Shivalik Curv by INI Design Studio stands as a powerful symbol of contemporary architecture and forward-thinking design within Gujarat International Finance Tech-City (GIFT City), India’s first fully operational Greenfield smart city. Conceived as an iconic commercial landmark, the project responds to the client’s ambition for a Grade-A office tower offering 47,000 sqm of premium workspace across 32 levels. Rising to a height of 120m, the tower distinguishes itself through its fluid, rotational form, which is an instantly recognizable silhouette that reinforces the dynamic identity of GIFT City. Every aspect of the massing is crafted to embody movement, progress and innovation that will echo the aspirations of the finance and technology sectors that the city is designed to nurture. SURFACES REPORTER (SR) sheds light on this eco-conscious urban office design that celebrates innovation, environmental responsibility and the future-forward spirit of GIFT City.
Each floor plate rotates by one degree as it ascends, producing a cumulative shift of 38 degrees from base to crown.
A twisting tower
The tower’s unique geometry is central to its identity. Each floor plate rotates by one degree as it ascends, producing a cumulative shift of 38 degrees from base to crown. This subtle yet striking transformation gives the building a sense of motion, akin to a gently twisting form. The structure leans approximately 25m over its total height, a gesture reminiscent of a graceful, torsional movement of the human torso. This curvature not only shapes the distinctive exterior but also orchestrates framed views of the emerging GIFT City skyline, ensuring that every level enjoys its own captivating visual experience.
The structure leans approximately 25m over its total height, a gesture reminiscent of a graceful, torsional movement of the human torso.
The design of Shivalik Curv is rooted in a careful balance between artistic expression and technical precision. Set on a semicircular plot, the building leverages its unique site geometry to craft a sweeping built form that evolves with height. Curved lines extend beyond the building into the surrounding public plaza and drop-off areas. Landscape elements, including sculptural installations, further reinforce the sense of fluidity and contemporary sophistication. A prominent sculpture positioned at the driveway’s focal point heightens the overall dynamism.
The facade system allows abundant natural light to permeate the interior workspaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting and enhancing user comfort.
A sustainable office integrating artistry
The facade plays a critical role in emphasising the tower’s rotational motion. Its articulated elements accentuate the twist while also improving the building’s environmental performance. The facade system allows abundant natural light to permeate the interior workspaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting and enhancing user comfort. The adaptable floor plans have been designed to accommodate a wide variety of office requirements, right from agile startups seeking flexible layouts to established financial institutions requiring structured spatial arrangements, thereby enabling tenants to customise their environments with ease.
One of the tower’s social anchors is the green terrace at the third level, which opens into a soaring 107m high atrium.
One of the tower’s social anchors is the green terrace at the third level, which opens into a soaring 107m high atrium. Oriented towards the east and north-east, the atrium is naturally illuminated throughout the day, creating a vibrant internal zone that encourages interaction, movement and visual connectivity between floors. Complementing this is the rooftop terrace, which houses a restaurant and additional amenities, offering sweeping views of the Sabarmati River and the broader GIFT City skyline.
Complementing this is the rooftop terrace, which houses a restaurant and additional amenities, offering sweeping views of the Sabarmati River and the broader GIFT City skyline.
Despite its visually complex form, the building relies on a structurally efficient and cost-effective system. A robust service core acts as the central spine, supporting the torsional exoskeleton-like frame and stabilizing the entire massing. This engineering strategy ensures that the building’s sculptural ambition is achieved without compromising practical construction considerations. Shivalik Curv also aligns closely with GIFT City’s sustainability goals. The design incorporates an energy-efficient cooling system that lowers operational energy demands, while integrated solar panels contribute to on-site renewable energy generation. Rainwater harvesting mechanisms help reduce water usage, and daylight-optimized planning further cuts down on artificial lighting consumption. The green terrace enhances thermal performance, strengthening the building’s overall energy efficiency.
The design incorporates an energy-efficient cooling system that lowers operational energy demands, while integrated solar panels contribute to on-site renewable energy generation.
Project details
Project name: Shivalik Curv
Location: GIFT City, Gandhinagar
Built up area: 931832 sqft
Type: Office
Studio: INI Design Studio
Image credit: INI Design Studio