January-February 2012 issue by Design Matrix

DESIGN MATRIX • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012

PEOPLE • LIFESTYLE • DESIGN • INTERIORS

January - February 2012 VOL. 2 • ISSUE 2 • `100

Ashish

Gupta

„I believe in doing thing better rather than different.‰

A Paprika Media presentation

JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 1

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S ’ R O T EDI N O T E

have always been a mountain person – perhaps been born and brought up in the Himalayas has something to do with it. But the sea has also become a fascinating lure and I guess that is why Mumbai is home. So when the one-year-old Design Matrix decided to venture into unchartered waters, we did it quite literally – by wanting to feature the young and dynamic Ashish Gupta (a Yacht Designer) on the cover. To say that I was completely “at sea” during our conversation won’t be wrong (especially when he started describing “her” beauty and classic features!). But as the day wore off, I got my “sea legs” and then it was all sailing with fair winds, as the seamen would say. Maybe discovering the fact that we both have a common mentor and guide in Ar. Sen Kapadia helped reinforce the connect as well. We had great fun shooting off the Mumbai coast and I was impressed to see the vigilant Naval patrol on duty. Continuing the fun element, we decided to share the serious thought process behind the design of fun and joy-filled office spaces, homes and toys. We changed our logo with the anniversary issue and that inspired us to share some insights on logo design amongst other stories. I would like to thank all the invitees of the Design Matrix-Ultratech Paints Excellence Awards for confirming their participation and sending us their entries. The team has the daunting task of shortlisting them for the Jury which is probably happening now even as you read this! We wanted to start the New Year with a bang and your support added just that extra verve to our party. Watch the next issue for all the details and information about the competition and much more. Before signing off, I would like to wish all of you a very happy and satisfying year ahead. May 2012 surpass all your expectations. The New Year resolution at Design Matrix.....better ourselves, compete with ourselves and come out tops in 2012 Do keep us on our toes via your emails, phone calls and comments.

Babita Krishnan

Now follow us on www.facebook.com/DesignMatrixMagazine

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CON TEN TS Design Matrix_Jan-Feb12 new.indb 14

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98 60

111

COVER STORY

ARTY-TECHTURE

TRAVEL DESIGN

A fascinating journey of an unconventional designer, Ashish Gupta turns dreams into reality – that float on high seas! Pg 20

Connect with your inner self at Chapel – a meditation chamber with a difference by Ar. Luis Pons Pg 70

A design insight to the beautiful Sarawak, Malaysia that is well known for the World Music Festival Pg 92

AR. AAMCHER

CONVERSATIONS

DESIGN INSIGHT

Ar. Aamcher gets patriotic on the occasion of the Republic Day Pg 38

Fernando Hocevar’s journey from being an architect, to a photographer, to a painter and finally to becoming an award-winning digital artist Pg 74

An insightful understanding of design on two diverse disciplines – toy and logo design! Pg 98

• Cover featuring: Ar. Ashish Gupta • Photograph by: Tanvi Madkaiker

LEISURE DESIGN Ar. Sumeet Nath proves a point – Chinese does not necessarily mean loud red colours dragons and feng shui! Pg 40

CORPORATE DESIGN Symbolizing fun at work, the Nahar office designed by Studio Osmosis Pg 50

UNMASKING TALENT Engineer turned sculptor, Ashish Gokhale articulates his love for wooden carvings Pg 56

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN An elegant and high on impact residential space designed by Ar. Canna Patel Pg 60

DESIGN PROMO MY SPACE Ar. Snehal Joshi shares some interesting tips in designing jewellery showrooms Pg 76

PHOTO FEATURE A visual delight, the personal project of photographer Tanvi Madkaiker, opens its Doors for us – quite literally Pg 78

YOUTH FORUM Blueprint 2011 a knowledge-based programme aimed at developing the all-round skills of design students under the mentorship of enterprising architects Pg 88

Featuring Yelomine pipes which have the unique Certa Lok jointing system Pg 109

PRODUCT LAUNCH Interesting products to flatter your design senses Pg 111

ETCETRA Information and news from the design world – happenings, book review, events etc. Pg 117

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PEOPLE • LIFESTYLE • DESIGN • INTERIORS

November - December 2011 VOL. 2 • ISSUE 1 • `100

1 st

Hafeez

Contractor

Sanjay

Puri

Stalwarts who represent strength of conviction and forbearance A

presentation

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Each issue, you have the chance to win a special gift courtesy

We would love to have your views, comments and/or suggestions on what you would like to see or read in our pages. Please email to: babitakrishnan@designmatrix.co or write to Design Matrix, MRJ Creations Pvt. Ltd., C-201 Shyam Kamal Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai-400 057 or Call on 022-26187132.

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INBOX

Let me take this opportunity to congratulate

– Mr. Hafeez Contractor and Mr. Sanjay Puri

you for completing one year of Design Matrix.

and the children’s book story is definitely inter-

The knowledge bank of yours has kept the

esting and worth a mention... the entire issue

magazine in a different class than any other

was a pleasurable read indeed!

magazine. Wish you many more such knowl-

Bhavya Kenkare,

edgeable years. Hope the matrix thus formed

Archaid, Mumbai

continues for many more years to come. Alpesh Haria,

There are very few people in our profession

Zaha Spaces, Mumbai

who ever give credit to their mentors. Your

cover story on the relationship between

Hafeez and Sanjay was really wonderful. I can Thank you for giving us such a ‘great read’ on

say this especially since Sanjay is a friend and

the first birthday of Design Matrix… congratu-

a really warm person. Through you magazine

lations too! The cover story on mentor-pupil

we are able to see another side of the people

relationship of Mr. Contractor & Mr. Sanjay Puri

we know only as fellow professionals. It is a re-

is educational, inspiring, heartwarming, and

freshing change, keep it up.

enlightening! I am moved by Sanjay’s polite-

Supraja Rao,

ness even today, amongst other things, in spite

Design House India, Hyderabad

of 54 countrywide and 16 international awards! There is so much to learn from these two stal-

It was almost as if it was all happening in front

warts of the fraternity. I am certain, Wandrekar

of me. The conversation took me back to my

and Mr. Amberkar at the Academy of Architec-

days as an associate with Hafeez. Not many

ture would agree with Mr. Contractor when

people know how warm a person he is, but

he tells Sanjay that “I wish someday someone

you managed to capture it very well through

who has learned with you says the same to

both words and images. Keep up the standard.

you, then you will experience what I am expe-

Ar. Seema Puri Mullan

riencing now.” I completely concur with all that

Mumbai

is there in your Editorial Note, Savita’s words are immaculate, ably supported with refreshing

Though I have met Mr. Contractor a few times,

photography by Prashant. A special ‘thank you’

I was reintroduced to him through your maga-

to the promoters and team of Design Matrix for

zine once again. Also loved the other articles,

giving us such a superlative and diverse design

especially the one on paper craft. It is amazing

bi-monthly that is content rich!

that there are so many skills in the world that we Prasad Badle,

Principal, Rachna Sansad SID, Mumbai

know nothing about. Thank you for the treat.

Sangitaa Ahluwalia,

Oria Fenestrations, Mumbai Browsing through the new issue... as usual filled with crisp and fresh content. Loved the

Thank you readers for ‘liking’ us on

interactive session between the two stalwarts

www.facebook/DesignMatrixMagazine.

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Cover story

Words: Babita Krishnan; Images: Tanvi Madkaiker

From creating buildings to designing yachts, we journey with Ashish Gupta to discover his passion that also happens to be his profession – that of being probably the youngest yacht designer in India. 20 DESIGN MATRIX • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012

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Babita Krishnan: What is a yacht design(er)? I didn’t know there was a profession like this! Ashish Gupta: In India there isn’t, but it is very big abroad. In fact it is a field dominated by the British – Andrew Winch, Bannenberg. John Bannenberg is the father of yacht design as he started the trend and though he is no more, his son is taking the legacy ahead. BK: In our initial conversation, you had mentioned that you are trained in design. AG: Anyone can have a sense of design, but to translate them on to paper, you need training. I’m the first-batch architecture graduate from Kamala Raheja (KRVIA), Mumbai. My dad and wife are also architects and my mom is a commercial artist. BK: A very creative family… AG: yes, I have a very creative background (smiles). This is worth sharing with you, I had this great passion for cars and wanted to become an automotive engineer, but became an architect instead and now started designing yachts which has become a passion. Designing Yachts fulfils the desires of both, Automotive Engineering and Lifestyle Architecture. BK: So tell me about architecture. AG: I had my own ideas about the kind of architecture I wanted to do, develop my own style, and I worked with Nitin Killawala and Kiran Kapadia. BK: And then what happened? AG: In 2000 I participated in an international competition for redesigning a club for which Ar. Nozer Wadia was the critic and judge. The journey actually started from there. BK: Was it a yacht club or something that after designing it, you moved on to designing yachts? AG: (Laughs) It wasn’t that easy and no it was just a club like any other. I founded BEYOND DESIGN in 2001 and focused on lifestyle architecture. Over the years my personal landscape has also changed in terms of scale and range of projects. The highlight, of course, is the designing of yachts as having built them, everything else is put into perspective. BK: But how did that happen, I can’t see the connect between lifestyle architecture and yacht designing. AG: Traveling to Dubai and London in the year 2002 was a great learning curve towards exposure to lifestyle architecture and a wish to design cars continued. In September 2002, while in Dubai, I got a call from Ar. Nozer Wadia to work on a special project with him for an Indian industrialist. After discussing the project for over an hour, I committed to work with him and got to work researching the Yacht industry. It is all thanks to him that I was introduced to the 22 DESIGN MATRIX • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012

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yacht industry as he believed in my ability to design and build the

monotonous white yachts. I thought why not do something bet-

first yacht with him.

ter. I believe in doing things better not different – anyone can be different but few strive to be better. I made the model myself and

BK: So then did you take any training or some special course for this? AG: No, I haven’t studied marine architecture and designing.

the design was really appreciated by one and all. After designing, I realized that the project has to be engineered and so got talking to different people.

I was, however, selected by IED in 2007 to study yacht design and went for an interview to Venice. Sir Sebestian (the Dean) at IED was

BK: Are you planning to sell the design?

amazed looking at my portfolio with the built yacht project (I got a

AG: No, we are not planning to sell it but we will execute the

special 40% scholarship for that as well). Finally, I did not study yacht

design ourselves.

design as it wasn’t viable for me to leave my ongoing practice and study for 15 months out of India.

BK: You have a partner in this enterprise? AG: Stolk Marimecs is a Naval Architecture/engineering firm

BK: Which was the first boat you designed?

who has partnered with us for this. It is always a good mix of engi-

AG: It was the 45-metre Superyacht, built of teak and babul by

neering and design to collaborate from scratch and create a spec-

traditional craftsmen with Ar. Nozer Wadia as the Principal Architect.

tacular product.

Indian entrepreneur and prominent industrialist, CMD Raymond is the yacht owner.

BK: Naval architects? AG: They are like the civil engineers in the building industry –

BK: What are your favoured projects to date?

naval architects build these huge beauties to sail the seas.

AG: Maharaja 150 and the award-winning Feadship SL39 Villa. BK: And your client base? BK: Tell us something about Maharaja. How did that happen? AG: It is a very futuristic design. Everywhere you see just

AG: India, NRIs and of course, international owners. I also want to educate people about yachts and all the different ways the head honchos could use them.

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BK: What is the biggest challenge you face in every project, and is India really open to becoming a leisure boating industry?

AG: Trends are very momentary. Owner’s requirement sets the trend for a revolutionary concept.

AG: The owner’s desires – their likes and dislikes, all need to be understood and then developed from concept to reality. India’s leisure boating industry is very entrepreneurial at the moment. While there is a desire to build a custom yacht, two very important ques-

BK: Have you had any particular obscure design requests? AG: Waiting for one...... otherwise yachts are particularly obscure. (Laughs)

tions arise – what about chartering and where is the marina? BK: What are your long-term aspirations for Beyond Design? BK: So how do you answer these questions? AG: This is where Aashim Mongia comes in. His company West

AG: We are an award winning firm but we would like to establish ourselves as an internationally-acclaimed Design studio.

Coast Marine Yacht Services handles yacht sales, charters, fractional ownership, management and maintenance, etc.

On that note we decided to go for a spin in the sea and talk a bit about some of his projects with the hum of the engine and the sea

BK: What would be the yacht design trends for 2011/12?

breeze for company

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MAHARAJA The 150 meter Maharaja is designed to the ultimate degree of owner’s desires ready for creative investment with an evolutionary idea demanding a combination of simplicity and intelligence to deliver an awe-inspiring example of yacht design into an even more interesting creative stratosphere. Maharaja 150 is an inventive concept with individuality and style that unquestionably will build up to think beyond one of the world’s most extraordinary yacht. Unique shape of hull and translucent glass superstructure create both wider decks and sleeker profile with series of aft and foredecks adjust to the whims of both the sea and guests. When light meets elegance, you are sure to enjoy a new spirit of openness. Equipped with a grand swim platform, corporate deck, 30-metre golf course, open-air beach lounge, sky entertainment lounge, owner’s deck, observation tower and stand-alone helipad, Maharaja is not yacht design, it is Yacht Architecture.

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FEADSHIP VILLA The Feadship “Villa” is designed on the unique synergy of semi series custom productionSL39 platform. The exterior design, as the name suggests “Villa”, is based on traditions with timeless arched window openings and balconies as an important feature on each deck. it is designed as a “family yacht” with a balance of indoor and outdoor spaces which combine with business meetings on the go. At any given time the no one is disconnected from the sea. The Feadship Villa has a private owner’s deck with a pool and private balconies for extravagant panoramic views. The main deck comprises of outdoor entertainment/corporate deck with alfresco dining, formal dining and main saloon which doubles up as a theatre room with a 100” LCD screen. The main saloon features terraces on port side as well as starboard side with a skylight. The lower deck is a guest deck with VIP stateroom and children’s room plus a dedicated gymnasium. The relax deck provides for jacuzzi and sunbathing.

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OCEANCO DESIRE Y700 DESIRE’s exterior design is based on a combination of simplicity and intelligence to deliver an awe-inspiring example of yacht architecture. It is an owner specific yacht designed with an idea of freedom, independence and imagination to express luxury values with beach club, panoramic window openings, balconies and owner’s duplex suite as an important feature. This innovative yacht is ideal to unwind and welcome large number of guests, hosting cocktail parties which combine with business meetings. Y700 Desire houses a large, full beam private owner’s deck with lap pool on port and starboard side and owner’s gym and spa connected with private duplex elevator. 300 sq. mts. duplex suite is loaded with double height forward open deck, full beam bath linked to sun deck and skylight which adds natural light with the help panoramic windows. This 87.5 metre yacht was unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show 2011.

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25 METRE LINSE YACHT The yacht was imported from USA, Florida and then UB Group contacted Beyond Design to carry out the refit. The first visit onboard was very challenging as it was stuffed with lot of damaged furniture and the exterior was also falling apart. It was a daunting task to change the look and feel of the entire yacht to a contemporary one that the owner wanted. The yacht was meant to sail a lot between Mumbai, Alibaug and Goa for small parties, so a dance floor had to be recreated and also a complete bar with music system. Fly-bridge had to be appraised and equipped because the owner himself drives the yacht from Mumbai to Alibaug. The challenge was many-fold â&#x20AC;&#x201C; first the furniture had to be designed with lots of storage and the weight calculated; also FCUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s were incorporated within the furniture so vents and acoustics had to be designed for pleasant cruising; waterproof carpets were imported from USA, and many such details were looked into. The delivery and execution had to be very specifically planned as it was to start her summer season. The entire yacht refit was completed in 95 days and we sailed a maiden voyage from Mumbai to Alibaug with no creeks or groans!

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XSMG SPEEDBOAT The XSR48 Speedboat from XSMG is hailed as the “world’s fastest superboat”. It is a supercar on water, a luxury powerboat with supercar looks. With a total of no less than 1600 hp from two bi-turbo diesel engines, the XSR48 has supercar acceleration with a stabilization and propulsion system meant to handle this insane amount of power. But style has not been sacrificed for speed as it combines the DNA and high performance of a supercar with superyacht styling making it the “Bugatti Veyron” of the sea. The interior is filled with smooth, modern lines, high-grade materials, and niceties like flat-panel TVs. It manufactured in Lymington-based XSMG Marine and was launched by Prince Michael of Kent. Onboard this exotic speedboat rental, you will find all modern amenities to more than adequately entertain and be entertained. The modern and minimalist approach onboard this luxury speed vessel is refreshing, and there isn’t anything unnecessary weighing it down when getting up to speed!

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STOLK MARIMECS We spoke to Willem Stolk of Stolk Marimecs, excerpts of the conversation. Design Matrix: How did you know about Maharaja and Ashish? Willem Stolk: In 2008, Ashish contacted us to discuss this new concept for a 150m Giga yacht. After meeting him, we decided to set up a co-operation and Ashish was invited to

“At this moment there is no building slot planned for the yacht at any yard, though we have got very positive response from clients. It is a remarkable ship at the top end of the yacht building market.”

share our stand at the Monaco Yacht Show. ment on the design aspects and naval DM: What do you think of the Maharaja?

architecture has to be done preferably in co-operation with an owner directly or the

WS: It is a revolutionary concept, an

project team of the owner. Also, it is really

attractive design that is thought through

a large yacht at the top echelon and Ash-

in the possibilities for practical use and

ish is already working on a smaller concept

suitability for an “exotic” owner.

based on similar ideas called the “Grand Sport Series” within 80-90m LOA for a wid-

DM: But is it a practical design?

er share of the market.

WS: The design has been developed around conversations that Ashish has had

DM: Did you have to make any chang-

with several super yacht owners, hence

es or modifications to the design of the

very practical. The idea is not to achieve

boat for making it seaworthy?

the maximum number of cabins, but to

WS: We as naval architects do wish to

create a variety of possibilities for private

make some modifications based on our

and company/corporate use for the owner.

experience in yacht and ship building and some dictated by Class Societies like Lloyd’s

DM: Do you think it is a viable project?

WS: Yes I do, although it is a concept

and regulations. The endeavour is to do this

and design development stage at this

within the boundaries of the design con-

moment where more detailed develop-

cept created by Ashish.

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WEST COAST MARINE SERVICES With more than 15 years of giving the best ownership experience to boat owners, WCMYS uses its extensive knowledge and expertise in all aspects of yachting to help make the right choice of boat. The company represents a portfolio of more than 11 international, distinguished yachting brands offering a complete spectrum of yachts in different sizes and styles. Apart from that, WCMYS also offers the largest portfolio of sail boats and motor yachts for charter in India as well as internationally. From choosing the right boat, creating a customized itinerary and providing ancillary activities such as food and beverage provisioning, jet-skiing, laser shows, watersports – all is take care of by the team. Shared ownership of a high-end asset is a financially astute option offered by the company as a great way to reduce financial outlay and yet enjoy ownership. The concierge service controls the management and scheduling of the boat in a seamless manner under a comprehensive programme so that one can enjoy all the benefits of ownership at a fraction of the cost without any of the usual hassles. WCMYS also offers turnkey refit solutions that are backed by a rich experience in refit project management and consultation. As India’s largest yacht services company, WCMYS’ core competence lies in the comprehensive management and maintenance of sailing, motor or mega yacht.

West Coast Marine Yacht Services Pvt. Ltd. Colaba Workshop Building, Jamshedji Bunder, Lala Nigam Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400 005. India. Tel.: 91 22 22856127, 91 22 22831495, Fax: 91 22 22829602 Website: www.westcoastmarine.co.in JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 35

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Ar. Aamcher shares a few smiles with a reader on witnessing the spirit of patriotism in Mumbai – found in the weirdest places.

FLAGGED AWAY The city of Mumbai never fails to surprise. This is the same place where at the end of Independence and Republic day, thousands of tiny little paper and plastic flags go into the bin – a sight that is always heart wrenching. But when driving towards Sath Rasta from JJ bridge in down town Mumbai, we became the cause for loud honks and a small road block because we had stopped to stare at a structure that seemed to loom right in front of us in the middle of the road! Standing proud, in the middle of a bifurcating road, is an old stonestructured building painted in the colours of the Indian flag. Even the windows are stunningly detailed with the perfect orange, white and green. When we tried to discover the reason for their painting the building in such an unusual way from the restaurant owner on the ground floor, the reply was a casual “swatantriya din ka mauka tha isilye kar diya,” (“we did it just because it was the occasion of our Independence day”). Now there might be some people who might disregard this idea, terming it a disrespect to our flag and nation. But for us it is purely about admiring these brilliant minds who actually thought of doing something so unusual. And even more for those who painted it to such perfection. We couldn’t help but say, Jai Hind! To share more such designs or experiences, positive or negative, contact Ar. Aamcher at aamcher@designmatrix.co

Ar. Aamcher

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Leisure design

Words: Babita Krishnan; Images: Arvind Hoon, courtesy Studio Us Design

Does a Chinese eatery really need to be ‘red’? We journey with Ar. Sumeet Nath and find otherwise. JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 41

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lot of people I have met recently and some of my close friends, too, have stopped going out for

a Chinese dinner. Reason? They are tired of the dragon motifs, Ming vases, Chinese lanterns and, of course, the over whelming “red” colour scheme! So, here is a welcome change… “Subtle clues, for example geometric patterns and the use of right coloured fabrics and an earthen material palette as much portray a Chinese restaurant as Chinese pottery and sculptures,” feels Sumeet Nath of the Delhi-based Studio Us Design, referring to Mandarin Trail Bangalore, designed by him for Round the Clock (RTC) Stores. The first Mandarin Trail was set up at The Great India Place Mall, which over a year evolved into Noida’s most successful stand-alone Pan-Asian eatery. It was then decided by the client to set up an outpost in Bangalore at a similar location, however with a decidedly more discerning clientele coupled with a larger site. So how did the client brief and designer’s sensibilities come together? “The clients’ brief probably only extended to outlining concept and style of operations. The aesthetic angle was pretty much left to us. The client, Mr. Jain, has always allowed us a free hand as far as design is concerned and thus we have continually worked on developing new concepts with RTC,” Sumeet reveals. Some of the basic layouts and aesthetics in terms of the typology of the restaurant was to be carried forward (display kitchen, casual fine dining feel) while some was to be improved and changed. For instance, as a point of Oriental aesthetic references, while the previous restaurant had the abacus form, the new space uses an abstraction of Chinese coins as an element for partitioning and design. The layout divided itself into a waiting bar lounge, linearly flowing into various kinds of seating – private screened/ enclosed private dining, simple stand alone and banquette type. The restaurant invites you with a bar at the entrance which has a lit up corian top and similar lit up corian niches at the back. The signature design of the restaurant has

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been etched in the niches, giving it an

restaurant without being over the top.

elegant and inviting look. A lounge area has

The most striking visual feature of the

also been created with comfortable black

Noida restaurant – the bench style seating

sofas and plush grey carpet. Keeping up

– maintains its place of pride in the centre

with the earthy look of the place, the walls

of the Bangalore restaurant as well but is

have been clad in rough slate with wall

slightly modified for greater comfort. The

washers.

ceiling above the benches has been done

To give the guests a cosy ambiance,

up in a beautiful red and grey wallpaper

round seating has been fashioned out of

with Oriental lamps (not the expected

wooden slats, with huge chandeliers in

ones) hanging at various heights. A hint of

the centre. The table tops have been kept

the same wallpaper can be seen on wall

wooden with lazy susan in the centre for a

behind the display kitchen. The final touch

comfortable dining experience. The guests have also been given the option of private dining enclosed in wood and glass partitions, covered in Chinese coins (made in acrylic). The PDR has been given an opulent touch with gold leafing on the ceiling and champagne coloured antique mirror in the wall niche. The chairs have also been clad in baroque print fabric. This is pretty clear on establishing the thematic content of the

As a point of Oriental aesthetic references, while the previous restaurant had the abacus form, the new space uses an abstraction of Chinese coins as an element for partitioning and design.

is ofcourse given by the Mandarin tree which you just cannot miss! Pleased as a punch, Sumeet reminisces fondly about the design process, “In the course of site execution there were changes and modifications but none too remarkable. As in with any design job, for us it is a continual process of learning and one hope to always improve on the next design with the learnings of this one” JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 45

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Corporate design

APPEASING

LUXURY Words: Natasha Bohra; Images: courtesy the architects

Studio Osmosis designs the office of a renowned builder that not only guards their status but also makes a style statement.

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ABOUT THE FIRM: Studio Osmosis, established by Sameer Balvally and Shilpa Jain Balvally in 2010, believes in absorbing the individual needs of the client, working cohesively on the design and collaboratively arriving at a solution which is not only creative but also tangible and sustainable. While their approach towards design and technology is contemporary and flexible, they often derive inspiration from various walks of life and people. “As a firm we enjoy what we do - building relationships,” states Sameer Balvally.

ffices are no longer seen as simple

workspace adds a whole new meaning

stage, a conclusive concept for the office

overheads. They are emerging as

to fun at work. Studio Osmosis, a young

was arrived at.

key branding tools and to a large

Mumbai-based architecture firm, used this

“After continuous interactions with

extent reflect what the company stands

project as a benchmark while developing

the client, we formulated an image which

for. This means clear thinking has to go

concepts for their client Nahar Enterprises

reflected a young, vibrant, modern con-

into creating tomorrow’s workspace.

Pvt. Ltd.

temporary space which would enhance

Until just a few years ago, offices were

Moving beyond the convention, the

productivity within the staff while raising

widely viewed as money poured down

client had a clear-cut brief for maintain-

the bar of lavishness for the clients’ own

a sinkhole. Now, as leading companies

ing openness and to provide a playful

office. Colours and Pop era were the con-

win cascading recognition for maintain-

and vibrant ambiance – atypical of a

cepts which initiated the design process,”

ing cool, fun offices – a case in point is

builder’s office. They also wanted a plush

states Sameer Balvally, Principal Architect.

the Google headquarters in California

and modern office for themselves with

The 7,500 sq. ft. project commenced

that offers bike paths, gourmet cafeterias

adequate amenities and features. With

with sharing layout options wherein the

and a yoga room – others want to hop

the involvement of the chairman and vice

key was to accommodate the staff and

aboard this trend. This playfulness in the

chairman of the organization at every

different departments that operate within

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the builder’s office. Various areas and their

the front facade was dedicated to the

tecture department. The colour coding

connectivity were zoned and their access

chairman’s cabin which was the prime

was also extended to the marketing, office

was segregated based on hierarchy of

location within the office space, while the

filing and other systems – reflecting in the

the user. Studio Osmosis teamed up with

sloping roofed area was converted into the

office processes and management. A mix-

designer Saifee Lonymoon who was the

staff cafeteria imparting a casual look. Both

ture of retro and contemporary graphics

planning consultant on the project. “Our

these spaces were planned with an inten-

and wallpapers are reflected in the staff

collaborative effort was instrumental in

tion to receive maximum natural light.

area. On the other hand, the upper man-

spacing out the various departments and

It has been scientifically proven that

deciphering the brief into a well-orga-

colours reflect our moods, patterns and

nized space programme in creating an

behaviour on a day-to-day level. This has

Some of the finest designs do not

interesting office space,” highlights Shilpa

been well implemented in the design.

happen by chance. They are created with

Jain Balvally.

agement area reflects a contemporary minimalistic look.

While maintaining a simple neutral white

careful planning, understanding of the

Next came colour coding the various

for the chairman’s cabin, grey/black was

client’s needs and attention to detail – as

departments and all spaces/functions

used for the consultants, yellow for legal,

proved convincingly by Studio Osmosis in

were responsive to the site. For example,

green for marketing and red for the archi-

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Studio Osmosis teamed up with designer Saifee Lonymoon who was the planning consultant on the project. Their collaborative effort was instrumental in spacing out the various departments and deciphering the brief into a well-organized space programme, in creating an interesting ofĹżce space.

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Unmasking talent

DECIPHERING D I M E N S I O N S Words: Natasha Bohra; Images: courtesy Ashish Gokhale

Ashish Gokhale, an engineer turned sculptor from Auranagabad, decodes his encounter with wood carvings. 56 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012

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he beauty of converting a two-

object for the simple reason that it comes

dimensional form to a three-

close to being tangible. Also, proper utili-

dimensional piece of art is definitely

zation of the intrinsic qualities of the mate-

a skill not possessed by too many.

rial in use augments the beauty of the

Aurangabad-based

electrical

engineer

Ashish Gokhale enjoys the power of this skill and how!

object in question. This theory explains the beauty of the Ajanta paintings as depicted in Ashish’s carvings. The

Born and brought up in the

two-dimensional paintings are made

princely state of Aundh, surrounded

three-dimensional as the grains of

by art and literature, the passion for

the Teakwood are utilized to provide

art became an integral part of Ashish’s

a chiaroscuro effect. This makes the

growing up years. Being a practicing electrical consultant, wood carvings was something that Ashish started dabbling in, as a

carvings look livelier than the original paintings. Visiting some of the most

break-away from the monotony

renowned museums of the

of his routine. The lack of formal

country in Hyderabad, Mysore,

training did not stop him from

New Delhi, Aundh and Kol-

realizing his talent and ability

hapur, and places that lay

in putting together an incred-

the foundation of the rich

ible piece of art, time and again.

heritage of our country, such as

“The first wooden objects I cre-

the Ajanta and Ellora caves, has

ated were a photo frame and

left Ashish with a deep under-

a pelmet for window curtains,”

standing of the medium. This has

informs Ashish. Recounting his first

been a major inspirational factor for all

encounter with wooden art, he con-

his work.

tinues, “While cutting and chisel-

The Central and State gov-

ling the piece of wood to exact

ernments have recently started

measurements, I discovered the

the Third Kalagram at Aurang-

ingrained natural beauty of Teak-

abad. Gokhale had a short stint

wood, and this gave a boost to my capa-

there, exhibiting his wooden artwork and

bility to carve a beautiful pelmet.” Ash-

garnering a great response. He also wishes

ish continued further by trying his hands

to exhibit at reputed places like the Hath

at repairing an old wall clock and fitting

in Delhi and at the Jehangir Art Gallery in

it into a wooden frame. This experiment

Mumbai. As a long term goal, Ashish wishes

converted the clock into a showpiece, after

to start his own art gallery

which there was no looking back for him. A three-dimensional

Ashish Gokhale, ‘SPAN’ 190, N-1, B-Sector, CIDCO,

depiction of art tends to

Aurangabad 431003;

enhance the beauty of an

Tel: +91 9422704331

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Residential design

Words: Babita Krishnan; Images: courtesy HCPIA

How do you design when the client requirements are conflicting with your own creative sensibilities? Ar. Canna Patel shows the way. 60 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012

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hat do you do when the client brief is not in sync with your design sensibilities? You

go back to the drawing board, wear the thinking cap at a different angle and let the creative juices flow. A case in point is this home designed by the team at HCPIA with Canna Patel at the helm. The home for the Sharmas is one of several bungalows in a high-end gated development scheme in Ahmedabad, who wanted to transform their bungalow in a distinctive home that reflected their lifestyle, taste and culture. During preliminary discussions with the HCPIA team, it became clear that the clients were looking for a modern vibrant and vivid interior space expressed in bold colours, metals and glossy and decorative finishes. This was in contrast with the firm’s inclination towards muted colours and finishes, and more classical and understated approach to architectural and interior design. “As a mature and experienced design firm, we see it a virtue to be able to marry our design sensibilities with those of the client (which were not really in sync) with ease, and yet not lose our signature style in design. Therefore, our design approach was to create a synthesis: bright lighting and brilliant colours such as primary reds, silver and deep oranges were balanced with subdued dark browns, beiges and black,” Canna Patel simplifies the design approach. But the design process was surely not that simple! She starts with asking a question – what does a successful interior design project entail? ‘Client interaction’ that helps in understanding the clients’ needs and aspirations. “This is the starting point of the journey towards the development process which focuses on giving solutions that fulfill the programmatic needs and helps evolve a better way of life for the clients.” This process may demand architectural changes to make the built form better suited for the requirements. Canna believes that interior inserts make the house a home as “they not just make a space livable, but also give value to life, providing the occupants comfort, a sense of belonging and pride.” 62 DESIGN MATRIX • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012

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SHARMA RESIDENCE Area: 4,052 sq. ft Location: Ahmedabad Design Team: Canna Patel, Principal Designer; Avdhesh Vishwakarma, Project Manager; Sonal Patel, Framed Art & Accessories Consultant; Dr. Mukesh Patel, Commissioned Artwork Consultant; Bhagyashree Hattarki, Sr. Interior Designer; Jignesh Takodia, Interior Designer; Bhavin Mistry, Interior Designer; Krunal Gajjar, Interior Designer 66 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012

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“A little thoughtfulness towards the usage of area can help in a complete transformation. One needs to make spaces exciting and alive, to make luxury accessible throughout the available spaces.” HCPIA lays most emphasis on client

care given to the family and their choices.

interaction as that is what the successful

Breaking a wall here lent openness to this

outcome of a project depends upon. This is

otherwise dull area. “The client had a thing

achieved through sharing sketches, creating

for ‘Buddha’ and our job was to make it hap-

a material palette, fabric options, explaining

pen. We would have preferred a Buddha

the design through sectional views, options

head to the large figuring, that is actually

of bought-out furniture and lighting, devel-

now placed here,” Canna reveals.

opment of custom-made furniture specific

Architectural changes also helped in

to the need of the project, etc. “We met the

the cold and unfriendly walls perishing to

client’s needs and dreams, and translated

give way to lively spaces open to connec-

them into this new house. The client had

tions with the outside and splash of colour

an obsession for reds, terracottas and warm

to enliven the living room space. A little

colours and I believe that to accept some-

thoughtfulness towards the usage of area

one’s obsession is also a way of showing

can help in a complete transformation, a

respect,” Canna shares with a smile. What

case in point is the bar and dining area. “As

helped the design team further was that

an architect, you need to dream into the

the couple could express their contrasting

space right from its conception,” this is the

likes and dislikes in a calm manner without

winning mantra straight from the architect

sounding fussy, rigid or rude!

herself. One needs to make spaces excit-

The architectural changes meant creating interiors beyond interiors. To add

ing and alive, to make luxury accessible throughout the available spaces.

to an overall feel of distinctiveness doors

Striking a balance between what the cli-

and window details were reworked and

ents wanted and the designers’ style result-

new opening added at to enhance a sense

ed in an elegant and high impact residential

of spaciousness. On the outside, open

space. But more importantly, what comes

porches and verandah spaces were shaded

to the fore through this residence and its

over to enable more effective use of semi-

design approach is Canna’s belief that a

open spaces. The vestibule provided by

space should set you free – that seems to be

the verandah was developed with utmost

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Arty techture

THE

SOUL

CONNECT Information & images: courtesy Luis Pons

Architect Luis Pons Designed “Chapel” for Inventory 02: Soul Does Matter Exhibition during Art Basel Miami Beach 2011.

n organically shaped, meditation chamber, “Chapel”, designed by architect Luis Pons was part of Inventory 02: Soul Does Matter, an exhibition that showcased the work of a provocative group of designers who embrace the concept of limited

production manufacturing. Curated by Thais Fontenelle, Soul Does Matter is the second exhibition from Inventory (a design collaborative that aims to inspire thought through the introduction of provocative and innovative design) and features an array of design objects in a range of mediums and disciplines. The show explores themes centered on the interplay between material and the intangible personality of design objects.

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of time. When users leave the Chapel lowlevel lighting gently illuminates the interior until the next session begins. “In the Chapel we leave the distractions and chatter of the everyday world behind. Here we are able to embrace and enhance our ability to reconnect to the energy source that is within ourselves and always available in the universe,” says Pons of his creation. “Chapel’s organic shape is a symbol of life itself. Like a cocoon, it is a source of and protective space for birth, re-birth, renewal, and growth.” A native of Caracas Venezuela, Luis Pons is an awardwinning designer of private residences, hotels, interiors, furniture, jewellery and “Chapel” offers a relaxed interior for one

lighting. Pons is the founder of D-LAB, a

to four people on a custom designed so

conceptual design laboratory in Miami

far bench and is pre-programmed by the

that operates under the assumption that

facilitator to support the users’ individual

experience is mutable and open to rein-

needs during daily sessions. Upon entry,

terpretation. “The systems emerge by tak-

users experience a period of meditation,

ing objects out of their context and rein-

during which the Chapel’s integrated light-

troducing them in surprising ways with a

ing, sound, and aroma therapeutic scent

sense of humor, magic and surprise.”

systems are set to create a calming atmo-

The 18 ft. x 12 ft. x 9 ft. structure of Cha-

sphere. Meditation is followed by activation

pel is fabricated from 69 elliptical panels

of the video-conferencing mode, during

crafted from translucent custom designed

which users engage in a two-way com-

white fabric, creating a soft oval interior

munication with an energy expert via the

space. This interior space sits on an oval

Chapel’s Internet connected state-of-the-

platform made of acrylic light cast cotton.

art video conferencing system. Sessions

Get set to enter a space that is a result of

close with the Chapel returning once again

design and technology coming together –

to a meditation atmosphere for a period

a place to rediscover yourself

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Conversations

AN ÂEAS(Y)ELÊ

STORY Words: Babita Krishnan; Images: Courtesy Leonardo Arts

We discover what drove Fernando Hocevar, a trained architect to change the drawing board for an easel.

orn in Mendoza, Argentina in the

Premio Firenze-Europa, Digital Art Sec-

winter of 1944, Fernando Hocevar

tion, a contest sponsored by the European

graduated from Universidad de

Parliament and the Italian Government in

Mendoza as an architect. Not happy

Florence. In March 2000 he added another

with just creating buildings, his aesthetic

feather in his cap, the Great Prize of Honor at

background guided him to look for creative

the Fourth Digital Creation Awards of Japan

satisfaction in fine arts. Starting as a

and by the end of the year he obtained an

photographer, he participated in numerous

honourable mention at the ‘Hyperart Bien-

and important competitions obtaining

nale 2000’ held in New York. This led to a

several prizes that stimulated Hocevar’s

flurry of recognition from around the world

activities in this field. Nevertheless, not

for Hocevar as he was awarded the Grand

fully satisfied, the necessity of a more direct

Prize at the 5th Internet International Art-

contact with materials for art works led him

Photo Contest, carried out in Japan out of

to oil painting and the creation of his own

500 participating works from 48 countries.

world of landscape. He began to develop a

This award, along with his previous achieve-

very personal technique and worked on a

ments, makes Hocevar one of the most

series of paintings called “Landscapes in the

important international artists in the new

country of the calm.”

discipline of digital art works.

The year 1997 saw a deep change in his

Hocevar was invited by the prestigious

creativity. Without abandoning the spirit

design studio Bilkey Llinas Design to create

and beauty of his works, Hocevar started

art for the Grand Hyatt properties in Mum-

developing his landscapes using the digi-

bai and Kolkata, later the Park Hyatt Hotel

tal process – a medium with which he gets

Mendoza, Argentina also became a part of

passionately involved. Two years later, in

his portfolio that houses more than 60 of

1999, he had an exhibition of 40 large size

his art pieces. In July 2010, Robert Bilky and

digital works at the Modern Art Museum in

Oscar Llinas again invited him to create art

Mendoza, suggestively titled “Landscapes

for the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Pune. This

under the hidden moon,” hailed as the most

Project houses over 350 art works including

important sample of digital art work carried

four 1.20m X 5.00m pieces.

out in Argentina at the time by the critics.

With such a resounding beginning of

By the end of 1999 Hocevar had bagged

his love affair with India, we hope to see

one of the most important art prizes in the

more of his works at other venues as well in

world – the Fiorino d’Argento, at the XVII

the near future

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My space

JEWEL IT UP

Jewellery showrooms have traditionally been stuffy in their design. But their globetrotting clientele want to see an edge, a spark, something to break the monotony and add interest. Ar. Snehal Joshi shares some insightful ideas for designing jewellery showrooms. fter having designed tens of show-

One needs to bear in mind that excess light-

rooms across cities, I have realized

ing can be a disturbance and may cause dis-

that there is an art and a science

traction to the clients while selection. And

in designing a retail shop that showcases

thus concealed lighting is a good idea to

beautiful products. And when it comes to

avoid any unwanted glare.

jewellery, the shared importance of dramat-

A considerable amount of planning with

ic lighting and security precautions makes

respect to showcases is a must as they hap-

layouts an exacting task.

pen to be the critical elements of any design.

Starting from the very basic plan of

Understanding the products is vital to deter-

the showroom, every little detail needs

mine the general size of the showcases.

to be taken care of. The circulation pat-

There should be ease of viewing in terms of

terns require to be such that the clients are

height, light and intensity while keeping in

extremely comfortable in both viewing the

mind the texture used for the showcases.

products as well as moving in and around

Mirrors are, of course, an important part

the showroom. There needs to be enough

of any retail showroom without being an

space provided between counters and in

exception to jewellery. Mirrors work both as

front of the wall displays for easy move-

a functional requirement as well as enhanc-

ments. Also crucial is the seating arrange-

ing the feel of the space. One must also not

ment that needs to be designed providing

forget that a large storage is imperative,

maximum room and comfort to the clients,

especially for the pieces not on display. It

as selecting a piece of jewellery can take

needs to be placed in areas that are easily

hours, ask any woman!

accessible to the staff. It is ideal for this stor-

The overall lighting of a showroom

Images: courtesy the architect

age to be least visible.

including ambiance lights should be

Once these basic etiquettes in jewellery

designed with utmost care in order to high-

showroom design are taken care of one can

light the products on display appropriately.

do wonders and create stunning spaces.

There needs to be a perfect amount of light

Just make sure that your stunning design

falling on the jewellery to be presented. The

does not take the attention of the visitor

wall displays, too, should be lit in a specific

away from the real purpose of his visit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; jew-

manner so that every piece is highlighted.

ellery shopping!

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Photo feature

OPEN S E S A M E ! As part of her personal project in London, photographer Tanvi Madkaiker, shot over one hundred doors, each one different from the last, in a period of five hours. These doors reflect the ethnic, cultural and socio-economic diversity of the vibrant East London. JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ DESIGN MATRIX 79

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Youth forum

BLUEPRINT 2011 Young minds with youthful practicing architects as mentors, seek to expand their own capabilities at Blueprint, the studentprofessional interaction initiative by Merino. erino, a premier brand in interior

edge-based platform for achieving the same,”

products, offering a wide variety

reveals the company spokesperson.

surfaces, restroom cubicles and furniture, is

designers to always be on the look for some-

the world’s third largest and India’s largest

thing new and different. And thus, trusted

manufacturer of decorative laminates. Blue-

sources that can support their quest and also

print is the company’s knowledge initiative

match their time lines are always the need.

aiming at creating a platform for students of

In dealing with architects and designers,

interior design and architecture to learn from,

knowledge sharing is the best way to attract

gain experience and get mentored by lead-

them. Keeping this in mind Merino came up

ing young architects in the field of interiors.

with the idea to create a platform that would

The company’s presence in this initiative adds

allow architects to share their experience with

inputs of material science, current technology

architects and designers of the future. They

and good industrial practices.

would learn without being taught. And this

like laminates, plywood, solid

“Merino intended to forge a personal bond with architects and firms. We wanted a

Innovation

requires

architects

and

is how the whole concept of Blueprint print was born.

differentiation that would not be a temporary

The first edition that was conducted last

or phased mask, hence we selected a knowl-

year, had students of five architecture and

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interior design colleges from Mumbai and

rial presentation and a project presentation

The colleges participated in different com-

the Principal Architects of five architectural

by the mentoring architects for a larger body

petitive activities and awards were handed

firms as mentors. A design competition was

of audience across the ten colleges, thereby

out for inter-college activitie s and the designs

conducted which eventually culminated

concluding the journey of Blueprint 2011.

submitted.

into a design fest. An interactive website was

BLUEPRINT - 2010

BLUEPRINT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2011

created for a broader reach to students and

The maiden venture in 2010 had the following

After the success of Blueprint 2010, the re-

architects interested in this knowledge-based

format: One batch each of five architecture

sponse from the industry was overwhelming

effort.

and interior design institutes with approx. 350

and thus the concept was made to take one

With few changes in the structure this

students were selected. The principal archi-

step ahead.

year, the process continued with more col-

tects of five firms were assigned as the men-

The Revised Concept

leges participating and thereby giving oppor-

toring architect for each institute.

With the brilliance of innovative minds does

tunity to more students to be a part of the

Workshops (August 2010)

not always come the ease of working as a

event. Ten colleges were included and an

Merino demonstrated properties and applica-

team. Students are often seen witnessing

event for 100 students from all over Mumbai

tions of their products, while mentoring archi-

troubles in working as a team. However, real

was planned. The programme included inter-

tects shared relevant experiences.

life situations do not permit the choice of the

active seminars and participative projects that

The Design Project (August - December,

teams in which they work. Also, work life skills

culminated in a workshop in October 2011,

2010)

are not part of their syllabus in college. And

where the first day was a life skills training pro-

Under the guidance of their mentors, the stu-

thus, came about the idea of imparting an

gramme followed by a design competition

dents formed teams and worked on creating

all-round experience as a part of workshops

on the 2nd day. The programme concluded

a design within given parameters, which was

especially in team building, coordination and

with prize distribution for the winners at Ace

then judged by a senior jury comprising of se-

leadership skills.

Tech in November 2011.

nior architects.

Subsequent to the finale at Ace Tech, Merino initiated a knowledge-based mate-

Inter College Festival and Award Ceremo-

The Two Day Workshop (October 2011)

ny (January 2011)

Ten institutes participated with ten students

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from each one of them. Then ten teams were created, in which each team had one student from each college. These teams were made to undergo training in leadership, strategy and communication, conducted by Ms. Suman Nair on the first day of the workshops. On the second day, under the mentorship of an architect each of the teams were made to compete on a design project with the topic “Emerging public washroom culture”. The output was subjected to a closed jury and the winners were announced at a prize distribution in November 2011. The inter-college design competition spread over October and November saw the participation of nine colleges, where four students from each college worked on the competition which also followed the same theme and the same jury judged the output. With great appreciation from architects, faculty and students the workshop was a much bigger and better success than anticipated. Ideas are the beginning points of all fortunes, and fortune sides with those who dare. Merino has brought up a new and innovative idea of conducting a design competition and has not only succeeded in achieving the desired results but also made a mark on the minds of people. The concept of Blueprint 2011 has not only upgraded students’ skills but also given them a chance to interact and express themselves. With the success of Blueprint 2011, the challenge is even bigger for Blueprint 2012

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Travel design

TA PP I N G TO

RAINFOREST DESIGNS Words & Images: Anand & Madhura Katti

Fine architecture, intricately carved murals, Orangulu beadwork, bamboo art and ikat designs inspired from the ƀora and fauna of the rainforest – there is more to the beautiful Sarawak in Malaysia apart from the much talked about World Music Festival.

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TRAVEL ESSENTIALS Visa

One needs to obtain a Malaysian Visa (Please check with your nearest Malaysian Embassy or Consulate).

Getting there

Malaysia Airlines operates direct flights from major metro cities in India to Kuala Lumpur with onward connections to Kuching.

Currency Climate

Malaysian Ringgit Kuching has a tropical rainforest climate, moderately hot but humid at times and receives substantial rainfall.

International Airport Hotels

Is only 12 kms from the city. Kuching has a wide choice of hotels in different categories from budget, mid-range and splurge.

Emergency contact Important Website

Police & Ambulance 999 www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my, www.sarawaktourism.com, www.panorama-tours.com

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he imposing large mural on the

Sarawak Culture Village was in a cel-

rated with murals and woodcarvings. Fine

front wall of Iban Longhouse had

ebration mood with volunteers from differ-

mats are laid on bamboo floor for sleeping

an intricate design that seemed to

ent Sarawak tribes dressed in their colourful

and outside the common corridor rubber,

recapitulate the rainforest. Its curling design

traditional costumes. 27 music teams from

corn and some barks are spread for drying

inspired by ferns and rooster feathers

around the world had arrived in Kuching

in the sun. The longhouse’s head house is

– both integral to the everyday life of

for the Rainforest World Music Festival and

called a Barok and that’s where ceremonies

Borneo tribes – was coloured with natural

fans had travelled from faraway places to be

are held and head trophies (skulls) are kept

extracts. The month of July is a special

a part of the festival. The festival featured

at an altar above a fireplace. The headhunt-

time when Sarawak comes alive with the

local masters of Sape from Sarawak, Kenge

ing, mostly carried out in defense, has long

annual Rainforest World Music Festival. We

Kenge (the troupe from Kenya), Victor Val-

ended but a few skulls representing the

travelled to the Sarawak Cultural Village, the

dez Trio of Mexico, Kamafei of Italy, Agung

past are still on display. Though most tribes

venue on the outskirts of Kuching, which

Beat of Malaysia, Blue Canyon Boys from

have adopted a modern lifestyle and work

provides an insight into the ethnic diversity

USA and ILgi from Latvia, and the evening

in cities, many have retained their long-

of all the Sarawak people under one

ended with a humming sound of Didgeri-

houses and showcase a few traditional

umbrella. The centre features a collection of

doo of Australia.

items like Chawat (jacket) made from the

seven traditional houses, scattered over 17 acres of landscaped land with a backdrop of the Mount Santubong rainforest. We braved a climb up the carved steps of a single log to get on to the Iban Longhouse built on high stilts. The verandah with bamboo flooring was spacious enough to support all outdoor activities of house members like drying of food items, playing music, and entertaining guests or even relaxing during the day. Beautiful baskets, hats, mats and bags made of fine bamboo and vividly woven beads were displayed inside. Most of the ancient motifs and design forms using vegetable fibre textiles are connected to ceremonial rites. In the early centuries of maritime trading, Indian traders brought the back-strap loom to Southeast Asia and introduced cotton as

“Though most tribes have adopted a modern lifestyle and work in cities, many have retained their longhouses and showcase a few traditional items like Chawat (jacket) made from the tree bark, intricate beadwork and detailed tattoos inspired by rainforest flora and fauna or their musical instrument ‘sape’, a plucked boat-shaped lute with four strings.”

an alternative to bark-cloth textile. The Iban tribe’s lifestyle and beliefs are intricately

tree bark, intricate beadwork and detailed tattoos inspired by rainforest flora and fauna or their musical instrument ‘sape’, a plucked boat-shaped lute with four strings. Some other mentionable participants were Kismet, the India-Brit team from UK, Leweton Women’s Water Music from far away Vanuatu, Mamek Khadem from Iran, Pacific Curls from New Zealand, Startijen of France, and Warsaw Village Band from Poland. Next stop the cat museum that is visible from across the city, due to its imposing structure on a hill top. Kuching literally means ‘cat city’ in Malay. Though there are many theories on how the city got its name, the city has aptly built the world’s second cat museum that houses everything feline. Another hotspot is Semenggoh Nature Reserve, home to orangutans – the reddish-brown apes native to Borneo that are

Wanting to visit the actual life at a

an endangered species. We also chanced

Longhouse, we travelled to Anna Rais Long-

upon a few varieties of pitcher, the carnivo-

Iban Longhouse at the Sarawak Cultural

house, the community residential block of

rous plants that trap and feed on insects.

Centre also provides a few beds in the dorm

‘Bidayuh’ tribes, built on stilts and houses

The Sarawak River runs through Kuch-

for those interested in spending a night to

147 families and were welcomed with Tuak,

ing city and the waterfront is a buzz of

experience the Iban lifestyle. Orang Ulu Long-

a traditional rice wine. The houses are locat-

activity with restaurants, cafes and hawk-

house depicted the lifestyle of upriver dwell-

ed on both sides of a long corridor and have

ers. The imposing Parliament building

ers – tribes like Kenyah, Kayan, Klemantan,

a big verandah for sitting, playing and work-

across the river has is a beautiful dome. The

Kelabit, the Lun Bawang, Penan as well as a

ing. Each Dyak (native of Borneo rainforest)

interesting 215-foot-tall City Tower offers a

few minor tribes in the interiors. We also vis-

house’s main door opens into a long gallery

birds-eye view of Kuching where Colonial

ited Penan huts, Melanau tallhouse, Bidayuh

which doubles up as the common living

architecture has been preserved and main-

longhouse, Malay house and a Chinese farm-

and reception area.

tained. With 40 hectares of forest surround-

woven into their textiles.

ing it, the city centre has been declared a

house at the centre and were enlightened

Each gallery has a small fireplace for

with different aspects of the culture, beliefs,

cooking, a lounging and a sleeping area.

architecture and handicrafts unique to each

Young bachelors and visitors sleep in the

On the last day at Rainforest World Music

tribe as well as influences on each.

mezzanine gallery. Some houses are deco-

Festival, The Shin from Georgia, Paddy Keenan

protected area by the local government.

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from Ireland, Malike Pathe Sow from Senegal, Iskwew from Canada and Joaquin Diaz from Dominican Republic entertained the young and the young at heart. The venue in the rainforest near Damai beach, which had cool winds blowing from the South China Sea, added to the enjoyment. Armed with batik sarongs, shirts with local ikat designs and Pua Kumbu, beautiful cotton blanket of Iban tribe, we have carried enough memorabilia to remind us of beautiful designs of Sarawak that will be cherished for a long time

“27 music teams from around the world had arrived in Kuching for the Rainforest World Music Festival and fans had travelled from faraway places to be a part of the festival. The festival featured local masters from Sarawak, Mexico, Italy, Malaysia, USA and Latvia.” JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 97

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Design insight

THE TOY STORY! Words: Priyanka Mathur

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here can be no greater joy than

etc. In the same way, toy design involves

watching a young child sitting

numerous aspects, such as innovation, mar-

under the Christmas tree on a

ket research, safety, ecology, cost of produc-

Christmas morning, enthusiastically tearing

tion, packaging and quality…all of which

away at the wrapping paper to reveal a

need to be looked into simultaneously. It is

brand new toy. For children, December can

necessary for a toy designer to understand

mean only two things: Santa Claus and toys.

whether it is worth investing time, effort

The kind blue-eyed man in red and white

and money.”

has captured the imagination of children

In spite of having created products for

world over, with his mysterious sack of toys

giants, such as Fisher Price, Disney, Leggo,

and a legendary workshop that works 365

TinyLove and Geomag over the last 15

days a year. “Ask Santa for any toy you want

years, Adam still feels that every day is a

and it’ll be in your stocking by Christmas

new challenge. Sometimes, toys that are

morning.” One look at his numerous young

designed are liked by the children, but not

fans and it’s quite clear that Santa seems to

by the parents, and vice versa. However,

have got the art of toy-making right.

contrary to what most parents think, chil-

However, easy as it may seem, toy-

dren today are more aware of things around

making, in reality, is no child’s play. In fact

them and are very sure of what they want.

Adam Shillito, director of the Italy-based

It thus becomes the designer’s responsibil-

Idkid, feels it’s like driving a car. “When you

ity to create something that will be liked by

drive, there are so many things to keep in

mothers, as well as be interesting enough

mind; speed, incoming traffic, traffic signals,

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Striking the right balance is resultant of

If there are so many aspects to keep

great research and a series of trials and errors.

in mind when designing children’s prod-

“We learn from our mistakes, or what I like to

ucts, the next plausible question would be,

call ‘failing towards success’,” Adam explains.

what does it take to be a designer? What is

“It’s very rare for a designer to get a design

foremost required from every designer is a

right in the very first shot. Keeping in mind

creative bent of mind and the drive for inno-

the demands of children and parents alike,

vations. Today, there aren’t too many art col-

the designs are reworked several times. Dif-

leges that offer toy design as a subject. So it

ferent products require different kinds of

becomes a challenge searching for the right

research – sketches, models, graphics, etc…

people. However, as Adam explains, what

all need to be reworked so as to get accuracy.

is taught in college is not actually what is

This is a time consuming process that can

important. The experiences learnt while on

take anywhere from three months to two

the job are what really count.

years, depending on the product in ques-

“We usually take people in when they

tion. In my factory, once the basic design

are young and, well, inexperienced,” he says,

is more or less finalized, the creative phase

“as they are more willing to try new things.

starts with the models, and continues until

Thus, it becomes easier to groom and mould

every single aspect of the toy is perfected. So

their minds towards our style of working.

far, we’ve gone through 25 different models

Fresh recruits have to undergo a two-year

for one single toy.”

training period, where they are taught how

As innovations in design keep increasing, so does the innovation in materials

to read and understand the market trends and aspects of toy design.”

used. Concern for the fragile environment

Believe it or not, children can be very diffi-

has compelled designers to think out-of-

cult customers to please. However, equipped

the-box. So far, materials like plastics, wood,

with unlimited creativity and an open mind,

hape and bamboo have been used. Howev-

toy designers are creating increasingly inno-

er, now, toy designers have started working

vative toys. Talking dolls, remote-controlled

with eco-friendly materials such as mater-bi

cars, magnetic toys…the list is endless. One

(a biopolymer made from corn starch), fasal

thing is clear: there is a child in all of us and

(a wood-injected mold) and inks made from

the joy of toy making is almost as great as the

soy. Apart from eco concerns, designers

joy of receiving a gift. As time passes, there

also need to consider a child’s safety, which

are more and more people stepping into

explains the increasing need to diversify.

Santa’s shoes after all!

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Design insight

THE

VISUAL

IMPACT W

ith changes on the retail front

logo design. Today, everyone has become

Some logos have survived the test of time

and grave competition at the

increasingly aware of visual symbols making

and are still effective at transmitting a well-

doorstep, Indian retailers have

logos the frontline of brand identity. Visual

established corporate image. One must

begun to realize the value of branding.

impact attracts the consumer to come and

remember that the most memorable logos

Brands not only need to attract but also

experience the products on offer. In this sce-

are also the most simple.

retain consumers, for which a distinctive

nario, the logo needs to grab attention like

Let’s have a look at some great logos

logo is imperative.

none other. Well-designed logos become

that have managed to stand the test of time.

People are continuously exposed to a

synonymous with the brands they portray. NIKE

plethora of concepts and ideas which need to be recalled, so our mind organizes all

WHAT WORKS?

Few will be unable to recognize the Nike –

the information into categories. And that is

The mark of a well-designed logo is leg-

Just Do It logo. The company takes its name

where a logo gains importance!

ibility and brand recognition. It needs to

from the Greek goddess of victory, Nike. The

remain simple yet effective, accurate and

popular logo is a graphic design created by

THE LOGO STORY

functional. It needs to match ideologies of

Carolyn Davidson in 1971 for a mere $35,

The history of logo design dates back to

the brand in a measurable way. Functional-

which represents the wing of the Greek

Greece in ancient times. The word “logo”

ity demands that the logo be simple, scal-

Goddess. Used as a motif on sport shoes

means a name, symbol or trademark de-

able and insightful. It is important that it is

since the 1970s, this checkmark is now so

signed for easy recognition. The logo de-

not too complicated.

recognizable that the company name itself

sign history had its humble beginnings as a

The design of a logo is an outcome of

cipher consisting of a single letter, and later

vigorous research and study. Once made

a design or mark consisting of two or more

and displayed in public, it is supposedly

ADIDAS

letters intertwined. Emergence of the infor-

to be used ‘forever’. Hence its importance,

Adidas - a company that started in the

mation age changed the face of logos and

beauty and appeal should remain forever.

1920s, followed three guiding principles:

has become superfluous.

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Words: Natasha Bohra

With globalization the world has come closer and a paradigm shift in Indian consumers has dramatically affected the approach of retailers. Such a drastic change means that visual identity of brands is at the forefront in creating an impact, and logos play a vital role. design the best sport shoes, protect the athlete from injury, and product durability. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logo typically features three

TYPES OF LOGOS

parallel stripes that represents performance

While there are an infinite number of variables that are possible with logo design,

and the future of the Adidas branding iden-

there are four distinct categories â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Text, Iconic, Graphical and Illustrative. While

tity.

these categories are not to be viewed as absolutes and many logos have the features of several types, this is a basic overview in logo design.

MERCEDES BENZ

Text logos are visually the simplest logos. Paradoxically, their simplicity can be

This is probably one of the most famous

misleading as these logos can be enormously difficult to design. In terms of market-

brands in the world. The Benz logo is a sim-

ing the company, text logos have a bonus feature of promoting the company name

plistic three-pointed star that represents

extensively without being cluttered with heavy visuals and graphics.

its domination of the land, sea and air. The

Iconic logos generally feature simplified graphics that reflect an aspect of the

famous three-pointed star was designed by

company and/or product portrayed. They can be used solo, or with text. This form

Gottlieb Daimler to show the ability of his

of logo is perhaps the most commonly used. These logos are most effective when

motors for land, air and sea-usage.

your design is to be featured at a small size, or in low-resolution reproduction.

AUDI

and illustrative logotype. These logotypes are visually appealing, detailed enough

It is believed that the use of the four rings

to be recognizable, yet linear and technically simple enough to translate into most

of the Audi logo is most likely to generate

media usages.

Graphic (linear) logos are, in the practical sense, somewhere between an iconic

back to the date of Claus Detlof of Oertzen,

Illustrative logos are usually more detailed and complex than graphical, and are

who described the idea as being something

a pictorial (illustration) representation of some aspect of the company or product

related to Olympia and the Olympiad which

portrayed. This can be the name, the business concept or a character/mascot.

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in line with the coming together of the four

What started off three decades ago just as

logo now stands for a company that is

Audi companies - AUDI, DKW, Horch and

a sanitaryware company, has now become

youthful yet not frivolous, thus retaining

Wanderer.

a total bathroom solutions provider. “Our

the conventional trust attached to the

new logo reflects this multi-faceted versatil-

brand. “This rebranding initiative has helped

TIME FOR A CHANGE

ity of the brand,” comments Vidush Somany,

change the company’s commodity driven

Although revamping a logo is a risky job

Executive Director. The new logo is infused

perception to a brand driven company,”

since it takes time for people to accept the

with a sense of dynamism and openness.

comments Suresh.

new look, sometimes it becomes necessary

Freed from its boundaries, the logo signi-

in order to handle the increasing competi-

fies exploration of new avenues with limit-

A FEW THINGS TO BE KEPT IN MIND

tion. “The change objective determines the

less ambition. The new and modern type-

WHEN DESIGNING A LOGO:

impact on the identity. Hence it is critical to

face indicates a strong sense of purpose

• The logo should always sit on a solid co-

clearly establish the objective behind the

and confidence. Retaining the blue colour

lour or a white background and never on

change and what the change should ad-

keeps Cera connected with its rich heri-

top of an image or texture. This is to avoid

dress or achieve,” points out Anil Lakhani,

tage of design and innovation for which it

Director, Gini & Jony Pvt. Ltd. (India). When

is immensely popular. While remaining root-

• Avoid effects such as stretching or shad-

changing the design, core values of the

ed, it also inspires to adhere to core values of

ows unless absolutely necessary and only

brand have to be retained along with key el-

stability and sincerity.

diverting attention from the logo.

if it conveys a certain aspect of the brand. • Colours have the ability to be interpreted

ements, to ensure continuity and a smooth transition. However, “A strategic rather than

ARVIND LTD.

in a variety of ways and may vary depend-

cosmetic change is what companies must

Almost a century old company, Arvind Ltd.

ing on gender, age, educational demo-

strive to achieve,” comments Ramanujam

decided to go in for an extensive rebrand-

graphics or class. So the choice of colour

Sridhar, CEO, Integrated Brand Comm and

ing initiative in September 2008. The tradi-

author of the book Googly: Branding on In-

tional mills had expanded itself to a number

• Colour associations will vary by individual

dian Turf.

of brands and made a significant presence

and, especially, culture due to the cultural

in the retail industry. It was inevitable for

context and previous experiences with

the consumers to get a feel of that. The old

the colours.

A few brands that have successfully changed their logos:

should be cautiously considered.

logo that had a very industrial and serious CERA

look was replaced by a chic and fashionable

BUILDING SUCCESSFUL BRANDS

Cera, a company that provides bathroom

one. “Arvind Mills Ltd. has been a leader and

You know your brand is successful when

solutions, recently unveiled its new logo

associated with trust and quality. While it

without the name coming into picture,

making a transformation of its corporate

was important to retain that image, we also

the symbolic representation is more than

identity in the company’s history. The new

wanted to be recognized as a more vibrant

enough to give your brand the identifica-

logo is designed to reflect it as a modern

and fashionable company,” says J. Suresh,

tion. Call them what you will - icon, trade-

brand that continues its tradition of innova-

MD & CEO.

mark or logo - these powerful symbols have

tive products that meet modern-day needs.

revolutionized the advertising world

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INDIAN RUPEE The latest design of the Indian Rupee marks a landmark step in the economy of the country. The Union Finance Ministry of India announced a nationwide contest for the design of the rupee symbol and was finalized by a jury panel headed by Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. The rupee symbol will help the Indian currency in rebranding itself and to prove its stability in the fluctuating market of global currencies. Re-branding the rupee will enhance the reputation of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall economy, not just the currency. India is a trillion dollar economy and strength of Indian rupee perfectly represents this fact. The new Indian rupee symbol is more like an important branding opportunity for the wider Indian economy. To begin with, the new symbol will enhance the image of the Indian currency among the global investors.

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Design promo

CERTAINLY

GUARANTEED! A pex, a part of the Ultramine group

based in Kolkata, is the exclusive distributor of CertainTeed Corpo-

ration of the United States of America for

their piping products in India. CertainTeed (a subsidiary of Saint Gobain) is the largest producer of restrained joint pressure piping systems in the world and produces Yelomine pipes which have the unique Certa Lok jointing system (spline and groove). It is available in different sizes ranging from 2” through 24” in different working pressures from 90 PSI to 315 PSI. These pipes are UV protected, self-extinguishing and meant for all types of buried or exposed applications Contact: 033 22884398/22884399 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 109

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T C U D O R P

H C N LAU Garden Tools from HOME COLLECTIVE

No house looks complete without a garden, and given the right tools, one can turn their green patch into a spectacular one. With Home Collective’s vast range of garden tools and accessories, this task becomes easier and more fruitful. On offer are a host of different products, such as softbags, Naturelite, Luminado Planters, and Mybox windows, which not only have a high utility value, but also an aesthetic appeal. If you’re looking for light-weight pots or bright coloured window-frames on which to place your potted plants, you can take your pick from Home Collective’s merchandise. Available at affordable prices, these products are bound to brighten up your garden, all year round. www.homecollective.in

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House of

Design

The House of Design is com mit ted to providing great design options for the home, through its wide range of furniture pro ducts. This winter, HOD introduces its brand new range of furniture and home accessories, ava ilable in vibrant ear thy colours and different fab rics, such as raw silk, velvet , and brocade. Cushy sofas, glit tery furniture or quilted bed headboards – each product has been designed to create a warm and inviting look in your home. You can also choose from a range of home accessories, such as pot tery items, thus enhancing the look of your home. ww w.houseofdesign.com

I’m Centre for

Applied Arts

Deciding on home interior s that truly reflect your per sonalit y is not always an Punam Kalra’s I’m Centre easy task. However, for Applied Arts makes this task easier with her latest furniture. By making use series of contemporary of high-end fabrics, differe nt tex tures and materials, the new, customers can and blending the old wit pick out those products h that best suit them. The smoked console, multi-t modulated series of bed able and modern sofa hav s, e been carefully designed yet regal appeal to your to create a stylish moder home. So do away with n the old this season and ush er in the new. ww w.imdesign.in

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Baby Products from

Boon American brand Boon’s award-winning line of bab y products have been cre ated with the aim of red ucing the trials that parent hood often brings with it. blending aesthetics and By functionality, the design s are not only innovative safe and child-friendly. Wit , but h products such as the Fro g Pod, Flo, Squirt, and Ov Animal Bag finally availab al le in India, they are fast becoming popular not with the children, but wit only h the parents as well. ww w.sublimecircle.com

Trendsetting design and lifestyle company Pallate presents its latest collections for 2012 – PDS Collections and Pallate Designs. The company is known for its creativity in being able to turn everyday objects into functional works of art. This time, Pallate unveils its new collections – Swan Lake, Tear Drop and Cavity Collections, which have been inspired by Tchaikovsky’s famous musical, human tears and fond childhood memories. Apart from this, also on display are unique creations such as snake and spike coffee tables and optical side tables. www.pallate.com

Furniture trends from

Pallate

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Node Chair from

Steelcase The node chair from Ste elcase has a lot to offer in terms of comfor t, flexi bility and storage, and is thus suitable for students and working professionals alike. Apart from providing enough storage space to bags, the cha ir has been fitted with casters and a swivel chair, thus increasing the mobility. Designed for eas y transition, the node chair is available in a variety of colours, making it easier to fit in any where – whether a college campus or the workplace . ww w.steelcase.asia

Leather furniture from

Portside café tique, Por tside café, The leather furniture bou new collection. launches its individualistic terials such as ma also Not only leather but this collection. to y wa its nd fi metal and glass irs, bar consoles, On offer are interesting cha design house coffee tables, etc. from the bar console is en she Por tsideCafe. Charlie leather with ful our col in a perky number and glass shelves.The mirrored tiles for its top polished wooden Khatiya lounge is a black ned mattress; hio cus r khatiya with leathe float table that ple sim a is oda while the Pag use of antique gold, sets itself apart with the rs. silver and pew ter leathe ww w.portsidecafe.com

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Children Furniture by

Squiggle Squiggle, a furniture bra nd for kids has strived to transform the traditional concept of a wooden ‘Ro cking Horse’ to a line of interesting rockers available in different abstrac t shapes of animals. With three variations that include elephant, sheep and donkey of various shapes and colour combinations, the rockers are ma de of wood and are clad with art leather. squigglefurniture@gmail.co m

Johnson Bath from H&R Johnson introduces Intellimate that includes features like remote sensor, night light, MP3 player, massage cleaner, air dryer and much more. Its in-built remote sensor automatically opens and closes the seat cover and lid when a person stands nearby, while the seat cover acts as a bidet seat cover with variable functions such as moving nozzle to evenly spray water for easy cleaning. www.hrjohnsonindia.com

Toilet seat from

H&R Johnson

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116 1 11 16 1 6 DES DE D DESIGN ES ESIGN IGN IG GN MATRIX MATR MATRI MA TTRI RIIX • JULY-AUGUST R JJU ULY LLYY--AU Y AUG A UGUST UG USSSTT 2011 U 2011 20 11

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Happenings

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BATHROOM

ART

Ultramine Group exclusively brings Dansani to India – a Danish company offering exquisite bathroom furniture.

he Ultramine Group, for the past

as much consideration to practicality as to

10 years has been, importing and

aesthetics.

distributing

exclusive

products

On the occasion of their flagship

from across the world with an emphasis

showroom opening in Kolkata, Dansani’s

on bathroom products for home and

Pedro Fossat, International Export Manager,

commercial establishments. They are the

and Jorgen Gehlert, Area Manager, Quality

distributors for Astral Polytechnik Limited,

and Service, along with Vishal Shroff, MD,

Ahmedabad for their range of piping

Ultramine Group were seen at the helm

products for West Bengal and also represent

explaining the exquisite range to the visitors

the German sanitary fittings brand Grohe.

and guests. Ar. Prem Nath and renowned

After having established their reputation as

percussionist Bikram Ghosh honoured

being synonymous with reliability and trust,

the occasion celebrating Dansani’s entry

the latest feather in the Ultramine cap is

into India. In celebrations that continued

becoming the exclusive point of contact for

through the day and ended only post

the exquisite range of Dansani bathroom

dinner, one saw elite from the design

furniture from Denmark.

fraternity admire the range that has been

The fine range of Dansani bathroom

beautifully displayed in the shop floor.

furniture stands apart with special features

The enthusiasm of the team was

such as sensory lights and in-built electrical

contagious and everyone was not just

sockets. The smooth finishes and scrapping

impressed with the products on display,

unnecessary details brings together a

many also sought appointments to come

streamlined and functional design that takes

and revisit the showroom at a later date

both your eyes and senses by surprise. Using

to sample the ware thoroughly. With the

an innovative and organic design language,

launch of this store, Dansani has surely

Dansani has created a fashionable style of

brought bathrooms to the forefront of

bathroom furniture series. They have given

design priority JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 119

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Seen at the inauguration were Ar. Prem Nath, Manohar Jhunjhunwala, Rima Sawant, Bharat Dubal, Vishal Shroff, Dinesh Agarwal, Pedro Fossat, Narayani Devi Shroff, Bikram Ghosh & Jaya Seal, Deepak Dubal, Gaurav Shroff, Ar. Anjan Mitra, Bichitresh Saha, Bhaskar, Kaushal Agarwal & lots of distinguished guests.

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Happenings

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ARTY BANKING

Dr. Art+Design, brainchild of Mitali Bajaj, gives India its ſrst Art Bank in Mumbai.

he true art of banking lies not in

evolved over time, Indian coins show a

its products, money or assets; but

lot of foreign influence. The installation of

rather in its people, service and its

historical Indian coins weaves a texture of

commitment towards the art of banking.

legends of various empires that ruled India

With global concentration of the

since the Indus Valley Civilization, through

banking industry on customer satisfaction,

medieval to Mughal periods. Each symbol

Indian banks, too, are looking at various

cast on the coins is an evidence of socio-

ways in taking their customer relations

political, cultural and administrative aspects

to a different level. In one such effort

of these empires. Intricately carved coins

of a Nouveau banking experience, Dr.

are displayed in museum style to give a

Art+Design has created the world’s first

glimpse of our history beyond the entrance.

Art Bank with ING Vysya in Mumbai. This is

Positioned centrally in the bank, the

a demonstration by the studio of creating

barter column shows history of barter

interactive spaces in otherwise mundane

system before the invention of electronic

environments and routines.

money as we see it today. The artwork

The art and sculptures created for

narrates the story as a doodle with figurines

ING reflect the philosophy and culture

and text. Burnt beige with rustic textures

of banking. They intend to engage the

blends with the space making it yet another

customers by creating a narrative as they

feature of the existing wall area.

walk in and around the bank. Each artwork

Dr. Art+Design, brainchild of Mitali

leads to another – weaving a story along

Bajaj, is the aesthetic design management

the way.

studio conceived as a co-creative lab

Personifying ING Vysya’s logo, lion

collaborating with innovative artistic

sculptures at the entrance represent a royal

talent on the premise that art is to be

gatekeeper and a trustworthy guardian of

enjoyed by everyone. Blurring divisions

the customer’s wealth. The Indian coinage

between life, motion, art form, design

is perhaps the most fascinating and diverse

and sculpture the talented team from

as compared to most other regions of the

the allied fields of arts conceptualize,

world (we may be biased!). Apart from

manufacture and install engrossing and

its own indigenous design which has

interactive public art works JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 123

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Book review

HOTELS & RESORTS IN INDIA Publisher: White Flag

hite Flags latest publication, Hotels & Resorts in India does well on all counts but one. As we flipped through the media copy, we noticed that page 213, a chapter on the Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur repeats itself boldly a couple of pages

later. Two chapters that are exactly the same, word for word, image for image! Surely not? Yet there it was. Now either the publishers made a gaffe on the only the media copy or right now, as you read this, printed copies of this tome sit on coffee tables and shelves, with a duplicated chapter within their hard bound covers. Neither alternative makes us feel better. Having got that elephant out of the room, we can move on. Hotels & Resorts in India was made for a readership of design aficionados and architects rather than holiday planners. Technical in content, with plenty of blown-up images and exhaustive captions, the book practically defines the staple coffee table book formula. Some of the country’s finest luxury hospitality properties find their way into this large book right from the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower which faces the iconic Gateway of India in urban Mumbai to the sleepy rolling green expanse of Kerala’s Coconut Lagoon. A succinct and insightful foreword by Ar. Karan Grover sets the ball rolling and from thence on, the reader is plunged into chapter after chapter of pure delight. Each chapter starts with details about the architect followed by a page-long write up on the property in question, covering things like the inspiration behind the architectural plan and its translation into actuality. Naturally, the write-up contains details about the design vocabulary employed in the design but what’s interesting to note is that each property is handled differently. While some hotels, like the Devi Garh in Udaipur draws its design inspiration flat out from the city or state, other properties like the Madhuban Resort & Spa in industrial town Anand of Gujarat, aims at creating a haven from its surrounding, while drawing cues from typical Gujarati lifestyles. The colour images are followed with their respective captions, capturing either minute architectural details or breathtaking panoramic views of the whole property. The interiors of the hotel have as much weight as the architecture of the building or the landscaping of the plot, so there is something for everyone and with amazing balance. Hotels & Resorts in India can be read in one sitting or spread over several months. You can ponder an image and read its write up or vice versa. Balance, a clean matte layout and a highly visual material make this tome a must have. The exhaustive detail and technical know-how of the designs behind each property also wins our vote

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Mos Shoes

a time when home owners and buyers

and Germany. Visitors this year can view

Mos Shoes is Russia’s leading interna-

begin planning for the New Year’s reno-

exhibits that include a variety of installa-

tional exhibition for sourcing leather

vation and home projects. At the show,

tions, paintings, sculptures, photography,

products. High–grades kins and hides,

some of the latest designs in home décor

videos and films.

leather-making chemicals, machinery and

from around the world will be displayed.

technology, semi-processed and finished

Visitors will get a chance to see a variety

Date: January 18–22, 2012

leathers, footwear, and other leather

of different products on display, such as

Venue: Islington, London

goods will be showcased at the event.

lighting fixtures, kitchen cabinets, floor

The exhibition is open to manufacturers,

tiles, draperies and blinds, among others.

importers and exporters of footwear and

This is a great platform for established and

The National Fine Arts and Antiques Fair

the general public.

upcoming designers to showcase their

The National Fine Arts and Antiques Fair is

latest products, in addition to attracting

for the love of everything old and pretty.

Date: January 10–13, 2012

potential buyers. Attendees can book,

Held in Birmingham every year, the fair

Venue: Moscow, Russia

purchase or contract their products and

showcases some of the most desirable

services at the expo.

antiques, decorative period accessories,

Tokyo International Exhibition Centre Japan is one of the leading watch markets in the world today. For the first time ever,

fine arts and objet d’art available in Britain Date: January 13-15, 2012

today. With as many as 60 exhibitors bring-

Venue: Calgary, Canada

ing to the exhibition works as old as 2,000 years, this exhibition is not to be missed!

Tokyo is hosting the Tokyo International

London Art Fair

Watch Fair (TWF). The show will feature

With over 100 galleries from all over the

Date: January 18–22, 2012

a list of comprehensive range of watch-

United Kingdom participating, the Lon-

Venue: Birmingham, UK

es and clocks from around the world,

don Art Fair is an event to look forward

including high end jewellery, fashion and

to. Covering every aspect of 20 th century

antique watches, as well as all kinds of

British art, this event features some of the

Salon International De La Lingerie

clocks and related products and services.

most well-known names in the industry.

Considered to be the world’s most impor-

This show will enable international indus-

One of the sections to look out for this

tant lingerie event, the Salon International

try watch professionals to showcase their

year is the Arts Project. Started in 2005,

de la Lingerie offers visitors a comprehen-

products and strengthen their businesses

the Arts Project featured solo and group

sive view of the latest trends in the linge-

in Japan.

shows, as well as the works of many well-

rie industry. The main focus of the event

known galleries and foundations (like the

is home wear and will feature a range of

Date: January 11-14, 2012

Whitechapel, Saatchi Editions and Serpen-

different collections, such as lounge wear,

Venue: Tokyo, Japan

tine Gallery), thus earning critical acclaim

spa wear and yoga wear, in addition to

from the art fraternity. The Arts Project

night wear. Apart from this, the event will

later went on to showcase the works of

also target new visitor profiles from spas,

galleries from New York, London, Ireland,

resorts and luxury hotels, offering a multi-

Calgary Home Expo The Calgary Home Expo is organized at 126 DESIGN MATRIX • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012

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tude of fresh possibilities in this fast grow-

futures, the international industry seminar

ers to showcase their products, in addition

ing sector. This event is open to all.

series and much more. Don’t miss seeing

to new technology, state-of-the-art equip-

all that is new in furniture and furnishing

ment, materials and services, as well as pro-

Date: January 21-23, 2012

designs from Australian and international

vide them a platform to expand their busi-

Venue: Porte de Versailles, Paris, France

exhibitors, including home, office and hos-

ness. This time, the expo will feature a vast

pitality furniture, furnishings and fabrics,

array of products, such as textile machinery,

artwork, lighting, etc.

accessories, fabrics, apparel machinery and

JOGS Gem & Jewelry Show Tuscan, Arizona, has been known for pro-

accessories, shoe making machinery, fibres,

viding a platform to jewellery designers

Date: February 1–3, 2012

etc. Some of the participants in the expo

to exhibit their products from across the

Venue: Melbourne, Australia

represent various industries, such as textile

globe, for the last 56 years. This January,

and garment manufacturers and dealers,

the city turns into a giant museum, draw-

LED Expo

ing some of the biggest and most qualified

Dedicated to the science, technology and

garment accessories, in addition to others.

buyers from all over the world. Considered

application of LEDs and solid-state lighting,

This is an ideal place to network and learn

to be one of the most dynamic markets

LED Expo has evolved as a premier exhibi-

about the latest designs and trends.

in the world, one can find new designs at

tion. The expo provides an ideal opportu-

affordable prices.

nity for exhibitors and visitors from all over

Date: February 7–10, 2012

the world to network. Those participating

Venue: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Date: January 27–February 7, 2012

in this year’s expo are from varied business

Venue: Tuscan, Arizona

fields, such as the architecture and lighting

leather manufacturers, dealers of textile and

industry, who are exploring various uses of

Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair

LED for various applications – domestic or

Every year, The Stockholm Furniture and

commercial. Keeping in mind our fragile

Light Fair attracts as many as 40,000 buyers,

The Australian International Furniture Fair

environment, the Expo has also started fea-

architects, designers and journalists from all

showcases the latest designs from Aus-

turing energy-saving products. With more

over the world. This year’s edition will show-

tralia and international furniture manu-

designers and manufacturers coming in

case the latest trends in furniture, home

facturers and importers. This event gives

from everywhere, this expo is expected to

décor and lights. Visitors will get a chance

furniture and furnishing buying groups,

be much larger and grander than the previ-

to see a variety of products, such as hang-

retailers, interior designers, decorators and

ous years.

ing fabrics and solar control lights. Also,

The Australian International Furniture Fair

architects the opportunity to see and buy

keeping in mind our fragile environment,

the latest products, learn the latest indus-

Date: February 3-5, 2012

designers will also be showcasing revolu-

try developments and network with their

Venue: Goregaon, Mumbai

tionary products that conserve energy and

peers both at the trade fair and in a full programme of features and attractions,

Dhaka Textile & Garment

enhance the work environment.

including the hotel and hospitality furnish-

The 9th Dhaka Textile and Garment 2012

Date: February 7-11, 2012

ings, the Edge design competition, design

has been designed to allow industry play-

Venue: Stockholm, Sweden JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 127

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GLOSSARY I F C: DANSANI Bathroom Furniture Ultramine Group Chatterjee International Centre, 33A, J. L. Nehru Road, 6th Floor, Suite #10, Kolkata 700071,India For appointment call + 91 9874430000 (10.30 am – 7.00pm, Mon-Sat) Email: indiadansani@vsnl.net www.dansani.com

Pg. 1: Ebco Pvt. Ltd. 402-3, Hyde Park, Saki Vihar Road, Mumbai 400072 Tel: (022) 67837777 Fax: (022) 66920700 Email: info@ebco.in www.ebco.in

Pg. 2 & 3: The Great Eastern Homes The New Great Eastern Mills, 25-29, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Near Rani Baug, Byculla, Mumbai 400027. Tel No. 022-22910764

Pg. 11: Grescasa Ceramics Grescasa Ceramics Limited 5-E, Laxmi Industrial Estate, New Link Road, Andheri (W), Mumbai – 400053, Tel No. 022-26313096/66992409

Pg. 12 Royal Huisman www.royalhuisman.com

Pg. 13: Durian Industries Ltd. 401, The Chambers, Western Express Highway, Vile Parle (E) Mumbai 400057 Tel : (022) 26269000 Email: info@durian.in www.durian.in

Pg. 16 & 17: Le Cdeor 8/H, Laxmi Ind. Estate, New Link Road, Versova, Andheri (W), Mumbai – 400053. Tel : (022) 26327733 / 34 Email: jalaramvnf@gmail.com

Pg. 47: Heritage Decorative Laminates Deco Mica Pvt. Ltd. 306, 3rd Floor, Iscon Mall, Star Bazaar Bldg., Jodhpur Cross Road, Ahmedabad - 380 015 Email: decomicaltd@yahoo.in

Pg. 48: Le Cdeor MRJ Trading Pvt. Ltd. 201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Bldg., Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai – 400057. Tel : (022) 26187132 / 26131442 Email: artifacts@mrjgroup.in

Pg. 49: Uniply ATS Plywood

www.esthec.com

Uniply Industries Ltd, #52, Harleys Road, Kilpauk, Chennai-6000010. Tel : 044-26605995. Email: info@uniply.in

Pg. 5: Veneer Collection

Pg. 19: Fevicol Marine

Natural Veneers 307, Traffic Lite, Next to Bank of Baroda, M.G. Road Ghatkopar (West), Mumbai- 400 086 Email: info@naturalveneers.com, www.naturalveneers.com Tel: 91-22-25114285

Pidilite Industries Limited. Ramkrishna Mandir Road Off Sir Mathuradas Vasanji Road, Andheri (East) Mumbai - 400059 Tel: 022- 33087000; Fax: 022- 28357700 Email: pil@pidilite.com

Pg. 75: Delta Laminates

Pg. 18: Esthec

Olympic Laminates Pvt Ltd Block No. 49-50, Village Karoli, Taluka – Karol, Dist. Gandhinagar 382721 Gujarat, Tel: +91 2764 281503 / 04

Pg. 27: Durian Home Furniture

Pg. 110: MRJ Flooring

www.feadship.nl

Durian Industries Ltd. 401, The Chambers, Western Express Highway, Vile Parle (E) Mumbai 400057 Tel : (022) 26269000 Email: info@durian.in www.durian.in

MRJ Marketing Pvt. Ltd. 201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Bldg., Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai – 400057. Tel : (022) 26187132 / 26131442 Email: flooring@mrjgroup.in

Pg. 8: Jalaram Veneers

Pg. 36 & 37: Curvelle Yacht

IBC: Durian Office Furniture

Agar Bazar S. K. Bole Road, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400028. Tel: (022) 24318444/555 Email: jalaram_timber@yahoo.com 9/b & 9/k, Laxmi Ind. Estate, New Link Road, Versova, Andheri (W), Mumbai – 400053. Tel : (022) 26327733 / 34 Email: jalaramvnf@gmail.com

www.curvelle.com

Durian Industries Ltd. 401, The Chambers, Western Express Highway, Vile Parle (E) Mumbai 400057 Tel : (022) 26269000 Email: info@durian.in www.durian.in

Pg. 10: Geeta Aluminium Company Pvt.Ltd.

Pg. 46: SHAH CREATION PVT. LTD.

Pg. 6: Neumec Group Email: sales@neumec.com www.neumec.com

Pg. 7: FeadShip

D/4, Ansa Industrial Estate, Saki Vihar Road, Saki Naka, Andheri (East), Mumbai – 400 072. Tel : +91 99308 06685 www.geetaaluminium.com

Pg. 39: Uniply Elementz Decorative Veneers Uniply Industries Ltd #52, Harleys Road, Kilpauk, Chennai - 6000010. Tel : (044) 26605995 Email: info@uniply.in

Building No.2, Gala No.8, Ram Mandir Industrial Estate, Ram Mandir Road, Goregaon (E), Mumbai 400063 Email: shahcreations@hotmail.com Hasmukh Shah: 9820228852

BC : Ultratech Paints & Textures F 213A/1, Lado Sarai, Old M. B. Road, New Delhi – 110030 Tel: (011) 46061549/50 Email: info@ultratechpaints.com www.ultratechpaints.com

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