Imagine being able to spend a peaceful evening with your loved ones in the middle of Dhaka’s hectic city life, where indoor and outdoor areas flow together to form a kid-friendly environment. And now, in O’play, it’s all come to life.
O’Play A playful combination of colours and spaces
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The Story Behind Decathlon Dhaka’s Stunning New Office
In the center of Dhaka’s relentless urban sprawl, Decathlon’s new liaison office has carved out an unexpected oasis. Designed by Studio one zero, the two-floor, 20,000-square-foot workspace is a lively yet calming blend of nature, sport, and smart design — a triumph achieved under the intense pressure of a compressed timeline. One floor of the office is devoted to a sprawling seminar and multi-purpose event space, while the other flourishes as a vibrant open-plan workspace. Together, they embody Decathlon’s global brand ethos: movement, accessibility, and connection to the environment. From the first step inside, the design immediately surprises. Natural light pours in from every angle, with open workstations, informal seating zones, and collaborative spaces stretching toward the glass walls. But what truly distinguishes the space is its deliberate, sensitive incorporation of natural elements into an otherwise urban setting — a concept that chief architect Jafor Hoq and Partner Architect Humaira Binte Hannan at Studio One Zero were determined to bring alive. Challenge Against Time “The biggest challenge for us,” says Jafor Hoq, “was the design decision against time. From the initial concept to execution, we had a very short period. And it wasn’t just about filling a space — Decathlon wanted something meaningful, experiential, and true to their brand spirit.” Working under intense deadlines and changes meant that decisions on materials, layouts, and designs had to be made rapidly but thoughtfully. “We had no time for second-guessing. Every material, every design move had to be purposeful and achievable within the timeframe,” Hoq recalls. Instead of battling the constraint, Studio one zero leaned into it, focusing on a few strong ideas and executing them meticulously. Bringing Nature Indoors — A Different Way While biophilic design is no longer a novelty, Studio one zero’s approach for Decathlon’s office is refreshingly nuanced. Instead of merely placing potted plants in corners, nature was embedded into the structure itself. The most striking feature — the tree-inspired columns — originated from a need to solve a technical problem with artistic flair. Existing structural columns, often seen as obstacles in open-plan offices, were transformed into vertical wooden sculptures. “These columns are not just cladded structures,” Hoq explains. “We intentionally gave them the form of large tree trunks, expanding outward at the top, creating a canopy-like feeling. Under these ‘trees,’ we placed high seating zones, making them natural gathering points where people can sit, stand, and connect. It’s about reinterpreting indoor nature — not just bringing in greenery but evoking the experience of being under a tree.” Materiality: Warmth in an Industrial Frame The material palette reflects a thoughtful balance between modernity and warmth. Light oak wood cladding runs through the flooring of common pathways and wraps around key architectural elements, providing a sense of warmth and continuity. “The idea was to humanize the space,” says Hoq. “We were working with an exposed ceiling — which gives that industrial look — but we didn’t want it to feel cold or impersonal. Using wood, texture and incorporating green , was the answer.” Meanwhile, the furniture choices favored light-colored wood and clean lines to complement the architecture without overwhelming it. Lush green walls filled with planters further softened the industrial base, offering breathing spaces that look and feel alive. Even the lighting played into the natural narrative. Angular, dynamic geometric light fixtures, seemingly random yet deliberate, mimic dappled sunlight filtering through tree canopies, casting a playful rhythm of light and shadow across the workspace. Functionality at the Core Of course, Decathlon’s office needed to be more than beautiful; it needed to work. Beyond the seminar space and open workstations, Studio One Zero integrated a variety of amenities including a gym, prayer rooms, a sick room, and a restaurant-style café. The café, with its relaxed seating and natural materials, encourages casual interaction — a deliberate attempt to break down formalities and foster an easy, collaborative culture. Flooring materials shift subtly from wood to textured carpet tiles to indicate different zones without physical barriers, preserving the openness. Every design choice speaks to movement, flexibility, openness and wellness — values at the heart of both Decathlon and Studio one zero’s architectural philosophy. A Space That Moves People In the end, Decathlon’s Dhaka office is more than a workplace. It’s a living, breathing environment, where the boundaries between indoor and outdoor, formal and informal, structured and free-flowing, are beautifully blurred. Studio One Zero’s bold vision — executed under a limited timeframe — has resulted in a space that isn’t just seen; it’s felt. A place where employees can experience the spirit of sport, the calm of nature, and the excitement of innovation, every single day. “We didn’t just design an office,” Jafor Hoq smiles. “We designed an experience.” Written By Fatima Nujhat Quaderi Photo: Truphoto Studio
An ode to a bold architectural narrative The New Travel East Restaurant
At the heart of any remarkable restaurant lies its design—a subjective blend of form and function. The design itself becomes a storyteller, weaving narratives of contemporary tradition. The walls, the textures, the colours—they all tell a story.
Freshly Baked Paris In The Heart Of Dhaka- Delifrance
Almost everyone who watched Western movies felt compelled to sample the aroma and atmosphere of a Frenchstyle bakery. Del france in Dhaka is the right place to get tapped on that subconscious note. Abid Mansur, Managing Director, Les Bleus Ltd., and the conveyor of Delifrance in Bangladesh, has been enticed by the healthcare and wellness sector as a squash enthusiast, but by the influence of memories, filling the gap of a perfect French bakery in town happened. The basic rule of the house is to make room for a improvements every day. The previous airline business of the family was a good help with the catering services taken as experience. Yet restaurant is not just about food but the experience of service and ambiance. Athula Priyankara, the CEO, leads a team that provides promised services. The ultimate happiness of customers is what their motto has been; that is what brings them back. Delifrance’s baked items are made with flour from the Grands Moulins de Paris, a major French milling company operating since 1919. The recipes served follow the franchise standards, and the new recipes also get approved by Paris. Hence, the international-quality chefs bring to the table a range of savoury dishes alongside croissants and other finger foods. The requirements and interior designing instructions came from a European interior design company, followed and designed by a local architectural consulting company, Chinton Architects Ltd. Starting from the colcur codes to the variation of sitting arrangements, the company has been under international protocols of the franchise. The play of experiences within the space has been the main focus and desire. Neeman Karim and Md. Ishak Mia and their team had previous experience designing for international companies, which eventually helped them implement the work gracefully. A very chic yet welcoming environment, defined by the themed colour palette consisting of bright orange and shades of blue, looks prominent. The basic layout provided by the European company had been well fitted and adjusted within the space. The materials are sourced locally and customised to the desired details, making the process sustainable. The segmentation and zoning of the restaurant are very noticeable and organised with the variation of chairs, lighting and flooring. “Our lifestyle is mostly oriented around fast food and visiting” The walls have intricate details, different textures, paneling, and branding posters. Ceramic tiles were cut and customised on the floor to achieve the desired effect. The ambient light has also been curated with a variation of pendant lighting and contemporary chandelier styles. The lingering aroma of the buttery delights, the buzz of the youthful city crowd, and the everlasting French discernment combine to create a packaged affair that anyone walking past Gulshan Avenue would relish. Authored by Rehnuma Tasnim Sheefa