VOLUME 03 ISSUE 01 JANUARY-MARCH 2020
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DESIGN CONNECT PROMOTING GOOD TASTE
A SLICE OF ITALY IN LONDON By COLLIDANIELARCHITETTO
A WARM AND COZY CAFE DESIGNED BY MESSNER ARCHITECTS
MOHR’S LIFE RESORT DESIGNED BY NOA*
THE QATARI RENAISSANCE BY PEIA ASSOCIATI xxxxxxxxxxx|June 2018
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esign is a way of life and in a globalized civility, it is also an expression of individuality. Architects and designers play an important role in bringing this individuality to life. In Vyta Convent promoted by renowned entrepreneur Nicolò Marzotto and designed by COLLIDANIELARCHITETTO acts as a clear testimony. Located in the East tower of Covent Garden market, a famous listed building grade II monument in London the project draws heavily on the Italian architectural culture of the sixties. The project thus acts as an ambassador of Made in Italy in London, the capital and largest city of England.
Editor’s Note
While Vyta Convent infuses the charm of Italy in London, an Italian architectural firm instils the character of Qatari culture in the new ROOM XIX at United Nations of Geneva. The United Nations office at Geneva is the second-largest of the four major office sites of the United Nations. The building consists of numerous rooms and halls which are managed by member nations of the UN. Christened as The Hall of Qatar – The Multi Lateralism Hall, the ROOM XIX has been designed by Milan based Peia Associates. 587.6km away from Geneva in Tyrol, Austria *noa architects design a wellness project amidst the scenic backdrop of the Zugspitze Mountain. The project offers a fresh take on the traditional Spa concept and engages glass and cement in a constant dialogue with the environment’s morphology, culture, and history. In the wintry mornings as well as evenings floodlit with artificial illumination the structure seems to espouse an aura which is distinctively urban. Just two hours away in neighbouring Italy Messner Architects design Café Zentral. Spread over a surface of 1600 sq.ft the café is situated on the Renon high plateau. The interiors of the café dotted with Arper Yop tables and Prostoria Monk Chairs upholstered with Kvadrat textiles, uses a soft colour scheme to good effect. An effect which is invigorating and gratifying. Editor Vikas Bhadra vikasbhadra@designconnect.biz Designer Darshan Palav
For Marketing Queries marketing@designconnect.biz
Back home we have a candid chat with architect and designer Karan Shandilya, who incepted his design firm “The Last Goldfish” in 2015 after his fellowship with The Dalai Lama. We also catch up with Dhruvkant Amin, Founder and Designer of Techtona Grandis Furniture speaks about how an opportunity back in 2014 led to the birth of Tectona Grandis Furniture. This and more in this issue of Design Connect.
Design Connect and logo are registered trademarks; any unauthorized use of the same is prohibited. All the information contained in the ezine may not be reproduced whether in part or in whole without the written consent of the editor. Design Connect and its team members accept no liability for loss or damage which may arise out of the material published in the ezine.
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A Slice of Italy in London - Vyta Convent Garden is an eclectic paradise which sums up the magnificence of Italian design in a cosmopolitan English landscape
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A Purposeful and Cozy Affair - Messner Architects redesign the Café Zentral and infuse it with the right mix of warmth and functionality
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In Conversation with Dhruvkant Amin - Dhruvkant Amin, Founder and Designer of Techtona Grandis Furniture speaks about how an opportunity back in 2014 led to the birth of Tectona Grandis Furniture
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Mohr Life: The Good Life - A wellness project amidst the scenic backdrop of the Zugspitze Mountain in Tyrol by noa* takes a fresh take on the traditional Spa concept
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A Qatari Renaissance in Geneva - A contemporary expression of Qatari culture resonates in the new ROOM XIX at United Nations of Geneva
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A Metaphorical Reality - Quirk Studio infuses the right mix of timelessness and nostalgia in the interiors of Wedding Nama a Mumbai based photography agency
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An ‘A-Class’ Showroom - Design Connect catches up with Rahul Bansal and Amit Aurora, Principal Architects, groupDCA who designed the showroom of well-known marble company in Rajasthan
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As Designers We Are Always Evolving - In conversation with architect and designer Karan Shandilya, who incepted his design firm “The Last Goldfish” in 2015 after his fellowship with The Dalai Lama
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Vyta Convent Garden by COLLIDANIELARCHITETTO
A Slice Of Italy In London Project Designed By : COLLIDANIELARCHITETTO Photo Courtesy: Matteo Piazza
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Vyta Convent Garden is an eclectic paradise which sums up the magnificence of Italian design in a cosmopolitan English landscape.
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Vyta Convent Garden by COLLIDANIELARCHITETTO
The resulting concoction of this idea blends the past with the future and leads to the creation of a pattern which is surprising, dynamic and celebratory. And Vyta Convent Garden, one of her projects based in London serves as an apt testimony.
The project, promoted by renowned entrepreneur Nicolò Marzotto, co-owner of Santa Margherita Wine group and owner of Vyta, squares up to the challenge of promoting a new style of fine food, which fuses Italian gourmet cuisine with contemporary design.
Located in the East tower of Covent Garden market, a famous listed building grade II monument in London the project draws heavily on the Italian architectural culture of the sixties. The inspiration is seen in the refined form of the construction and decorative details, the conception of the space as a living set, and the cocktail of elegance and irony in its geometric stylizations.
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“My idea of good design is combine the contemporary vision of society and user needs with the historical and cultural context of interior design.” believes Daniela Colli, Principal Architect, COLLIDANIELARCHITETTO.
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Vyta Convent Garden by COLLIDANIELARCHITETTO
Vyta Convent Garden by COLLIDANIELARCHITETTO
The project is spread across three floors with a large outdoor area overlooking the square, which brims with street artists, and two terraces on the upper floor that serve as lounge bars.
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The lower floor, intimate and welcoming, houses several rooms with vaulted ceilings, once used as storage areas for the shops above.
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Vyta Convent Garden by COLLIDANIELARCHITETTO •
The polychrome marble floor, inspired by the artworks of the futurist painter Giacomo Balla, and the dynamism of his design composed of over 7,000 rhombuses and half-rhombuses in marble, brings continuity and fluidity to the rooms, fragmented by the original structure.
White lacquered vaults with rhombus and circle decorations dominate the succession of private spaces and niches, wrapped in lacquered walls with friezes and mirrors that amplify the space, accompanying the client on a discovery of surprising underground London.
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Enveloping linear sofas, velvet-upholstered chairs in burgundy and pink peony, and glass tables with brass finishes, complete the heterogeneous design of the rooms.
The upper floor interacts with the city through large windows. In the main room, mirrored surfaces amplify the space, while precious materials such as rosewood, brass, glass and velvet invite guests to immerse themselves in a contemporary atmosphere. The cocktail bar is dominated by a counter cladded with polished brass tubes and a shelf in green Alpi marble, where wine tastings and signature cocktails are passionately prepared by nimble bar tenders.
Vyta Convent Garden by COLLIDANIELARCHITETTO
VyTA convent creates a cosmopolitan setting which seamlessly synchronizes with the aura of the London. But the eclecticism crafted with an endless list of customized accessories by MMLampadari lamps,Horo Divania semicircular and linear sofas. Cafèsthul black lacquered chairs by Gebruder Thonet, Kelly C chairs by Tacchini and many more such well-known brands, act as an ambassador of Made in Italy in the capital and largest city of England. Connect Online@ www.collidaniela.com/en Design Connect|January-March 2020
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Two terraces, facing North and South respectively offer an unusual open-air experience in London. The first, more intimate, is equipped with sofas, coloured metal tables and large flower-filled vases; the other, which is larger in size, features a long counter and emerald green metal stools, and is visually projected towards the iconic Covent Garden dome and the vivid life of the square. Finally, the external dehor, rebaptized “VyTA Garden” accommodates up to 100 people. Set with tables and chairs and shielded by large white umbrellas, it represents an urban oasis where consumers can take a break from the heat and pace of the city.
Messner Architects redesign the Café Zentral and infuse it with the right mix of warmth and functionality.
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Café Zentral by Messner Architects
Photo Courtesy : Oliver Jaist Project Designed By: Messner Architects
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Café Zentral by Messner Architects
A Purposeful And Cozy Affair
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CafÊ Zentral by Messner Architects •
Good design is a concoction of functionality and sustainability. It is self-explanatory and reflects precision in its execution which is usually done using superior materials believe David and Verena Messner, Principal Architects, Messner Architects.
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Café Zentral by Messner Architects
The clients, who themselves are the owners, cooks and barkeepers, were keen on creating a welcoming and functional cafè and restaurant. A casual yet cozy affair for the patrons of good food.
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Café Zentral one of the projects they recently executed is an affirmation of their design belief. The Zentral spreads over a surface of 1,600 sq.ft and is situated on the Renon high plateau, a community counting around 8,000 inhabitants, in the most northern part of Italy. Located at an altitude of 1,150 m.a.s.l. in the centre of Collalbo, the main village, the surroundings are characterized by wooded hills, slightly gradient meadows and a spectacular view of the surrounding Dolomite peaks.
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Café Zentral by Messner Architects
The interiors of the café look seamless, a freestanding central wall builds the heart piece. It both connects and separates. It thereby acts as an important element in achieving the desired level of segregation without disturbing the continuousness of the design scheme.
The style factor in the café interiors have much to do with the use of the right materials. Elaborating on the walls and the flooring David says “A locally hand crafted oak wood parquet was utilized as flooring. The outside walls with the arched windows are plastered, while the freestanding central wall piece is cladded with local gneissic rock and nut wood. Apart from floor and walls a wood ceiling above the arched facades connects the bar with the restaurant.”
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The use of right kind of lighting and accessories also go a long way in setting the right kind of tone in the interiors of this café. Verena Messner adds “All furniture except from the chairs, the bar tables and the table bases in the restaurant was designed by us and crafted by a local joinery.
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Gneissic rock, nut wood and oak as well as dark furniture fronts determine the material library. The dark furniture floats above the wooden floor and with its inner warmth it invites to linger. The café is furnished with Arper Yop tables and Prostoria Monk Chairs upholstered with Kvadrat textiles. The dining room features Arper Yop & Meety tables-bases and the Prostoria Oblikant Chair upholstered with Kvadrat textiles.”
The project was completed in a span of four months. In order to do this the architects had to fall in line with a strict and functional work flow. More so because they had to work with different sets of people right from glazing, flooring and acoustics to catering facilities, stonemasonry, installation techniques, woodwork etc. But at the end the architects succeeded in creating a design which is clean, functional and cozy just like the client wanted.
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Connect Online@ www.messnerarchitects.com
Café Zentral by Messner Architects
Drafted and fabricated by the designer Antoinette Bader the lamps immerse the premises in an impressive ambiance. In the restaurant area, the positions of the light spots is altered through the rails in the ceiling.
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A DESIGN IS A GOOD DESIGN AS LONG AS IT SERVES THE PURPOSE Dhruvkant Amin, Founder and Designer of Techtona Grandis Furniture speaks about how an opportunity back in 2014 led to the birth of Tectona Grandis Furniture. What is your idea of good design? An idea of good design is “ Make it simple but significant.”
In conversation with Dhrukant Amin, Founder and Designer, Tectona Grandis
Who do you look up to for design inspiration?
Dhruvkant Amin, Founder and Designer of Techtona Grandis Furniture
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Who is/are your design idol(s)? Without any second thought, it is Gajanan Upadhyay also well known as GU, have been widely appreciated for its simplicity, finesse and ‘construction aesthetics. He worked with numerous architects like Ray and Charles Eames, Louis Kahn, George Nakashima, Poul Kjærholm, Nils Fagerholt, Bo Bonfils, Jens Moeller Jensen, Hans Gugelot and many others
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The inspiration of design comes from nature, event, an ideology or design to resolve the need of a client. Thus I cannot associate inspiration to a particular thing, but in various different mood or time, various things inspire me in different ways.
Which was one of your earliest products which garnered a lot of attention? The Ripple Coffee Table is one of the products designed by me which garnered a lot of attention, followed by Nordic Sofa & Mastaba Console. In your journey so far what are some of the memorable products you have designed?
The first one will always remain close to my heart, as I had the opportunity to design furniture for the Karma Café, of the Navjivan Press, founded by Mahatma Gandhi in Ahmedabad. The learning of his life and incorporating it in my creations was inspiring. The stackable chairs which were even named in my collection after the café called the “Karma Chair” is a memorable product. The other product which is close to my heart is the latest
materials, it made me realise how nature and natural materials drew me closer to them. The varied grains, textures warmth and the variety of timber lures me to enhance its beauty in various functional forms. My love for nature reflects in my work too. We make all our furniture from reclaimed wood. Moreover, trying we try to conserve the nature at the same time, as exploring it.
What’s the secret of your steady relationship with timber?
My love for timber especially Teak, may have been there, but when I explored various other materials like steel, aluminium or any other man-made
Do you offer customised products? How much time is required to design a customised marvel?
At Tectona Grandis Furniture, we design and manufacture a wide range of designs. We customise the same products in various sizes as per the requirement of the client. A complete new product can also be customised at a project level. Besides answering how much time is required to design a customise marvel, I would say, “GOOD THINGS TAKE TIME”
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addition of a centre table to our catalogue called the OREKA coffee table. OREKA has been designed not only to solve its purpose as a table but as an art piece to adorn a space.
The brand Tectona Grandis Furniture was awaiting its arrival since long, but the market or buyers, weren’t ready to understand the segment of furniture designer. There was a degree of designing in Furniture at NID, but the designers were merely consumed as a part of a giant design house, and not stand alone ones. In 2014 when the opportunity of designing furniture for Navjivan Press came across me, Tectona Grandis Furniture was formed to design and manufacture the furniture for the Karma Café. This helped the ball roll and since then there has been no looking back.
In conversation with Dhrukant Amin, Founder and Designer, Tectona Grandis
What led to the inception of Tectona Grandis Furniture?
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In conversation with Dhrukant Amin, Founder and Designer, Tectona Grandis
When Language of Design is global, how can it be restricted to a region. Tectona Grandis Furniture caters to the entire world, step by step delivering various regions globally. Connect Online@ www.tectonagrandis.in
In conversation with Dhrukant Amin, Founder and Designer, Tectona Grandis
The language of design is in my opinion is global cause design is not just good or bad, a design is a good design as long as it serves the purpose, besides its well said by Albert Einstein “ Creativity is contagious, pass it on� This itself describes that the language of design is Global and at the same time unique due its cultural affinity.
Geographically do you cater to the entire world or are you targeting Indian market alone?
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What are your thoughts on the global design sense is the language of design universal or is it defined by cultural affinities?
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Mohr Life Resort by noa* •
MOHR LIFE: THE GOOD LIFE 22 Design Connect|January-March 2020
Mohr Life Resort by noa*
Photo Courtesy: Alex Filz Project Designed By: noa*
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A wellness project amidst the scenic backdrop of the Zugspitze Mountain in Tyrol by noa* takes a fresh take on the traditional Spa concept.
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Home to Habsburg Empire landmarks like baroquestyle Hofburg Palace and Gothic Hofkirche Church, Tyrol is a western Austrian state in the Alps that’s known for its ski resorts, historic sites and folk traditions.
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Mohr Life Resort by noa*
Once the sleepy mist which permeates the valley clears off, it reveals the contemporary syntax of the new wellness area of the Mohr Life Resort’s new wellness area designed by noa*.
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The project engages glass and cement in a constant dialogue with the environment’s morphology, culture, and history. In the wintry mornings as well as evenings floodlit with artificial illumination the structure seems to espouse an aura which is distinctively urban.
While the outer structure may come across as astute its traits become softer, more organic, enveloping the viewer into its embrace once inside the building. The relaxation areas in the resort were developed to look like theatre stages with a view across the mountain. Every ‘booth’ includes two deckchairs featuring different designs: open, spacious areas with huge swings hanging from the ceiling and hidden by drapery to offer increased privacy and relaxation with an omnipresent mountain view.
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Mohr Life Resort by noa*
The resort which stretches out across 600 sq.m. was built organically on a gentle slope. Erected in the lap of nature it also offers an imposing view of the Zugspitze Mountain – which represents a geographical border between Austria and Germany. The resort features a roofed infrastructure built from scratch and an outdoor area with a swimming pool. The swimming pool represents the natural extension of the wellness area. It extends into the open and features chill-out areas boasting different sensorial experiences. The swimming pool also connects the two buildings via a central extension into the spa.
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The ground floor also features a private lounge; a lobby and bar for refreshments; a Spa and scenic sauna for approximately 20 people featuring a mini bistro reminiscent of cinema halls, as well as changing booths and showers. Last but not least, a scenic spiral staircase pinpoints the centre of the building and takes revellers to the first floor where 10 symmetrical chill-out ‘stages’ await them (5 per side).
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Mohr Life Resort by noa*
The harmonious integration of cement and glass gives the project a contemporary touch. The cement outlines the structure of the building and can be immediately spotted in the building’s facade, in the pool’s shape, and in the outdoor elements – the paths and garden ‘islands’. The glass’ reflection and transparency creates a harmonious balance between the building and landscape.
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The 20 islands of the new Spa were designed by noa* and produced by artisans. Specific light sources where used to provide illumination, including atmosphere lights inspired by a single motif: a glass sphere.
The floors are overlaid with a continuous resin coating. Using cement and resin the need for joints was eliminated giving the surfaces more room to breathe. The building’s exterior dips into nature’s different hues thanks to its reflective surface, changing according to the time of the day and seasons. Inside, the colours and textiles were inspired by theatre stages: cotton and smooth velvet are steeped in warm hues of Bordeaux distempering into brown.
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Connect Online@ www.noa.network
Mohr Life Resort by noa*
Depending on the environment and individual needs, the fixtures come in different versions viz: scenic lamps following the twists and turns of the spiral staircase, or a thread of light bulbs reminiscent of the lights in a theatre’s dressing room, and then again, a simple sphere dotting the walls.
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UN building in Geneva by Peia Associati
A Qatari Renaissance in Geneva •
by Vikas Bhadra 28 Design Connect|January-March 2020
UN building in Geneva by Peia Associati
A contemporary expression of Qatari culture resonates in the new ROOM XIX at United Nations of Geneva.
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Photo Courtesy : Giovanna Silva and Peia Project Designed By : Peia Associati
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UN building in Geneva by Peia Associati
Almost a decade earlier Qatar was responsible for the Italian makeover in the London skyline when they chose Renzo Piano to design the Shard Tower in London. Years later when Qatar decided to etch its cultural values at the UN building in Geneva yet again the role of an Italian firm Peia Associati has come to the fore. The firm is managed by Partners Giampiero Peia and Marta Nasazzi.
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UN building in Geneva by Peia Associati
Photo Courtesy : Alessandro Russotti for Salone Del Mobile
The United Nations office at Geneva is the secondlargest of the four major office sites of the United Nations. The building consists of numerous rooms and halls which are managed by member nations of the UN. Recently the XIX Hall in this building located at the Palais des Nations was completely renewed. Christened as The Hall of Qatar – The Multi Lateralism Hall, this project funded by the State of Qatar was commissioned to PEIA an Italian architectural firm based in Milan. Design Connect|January-March 2020
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UN building in Geneva by Peia Associati •
Using a concentric and radial circular design the designers have tried to make a symbolic reference to equality, one of the key ideals of the UN stands for. At the same time the hall has been designed in a way so as to make a reference to the culture of Qatar. The design team presented to the UN a contemporary interpretation of the Islamic calligraphy which is devoid of any religious affiliation and falls in line with the secular credentials of the UN.
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Titans : Dorja Benussi(Croatia),Stefano Carta Vascconcellos(Italy) and Yuri Himuro(Japan) Design Connect|January-March 2020
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UN building in Geneva by Peia Associati •
The interpretation has been depicted as a form of artistic expression that no longer belongs only to the culture of the vast Arab world. This reinterpretation which also seeks inspiration from the matrices and geometric patterns (Musharabya) can be seen in different components of the project such as the perforated wooden acoustic panels, bronze grids, fabrics, rugs and custom-made porcelain mosaics.
UN building in Geneva by Peia Associati
While the ceiling recalls the incessant movement of sand dunes, and the lighting system reflects the circadian rhythm of sunrise and sunset, the panels form “waves” that change shape based on the differentiation of the acoustics of the circular space. It thereby makes a symbolic reference to the mission of the United Nations to promote and facilitate peaceful and diplomatic resolutions.
The room is equipped with high-definition screens enhanced by a state-of-the-art lighting system and the largest 4K LED wall, guaranteeing the highest technological levels for communication. The individual 400 audio and video monitors are equipped with state-of-the-art translation systems, providing the most sophisticated tool for exchanging dialogues between all nations.
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The ceiling of Room XIX designed using Wood Skin was inspired in part by a specific form – the dunes of the desert. The sinuous lines are discretized and divided into triangles, a recurring geometry for the optimization of complex surfaces. The Wood Skin team took a cue from Qatar’s cultural heritage and worked closely with the architects to design numerous iterations and arrive at the pattern which adorns the room.
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The capacity of the new Hall is 800 seats, with 320 seats and desks for the delegates of the States, plus same number of assistants, as well as observers and the press, making this Hall for Plenary Assemblies of 4000 square meters, the largest room and with the most advanced technology of the UN. Connect Online@ www.peiaassociati.it
UN building in Geneva by Peia Associati
For the first time ever an innovative and unique lighting system was installed in a conference room to maximize comfort for United Nations delegates during long meeting sessions. Using the circadian lighting system, the room can pass through different lighting scenarios that imitate the rising and setting of the sun that emphasize the sculptural irregularity of the ceiling.
In order to introduce another comfortable light source, an automatic motorized opening system was introduced to offer a view of the park, Lake Geneva and the majestic Mont Blanc. Not only to offer a pleasant view, but also to constantly remind the planet’s environmental emergencies, including the melting of glaciers, poles and iceberg that UN is monitoring.
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The creation of waves was made possible using 7.000 thin wooden ecopanels aggregated with Wood Skin Inside technology. It makes way for the management of high and low frequencies in the dynamic wooden architecture of the ceiling and internal walls. This symbolic manifestation covers the original wooden walls that survive in the inner layers, as a respectful “archaeological stratification” for the heritage.
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Wedding Nama by Quirk Studios
A METAPHORICAL REALITY
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In a life measured in years, a photograph summarizes some of the best moments of one’s existence. And they tend to remain etched in our memories forever, more so, because photographs never change even if the people in it do.
India is a cinema crazy nation, our way of life etches carefully on what our favourite stars are wearing, eating, vacationing etc. Bollywood can be held responsible for the concept of destination wedding too which has come into picture in the contemporary mode.
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As more and more ambitious young souls are exposed to such fairy tales, they too are keen to ensure that the best moments of their lives are nothing short of the grandeur they envisioned while growing up. This has given rise to a bunch of creative photographers who offer you just the right amount of stardust to infuse your life with glittery moments. In this league of creative entrepreneurs is a Mumbai based photography agency WeddingNama. Wedding Nama was born out of a passion to offer newlyweds memories of a lifetime.
Wedding Nama by Quirk Studios
Project Designed By: Quirk Studio Photo Courtesy: Pulkit Sehgal
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Wedding Nama by Quirk Studios
For an agency involved in the business of co-crafting cherishing memories, it was necessary to have an office space which imbibes a similar characteristic. Quirk Studio was commissioned to do the task and infuse the right mix of timelessness and nostalgia in the interiors.
Disha Bhavsar one of the founders of Quirk Studio says “WeddingNama is a workspace that seeks to inspire through its avant-garde design, it subtly represents the client’s craft through its fabrication. We adhered to the brief provided by the clients and curated a space that reflected their inherent creative style. The space incorporates both rough and smooth textures and much like the client’s work aesthetic, amalgamates old world charm with a modern twist.”
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The floor plan of the work space is designed to suggest a free flow of communication by not limiting the workplace into sections. Additionally, by adopting a flexible layout, the work space appears a lot more roomy and functional. The space is surrounded by an all-encompassing step-out terrace that lets in a lot of natural light and also doubles up as a break out zone for the employees.
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Wedding Nama by Quirk Studios •
Shivani Ajmera, Founder, Quirk Studio adds “To capture the essence of the client’s craft, various elements that draw inspiration from their body of work have been incorporated. The vivid hues, studio lighting, and massive Victorian frames that showcase their projects make for a great customer experience. The future focused work space features a brainstorming section, cabin, pantry and a screening room that also doubles up as a lounge. The cabin features a deep blue backdrop that emits a zen-like vibe, fitting for holding meetings and entertaining clients.”
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Wedding Nama by Quirk Studios •
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Wedding Nama by Quirk Studios
The various furniture pieces that adorn the space add to the drama of design which prevails in the work space. The apothecary table in the work space that is set up against the bold and off-beat seating, the fall ceiling that gives an edge to the space, the graffiti wall backdrop, along with the suspended luminaries all come together and make this studio look unconventional and quirky whilst connoting the company’s culture.
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Connect Online@ www.quirkstudio.in
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AN ‘A-CLASS’ SHOWROOM Design Connect catches up with Rahul Bansal and Amit Aurora, Principal Architects, groupDCA who designed the showroom of well-known marble company in Rajasthan. Where is this showroom based at? The A-Class Marble showroom is spread over 25,000 sq. ft. and is located in Vth Phase, RIICO Industrial Area, Madanganj, Kishangarh, Rajasthan What were the initial thoughts of the client when he approached you with the project?
A-Class Marble showroom by groupDCA
The brief called for a design that would let customers be the honoured guests of the business, and not just an additional deal in
the book. Envisaged as an experience centre, the planning comprised of retail display spaces, a central experience area, guest rooms and traditional culinary facilities for the customers as well as all assorted facilities necessary for the main showroom.
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What kind of space was made available to execute the project?
The Kishangarh showroom for A-Class Marble, spread over 25,000 sq. ft, was conceptualized to demonstrate the legacy and lineage of the brand it is. This breadth-taking showroom is a unique blend of Classical Greek and Roman
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Architecture. The awe-inspiring features of the showroom are the magnificent lobby with a majestic spiral staircase, the checkerboard pattern flooring laid down in a circular design and the artistic Venetian Mosaic on the walls that will take one to the pinnacle of craftsmanship. This architectural marvel is engineered to create a living inspiration, showcasing how imagination can meet its quintessence. What kind of dedicated areas are there in this project? The design can be practically segregated
into four distinct zones for the ease of appreciation, the Experience centre, the showroom area, the Granite Fiandre retail area, and the building façade. Designed to be unfolding, the space slowly exposes itself to the person walking in, making the visitor experience to be ‘something that has not been seen before’. The mystery has been kept alive by blocking off the customer’s views in the entrance; the ‘wow’ factor emerges, as he walks in through the large retail display space. From the initial awestruck sensation, the design journey takes a front-foot and places the visitor at the door of the central experience centre. The space is designed
• Reception Desk– Belgium Black & Smokey Onyx • Geometrical pattern flooring - Belgium Black , Thasos white & Basaltino 2. Lobby • Flooring - Dark Emperador • Staircase – Thasos White Marble • Checkboard flooring – Giallo Siena and Thasos White marble • Murals – Venetian Mosaic on Travertino Wall 3. MD’s Cabin • Flooring – Statuario and Bottichino • Lounge Flooring – Golden Statuario • Lounge outer border – Rosso Portugal 4. Display Showroom • Flooring - Basaltino
The showroom epitomises opulence what materials have been utilized to bring this effect to life? Marble Used 1. Entrance
Amit Aurora and Rahul Bansal, Principal Architects, groupDCA
How does this space lay an emphasis on the product it is trying to sell?
The product samples have been comprehensively organized in a compact space to engage the customer; the overall design puts the exotic stones in the forefront highlighting them. While the customer moves around eyeing the samples, the walls, floor and the furniture take a subtle step back enabling the customer to select the final product.
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keeping in mind the user flow, and the look and feel of the space which is of utmost importance, with the focus being the incorporation of elements that bring in the ‘wow’ factor in the journey at regular intervals.
The different colours of the space come out basis the different marbles that have been used in the design of the showroom. They have been used to create a flow and a symmetry in the space. Sober colours on the walls and retail display area has been used to allow the samples to stand out from the backdrop.
A-Class Marble showroom by groupDCA
How did you go about the selection of colour which has been put to use?
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A-Class Marble showroom by groupDCA •
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The blend sits in perfect agreement to each other, graced by a gold finished metallic artwork of a dry leaf, hung on the wall overseeing the waiting space. The dining area besides the central space is similarly designed, with lavish marble clad walls and a regal circular dining set taking the Centre stage. The conference space sits just beside the dining room.
In a nutshell – all the interiors are from marble, which stands as a testament to the brand and showcases the length and breadth of how marble can be used in the interiors. What kind of light have been utilised in this space?
To resonate with the luxury and opulence of the space – artificial lighting and chandeliers have been added to the space.
Importing the finest marble from over a hundred countries, carefully processing the raw import to placing the finished product on the racks, A-Class Marble has gone the extra mile to deliver to the exponentially growing luxury marble market in India. As a part of their brand-engagement and public relations, they approached groupDCA to design a space reflective of their character. In keeping up with the value of living lives through our designs and incorporating the brand identity into the architecture, groupDCA use diverse marble varieties of A-Class for the impressive interiors. One feels a certain adrenaline rush upon entering the central experience centre; a gigantic volume with a thirty feet high ceiling catches the visitor unprepared, leaving him in complete awe through its scale, the opulence and classical magnificence.
The space emanates a strong mid-Victorian classical vibe, recreating the ambience of the main hall of a high Victorian bungalow! The semi-circular stairs add to the elegance while the flooring in a radial pattern, originates at the focus of the staircase, spreading out to the entire carpet space. Connect Online@ For groupDCA : www. groupdca.in For A-Class Marble www.aclassmarble.co.in
A-Class Marble showroom by groupDCA
The managing director’s room is also clad in precious marble and is planned with a waiting lobby and a meeting room, to enable personalization and plush. The walls are clad in marbles of varying tones of grey, and the furniture is glaze polished shades of wooden brown.
In your words what is the USP of this project?
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When it comes to interior accessories, were they custom designed or were branded versions put to use?
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In conversation with Karan Shandilya, Principal Architect, The Last Goldfish
AS DESIGNERS WE ARE ALWAYS EVOLVING
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What is your idea of good design, is it static or dynamic?
In conversation with architect and designer Karan Shandilya, who incepted his design firm “The Last Goldfish” in 2015 after his fellowship with The Dalai Lama.
I do not believe design can be designated by boundaries and is truly endless. My idea of a good design is a journey between static and dynamic embedded in layers together.
What made you take up architecture and design in the first place? What led to the inception of your firm?
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I have always believed as architects and designers we have the responsibility of moulding the way individuals experience and occupy your design. This is a great and beautiful responsibility that attracted me towards the field of architecture and interior design.
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In conversation with Karan Shandilya, Principal Architect, The Last Goldfish
The Last Goldfish Design Studio was conceived in 2015, Mumbai, India, after my fellowship with The Dalai Lama. The journey made me believe I was ready to take my next step in my life as a designer.
The art of manipulating spaces to create designs clients fantasise about was a principle aim of our study and over the years are projects reflect this journey.
The Last Goldfish has completed a multitude of large scale projects, however on of our most fulfilling projects was a small boutique store we designed and executed in Bandra, Mumbai, India in 2019. The freedom we were given as designers allowed us to implement a minimal and yet dynamic principle that resulted in a combination of wood, gold and a rustic Parisian decor.
All my life I have looked up to architects and designers who dance with the ideology of modernism and minimalism. To be able to create such beauty with such little inspires me to keep studying design. My inspirations come in the names of Architects such as Tadao Ando, Nari Gandhi, Laurie Baker, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe amongst other icons of design.
When it comes to your design approach how has it evolved over the years?
As designers we are always evolving. Our studio has ensured we focus on growth, and educating our selves at all times.
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In conversation with Karan Shandilya, Principal Architect, The Last Goldfish
In your journey so far which has been one of the most fulfilling projects?
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Who are some of the designers and architects who act as a source of constant inspiration?
As an architect what are some of the key materials you have flirted with?
As architects our design studio The Last Goldfish has always flirted with the manipulation of a multitude of materials. Some of our favourite materials include cork, jute, linen and Indian stones.
Residential, commercial, retail and hospitality, what kind of projects do you like to work on? We have worked on a variety of projects and each member of our team has their own preference. As a young dynamic design studio our preference lies in any space that lets us explore our abilities and tests our weaknesses and helps mould us into stronger designers. Design is the framework and fabric which controls the emotions of any and every space and mind. In the contemporary world, a motor full of a multitude of journeys, design is the glue that could bring us all together. As a studio we believe curated design is a balm that one day will make us believe our insignificance in this infinite universe.
What are some of the changes you have witnessed in architecture and design currently? Architects and designers have collectively become a very aware body of minds who are beginning to understand the plight of the world. Sustainable designs have become the anthem and using natural materials has come back strongly. We have observed the onset of art movements such as De Stijl and Art Deco, something that is very exciting. What are some of the projects you are working on?
Currently we are working on residential apartments in buildings such as Oberoi, Omkar 1973 etc and various commercial spaces in Mumbai. The studio is executing the construction and interiors of a bungalow in Uttar Pradesh amongst other projects.
In conversation with Karan Shandilya, Principal Architect, The Last Goldfish
What according to you is the role of design in the contemporary world?
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Connect Online@ www.thelastgoldfish.org
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