IOCL Office Chennai

Location

The Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) plot is located at Southern Region Pipelines, Eri Scheme, 6th Main Road, Mogappair, Chennai. The total area of the plot is 1535.59 SQ.M.

Surroundings

The site is surrounded by several significant features that influence its design and layout:

North:

A water channel runs along the northern side of the plot.

East:

The plot faces an 18-meter wide ERI Scheme 6th Main Road.

South:

There is an adjacent building towards the south.

West:

The site is bordered by land owned by the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) on the western side.

Access & Circulation

The site features a 4.5-meter wide entry gate that provides access from the main road. A 7.2-meter clear space has been provided around the building to ensure easy vehicular movement, including fire tender access. There is a setback of 7.5 meters on all sides of the building.

Site Features

The entrance to the building is proposed on the eastern side, with the building’s plinth level raised 1 meter above the road level. After entering, the circulation road is ramped down by 2 meters to reach the stilt level and then ramps back up to the road level beyond the entrance lobby.

The site includes dedicated parking facilities, with two VVIP parking spaces located at the front. Two-wheeler parking is provided at the stilt level, and four-wheeler stack parking is available in the basement, accessible via an automobile car lift at the rear of the building.

Additionally, key utilities such as the sewage treatment plant (STP), rainwater harvesting system, and firefighting water tanks are located at the rear of the building. The diesel generator (D.G.) set is positioned at the stilt level, with the pump room located below the stilt in the first basement.

Vision

The architectural vision for the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) office building at Mogappair, Chennai, is centered around innovation, futurism, and sustainability. The aim is to create a user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing multi-storied corporate office that balances eco-friendliness with cost-effective technologies.

The building design is focused on energy efficiency, utilizing natural light and the local climate to enhance functionality while also adhering to the principles of Vastu Shastra, combined with modern architectural grammar.

Building Features

The proposed office building will feature a Ground+6 floors design, with additional stilt and basement levels for parking and utilities. The building incorporates the following key design elements:

• A homogeneous, curvilinear shape that reflects contemporary international architectural standards.
• Atrium extending from the ground floor to the third floor, allowing natural light to penetrate deeply into the building.
• Extensive use of natural lighting on the north, east, and south sides of the building to maximize daylight ingress.
• Double-glazed structural glazing with aluminum sunscreen panels in varied patterns to minimize heat gain and enhance energy efficiency.
• Durable and easy-to-maintain external finishes using metallic cladding for a long-lasting facade.

Structural Innovation

The building's structural design emphasizes functionality and space optimization, incorporating several innovative features:

• The floor-to-floor height of all levels is maintained at 3.3 meters, ensuring ample ceiling height for workspace efficiency.
• The total height of the building is 23.55 meters, with a 7.5-meter setback on all sides, providing space for landscaping and utility access.
• The plinth level of the ground floor is raised to +1.2 meters, ensuring protection from potential flooding and water accumulation.
• The basement floor has a height of 4.2 meters, accommodating stack parking and utility installations.

External Finishes

The administrative building is designed to be an iconic structure, integrating modern materials and technologies to create an energy-efficient and visually appealing facade. The exterior finishes include:

• Double-glazed structural glazing to maximize natural light ingress while minimizing heat gain.
• Aluminum sunscreen panels arranged in a myriad of solid and void patterns, providing aesthetic appeal and thermal comfort.
• Metallic cladding on remaining surfaces, chosen for its durability, easy maintenance, and long lifespan.

Access and Entrance

Access to the site is provided through a 4.5-meter wide entry gate on the eastern side, connected to the main road. The entrance to the building itself is also located on the eastern side, with the plinth level raised 1 meter above the road level inside the plot for better flood protection.

After entering the site, the circulation road ramps down by 2 meters to the stilt level and then ramps back up to road level beyond the entrance lobby, creating a smooth vehicular flow through the site.

Setbacks and Open Spaces

A setback of 7.5 meters is maintained on all sides of the building, which ensures compliance with safety standards and provides ample space for vehicle movement, landscaping, and utility installations. A 7.2-meter clear space surrounds the building, with 6 meters designated for a paved green surface and 1.25 meters allocated for two-wheeler parking. This design ensures easy movement for both vehicles and fire tenders.

Parking Layout

The site layout includes well-defined parking arrangements to accommodate various vehicles:

VVIP Parking:

Two VVIP parking spaces are provided at the front of the plot.

Two-Wheeler Parking:

Located at the stilt level, accommodating 108 two-wheelers.

Four-Wheeler Parking:

Stack parking for 26 cars is provided in the basement, accessible via an automobile car lift located at the rear of the building. This allows optimal use of space for surface parking while ensuring sufficient road width around the building.

Utility and Service Zones

The rear side of the site is designated for utility services, including the placement of the diesel generator (D.G.) set at the stilt level. Additionally, an underground tank is proposed for firefighting and domestic use. A sewage treatment plant (STP) and a rainwater harvesting pit are also located at the rear, ensuring environmental sustainability and efficient water management.

The pump room is situated below the stilt area in the first basement, within the building zone. Vertical transit of pumps and equipment is facilitated by the automobile elevator, which enhances the overall functionality and serviceability of the building.

Overview of Functional Zones

The functional layout of the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) corporate office building is designed to facilitate efficient workflow and communication among various departments. Each floor is dedicated to specific operational functions, ensuring a streamlined organizational structure.

Ground Floor

The ground floor is strategically planned to include:

Reception:

A welcoming reception area designed to create a positive first impression for visitors and clients.

Conference Room:

A well-equipped conference room for meetings, presentations, and collaborative discussions.

Public Amenities:

Facilities such as restrooms and waiting areas for public use, ensuring comfort and convenience.

First Floor

The first floor is designated for:

Material Department:

Dedicated space for managing materials and supplies necessary for operations.

Technical Service Department:

Facilities for technical support and maintenance services, enhancing operational efficiency.

Second Floor

The second floor focuses on:

Finance Department:

Areas for financial management, accounting, and budgeting activities.

Human Resources:

Facilities for HR functions including recruitment, employee relations, and training.

Training Centre:

A dedicated training centre for employee development and skill enhancement.

Third Floor

The third floor is allocated for:

Project and Construction Department:

Office spaces for project management and construction planning, ensuring project efficiency.

Fourth Floor

The fourth floor accommodates:

Operation Department:

Workspaces for operational activities, coordination, and vigilance.

Public Relations:

Facilities dedicated to public relations and communication activities.

Dark Section:

A specialized area for sensitive operations requiring confidentiality.

Fifth Floor

The fifth floor includes:

Gas Management Centre:

A facility focused on managing gas-related operations and services.

Information System:

Office space dedicated to managing information systems and data handling.

Sixth Floor

The top floor is designed for:

Regional Head and Senior Officers:

Executive offices for the regional head and senior management, fostering leadership and decision-making.

Conference Room:

A high-level conference room for strategic meetings and discussions among senior officials.

Additional Facilities

Each floor is designed to accommodate utility spaces, including:

Toilet Facilities:

Restroom facilities serving a total of 100 people per floor, ensuring accessibility for all.

Utility Space:

Dedicated areas for file storage, pantries, and a cafeteria to support employee needs and enhance workplace culture.

Access Points

The site features multiple access points to enhance movement:

Main Entrance:

Located on the eastern side of the plot, the main entrance is designed to accommodate foot traffic and vehicular access efficiently.

Service Entrances:

Service entrances are strategically placed to allow unobtrusive access for maintenance and delivery vehicles, ensuring that operational activities proceed without disruption.

Circulation Design

The circulation design includes:

Vehicular Circulation:

A circulation road ramps down by 2 meters after the main entrance to reach the stilt level, allowing for easy vehicular access to parking areas. The road then ramps back up to the road level after the entrance lobby.

Pedestrian Pathways:

Clearly defined pedestrian pathways enhance safety and ease of movement for employees and visitors, promoting a user-friendly environment.

Parking Circulation

The parking layout facilitates efficient circulation for vehicles:

Two-Wheeler Parking:

Located at the stilt level, with clear access routes for easy entry and exit.

Four-Wheeler Stack Parking:

The basement parking utilizes a stack system, which maximizes space and efficiency. Access from the stilt level to the basement is provided via an automobile car lift, streamlining the process of parking and retrieving vehicles.

Vertical Circulation

Vertical circulation within the building is ensured through:

Service Cores:

Two service cores—one at the front and another at the rear—facilitate vertical movement. The front core includes a main staircase and passenger lifts, while the rear core provides a fire escape staircase and other utility areas.

Elevators:

Passenger elevators connect all floors, ensuring accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities. The automobile lift additionally serves the needs of vehicle movement between levels.

Emergency Access

Emergency movement and circulation have been planned to comply with safety regulations:

Fire Safety:

Designated fire escape routes are clearly marked, ensuring safe and efficient evacuation in case of emergencies.

Turning Radius:

Adequate turning radius has been incorporated into the design to facilitate the maneuvering of emergency vehicles, ensuring swift response times during emergencies.