Finding Expression in Structure

With the Central Park as the organizing element, the objective was to create an IT Park that is highly accessible, dynamic in use; linked to the outside, yet is at the same time an enclave, a quiet retreat that provides a safe sense of place from the hustle of the “world-outside”, where professionals can find the peace of mind to work efficiently!

“NKP offers the reassurance of order in a teeming metropolis… Technology and the natural world are not in conflict here but reconciled… This finds expression in the structure itself – both as embellishment and in its underlying form.”

— V Naresh Narasimhan , Architect – Principal, Venkatramanan Associates. Architects for NKP

1. Central Park, traffic free area

2. Building + Zones

3. High Structure

4. Historic Structure (Temple & Cooling Tower)

5. Primary Vehicular Circulation

6. Utility Zone

The master plan was conceived with an extensive, sylvan, traffic free central park at its core, around which buildings are thoughtfully located to create the ambience of an urban oasis. The buildings are, in turn, encircled by a broad, tree-lined walking path, for ease and convenience of pedestrian movement. Thereby enabling a seamless flow between the natural and built environment within NKP.

“Despite its intensely urban and metropolitan quality, Nirlon Knowledge Park has a green heart. The approx. 4 acre traffic free central park is characterized by its terraced landscape and elegantly sweeping curve, while the more than 250 meter long water feature combines with existing venerable old trees, to give the location the quality of an urban oasis.”

— Shyam Khandekar, Khandekar Stadsontwerp & Landschapsarchitectuur bv,
the master planner and landscape designer.

~4 Acre Traffic Free Central Park

The Master Plan is designed around an Environmentally friendly Green Campus with a 200,000 sq. ft. or approx. 4 acres of traffic free central park and a more than 250 meter long water feature to give the location the quality of an urban oasis.

Nirlon Knowledge Park is an ecologically friendly environment that people look forward to working in, and which is conducive to retaining skilled, motivated professionals. Extensive green spaces, water bodies, landscaped terraces, and courtyards have been created to ensure that the development has a tranquil, campus like feel.

A Nod to Our History

Nirlon Knowledge Park is situated on the erstwhile Nirlon factory and we have endeavoured to showcase elements of the manufacturing legacy through the restoration of the Cooling Tower, Chimney, Temple, and the creation of the Heritage Atrium. These elements were essential features of the factory, and have been repurposed and integrated within the master plan.

The Cooling Tower Cafe

Built in 1971 as part of Nirlon’s Tyrecord plant, this building functioned as a Cooling Tower, supporting the air conditioning requirements of the Company’s Tyrecord division for 33 years until the phase out of manufacturing in Goregaon in 2004.

In 2009, the Cooling Tower Café was opened to the occupants of Nirlon Knowledge Park. Housing F&B outlets like Pizza Ona, Hav More & Subway

The Chimney Sculpture

An iconic structure from Nirlon’s manufacturing days, the chimney was built from concrete in 1973, and continued to function until the phase out of manufacturing in 2004.

The master plan for NKP, drawn up in 2006, was careful to ensure the preservation and integration of this chimney into the central park.

The Relocated Temple

Originally, the temple stood in the centre of the erstwhile Nirlon factory gardens. Today, the original location falls where the Lodha Florenza project stands, immediately to the east of NKP. Nirlon sold this plot in 1994 as a part of its bankruptcy reorganization. In 2002, rather than see the temple demolished, the Company rebuilt it in its present location, and moved the idols after performing the prescribed rituals and ceremonies.

The Heritage Atrium

Built from old equipment, finished products, and ancillary material used in Nirlon’s various manufacturing processes, as well as historical and contemporary photographs, the collage on the wall tell the brief history of Nirlon

Created in the suitably befitting location within the complex, this work includes the following items:

1. Tyrecord bobbins from the erstwhile Tyrecord Plant in Tarapur, Thane

2. Dipped fabric manufactured at the Industrial Fabric Dipping Unit from the Tyrecord Plant

3. Cross Section of Conveyor Belts from the Industrial Rubber products division in Roha, Raigad

4. Laboratory testing sample of Rubber Compound from the Company’s Industrial Rubber products division in Roha

5. Historical and Contemporary photographs contained in 10 showcases

An Eye Towards Art & Culture

In order to activate NKP's unique combination of heritage, sylvan yet urban landscape and ambiance, NMS was keen to initiate regular interaction of campus occupants with their surroundings through music and art. To this end, various musical evenings and events were held outdoors in NKP's central heritage park on winter evenings in the 3 years prior to the Covid pandemic. These evenings received a good response from the younger occupants of the campus. Public art installations and exhibitions also continue to be curated in landscapes and public lobbies/areas. Going forward, NMS hopes to revive the NKP musical evenings post the pandemic in the cooler months.