Hindustan Times Press

When the esteemed Hindustan Times was looking to erect a new facility in Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi, their mission was quite simple - to loudly proclaim the strong presence of Hindustan Times in the national capital. This new facility had to represent their vision and intent. Hindustan Times had also acquired new technologically advanced printing presses which are considered one of its kind in India and that had to be presented in their new building. The complex includes the printing press block and the administration. The printing press plant is a rigorously functional building and the technologic processes dictate its design. The printing press machinery is about 3-storeys high and is flanked on either side by auxiliary functions like prepress, postpress areas and quiet room. The entire complex is also designed to meet the changing requirement of the industry and had to consequently offer flexibility. So, the huge stretch of space in between the press and the administration is intended to accommodate future press expansions when needed. The sizeable space also creates a physical distance between the industrial process area and the administration whilst maintaining a visual link. The visual connection between the press and the administration is especially articulated by the extensive, dynamic roof structure, which spans the entire complex through a range of activities like the printing press, administration areas and the outdoor square. The roof with a clear-cut geometric severity creates a sense of movement and culminates with a powerful obelisk in the entrance. The external manifestation of movement of the roof from high to low is quite forceful in expression and was deliberately set out to communicate the potent brand. The culmination of the roof as an obelisk accentuates the entrance and announces the presence of the building. The obelisk is embossed with old Hindustan Times papers on aluminium cladding. The informal twisting water cascade in the court forms a visual link between the two blocks and connects the two structures like an umbilical cord. From the administration block, the foreground of the landscaped garden leads your vision towards the printing press block and one visually connects to the press, which effectively shows off the importance of the new machinery and technology. The administration block employs a distinctive green glazing system that balances the rigid austerity of the solid walls of the printing press facility. Even with their deceptively plain expression in plan, the inclined external walls of the administration building create a quality of drama.