V-SOFT CONSULTING
Location:
2550 Eastpoint Parkway, Louisville, KY
Project Type:
Workplace
Status:
Completed August 2023
Client:
V-Soft
Scope:
48,729 SF Class A Shell Office Building
30,000 SF V-Soft Tenant Buildout + Common Areas
Tenant Suite Shell Space
Services:
Architecture
Interior Architecture
V-Soft requested a new company headquarters building that follows the principles of Vastu Shastra, the Indian system of architecture that promotes positivity, health, and prosperity. Building positioning, programming layout, circulation, and materials in balance with the 5 earth elements create a harmonious space that provides positive energy flow.
The project site was adjacent to an existing bank. The existing shared drive and existing building are oriented on the NNE-SSW axis; however, Vastu values the 4 cardinal directions for building placement and layout. Additionally, the building was to be designed with additional square footage to accommodate tenants in the near term and V-Soft’s growth in the long term.
Our challenge was to deliver a flexible office building that follows the principles of Vastu Shastra on a fixed site.
To balance the existing site conditions and respect Vastu’s regard of the 4 cardinal directions, the first floor maintains alignment with the drive and existing building, and the upper two floors, occupied by V-Soft, twist to face cardinal north and south. Although the approach to the building faces south, the main entrance for V-Soft is from the north, Vastu’s ideal for business profitability. The south entrance and parking lot are primarily used by the tenants within the building.
The building is steel frame construction, clad in brick, metal panel and glass. Following the Vastu tenet that the south and west facades should be heavy, those elevations of the building are constructed as predominantly brick with punched openings. The main expanses of glass are located on the north and east facing elevations, where window placement is considered favorable. While strict adherence to all Vastu principles is difficult for a complex program with fixed site conditions, the project team worked together to honor the main ideas.
The twist of the second and third floors create dynamic spaces inside and out. There are two balconies on the third floor, carved out by the juxtaposition of the building angles. The access to fresh air in conjunction with the large swaths of windows promotes physical and mental well-being for the occupants.
The south and west facades represent stability due to their connection to the Earth Element.
V-Soft’s main entrance door is large, with a sloped pinstripe laminated glass canopy that helps direct the positive energy into the building. There are no columns or obstructions to disrupt or disturb the approach to the building. The compound curved curved wood finish monument stair has a clockwise flow, promoting the natural movement of energy within V-Soft’s suite.
V-Soft’s interior office buildout follows Vastu principles vis-a-vis the location and arrangement of programmatic elements. Their reception desk faces north and east, facilitating positive energy. The Owner’s office is situated in the northeast corner of the building, which promotes positivity and financial prosperity. The interior finishes, inspired by V-Soft’s colorful logo, were selected by Mary Lee O’Bryan. Colors also hold meaning in Vastu: red and orange are linked to the fire element, representing strength and optimism; blue is linked to the water element, representing peace; green is linked to the wood element, evoking balance.
