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Interior

2019

Photographer : Prasanth Mohan, Running Studios

"When a place is lifeless or unreal, there is almost always a mastermind behind it. It is so filled with the will of its maker, that there is no room for its own nature." - Christopher Alexander

The Breathing Office in Manjeri is a story subtly nestled in the process of being given illustrious shape to its space by the architects from Tropical Architecture Bureau.

This story is set deep in a tropic centre of the world "Kerala. A place that immediately transports you to lazy days by long sandy beaches, the sounds of crashing waves, the tranquil backwaters, palms trees gaily waving their arms up in the humid breeze â€“ a cove of solace. But in a city called Manjeri, in Malappuarm, these attractions have taken a back seat to give way to concrete buildings, noisy roads, monotonous transport, and tired individuals who tug themselves and their lunchboxes to work in rows and rows of dull coloured buildings with tiny windows and no promising views " classic Taylorism.

Offices, today, are rooted in the interaction of the employees â€“ communication, coordination, conversation, etc. and the users must be consciously aware of their spatial context while engaging in these functions.

Manjeri,Kerala

Architects	:	Tropical Architecture Bureau/TAB
Year	:	2019
Website	:	tropicalarchitecturebureau.com

Live greenery

The waiting area receives ample sunlight from the front Facade

To that end, the architects at TAB trusted in the power of unconventional and varied use of local materials and skilled labour. Work like this is physical proof that somebody has taken joy in beautifying a space for another and there is something so wholesome about the "human touch

The naturally-lit and spacious studio makes for an appealing workspace.

The technical details lie within simple, achievable and more importantly, economical limits such that it serves as a prototype which maximises human energy and efficiency in the workplace

Closely spaced vertical lines, comparatively smoother surfaces and bold, sharp edges command a sense of respect and discipline

The "human touch" and the randomness of the pattern breaks norms of discipline in design like "straight lines".

The "human touch" and the randomness of the pattern breaks norms of discipline in design like "straight lines"

Multiple materials, textures and angles to make it appear "incomplete"

The architectural elements together harmonise in warm tones of the exposed finish of metal, cement and wood without becoming monotonous or visually strenuous by occasionally breaking it up with vibrant spots of bright colours, large-leafed plants, glass partitions and graph