PJCF Skill Development Center, Mumbai

The PCJF Skill Development Center in Mumbai is a CSR project designed to create an inspiring and encouraging learning environment. Designed by NACL, the design concept focuses on crafting multi-functional spaces for the institution, emphasising effective space utilisation and acoustics to control elevated sound levels while breaking away from the typical and clichéd classrooms. The site was previously used as a gymnasium on the top floor of a commercial building, with bulky beams, standalone columns creating dead spaces, and minimal natural ventilation. The design requirement was to convert it into a centre that would offer hands on practical training and accommodate heavy machinery within a clutter-free environment.

The design approach, both functionally and aesthetically, aimed to capitalise on every element, object and material integrated within the space by using it in more than one way and ultimately transforming the room with minimal alterations. All the classrooms were lined by the windows and the back-end office and utility areas placed in the rear part of the building. A single passage acted as a spine to the entire space and connected the various rooms of the single 5,000 square foot floor plate.

As per the development control guidelines, the space required for each classroom was insufficient. To overcome this constraint, a single space was used in multiple ways to provide maximum experience. For instance, both the salons were combined into one room by merely opening a mirror sliding folding partition and by rearranging the furniture in the retail class. Storage units were distributed around columns and on walls to create intriguing wall designs and functional storage spaces. The electronic lab required a large number of tools that were stored on the wall, thereby creating an interesting decor. Passages were also lined with storage units to give a library-esque feel, and niches were designed to craft out seating. To compensate for the low ceiling, wire mesh panels were added help give the space a lighter visual appeal. The furniture was designed and customised to be stowed away when not in use and moved around as per requirement. Every corner, furniture piece and blank space has a utilitarian value, thereby resulting in an open layout with clutter-free spaces. Prefabricated wall panels with acoustical properties were used to ensure minimal disturbance within classrooms. A muted grey palette in different materials and textures that are low on maintenance was used to create a subtle backdrop. Clean, stark lines in the form of partition designs, lighting design and the graphics created through the furniture elements, all aid in creating an understated pattern.