Microsoft has unveiled the pics of its new office- India Development Centre (IDC) facility- in Delhi NCR – Noida. The architecture & design of the whole office is inspired by the Taj-Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. As per the company the new R&D facility will serve as a "premier hub" for its engineers to design innovative and advanced technology for its users worldwide and in India. Noida office is the third center of the tech giant- Microsoft- in India after Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Creative teams at Bengaluru-based RSP Design Consultants and the RE&F team sit together to draw the concepts from scratch and reference Microsoft’s design language. SURFACES REPORTER (SR) is sharing the exclusive pics of the latest 90,000 square feet state-of-the-art workspace that is a unique combination of the latest Microsoft technologies and locally sourced materials. Take a look:

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Mughal Architectural Style 

The Noida-based office has Taj-inspired colour palette and design patterns. It features vaulted doorways, arches, intricate marble inlays, and modified marble domes that were beautifully created by carpenters and stonemasons and pays tribute to India’s historical and rich craftsmanship.

Also, one can notice the elaborate artwork by local artisans and graphics showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. Also, the ivory white corridors punctuated with Mughal-era 'jaali work' and domed ceilings give a classic appeal to the entire office.

"The Taj Mahal's marble domes, minarets, arched entrances, jaali work, and even a visual reference to the Char Bagh Gardens, translate seamlessly in this Noida space. In the core area of the office space, archways and marble cladding create a sublime effect, while lattice perforations of the jaali screens -- in marble or modified for the ceilings -- render the space's texture and depth. The subtle domes, at the same time, add volume," says the company in its blog. 

Here prisitne white passages feature hidden lightings paired with intersecting arches. Wooden fluted panelling on the walls frame the vaulted pathways.

The office has chevron patterns in the corridors, replicating the Taj Mahal. The company also says that all the marble and fabrics were obtained from nearby regions, to spur the local economy.

Also Read: Sculpture depicting Ghagra & Odhani | Crafted with 3,50,000 Handsewn Crystals | Taj Ahmedabad | Rhea Mehta

Breaking the Methods of Traditional Indian Workspaces 

The murals around the campus have easter eggs built in, and this gamification breaks the formula of traditional Indian workspaces. On the left, a perforated jaali right at the entrance with the picture of Bill Gates, which is only visible at certain angles. On the right, are examples of how traditional murals with floral iconography incorporate technology symbols.

The colour theme in the main workspace is inspired by the Char Bagh gardens where the separated seating areas are juxtaposed with the impression of the outdoors.

The flooring also has a design replicating the feel of Char Bagh Gardens. According to the company, the colour palette breaks the monotony of a workspace.

Commitment to Sustainability

The new Microsoft Development Centre spreads across the top three floors of a 6-story building and is in line with its commitment to sustainability. According to the company, they have implemented water and energy conservation practices to reduce carbon footprint. The base building is LEED platinum rated, meaning it caters to the highest sustainability standards of construction and operation.

"I think working at an office is going to be a more beautiful experience than in the past because employees will have a choice. They can work from the comfort of home, or they can come to office and work in a world-class environment where they can collaborate, build social capital and forge a bond among themselves. I really believe that," said Rajiv Kumar, Managing Director, Microsoft IDC. 

Today, Microsoft has more than 13,000 employees working in research, sales, and marketing, in India have over 13,000 employees, engaged in sales and marketing, research and development, customer support and services, across 11 Indian cities. The company states that it serves its Indian as well as global clientele with its services from local data centers to accelerate digital transformation across startups, businesses, and government organizations.

Images and Info Courtesy: Microsoft

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