One Hive by StudioPOD

Situated in India, Mumbai, One Hive was built in 2021 with the ambition of 'transforming neglected urban void into a thriving public space. This urban plaza within a commercial mixed-use campus has become a 'relaxing open space for lunch, informal meetings and campus events', the preservation of existing trees and plants on site was a one of the elements are the heart of the design. The concept for the space was to create a amphitheatre through the use of concrete modules. 

The site is V-shaped with geometric slabs made from stonecrete, a mixture of locally available natural stone and concrete, increasing durability and adding continuity. Simple concrete plinths serve as the base for the prefabricated concrete 'pods', which are made from recycled concrete aggregate which have been designed with LEED Platinum certification (the highest level of environmental sustainability for buildings). These pods have native plant leaves cast into the surface to add a soft elegant touch to what would otherwise be a harsh surface.

The three functional space objectives ('modules') each serve a different purpose: the grow module, seating module and step module, the overall outcome of this design style forms a tiered aesthetic with dynamic seating, whilst the steps connect the different levels of the amphitheatre, elevating the space providing opportunity for nature and functionality to work in balance. 

The grow modules are richly planted with native species of trees and shrubs, acting as screening offering additional privacy and shelter. 

The central raised deck space comprised of tensile canopies with seating below have food vans parked on surrounding edge, enlivening the space during lunch hours. Low lighting opens the space during the evening hours creating an inviting atmosphere.

This space communicates itself to be a bubble of tranquility and cohesion within the fast-pace environment of Mumbai, the design caters for over 2000 corporates working in the campus becoming a vibrant landscape for lunch, informal meetings and campus events. 

Additionally this design has received the 2024 WLA Professional Award for Excellence for built small landscape design.