagrams, photos, and text that explain the design concept. The building merges with the landscape by sinking into the site's natural gradient.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/45bc8946-77cd-4368-ba04-6c3d5ffe52e0)
- ![Children play on the landscaped berm of the "Figured Ground" sports arena. The building's exterior is designed to be an active part of the campus, a place for informal gathering and play.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a326d42e-0e15-4ca7-9bf8-c9b25615f398)
- ![A render of a factory building concept titled "Suspended Solids." The design breaks down the large mass of the factory into a series of floating concrete volumes, creating a more dynamic and less monolithic facade.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/841e014e-5130-4508-9b96-8c7894eadd89)
- ![A security guard stands beside the monumental red entrance door of the university sports center. The folded metal form creates a dramatic and memorable entry sequence.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f57e051f-1e99-4930-b2c4-1dee7e3ca958)
- ![The clubhouse for "The Cove" community, seen at dusk. The building's angular roofline and warm lighting create an inviting atmosphere for residents.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a36e0cb0-2d6d-4f02-8f2b-321c25c7d056)
- ![The linear verandah of "Hoverspace" is wrapped in an expanded aluminum mesh skin. This feature acts as a climatic buffer, shading the interior offices while allowing for views and natural ventilation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bed58e1a-2de9-4a3c-8b36-3970d3735e29)
- ![A view from the "Hoverspace" verandah, looking out through the mesh screen to the blooming trees of the campus beyond. The breakout space connects employees with the natural environment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/65b1e11a-7bc7-4b26-926c-c6fd2eb3a938)
- ![The afternoon sun casts a patterned shadow through the aluminum mesh screen onto the interior wall of the "Hoverspace" verandah, creating a dynamic and ever-changing light effect.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/16775767-8ae7-45c8-8b02-8abd1e982b84)
- ![The open-plan office inside "Hoverspace" benefits from the filtered light and views provided by the peripheral verandah. The structural trusses are painted red, becoming sculptural elements within the workspace.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/788c5c32-2b5c-4ece-afff-e1a2c4f442c9)
- ![An interstitial event space is created on the terrace of the old building, underneath the new "Hoverspace" extension. This semi-enclosed area provides a place for gatherings with views of the adjacent sports ground.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/99747195-736d-4a8c-a072-ac61a62ea5a3)
- ![A sculptural spiral staircase connects the ground level with the new "Hoverspace" offices, providing a secondary means of access and a strong visual element.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3c9bbe5c-d5db-4743-8b8c-2482657533ea)
- ![The terrace beneath "Hoverspace" acts as a pause point between the old and new structures, framing views of the surrounding campus and its older, tiled-roof buildings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8c58e875-92a0-4f78-8062-bd2a08fe5b12)
- ![An exterior view of "Hoverspace" at dusk, showing the transparent office interiors and the cantilevered structure. The building becomes a lantern-like beacon for the campus at night.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a9b59de6-af5e-4d60-a9c5-4372729fe069)
- ![The interior of "Hoverspace" is designed for transparency and flexibility. Glass partitions separate private offices from the open work areas, while the exposed red trusses add industrial character.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8ca2261c-2935-4393-bb58-8293426eaf7e)
- ![Reflections in the glass partitions of "Hoverspace" create a sense of depth and complexity. The design uses mirrors and glass to visually expand the space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/df712853-aeaf-44df-badd-adc7777a8bcf)
- ![The "Hoverspace" extension forms a portal-like entrance to the campus. The new structure respectfully frames the old, creating a layered and cohesive architectural composition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f0f2731c-3865-4a94-8cbc-6760e16b3a09)
- ![A view of "Hoverspace" from the campus gardens, showing how the new structure floats above the existing building, supported by slender concrete columns.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0ffc19fb-91db-4960-846c-85cee64e9a36)
- ![An aerial view shows "Hoverspace" in its entirety, acting as a backdrop to the sports ground and a new landmark for the campus.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8eab6677-77a7-4373-a604-f81cb40fc261)
- ![The building at dusk, with the interior lights revealing the activity within. The design balances the need for functional office space with the creation of a strong architectural identity.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dac687c4-b936-49ea-a26b-dcc8cae1fabc)
- ![The entrance lobby beneath "Hoverspace" is a bright, open volume defined by the supporting columns and the exposed red-painted roof structure of the terrace above.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7af3c005-42a6-49ad-a369-ac1f4b23c8be)
- ![A view of the cantilevered end of "Hoverspace," framed by an archway of an older campus building. This juxtaposition highlights the dialogue between different architectural eras.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/47a6dd5e-585e-4bb2-8bef-6da425a47c06)
- ![This award announcement for "Hoverspace" celebrates the project's innovative approach to commercial design, highlighting the use of steel structures and transparent facades.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ee95dd99-57e5-4fc5-9eff-bcd6b4c48461)
- ![A throwback to an office campus we designed in 2010. The facade uses perforated metal screens to create a layered and textured appearance, which has matured gracefully over the years.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/11f2a4b0-7130-453d-99d9-60426325ac66)
- ![A detail of the cantilevered glass volumes of the 2010 office campus. The design plays with intersecting forms and transparency to create a dynamic workplace.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9fe7a539-5aaa-466b-95e5-e0c24d1919fc)
- ![A glass-enclosed bridge connects the two linear blocks of the office campus, creating both a physical and visual link over the central courtyard.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7c97f614-53b0-4144-b63d-2381af7a88ce)
- ![The entrance to the office campus is marked by a dramatic cantilevered volume, creating a sheltered drop-off area. The building has settled into its landscape over the past decade.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cde81ef2-d611-4d64-85e7-b193c6d41330)
- ![The facade of the office campus is a complex composition of grey metal panels, glass, and open terraces, creating a modern and sophisticated corporate identity.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d0fda9da-3919-45f9-94e5-acfb90da536c)
- ![A central water body with a temple tree (plumeria) acts as the focal point of the office campus courtyard, bringing a natural and contemplative element to the workspace.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4f4bc6cf-7663-4332-993a-5a30578ed8f4)
- ![A render of the "Indoor Sports Center" showing how the building's green roof and landscaped plazas integrate it into the university campus.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/05decf0d-2aa7-46ed-9177-a6c3750bd8e7)
- ![A construction photo of the sports center's landscaped entrance, showing the formation of the concrete steps and amphitheater-style seating areas.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1f7bfc3e-b6b8-4f1b-9c5c-188b2a7222f3)
- ![The sports center under construction, with scaffolding covering the facade. This view from the road shows the building's significant scale and linear form.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/02d85189-071d-4fdc-9b06-e185b7cdae37)
- ![This render illustrates how the sports center's roof becomes a fifth facade, a green landscape that merges with the ground and makes the large building less imposing from the campus side.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/978dfc26-71fe-4dfe-9e80-c04d8aa9c449)
- ![A conceptual render of the sports center, highlighting the contrast between the dark, solid mass of the building and the vibrant red accents at its entrances.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/69fd963d-c601-4205-aa63-3ba1ef5cb262)
- ![An elevation render showing the long, low profile of the sports center as seen from the main road. The design presents a sleek and modern face to the city.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/22411ad6-3272-499d-9bab-9ed8d27135d0)
- ![The basement car park of "The Treehouse" is treated with the same design rigor as the rest of the building. Exposed services are organized and painted, with a yellow staircase adding a surprising element of color.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/abb8f0f2-332e-4d55-80ee-719812f8eed7)

## About Public & Work Environments

When designing for public or work environments, we avoid the trap of generic, monolithic structures. Instead, we focus on the space between the buildings and the user's experience within them, such as how our 'Figured Ground' sports arena in Hubballi uses sectional shifts to descend into the earth, minimizing its visual impact while maximizing interior volume. This approach ensures the architecture serves the people using it, rather than just occupying the site.

Our approach to public and work architecture is rooted in the belief that every building must contribute to the urban fabric. We do not design isolated objects. We design connections.

### The Urban Interface
In commercial and institutional projects, we analyze how a building engages with the street and its surroundings. For instance, our 'Hoverspace' office extension uses large concrete columns to lift the main volume, creating shaded public space at the ground level. This strategy turns a private office block into a contributor to the public realm. We apply this same logic to factory and campus design, using landscape berms and sunken volumes to manage scale and integrate large facilities into their context.

### Structural Honesty
We find beauty in the mechanics of construction. Whether it is the steel trusses of an arena or the polycarbonate panels of an industrial unit, we allow these elements to define the interior character. Our goal is to create spaces that perform efficiently without relying on unnecessary ornamentation. In our university work, for example, we utilize clerestory windows and passive cooling strategies to ensure the interior remains comfortable and naturally lit throughout the day, reducing reliance on artificial systems.

### A Collaborative Process
Public projects are complex, involving multiple stakeholders and functional requirements. We treat this as an opportunity for design innovation. By using physical models, 3D printing, and sectional diagrams, we test how different programs—whether sports, education, or commerce—can coexist in a single footprint. We invite our clients into this process, ensuring that the final design is not just a building, but a functional framework that supports their organizational identity.

## About Thirdspace

We are Praveen and Namrata. Since 2002, we have been working from our studios in Pune and Belagavi to find a balance between the structures we build and the people who inhabit them. We believe architecture is not just about the building, but how it touches the ground and fits into the neighborhood.

[See all of Thirdspace's services](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace)

## More from Architectural Design by Thirdspace

- [Featured](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/featured)
- [Homes & Communities](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/homes-communities)
- [Reimagining Heritage](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/reimagining-heritage)
- [From Idea to Form](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/from-idea-to-form)
- [The Art of the Interior](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/the-art-of-the-interior)
- [Architecture in the Public Realm](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/architecture-in-the-public-realm)
- [Explorations & Unbuilt Ideas](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/explorations-unbuilt-ideas)

## More services by Thirdspace

- [Urban Design & Master Planning](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/urban-design-master-planning)
- [Interior Design](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/interior-design)
- [Heritage Restoration & Adaptive Reuse](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/heritage-restoration-adaptive-reuse)

## Similar work from other experts

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- [Inspiring Public and Commercial Architecture](https://mytribe.in/panthakiarchitects/architectural-design/inspiring-public-commercial-spaces) by Panthaki Architects | Interiors · Architectural Design · Takes projects across India; Visit Design Studio in Dadar East, Mumbai
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- [Corporate and Institutional Architecture](https://mytribe.in/dca.architecturedesign/architectural-design/corporate-institutional-environments) by DCA Architecture and Design · Architectural Design · Takes projects across India; Visit office in Kurla West, Mumbai
- [Inspiring Commercial & Institutional Spaces](https://mytribe.in/gayathriandnamith.architects/architectural-design-urban-planning/inspiring-commercial-institutional-spaces) by Gayathri & Namith Architects · Architectural Design & Urban Planning · Projects across India; Visit Design Studio in Koramangala

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