Veritas Design Group bags design package for Indian High Commission building

PETALING JAYA: The Indian High Commission has appointed Veritas Design Group with the total design package to build the new Indian High Commission in Jalan Duta.
Indian High Commission, H.E. Shri T.S. Tirumurti presented Veritas Design President and CEO David Mizan Hashim with the letter of appointment in a handover ceremony recently.
Commenting on Veritas design selection amongst ten shortlisted submissions, Tirumurti said the design was unique and very contemporary, selected on basis of technical, financial and suitability to the High Commission’s requirements.
"This new building will bring the three offices of the High Commission together in a very flowing manner, namely the Chancery, the Cultural Centre and the Residences. The building is also designed to meet the requirements of Green Building Index and as such environmentally friendly, low in energy. There is open space and gives the design an uplift. It was a unanimous decision as we could imagine the functionality of the design,” he added.
Total cost of the project is RM35 million for the infrastructure, and not including the interior. The building is to be ready by mid-2020.
David, when asked to comment on the project said the Indian High Commission design embraces the evolving role of the modern diplomatic mission as a cultural emissary.
The essence of the planning layout lies in the “brahmastana” courtyard, an activity-charged open space carved into the steep topography of the site. The futuristic form of the Chancery façade folds into geometric pleats alluding to the iconic stepwells of India.
Whereas the ceremonial façade of the Cultural Centre represents the rich traditional tapestry of art and culture so integral to the Indian identity.
Of this façade, the abstracted motif of the Tree of Life, first carved in relief on monumental stone, transitions over to the intricate tracery of a stainless steel Jaali screen that wraps around and defines the Arrival Atrium.