DESIGN MATRIX • JULY-AUGUST 2012
PEOPLE • LIFESTYLE • DESIGN • INTERIORS
July - August 2012 VOL. 2 • ISSUE 5 • `100
Canna Patel
A Paprika Media presentation
A
presentation
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Karan Jhunjhunwala Manohar Jhunjhunwala Babita Krishnan atrix.co babitakrishnan@designm
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TM
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Enabling 3-D Veneer Applications
Designer's Delight
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S ’ R O T EDI N O T E
S
ome of the most incredible equations begin with a discord. That was the case with me and Canna Patel (on a long distance call almost a decade ago) – daughter of the iconic architect Hasmukh Patel, brilliant architect and extraordinary human being! Canna and I have had our issues, sorted them out and remained friends over the years. Maybe that is one of the reasons why I never realized how much the younger generation of designers is in awe of her. When this fresh graduate started offering peans to one of Canna’s project she had seen somewhere and gave the credit to her US training, I decided to share the true-blue Indian woman who is more eastern in her outlook and beliefs than anyone I know. To create an identity independent of your iconic legacy is no mean feat, but Canna has proved that by following your heart and being honest to your work, it’s possible. Read all about Canna and what makes her the woman she is. This issue can be termed unofficially a Gujarat special, not only for the cover story, but you will enjoy the creative genius of two very special designers from there – Archana & Amit Shah and Chetan Vadesa – celebrating ethnicity with a modern touch beautifully. It’s true when they say adversity brings people together. We feature one such project from Japan which was a result of the community and designers coming together after Tsunami. Japan has also given the design world – Nendo, probably one of the most talked-about young designers of our times. His conceptualizing is interesting to say the least. Read on to find out more. Before signing off, I have some happy news to share. We have an online address www.designmatrix.co and would love for you to give us your feedback. Keep in touch though your favourite point-of-contact and we shall respond. So long…
Babita Krishnan
Now follow us on www.facebook.com/DesignMatrixMagazine
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CON TEN TS 16 DESIGN MATRIX • JULY-AUGUST 2012
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24 42
Y! R VE O ISC D LFE S F
EY
O
N
92
UR
E
JO
TH
Words: Samar Malik; Images: courtesy the designer
On a journey of self discovery, Chandaa Narang unleashes the artist in her while being in sync with her corporate training.
Conversations 92 DESIGN MATRIX • JULY-AUGUST 2012
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• Cover featuring: Canna Patel • Photograph by: Tanvi Madkaiker • Location: Patel residence, Ahmedabad
36
COVER STORY Unveiling the person behind the professional – Canna Patel. Pg 24
74
AR. AAMCHER
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
Ar. Aamcher is extremely pleased with the country’s awareness on meaningful issues like the environment. Pg 36
Architects Archana and Amit Shah weave a home around a waterbody, quite literally. Pg 66
CONVERSATIONS
YOUNG GUNS
DESIGN INSIGHT
Chandaa Narang’s beautiful journey from the corporate world to an artistic one. Pg 92
A quick glance at the works of Sonam Chandna, a young makeup artist. Pg 38
An attempt to understand the importance of brand ambassadors with the case study of Durian. Pg 74
RETAIL DESIGN
PHOTO FEATURE Abhishek Chaudhary’s illustrations inspired by Indian art and traditional styles. Pg 100
Seven East designed by Samir Dharurkar sets an example in using motifs effectively; while Japanese designer Nendo, gives wings to footwear. Pg 42
GLOBAL EYE Harsha Kotak look beyond the controversy behind the art-installation by Anish Kapoor – The Orbit Tower. Pg 82
MY SPACE
CONSERVATION
DESIGN PROMO
PRODUCT LAUNCH
Chetan Vadesa’s conservation of the majestic Khirasara palace in Rajkot will give every visitor a magnificent experience. Pg 52
Merino Industries takes the first step in bridging the gap between the professionals and the facilitators. Pg 86
Products that will flatter your design senses. Pg 111
DESIGN FOCUS
CREATIVE IDEAS
The first of a series of articles giving an insight into the world of aluminium. Pg 60
The ‘Sky-deck’ – a functional yet strikingly innovative mobile table. Pg 88
Ar. AA Zuberi takes us through the role designers play when creating a home. Pg 106
ETCETRA Information and news from the design world – happenings, events, reader’s contribution and more. Pg 117 JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 17
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PEOPLE • LIFESTYLE • DESIGN • INTERIORS
May - June 2012 VOL. 2 • ISSUE 4 • `100
RUPESH BAID “To me work means designing a human experience.”
A
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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
I have been observing the development of
issue, I must say there is a huge progression.
your brand very carefully in the last one year
It is refreshing to see the wide spectrum that
and decided to complement you on the fact
you cover issue after issue. Wishing that you
that I see no drop in the quality of content.
continue moving in leaps and bounds.
In most cases, magazines tend to lose their
Brinda Chadda,
focus once the brand is established, which has
Interior Designer, Kolkata
not happened with Design Matrix. I’m looking forward to your future issues as I’m sure you
I picked up the last issue of Design Matrix
will go from strength to strength. Nitish Kumar Waghela,
and am very impressed with the quality and
Designer, Surat
style of the content of this magazine. But I am writing particularly to say that I am looking
The ‘Young Guns’ feature in May-June issue is
forward to read the new column Global Eye
commendable. Appreciate the way you are
by designer Harsha Kotak as I think it will give
encouraging the youth and their freedom of
readers like myself a glimpse into the design
thought in design. They are indeed the future,
world out there without having to use our
looking forward to more. Just a thought, have
air miles. And I also think it will be interesting
you ever thought of looking into smaller
to read a designers perspective on different
towns and cities for young designers? I am
aspects of design. Am sure this will give an
sure there many who have not got the right
additional recognition to the magazine.
Amaan
exposure. I am one such designer and would
Sr. Manager - Corporate Sales
love to be part of the magazine. Arjun Roy,
Asian Business Exhibition & Conferences Ltd
Entrepreneur, Baroda
I just received the latest issue of Design Matrix, Sorry for this belated letter, but I had to tell you
and even before I could go through the whole
anyway, how much I loved the cover story on
magazine, I am writing this letter to you. I am
shoe design in your March issue. I have never
in love with the cover. I love how you guys
seen your magazine before, but it caught my
choose off-beat covers and something that
attention at a roadside vendor in Mumbai. I
is always eye-catchy. The background at the
had not thought about the design element
back on the Rupesh Baid cover completely
in footwear, till I read the article. Great work!
stands out with the dark shades of the
Do you cover all aspect of design in your
photography. Looking forward for more such
magazine? Please do mail the details.
dramatic covers.
Corina Collaco,
Treena Mukherjee,
Hair Stylist, Mumbai
Graphic Designer, Delhi
I have been following Design Matrix from the
Thank you readers for ‘liking’ us on
very first month, and after seeing the latest
www.facebook/DesignMatrixMagazine.
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Cover story
RARA
AVIS
Words: Babita Krishnan; Images: Tanvi Madkaiker
What do you do when you have an iconic father and an illustrious brother in the same profession? You carve a distinct niche for yourself to get away from the inevitable “comparison”! And that is exactly what Canna Patel decided to do almost 25 years ago. We journey back in time to know all that has contributed in making the accomplished professional and exceptional person that is she is.
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Babita Krishnan: I have to begin with your father, Hasmukh Patel, a highly respected professional and person. What has been his influence in shaping your choices? Canna Patel: I use to travel a lot with my father and we spoke about different things related to design which moulded my sensibilities. We did not have too much money but we always stayed in good hotels – he was very particular about that. So I learnt to appreciate the finer things in life from him at an early age. But I must mention that a lot of this came from my mother as well who, by just being herself, imparted a sense of style to me. BK: And with your brother Bimal? CP: We were both studying in the US at the same time and my brother who is only 2 years elder than me but behaves like he is 10 years older, would call to ask after me all the time since he knew my habits very well. I use to work till 4 AM and survive on coffee, and he would take me to task for that. But it was all fine – that’s what brothers are for (laughs). BK: With your legacy, the choice of a profession must have been very clear. CP: I’m not one-dimensional, there is more to me than my work. I have done 17 years of professional dancing and have even performed abroad – bharatnatyam and kathak. I cooked since I was 13 and did professional courses from a five star cook when I was 14 so I knew all my jams and jellies, squashes and breads, by the time I was 15 and was conquering recipes by 20. And gardening is another passion which I got from my mother who was a very good gardener. Though not trained for landscape, she use to do landscape design for my father’s projects and ran landscape classes at home. As a little kid I would run around near my mom and could rattle off a lot of botanical names. But yes, I wanted to be an architect. BK: So interior design became a natural career choice for you. CP: Actually no, it was always architecture. When I went to the USA for architecture in 1988, I also applied for interiors, but there were no good post graduate programmes for interiors in USA then. I wanted to develop myself intellectually at a theoretical level. So I took admission in Berkeley, which was a very highly rated school. I got scholarship for my research work there and was groomed completely in architecture focusing on ‘social and cultural factors in design’. Canna is greatly influenced by her professors and guides in the US – from whom she learnt to do post-occupancy valuation, to look at the analytical aspects of design along with the historical and cultural aspects that make a place. BK: When did you come back to India? CP: In 1990, after Berkeley, I called Dad and told him I wanted to work as I had five jobs lined up. I just wanted to test myself. Although JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 27
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he wanted me to come back, Dad felt that if I really wanted to
BK: What does that entail?
work, I could stay back. (He and my brother have never worked for
CP: It means when you go to visit a Mughal garden as a visitor,
anybody.) So I did that one year stint and had a blast.
there is an experience of movements through the aesthetics, how is that movement designed or how it could have been designed.
BK: Then you came back and joined your Dad’s firm.
When I was studying, the philosophies for music, art, dance and
CP: Yes, I came back and got headlong into work. After working for
architecture were the same, so I took kathak as a dance form to
some time, my mother told me that I cannot be doing just projects,
understand aesthetics used in designing the gardens – how they
“getting married is a project too”. So I had to look for a chokro and it was
both invoke the same kind of joy in the spectator.
an interesting phase when I would meet prospective grooms “strictly on weekends” as I had my work. Believe me, it was a difficult task as we
BK: Not very romantic, but I see that it has turned out fine for you.
were raised with certain beliefs which are a part of me and I could not
How did you workout logistics of the marriage, especially since you
compromise on them. You need an intellectual person to spend your
had such a demanding career?
life with – I could not have married a rich guy with no brains.
CP: You marry someone who can hold you in life and Mukesh was
It is a little difficult to imagine Canna going through the
that one for me. I was doing three architecture projects which
‘selection process’. Imagine her reaction to people asking her if
would take time to complete. So we got married and for the first
she intended to work after marriage. “You can stop working and
year, I would be with him for a month since he was doing his post-
I will bring all the money for you,” would be the answer they get.
doctorate, then comeback to India for my work.
BK: So where did you meet your husband?
BK: That must have been tough!
CP: That is an interesting story. He is a British citizen of Indian origin,
CP: It actually helped, as we were two well-developed personalities
and was in Anand, so I had to go there to meet him. On our very
from different cultures and ways of life. Later we moved to the US
first meeting we discussed our respective thesis – mine was a
and since he was doing his research at the University and I was the
kinesthetic study of Mughal gardens.
green card holder, I went looking to join an architectural firm. It was
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a bad time for the US economy and I must have given some 65
institutes and he asked me to stay and work in California since I
interviews but I wasn’t prepared to lie or sing the American tune to
was comfortable working in the US. But I thought, I left my country,
secure a job. I did odd jobs for the first three months but they were
practice and got married, I am not going to let him go!
all very interesting ones and I learnt from each one of them. One of them was with a leading design firm in San Francisco which needed
BK: But your work?
a design for an executive desk. I am very good with cabinetry
CP: It was Dad’s idea that as I did not have a work permit for Europe,
drawings. The designer could not believe that such a young girl
I would work on projects for him and make two trips to India in a
could do it. This was a one week job. Then I worked for a British guy
year. I was told to get a laptop and fax machine. Now I needed to
for four months which was a 3-people firm. I still remember that
work on projects that I could handle from a distance and so in 1993,
when a client was scheduled to come, he would instruct “3-piece”.
I took up my first interior project which was a house done in Indore,
I hated the stockings, skirt, vest, jacket, routine and I felt like telling
by my father. We were living in Milan at that time. I would draw my
him that the client is not going to give the job for your dressing.
designs to scale by hand on A4 sheets at home and fax them to
But now I understand that if the staff is shoddily dressed when the
Ahmedabad on Friday. I used to visit all the furniture showrooms,
clients walk in, it reflects on the infrastructure.
open drawers and since they won’t let you take photographs, come back and draw everything from memory. So all I did in 1993-94
BK: And the home front?
apart from the long-distance projects, was to learn the rudiments
CP: My husband and I learnt about and from each other – small
of furniture – hinges, overlaps, thickness. I used to work on only one
incidents which throw light on a person’s intrinsic nature and help
project at a time and my brother would show my faxes to people
you grow together. He realized that having grown up surrounded
as they could not believe that I could churn out those drawings
with ‘designer objects’, I wasn’t going to walk into a departmental
without a drafting table.
store to buy a can opener or a bag just because it was cheaper. He learnt to ‘pay for design’. Then my husband got a European mobility
BK: So that is when you really got into interior design.
fund for two years which allowed him to work in 2-3 research
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Material Library
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instructions. I did this for six months. I did my first interior project in 1994 and in 1995 I had three projects, all interiors, monitoring them from a different country! I was designing a house in Ahmedabad and people believed that an Italian designer was doing the job (laughs). I also lived in Greece and then France, learnt the languages, absorbed the culture and tied it in my designs. But then I realized that I needed to station myself if I wanted to progress further in my career. So when my husband decided to go to New Castle for another fellowship in 1996, I came to India. BK: You guys were still on the move? CP: Yes, even after six years of marriage. But in 1997 we decided to stay in India for a few years and then go back. So life was always in a limbo about where to live, and then Aakash was born. (Smiles) BK: How did you manage pregnancy and motherhood with the rigorous demands of your profession? CP: I worked through my entire pregnancy but was advised rest in the last week so work came home. Then I took a 15-day break and work started coming home again. I believed myself to be very modern and wanted to stay on my own post delivery but soon realized that managing a baby and career was impossible. So we moved to Mom’s place for three months as it was only a 12-minute drive away from work. We never had a full time aayah and by choice we didn’t have a social life. If we had to attend something in the evening, either me or Mukesh won’t go. Till Aakash was 9-years-old, he was never left alone for even a night. BK: A perfect solution so you could manage both work and home. Weren’t you tempted to take architectural projects, now that you were here and could manage them? CP: The practice evolved and there were opportunities to do architecture, but I have a very strong attitude that whatever I do I have to be exceptionally good at it. Once I achieve that, I will start looking for alternatives. So five years ago, we started doing that because I had more or less reached the top of the heap. Also, I started doing architecture because I was fed up of correcting the mistakes. I realized that I knew architecture better so now we practice interior-architecture. At the age of 45, I started my own practice and it was scary. There were times when I wondered if I would ever make money to support my lifestyle, but it worked out well and the practice has grown from 10 to 30 people doing powerful work like a cultural institute, institute for chartered accountants, a hotel, etc. another interesting project is for a milk dairy where we are making two residences and a 10-room guest house. These are all architecture-interiors, but we have interior projects as well and I am happy doing both. BK: There must be people in the profession you look-up to. CP: Of course. You learn from others everyday but some people have a greater impact on you and you adopt and adapt those JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 33
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things to become better both professionally and personally. You
lifted any more, in came drawers and finally the present one.
even learn from your clients and these lessons are very important. BK: You have a young team… Canna is a brilliant orator and presenter and she gives the credit
CP: Well, the mind needs to be young. Having gone through that
for that to Ar. Brinda Somaya. In 1990 at forum on Women
year of hard work in Berkeley, when I see very young people not
Architects in Ahmedabad, Brinda made a presentation in her
motivated, little lazy, I can’t believe it. I can’t believe that things can
crisp and clear style that had Canna completely floored. She
be put off for the following day.
promised herself that if she was ever to lecture, people should look forward to attending the talk and go back with a “wow”
BK: How is it working with Canna Patel?
feeling. With a recent presentation in Milan and diary booked
CP: You will have to ask my colleagues (laughs). I am not the variety
across the country, she has surely managed to achieve it with the
who picks up the phone and calls people in. I have these stools
help of her highly dedicated team.
spread all over the office and I just pull one and sit with whoever I have work with. I don’t expect them to leave their chair when I
BK: You have the experience of working both abroad and in India,
come. My staff knows that when I want what I want, I need it,
is there a difference in the two environments?
whether I am sitting in my cabin or next to them. We also have a lot
CP: Of course. I enjoyed being anonymous in the US, because here
of fun together – office parties and get-togethers.
you always have been someone’s daughter working at someone’s place, and I learnt a lot there – how to interview, how the work
BK: What about the competition?
culture should be, etc. Americans are open to new talents so if you
CP: I like to challenge myself and therefore compete with myself. I
went there as an unknown new person with special talent they will
can’t compromise on the quality – of both the material I use and the
use it. I also learnt to celebrate and enjoy life, have fun at work. They
people I work with.
are also very particular about how you dressed at work, whatever your position in the practice, there were unsaid rules for all. It is only
BK: How do you unwind after a full work day?
now that these things have come into India.
CP: In recent times, it’s the car drive from office to here (about half an hour) when I am on the phone, catching up with friends
BK: So did you bring that kind of culture into your work process as
since the driver is driving. It is fun, but as a woman there is no real
well?
unwinding as you want it to be. You come into the house you have
CP: Most of it I could, like interviews, office celebrations, etc. but
been away for the last eight hours and you have to deal with all
the dress code, frankly, has come into gear only in the last couple of
household issues. But on Saturday and Sunday evenings I swim.
years because of awareness, and architecture has become a lucrative career option. Another American system which I incorporated is
BK: Saturdays are a holiday?
to have fixed days for submissions, corrections, etc. everything is
CP: I work half a day. That half day is for academic purposes where I
process and time driven.
interact with research students, look into the admin aspects of the studio, work on presentations or create a HR review forms. Recently,
BK: What were some of the challenges that you faced when you
I set up a whole system of training an intern. All my notes, ideas and
came back to India?
thoughts are written down in my red book.
CP: Not challenges, but changes which were challenging to implement. One of the systems that I introduced, much to my
BK: So when does Canna party?
father and brother’s amusement, was to pay people by the hour. We
CP: Not much, because Ahmedabad weather is not very party-friendly.
were the first practice to start this in India and now I think many are
You can’t party every weekend and then go to work on Monday. Every
doing it. As an architect you are paid for all the extra hours you have
morning, after my coffee I take one chakkar of the garden, notice things
put in. The value of our time is understood better and so efficiency
and give those chores to the gardener. On Sunday mornings two hours
increases. Then in the world of ‘materials’, nobody had codes,
are in the garden where we review them. We do pruning and some
names, nobody gave samples, etc. I will not accept any brochure
experiments on plants together. That is the best time of the week for
without a sample – I would name and code it for my material library.
me (she smiles as she leans back on her rocking chair).
It has made a difference to the way the projects come out. To understand Canna Patel’s design philosophy, one has to The material library that is of an international standard started
decode her as a person – a simple task provided you do it with
from empty beer boxes in 1993. Since you cannot take beer
a clear vision. As she says, “As designers we talk to the world
boxes to a client, it became plastic boxes where everything was
through our work – sometimes it is a conversation, at times a
numbered for identification. When these boxes could not be
monologue…”
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A DROP IN THE OCEAN Ar. Aamcher is ecstatic to share the “shoe” with you. On a road trip to the land of undhiyus and dhoklas, Ar. Aamcher stumbled upon this shoe. Turns out the city of Ahmedabad is more than just the food, culture and the heat. This life-size canvas shoe, tied to the foot of a tree, making
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it look as though the tree is wearing this shoe, was there not just to attract eye balls. There was a message too. A tiny little board on the bark of the tree read “Trees are you, do not cut them”. On the occasion of World Environment Day – June 5, this installation, was standing in the corner of a by-lane in Ahmedabad. Last year, India for the first time, was the global host for the World Environment Day and was highly regarded for all the events that took place across the country. Putting all of this together, Ar. Aamcher would like to make a point here – for all those who complaint about the filth in the country, need to see the effort that a small section of people are making. With a population that big, there is a long-long way to go. But one must not disregard simple efforts made by individuals and small groups of people or organizations, contributing towards the environment. If you cannot be a part of it, do not complain. Ar. Aamcher is thrilled and excited to see such simple yet powerful social messages across the country. Jade Blue, the apparel brand who ideated this installation in Ahmedabad, we respect and appreciate your effort. Cheers! To share more such designs or experiences, positive or negative, contact Ar. Aamcher at aamcher@designmatrix.co
Ar. Aamcher
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CREATING BEAUTY Words: Natasha Bohra; Images: courtesy the artist
PHOTO: SHWETA WALAVALKAR; STYLIST: KARISHMA ACHRYA
The young makeup artist Sonam Chandna believes ‘Good art is comprehendible by all, easy on the eyes and capable of stimulation of all kind,’ and seeks to reƀect that in the looks she creates.
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PHOTO: FARZAN RANDELIA
PHOTO: SHWETA WALAVALKAR
Young guns JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 39
PHOTO: SHWETA WALAVALKAR
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Makeup may have been discovered by an artist, trying to make the women he painted look more exquisite, beautiful and mysterious. Perhaps he painted many other contours of her women ſrst before settling onto the lips and the eyes. Maybe he was trying to give the corny sexual connotation to red lips as all other men during the ages have.
M
PHOTO: SHWETA WALAVALKAR
Sonam can be reached on boombay@gmail.com
akeup, if done the right way,
We speak to Sonam Chanda, a young
can work wonders for a person.
Mumbai-based makeup artist who got into
It can highlight one’s best
this field purely for the love of it.
features, hide flaws, and make a person
“I got into this field just because I liked
look lovelier than he or she actually is. It is
makeup enough to wakeup up to it every
one of the most significant aspects in plays
day and it made me very happy,” exclaims
and movies, so much so that many a times,
the excited Sonam who studied sociology
a particular character becomes famous on
for her graduation and later on advanced to
account of the makeup.
a diploma in VFX Supervision. For Sonam,
Makeup is not a recent discovery,
makeup at first was a therapeutic activity
something that was invented a couple
which converted into her full-time profes-
of decades ago. It has been around for
sion, almost overnight. For her it is more
a very long period of time, as far back as
than work. When working on a project she
3100-2907 BC. Evidence of makeup has
seeks a lot of inspiration in art and she loves
been obtained from ancient Egypt, dat-
referencing. Also, every model has some-
ing back to this period. This is the oldest
thing unique to offer and Sonam’s agenda
recorded evidence of the use of makeup
is to understand the face and create a look
or beauty enhancing products.
for it, by it.
The worldwide makeup industry is
“The most experimental shoots happen
one of the most dynamic ones, one that
impulsively without any expectations and
has been growing steadily over the years.
they come out looking amazing each time,”
The industry was valued at around 100 bn
says Sonam. One of her favourites has been
USD in the year 2000. The growth rate of
a fashion video that she completed recently.
the industry was recorded at about 20% in
It was a mere experiment with four beautiful
the period from 1993 to 1997; and though it
yet crazy looks on the beach that turned out
took a down-turn with the recession in the
to be quite effortless and enterprising.
1990s, it soon picked up. Estimates reveal
For Sonam, makeup is more about the
that the current worldwide expenditure on
subject than about her talent. And thus she
cosmetics is around 18 billion USD.
likes doing beauty and skin work though
While we talk about such overwhelm-
she also enjoys fashion because every time
ing figures that are attracting young
you can tell a different story. With her work
ones to get in here professionally, there
in the next five years, she aims to be a versa-
is still the passion to be spoken about –
tile makeup artist. She is currently working
because at the end of it all, it is pure cre-
for advertising campaigns and magazines,
ativity and talent.
and is also doing a lot of red carpet looks
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Retail design
BR ANDED BY
Words: Babita Krishnan; Images: courtesy the designer
When motifs are successfully used to brand the retail space, shopping becomes a sensory experience.
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O
ne of the most difficult and interesting areas to design are the retail spaces, simply because
there are too many external factors that need to be kept in mind for the design to be not just functional but aesthetic and inviting as well. To tread that fine line between the client requirement, his budget and your responsibility as a designer to deliver the finest blend of design is a tough call – but one that must be taken. It is always interesting to study where one draws inferences from when creating a motif or a theme that is followed within the space.
About the Firm Samir Dharurkar, a graduate from Mumbai’s Sir JJ College of Architecture, established We Architects in November 2009 after a wide experience of working at Sanjay Puri Architects, where he was associated in many prestigious projects like townships, hotels, malls and residential projects throughout India. “We” as a firm, believe in Architecture as mother of all arts and in a broader sense, it’s nothing but “Manifestation of three eternal entities - Truth, Love and Beauty”. We Architects is currently involved on architecture and interior design of various residential, commercial and hospitality projects.
We look at a boutique store at Grand Galleria in down town Mumbai, designed by Samir Dharurkar of the Mumbai-based We Architects, which houses ethnic, multi-cultural and inspiring brands with a portfolio of unstitched, mix & match and SKD (Salwar-Kameez-Dupatta). Explaining the design concept, Samir reveals that the shop is designed based on “The spirit of the time design value” which denotes the cultural climate of an era that is linked to an experience of artistic taste and forms an expression for the generations. This design value is based on the conception that every age has a certain spirit or set of shared attitudes that should be utilized when designing. Thus “form expression” which can be found, to some extent in the “air” of a given time and each generation, should generate an aesthetic style that expresses the uniqueness related to that time. So how did the concept develop? The store has a clothing line that interprets the natural elements through embroidered fabrics and lace motifs. “Taking this as a base, motif design becomes a central idea in store design and is oriented towards the artwork that reveals the elements from nature and surrounding environment,” says the designer. Natural motifs remain a perennial favourite with designers as they never seem to go out of style. One finds the same widely used in store design. Also prominent is the parallel that one notices between fashion and interiors. The simplicity of traditional motifs is popular with women as it adds character to the entire Indian ensemble and becomes a statement
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in itself. The same motifs are elaborated on
lights outwards. A brown mirror placed
various elements right from screens, display
behind it emphasizes the presence of the
racks, glass front to false ceilings and vertical
jaali, reflects the Barrisol jaali ceiling and
supports. Even the handle design reflects the
continues to multiply the space. Another
rich attention to detail.
jaali used as the background for the
“Floral motifs are more realistic and
mannequins, makes the clothing come
stylized as compared to some of the others,”
to life, while the paisley print on glass
explains Samir. “Also floral designs are more
enhances the display space dramatically.
popular motifs because of the resemblance
The use of colour in a retail space is
to a blooming motia flower that is a symbol
another important factor that needs to be
of happiness and prosperity, pipal patra
taken into consideration. A translucent white
that is a symbol of auspicious occasions
Barrisol provides the ideal background to
and abundance and champa and Jasmine
highlight the collection and white walls
flower which are symbols of fertility.”
and ceiling makes the space visually more
One of the most important things
expansive.
to be kept in mind while designing is the
“Human nature is an integration of
space planning. Simple geometry for space
curiosity, experimentation and adventure
planning accommodates easy traffic flow that
and man has always felt the need to give
helps customers focus on the clothing display.
expression to his thoughts and feelings.
The use of Crema Marfil Italian Marble on the
This lead to birth of the Arts! The same
floor gives a stunning bright look to the store.
urge drove us to do something creative
And being scratch-free and stainless flooring,
and noteworthy for the society in which
it retains a fresh look throughout the day,
we dwell,” Samir explains the basic design
thereby reducing maintenance.
code that dictates all that they do at We
One of the strongest motifs used here
Motif design becomes a central idea in store design and is oriented towards the artwork that reveals the elements from nature and surrounding environment
Architects.
is the jaali. Ancient traditions are integral
A design mantra that seems to work
to the Indian identity and sense of national
wonderfully at Seven East if the reactions of
pride. A jaali behind the cash counter
the client, Sanjay Bindra, and the customers
becomes the focal point radiating row of
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DIFFERENT
Words: Babita Krishnan; Images: Masaya Yoshimura & Kouji Fujii
What happens if the product on display at a store started moving? The Japanese design studio Nendo has done just that at the Camper store in Osaka.
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Retail design
WORLD
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W
hen the vision of the brand
studio Nendo, form follows narrative. ‘It’s
nizable status through ‘bling’, but simply to
becomes the design concept,
about what kind of story you can find behind
help people enjoy walking,” Oki explains.
a different world opens up that
the object,’ says Oki. ‘Whether it’s a chair or
So the shop interior was designed such
not just takes the brand experience to a
a computer mouse, it’s all the same to me.’
that the shoes float in the air, and seem to
different level but speaks an exquisite design
And this translates beautifully in the first
freely stroll around the shop on their own!
dialect as well. A dynamic design concept is
retail space designed by Nendo for the Span-
Products displayed on shelves also seem to
the result of a dynamic design thought and
ish footwear brand Camper in Osaka, Japan
float on ‘footprints’ supported by thin pipes
process, this has been my observation over
within Daimaru Department Store.
that rise from the floor. The angles of the
the years and was reiterated when I saw the Camper store designed by Oki Sato. For Oki Sato, founder of Japanese design
“We decided that the raison d’etre of
different ‘footprints’ vary slightly from place
Camper shoes is neither to help people run
to place, so the shoes mounted on them
more quickly nor to give the wearer recog-
appear to be walking in slow motion. In the
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Osaka store, shoes lined up in shop fixtures
This kind of design enables Nendo
University, Tokyo. Nendo means ‘clay’, spe-
seem to take off from the ground. Thin
to fulfill its design philosophy: to trans-
cifically a malleable type, such as children’s
pipes extend down from the ceiling at vary-
form people’s interaction with everyday
Play-doh. ‘It changes form, shape and
ing heights, as well as from the sidewalls,
objects; an approach described by the stu-
colour,’ says Oki. The name is fitting for a
with camper products displayed on their
dio as “giving people a small “!” moment”. It
studio that needs to evolve and change to
opposite ends, give this illusion of weight-
does this by creating a form that’s minimal
produce design solutions for the wide vari-
lessness, as if the footwear itself is taking
but full of character. “I like my designs very
ety clients that knock on its doors. Found-
a leisurely stroll. Other Camper models are
simple,” says Oki, “But I don’t want to make
ed in 2002, after Oki visited his first Salone
presented on shelves, hovering on footprint
them cold. It needs a pinch of humour or
del Mobile design fair in Milan, it has since
stands, also at differing heights to evoke the
friendliness.” Born in Toronto, Canada, Oki
quietly become one of the most prolific
feeling of movement.
did his MA in Architecture from Waseda
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Conservation Design
RELIVE
HISTORY INFORMATION & IMAGES: Courtesy the Architect
Ar. Chetan Vadesa’s conservation of the Khirasara Palace intends to make every visitor feel like a Raja.
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T
he vibrations and magnetism of
geography and an incomparable history of
Ranmalji,
the mysterious land of Kathiawar
more than 450 years to unveil. This majestic
descendent of Thakor Bhimaji during the
an
illustrious
and
mighty
bestow a unique character and
palace stands a few miles away to the west
Ghori Empire, who played a major role in
personality, not only to the place but
of Rajkot city. Towering 150 feet above
redefining the regional history. He started
also to its people. Every tree, stone, ridge,
the Khirasara village, it stands imposing,
renovation of Khirasara Castle with 350
hillock and path, every brick and remain
majestic and undefeated with a mysterious
masons, but mysteriously, in spite of the
is a store-house of legends and myths.
and legendary story. Historians have
sustained efforts, the masonry work would
(Though a bit exaggerated) Bards have
recorded three phases of the Khirasara
collapse in the evening. Thakor Ranmalji
sung ballads about the courage, kindness,
State – Thakor Bhimaji gained Khirasara,
visited ‘Nale-Sat-Pir’, a Sufi fakir from Sindh
justice and generosity of kings and princes
Thakor Ranmalji added Khirasara as a glory
dwelling to the north of the castle. When
and form golden chapters of the history of
of Saurashtra and Shree Sursinhji educated
asked about the mysterious happenings
the princely states.
the people of Khirasara.
at the site, the peer said, “Son, the world
The Khirasara Palace has a unique
The Palace was built by Thakor
is a forest full of dangers and difficulties, a
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beguiling place - a maze. If you want your
even today. The renovated Palace faced
of the breathtaking ambiance at different
castle unbeaten, for Allah’s sake construct
repeated attacks but remained unbeaten
times of the day. Located 14 kms away
an enchanting place here. Then you will
and two canons of Junagadh artillery were
from the bustling city of Rajkot, on Kalawad
be blessed and your worldly structure will
mounted on the eastern gate of the castle
road, it is a 7-acre experience of serenity,
last forever.” Thakor Ranmalji interpreted
as memorials to the victories.
peace and clean fresh breeze, surrounded
those esoteric words and constructed a
The majestic monument of Khirasara,
by the rich heritage, history and royal
grand structure to the north of the castle,
which has witnessed the rich heritage and
comfort. Its present owner Dilipsinh Rana
where two to four hundred people could
culture of the glorious past of Kathiawar,
wanted to share this with everyone and
reside. The Pir and his retinue stayed in
and has borne the brunt of centuries of
entrusted Ar. Chetan Vadesa to restore it to
that abode for many years and the castle
history, now stands in its fullest splendour
its former glory. The result is that all the 25
remained unbeaten. The tombs of the Pir
and glory – in the resplendent present.
suites (1 Maharaja and 24 Royal) overlook
and his descendents Aaras Mahmad Pir
The property is strategically located
a waterbody, providing unparalleled views
and Hakimbai are present in the abode
atop a hill, providing a 360 degree view
and ambiance at different times of the day.
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But surely it wasn’t an easy task – ask
was the prime focus. One of the smart
Chetan who smiles, “I love ruins,” and
changes incorporated was to place the
the sparkle in his eyes says it all. The
drainage around the palace to prevent
Rana family gave him a blank canvas and
the foundations and walls from soaking
he was very focused on how to bring
moisture,” he explains.
sunshine back into this ruined palace as
Before designing the new interior,
he believes that by conserving historically
there was the stage of dismantling the
valuable buildings in an urban context,
old one – some of it for reuse: doors,
you can revive traditional crafts, skills,
windows, shutters and parquet. Some
develop tourism and generate additional
were 200-year-old balusters, wooden
income. “Not every old buildings refers
canopies, wooden articles, mosaic tiles,
to cultural heritage and not every old
old British-made boutique ceramic tiles
building can or should be maintained,”
that were real gems for the designer and
Chetan explains his special attachment
he strictly told the on-ground team not
with this palace property.
to rush through any operation for fear of
Before starting the project, Chetan
damaging anything.
checked the technical feasibility and
With rejuvenated boxes of rooms
financial viability realistically. “There were
ready, Chetan started sketching the
multiple cracks on the interior walls,
interior concepts on walls...and the magic
partially missing roof cladding, rotten roof
began! Local craftsmen along with those
framework, moisture in the construction
from Rajasthan, Muradabad, Faridabad,
elements due to a missing waterproof
etc. were hired and every artefacts of the
membrane between foundations and walls
palace was restored. The furniture placed
as well as foundations and floors, fungus
in the Maharaja suite is the one used by the
everywhere – growing inside masonry
Maharajas during their reign. Every piece
walls and plaster, fed by the groundwater
was reconstructed with the best available
rising within the walls. Damaged windows
technical knowhow; though some glass
and exterior doors, and last but not the
chandeliers
least, high level of humidity inside the
damaged, some of them were single and
palace as rainwater had entered due to
Chetan wanted pairs, so replicas were
damaged roof and non-waterproofed
made on order especially from Faridabad.
and
lights
were
merely
terraces.” But the rejuvenation process was
In his own words, this project was “a
so keenly done, that no one can recognize
great joy” and he really enjoyed feeling
the same stone which has been placed at
like “a Raja” while watching the palace
the same place in its new avatar.
grow and take shape in two years of
Designing the interiors was the second
“Not every old buildings refers to cultural heritage and not every old building can or should be maintained”
conservation work.
phase – first the sanitation and plumbing
“These two years I have learnt not only
systems had to be strengthened with
to be grand but also calm in life just like this
proper sloping of wastewater pipes with
serene structure,” says Chetan.
specific locations and dimensions. “The old
And as the Khirasara Palace stands
sanitation system was surprisingly well laid-
grand once again, throbbing with life,
out, but most of it was blocked. Clearing
it invites you to visit this monumental
and making it live was the first challenge.
treasure, to rediscover history in its true
Hot water system and overall environment-
splendour, cherish footprints of time, and
friendly rendering of plumbing system
decipher the mystery of heroic tales….
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METAL OF THE FUTURE Starting this issue we shall focus on Aluminium, which as an integral part of the design industry, and has been predicted as the metal of the future. We look at some basic facts about this metal…
A Design focus
luminium is a young material,
to “unlock” the metal from its ore – the
and in the little more than a cen-
hard, reddish and clay-like bauxite. Fur-
tury since its first commercial
ther years of experimentation finally, in
production, it has become the world’s
1854, saw the development of a viable,
second most used metal after steel. While
commercial production process. Alu-
there were some historical mentions of
minium is the metal of choice for leading
aluminium use, it was not until 1808 that
designers, architects and engineers, all of
its existence was first established. It then
whom are looking for a material which
took many years of painstaking research
combines functionality and cost-effec-
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tiveness with forward-looking form and design potential. It is also an extraordinarily versatile material. The range of forms it can take (castings, extrusions & tubes, sheet & plate, foil, powder, forgings, etc.) and variety of surface finishes available (coatings, anodizing, polishing, etc.) means it lends itself to a wide range of products, many of which we use every day. Further, it’s light weight (a third of steel) and numerous material qualities – represented by a wide range of alloys – mean that products have been designed for use in all areas of modern life. It is a good conductor of electricity (one kg of aluminium cable can carry twice as much electricity as one kg of copper) and most overhead and many underground transmission lines are made of aluminium. It transmits conducted heat and reflects radiant
The current reserves are estimated to last for at least 400 years without factoring in the recycled aluminium. It is the third most abundant element in the earth’s crust and constitutes 7.3% by mass. And remelting used aluminium requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce the primary metal, thus reforming to produce a new generation of building parts.
heat, making it an excellent medium from
will continue to grow on its own economic merit to provide an increasingly efficient recycling system. When their complete life cycle is taken into account, from the production of raw material to the recycling of used parts, aluminium construction products make efficient use of energy and resources. Studies conducted on specific applications have shown that the energy and environmental benefits of aluminium can be substantial. The material’s light weight results in low energy usage during machining, transportation and handling. The use of aluminium components results in lighter construction and less material being used when building the foundation. In extruded components, many design features can be moulded into profiles at the production stage without requiring the use of any additional energy. The material’s
which to produce cooking utensils and
shopping centres and stadiums; for roofing,
excellent resistance to corrosion and weath-
foils, radiators and building insulation. Its
siding, and curtain walling, as well as for cast
ering reduces maintenance and/ extends
strength, combined with low density, make
door handles, catches for windows, staircases,
the lifetime of the product. The reflectance
it ideal for transport and packaging applica-
heating and air-conditioning systems.
of the material offers valuable insulation
tions. Aluminium is a unique metal: strong,
In addition to their particularly long
advantages. Finally, when used parts are
durable, flexible, impermeable, lightweight,
service life, aluminium construction indus-
recycled, remelting uses on 5% of the ener-
corrosion-resistant and 100 % recyclable. It
try products can either be used after dis-
gy that is required to produce primary met-
is the third most abundant element in the
mantling or indefinitely recycled, without
al. A popular well known fact about alumin-
earth’s crust and constitutes 7.3% by mass.
any loss of the materials’ basic qualities and
ium is that when the old Wembley Stadium
In nature, however, it only exists in very sta-
properties. The use of recycled aluminium
was demolished, 96% of the aluminium was
ble combinations with other materials (par-
also offers substantial energy benefits.
reclaimed and recycled.
ticularly as silicates and oxides). The current
Remelting used aluminium requires only
The life cycle of aluminium products is
reserves are estimated to last for at least
5% of the energy needed to produce pri-
measured in terms of decades rather than
400 years without factoring in recycled
mary metal. Thus, rather than contribut-
years. As a building material it is durable,
aluminium and as it is endlessly recyclable,
ing to society’s growing waste problem,
requiring little long term maintenance. It is
these reserves become almost inexhaust-
aluminium can be remelted and reformed
resistant to corrosion and common indus-
ible. It is created from bauxite ore which is
to produce a new generation of building
trial pollutants giving aluminium products
mined from reserves all over the world and
parts.
a much longer life cycle even in extreme
is generally found in deposits 4-6m thick just below the top soil.
Aluminium in general has always been
environmental conditions.
recycled at a higher rate than most other
The use of sustainable building mate-
Thanks to its strength, durability, corro-
raw materials. Given the necessary infra-
rials is only one part of the answer to the
sion resistance and recyclability, aluminium
structure, it is possible to recycle all alu-
environmental issues that affect us all. By
has become an essential product for the
minium construction industry applications,
using aluminium products you are choos-
building industry and over the past 50 years
for several reasons. First, there is a relatively
ing a material whose production has mini-
its use in building applications has shown
high level of scrap aluminium available.
mal long term impact to the environment,
continuous and consistent growth world over.
Second, aluminium has a high scrap value
is sustainable in terms of hundreds of years
Aluminium extruded, rolled, and cast prod-
which can contribute significantly towards
and endlessly recyclable. Aluminium can
ucts are commonly used for window frames
covering demolition costs. Finally, the
rightly be said to be the ultimate building
and other glazed structures ranging from
infrastructure required for the collection of
material and the building material of choice
shop fronts to large roof superstructures for
scrap metals is already well-established and
for the future JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 61
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LEADING THE WAY Excerpts from a conversation with Mr. Krishna Bajaj of Geeta Aluminium, one of the oldest and reputedly the best brands in the Aluminium industry on the story of Aluminium so far and the way ahead. Design Matrix: To the uninitiated, where all does on find the application or
Aluminium and the place it enjoys in the overall industry scenario.
use of aluminium in our day-to-day lives?
KB: We are a 48-year-old company,
Krishna Bajaj: Almost everywhere!
which is not such a long time. We start-
(laughs) You will find it being used in
ed business when aluminium was Rs. 4
doors/windows and faรงades, plaster shut-
per kilogram and today it is priced at Rs.
tering, duct area fins, modular kitchens,
200. With a customer base of more than
office partitions, roofing, electrical trays
40,000, Geeta is placed at the top of
(heat sinks), modular partitions, home
the retail market ladder in the Western
and office furniture, floor skirtings, false
Region. With associates in west and east
ceiling, railing, curtains, garden equip-
India and nine company retails outlets,
ment, brooms & dusters, ladders, the list
we have more than 300 tons of stock
is endless and I can just go on.
at any given day and our team handles nearly 150 walk-in customers daily. This
DM: Tell us something about Geeta
requires strong in-house logistics.
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DM: With the world moving towards sustainability, where does Aluminium stand?
aluminium as a raw material and the products manufactured from it. There has not been
KB: It is a recyclable material and the car-
any new and innovative products designed
bon emission levels are the lowest during the
using aluminium in the recent past. Also, as
recycling process as it uses only 5% energy for
the industry till now was being governed by
this. Aluminium is a lightweight metal with
few corporates so was a little tight-fisted in its
good drawing quality that leads to flexibility
vision.
in creating multiple products. It is used in solar panels due to its good conduction quality
DM: What has been the strongest posi-
and along with surface coating owing to its
tive of Geeta Aluminium as a brand of long
good weather resistance.
standing? KB: It humbles me when people, both
DM: What is the consumption of Aluminium in India? KB: 2.5 lakh tons per annum, which is very low for a country of our size and population.
within the industry and professionals take the name of Geeta with great reverence and respect. I feel this is due to the fairness and transparency of all our dealings. We ensure the availability of our full range at any given
DM: But why is that so? Why is the Indian
point in time and provide support in terms
builder/architect not inclined to using more of
of fabrication and installation along with
Aluminium?
strong logistics. With my experience and
KB: There is no marketing effort by the
the dedication of strong professional team
manufacturers and no standardization of
we are loyal to our customers and have long
products either. This results in poor quality
associations with them which holds us in
end product as the complete focus is only on
good stead.
aluminium consumption (weight) and never on the end-user satisfaction. Moreover, there
DM: What can your clients and the
is no after-sales service, as this has never been
industry look forward to as innovations in
considered or perceived as a service industry.
the future from your stable?
Architects are most comfortable with wood
KB: It is time for the next generation
as it is easy to cut/assemble and they are able
to step in and this means making way for
to give a finish of their choice to the product.
new ideas and innovations, which is what
Unfortunately though, a lot is possible with
my son Kushal has done ever after joining
aluminium, the surface coating technology is
hands with me recently. We are coming
not so advanced in India and thus results in
up with innovative door/window systems
poor aesthetics. Low rate of use is also due
targeting all market segments. We want to
to lack of engineering & research and lack of
give cost-effective solutions and provide
quality accessories & hardware in the market.
the right products and support system to
Most importantly, it is a price-conscious mar-
our customers. We also wish to start train-
ket and there is hardly any education on the
ing programmes for fabricators & installers.
use of aluminium as an architectural product
Geeta offers turnkey solutions including
in India.
fabrication & installation with a nationwide
“To improve the consumption of aluminium in India, we need to offer high-quality products and that is what we are working towards.�
network of associates and after-sales servicDM: World over, Aluminium is being tout-
ing of products for existing clients. So there
ed as the material of the future. Why is India
is a lot to look forward to, most of which I
lacking in its use?
am unable to share with you right now
KB: Apart from the previously mentioned ones, some very specific reasons are
With focus moving to sustainability and
poor quality extrusions, poor raw material
the slow recognition of aluminium as one of
(scrap mix), no support and training to uplift
the solutions, the offerings from Geeta Alu-
the market (both from the manufacturer and
minium can only promise to take the industry
dealer fronts), no institutional education on
to the next level. JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 63
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GEETA ALUMINIUM CO. PVT. LTD.
G
eeta Aluminium has been a brand
existing cliental avails and appreciates. In
leader in India’s Aluminium indus-
their quest to remain at the top of the heap,
try, specializing in the domains
Geeta Aluminium is constantly updated
of marketing, distribution and retail of alu-
with the latest technological developments
minium windows & doors. Being a one stop-
on an international scale and their most
shop for all architectural aluminium profiles,
recent international collaboration is with
the company also provides a complete
Schüco TropTec Windows & Doors, a name
range of compatible hardware to match &
synonymous with sustainable solutions and
support these profiles. With over 45 years of
comprehensive product ranges for energy-
professional experience and expertise, Geeta
efficient constructions. These window &
Aluminium offers a variety of products and
door systems combine the latest security
services like System Windows & Doors, Con-
technology with user-friendly comfort and
ventional Windows & Doors, Sliding Folding/
elegant designs.
Tilt & Turn, Furniture Profiles, Roofing Sheets,
The company believes that a great
Solid Aluminium Cladding Sheets, Window
start to its own future growth would come
& Door Hardware, Furniture Hardware, uPVC
from building mutually beneficial business
Hardware, Fabrication Machines, etc.
relationships with distinction-driven orga-
The after-sales service – Geeta Support System – is a value-added facility that the
nizations and professionals and that is the way forward
64 DESIGN MATRIX • JULY-AUGUST 2012
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SCHUECO INDIA SOLAR & WINDOWS PRIVATE LIMITED
S
chüco probably represents one of
engineers, and 12,000 partners in 78 coun-
of India, such as high humidity, frequent
Europe’s most impressive economic
tries. Architects and investors are also part
rainfall, high noise levels and smog pollu-
success stories. Since its establish-
of the global partner network.
tion in growing urban centres. The com-
ment in Bielefeld, Germany in 1951, the
The aim is to supply the best products
pany is working with chosen local partners
company has unceasingly developed from
and services for all project types – from
to combine these specific requirements for
metal fabricator to the worldwide premium
sophisticated residential buildings to large
energy efficiency and optimum indoor cli-
supplier and a driving force behind innova-
commercial projects. This comprehensive
mate consistently with the highest design
tion for pioneering, green technologies for
expertise has made Schüco Network the
requirements, without compromising on
the whole building envelope. The com-
partner of choice around the world to cre-
reliability – providing system solutions for
prehensive product portfolio ranges from
ate sustainable, green living and working
sustainable, aesthetic architecture.
window, façade, door systems, and efficient
environments. Schüco know-how, backed
Strict quality management is adhered
solar energy and solar heating solutions,
with superior German technology, is now
to with tried-and-tested Schüco service, as
through to innovation in intelligent energy
also available in India, where geographical
well as warehousing and logistics matching
management. This broad range indicates a
and climate conditions demand new tech-
the international standards. The company
superior technology strategy to view the
nological approaches, with its corporate
extends comprehensive support that starts
building as a whole, in order to exploit its
India head-office in Mumbai and branch
with consultation during the design stage,
energy potential to the full. An invaluable
office along with the central warehouse as
including intelligent software solutions and
contribution to climate protection – after
well as a technical training centre located in
finally support in implementing the project,
all, buildings account for 40% of the world’s
Bangalore.
which ensures achieving pioneering archi-
energy consumption and, therefore, also
In addition to the tried-and-tested
tecture to the best local quality standard
produce a large proportion of CO2 emis-
aluminium and solar products, Schüco has
and using green solutions that combine
sions. Innovation, responsibility & reliability
developed Schüco TropTec™, an innovative
sustainability with the most demanding
are the values that distinguish Schüco solu-
aluminium window and façade system spe-
design requirements
tions and the people behind them. Today,
cifically for tropical countries. The perfectly
the Schüco Network has 5,250 employees,
tailored window, sliding door and façade
Green Technology for the Blue Planet.
of whom more than 2,000 are qualified
systems meet the specific local challenges
Clean Energy from Solar and Windows. JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 65
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Residential design
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TRANQUIL
SIMPLICITY! Words: Natasha Bohra; Images: courtesy the architects
Who says there is not much to be more comfortable in the tropical weather of our country? Check out this farmhouse designed by Archana Shah & Associates, and you will know what is to be done.
JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 67
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T
he unique blend of a peaceful
The interiors are created in such a way
surrounding coupled with simple
that every area of the house is segregated
interiors,
pretty
through a waterbody. It creates the set-
farmhouse, designed by Ahmedebad-
defines
this
ting for a distinctive layout, connecting
based Archana Shah & Associates. The
the inhabitants with nature. The entrance
space that has been created is such that
is a simple, spacious and symmetrical floor
it defines the sense of style, ethnicity and
plan resembling a courtyard. All spaces and
simplicity to express the love for nature of
the ambiance are created in a way, that
both, the designers and the client.
every element enhances the transparency
Sprawling green lawns surround the
of water. But this water does not remain
50,000 sq. ft. plot area of this minimalistic
stagnant. It flows from the main square
farm house in the outskirts of Ahmedabad.
to a small rectangular one, separating the
Magnificent paintings by artist Ravi Varma
dining and living areas. After which, it rec-
along the serene white walls with a com-
ollects in the outer circular pond and from
forting sight of water welcomes you to this
there (after getting recycled) flows back to
gorgeous home that is adorned with mini-
the main square.
malistic and warm traditional decor. The
The pillars around the central square
sound of falling water and the clear spar-
waterbody, also termed as the “central
kling waterbody will calm raw nerves and
family square”, are done in vibrant colours
inspire a relaxing mood and atmosphere.
reflecting the traditional way of living. To
Flow of all the spaces in the house is around
enhance this raw effect are wooden planks
water, which helps lower the overall tem-
that serve as a bridge to the central family
perature inside the four walls, so to speak,
square. The baithak-style, low seating com-
owing to the extreme weather conditions
pletes the look.
in the city.
The furniture in the living room, much
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About the Firm Established in 1995, Archana Shah & Associates, has rendered architectural and interior design services to corporates, organizations and individuals. The firm consistently aims at rendering complete solutions from designing to successful executions in a very comprehensive manner. Landscaping, styling, graphic designing, signage designing and else are other areas of special interest. Taing a step further in expanding the services portfolio, the firm has established Aura Design & Projects Pvt Ltd. which is a complete professionally managed turnkey solutions provider. Website: www.archanashah.com JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 71
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like the rest of the house, is uncluttered with simple straight lines. From the usage of sleek wood and vibrant tapestries, upholstery and the dramatic use of natural wood in the interiors, the layers of detail are evident in every area, both inside and out. In the dining area, there are benches on both sides flanked with chairs, forming an interesting layout. All furniture is customized and made out of natural wood. The bedrooms are designed with clean lines and simple details that combine the smooth lines with strong texture to create a dramatic effect yet retain richness in design. And to add to the required dose of ethnicity, all the furniture was painted with an antique polish for a muted traditional appeal. “Our design style is functionality, working on the client’s brief and to give them maintenance-free interiors. It is our conscious effort to not try and enforce our own likes and interests into the project, but instead we understand the client’s needs, expectations and lifestyle and then blend them with our designs,” shares Archana. And rightly so, this farmhouse is a modest reflection of the firm’s style and design philosophy
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Design insight
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BRANDING ASPIRATIONS
Words: Soumya Kak; Images: courtesy Durian Industries
A successful branding exercise goes hand in hand with brand perception and this depends on the brand ambassador’s image that needs to gel well with that of the brand he/she endorses.
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S
ome time ag ago, the advertising world swore b by models and super models, but now n we have brand
aske a few advertising ambassadors. We asked veterans the differenc difference between the two – a model is just a pr pretty face you use to sell a product, but a b brand ambassador is t brand can draw the one with whom the parallels of perception in the minds of the buyers. His/her ener energy and excitement 76 DES DESIGN IGN MATRIX MATRI MA TRI RIIX • JULY-AUGUST R JJU ULLY LYY AUG UG U GUST USS 2012 20 2 012 2
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towards the brand will rub off on the consumers and encourage them to buy. “Brand ambassadors are not necessarily models, in fact in most cases, they are prominent people from a different field altogether,” says Abhay Mukherjee, a senior advertising professional from New Delhi. What the advertisement will finally convey plays a very important role in the creation process. “We have to keep many factors in mind while creating the storyboard as the intent has to match the communication and fit into the slot of a few seconds!” says Tapan Dasmun-
JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 77
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shi, a freelance copywriter. “I work very
or against the perception of the audi-
closely with the entire production team,
ence about the star. It is easier in the films
which includes the stylist and photog-
which are anyway larger than life, but ads
rapher, to get the right look communi-
are different as you are creating the look
cated through the camera. Whether print
to sell a product,” she adds.
or TV, the ads need to be crisp, slick and
To understand this concept better,
appealing – a heady mixture,” he laughs.
we decided to take apart the recently
The same thought is echoed by Suhas-
launched advertising campaign of the
ini Mathre who has been responsible for
well-known furniture brand Durian. Shot
styling not just ads but theatre and now
by photographer Rohan Shreshtha, it fea-
movies as well. “You have to understand
tures the brand’s latest ambassador-actor,
the concept of the ad and what look fits
anchor, wife & mother Sonali Bendre. “Our
it best and then create the same for the
range of furniture is expansive and we
model. Sometimes it becomes really dif-
wanted a brand ambassador who would
ficult to match the two, especially now
be as multi-faceted and well-known to
when most brands prefer to use stars as
the people. Sonali was the perfectt choice
their ambassadors. We have to work with
as she wears so many hats with aplomb,”
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says a company spokesperson. “We wanted three very distinctive looks for her that would reflect the three broad categories of furniture that the brand offers to the market.” The first was the ‘Victorian Look” which had to reflect simplicity with class. “Somewhere in 1960’s the hula-hoop style dress was made famous by Audrey Hepburn. We decided Sonali’s look accordingly – with the current trends in mind, we decided on bright colours without changing the essence. This look depicts our Victorian collection, where elaborate wood work is the key,” explains the spokesperson. “Since black is the most favourite colour when it comes to furniture, our next look was very dark with a Black and White theme. This was the ‘Gothic Look’,” she adds. Sonali is wearing a black Gothic skirt, charcoal eyes, black shadow and black nail polish to enhance the look. “The skirt was customized especially for this look – the messy frills and umbrella bottom give a dramatic touch to the whole ensemble. It was really interesting to create this look for Sonali as it is slightly away from her usual public image.
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But we had great fun doing this as even she was excited to experiment,” reveals another member of the styling team. This look compliments the black and white sofas, with clean lines and a rich look. The third ‘Cruise Look’ is a more relaxed and cleaner look, “Sonali’s make-up was deliberately kept neutral and hair straight. The only bold feature is her lips painted scarlet red to add colour to the otherwise white and brown background,” says Rohan. This look depicts the contemporary and luxurious furniture line with sofas in earthy shades of beige, brown, nude and white that spell comfort and style. Whether the entire campaign reflects the intent or not is something left for the audience to decide, but one needs to appreciate the thought and creative process behind designing a brand process. A brand ambassador might not necessarily be the right choice for the purpose, but with the right concept and an imaginative production team, the final packaging, in most cases, turns out just right!
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Global eye
Quirky & Titillating Images: courtesy Arcelor Mittal
In her very first coloumn, Harsha Kotak tackles a controversial art-installation by Anish Kapoor - The Orbit Tower.
D
ear readers, welcome to Global Eye
£19 million contributed by Britain’s richest
a new ‘blog-style’ column, which
man, the steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal of the
intends to provoke thoughts and
Arcelor Mittal steel company.
harvest your imagination. And what better
There has been a lot of mixed reaction
way to start this than reviewing the most
surrounding this artwork since its inception.
controversial art-installation of 2012 ‘The
So when I got a chance to attend the press
Orbit Tower’.
conference at the unveiling of this monu-
Last month on my way to Greenwich,
ment, I happily grabbed it. An opportunity
I saw this colossal red helter-skelter stick-
to meet the artist himself, I thought, might
ing out of nowhere and was unable to
help give a firm grip to my own views about
decide whether it was a water slide or a
this sculpture.
crane (twisted in a weird shape). But then I
My first impression of the tower, which
remembered seeing a picture in the news-
looks like two entangled hoola-hoops and
papers – this was ‘The Orbit’ a sculpture/
sorely sticks out from the rest of the build-
an art installation/a monument designed
ings and its surrounding, was not very
by artist Anish Kapoor and engineer Cecil
positive. The sculpture, though not very
Balmond.
huge in scale, tries to tease you by being
The Arcelor Mittal Orbit is an observa-
so complex but confident at the same
tion tower in the Olympic Park in Stratford,
time. But Anish says “that is the purpose of
London. This tallest sculpture in the UK is
it”, he thinks “it’s awkwardly beautiful with
made of a continuous looping lattice of
its elbow sticking out which makes it feel
tubular steel. Standing at a 114.5m, it will
unsettled”. He describes The Orbit as both
be 22m taller than the Statue of Liberty of
art and architecture – “It’s experiential. Your
New York and offers unparalleled views of
body is fully involved. It’s about being in the
the entire Olympic Park and London’s sky-
Orbit – a journey”.
line from a special viewing platform. The
As an observation tower, The Orbit has
project is said to have cost £22 million with
two observation floors, a 455-step spiral JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 83
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Anish Kapoor feels that people will grow to love his spiralling red tower the same way they had come to appreciate other monuments which were initially loathed, including the Eiffel Tower.
staircase and two lifts. The visitors would
Kishore, Art Director at IBM, Banglore, is
take the lift to the top and descend the
already smitten by this work of art and says,
spiral staircase; which would allow them to
“The London Olympic logo and fonts itself
appreciate the views around. The artist says
are very unconventional. So representing it
that the colour red (RAL 3003) was selected
with this kind of a tower, which is such an
with a purpose of standing out amongst
eye-catcher, is apt. The Olympic spirit is all
the other grey and white buildings on the
about breaking away from the ordinary,
Olympic site. But I feel the grey mesh cov-
going to the next level and just being dif-
ering the spiral staircase and the viewing
ferent to be recognised. In this case, dem-
platforms takes away from the red looping
onstrating the strength and flexibility of
lattice, making it look like scaffoldings on a
steel, yet retaining a sporty, aesthetically
construction site.
driven design is really a masterpiece.”
Anish’s signature style – character-
Fans say it’s a landmark to rival the Eiffel
ised by bright colours, cloud-like shapes
Tower and critics say it’s an eyesore blotting
and distorting mirrors – is most evident in
the landscape. My perspective is that over-
the Orbit’s red paint, the darkened coni-
all The Orbit provides a twist to the idea of
cal entrance & the concave mirrors in the
a sculpture as a viewing tower but as an art-
observation room. But none of these help
work it is under whelming and does not do
create an aura that his other creations have.
justice to the term public art, which in sim-
Also, scale has always been central to his
ple words means ‘art that pleases the pub-
work and I suspect that he would have liked
lic eye’. Any public art needs to be higher
this sculpture to be bigger but was restrict-
on its artistic value more than on its social
ed by budget and planning permissions.
and economic one. But this artwork lacks in
My views were still a bit divided after
visual / aesthetic enjoyment.
the press conference. I like the fact that it’s
To sum it up, when I asked Anish Kapoor
not ordinary and a little awkwardness is
how he handles all this criticism linked with
to be expected when you ask an artist to
The Orbit Tower, he laughed and asked
design a building, but my heart is still not
“what criticism?” adding “it doesn’t affect
dancing with joy at seeing a masterpiece by
me or my other work. Some love it, some
a Turner prize-winning artist. Was I expect-
hate it and that’s ok as it’s all a part of the
ing too much from this public art?
process. It’s controversial and that’s a place
My 8-year-old son looked at the pic-
to start. Discomfort is ok.” He feels people
tures and said “Mum, this is like Lego gone
will grow to love his spiralling red tower
wrong”, but on a serious note I decided to
the same way as they had come to appreci-
ask a couple of friends from different disci-
ate other monuments which were initially
plines of design to share their thoughts.
loathed, including the Eiffel Tower.
Interior Designer Natalie Mendez,
But standing in front of the Eiffel Tower
Director at Inventive Design, Indiana, says,
I had felt uplifted by the vision, a vision
“Some aspects of design such as accessibil-
that stays with you peacefully and is not
ity, sustainability and how to move large
trying to tantalize. The experience of look-
crowds through the exhibit seem well
ing at The Orbit was not the same – it tries
thought-out, but the overall impression of
to nudge you and disorient you, trying to
the structure is somewhat disturbing. Its
tease you – and maybe that is the intention
sense of line is tangled, out of proportion,
of the artist, but I certainly was not over-
overstated and lacking the brilliance and
awed by it.
elegant simplicity of other great designs such as the Eiffel Tower.” Whereas, Graphic Designer Meghna
I would love to know your first thoughts from these pictures. Write in your views to harshakotak@designmatrix.co JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 85
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TRYST WITH DESIGN Prominent designers share and discuss interesting insights about specific problem areas while designing, in a meet organized by Merino.
MERINO MR+TUFF GLOSS LAMINATE Merino’s range of super gloss laminates is resistant to scuff and mar abrasions, making them ideal for use in places where creativity gets restricted for want of a better surfacing material. Mar refers to light surface damages which are usually shallow and single it may not be readily noticeable, however the existence of a group of such Mar, visibly degrades the appearance of surfaces. Merino’s MR+ tuff glass technology gives excellent Mar resistance thereby maintaining the gloss level three times longer than ordinary high gloss laminate. It also gives 2-3 times better abrasion resistance.
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Design promo
D
esign is not just about creativity. It is particularly important for the visualization of the designers to turn
into practical working products with the availability of right materials in the market. As an initiative by Merino in association with Design Matrix, a brunch meet was organized in the month of May. A select few designers were invited and were presented with the latest and innovative product offerings by Merino. The idea here was for the facilitators and designers to meet and discuss the various issues one faces while designing. Very often, due to the multiple levels of communication, the designers are not entirely aware of the entire range of products available in the market along with their features and advantages. This was an initiation to try and bridge that gap. At the event, Merino presented its
MERINO AB+ ANTI BACTERIAL LAMINATE Merino AB+ anti bacterial laminate is intended for application where there is a need for additional protection of the surface against bacteria. A very special resin formulation is applied over decorative surface paper to achieve high degree of bacteria growth resistances. Mainly used in health sectors like hospitals, pathological labs, nursing homes, medical research institutes and also in areas where bacteria can spread rapidly like public buildings, toilets, catering facilities, swimming pools, changing rooms, fitness facilities etc. Whenever Bacteria comes in contact with the laminate surface, anti-bacterial chemical physically penetrates the bacteria cell wall and in the process essential function of the micro-organisms gets disturbed and bacteria multiplication is stopped by killing it. Merino Anti Bacterial surface reduces bacteria by more than 99%.
two latest offerings – the AB+ anti bacterial laminate and MR++ tuff gloss laminate to the guests which constituted a number of well-known professionals – Reza Kabul, Anil Dighe, Neemesh Shah and Kanhai Gandhi of KNS Associates, Ashish Gupta, Amit Raje, Manish Dixit, Prakash Gore, Imtiyaz Lakkdawala, accompanied by Madhusudan Lohia, Director and Madan Singi, Regional Manager (Western region) from Merino. The session was moderated by Babita Krishnan of Design Matrix, with Shaila Udeshi and Natasha Bohra from the team also in the audience JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 87
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Creative ideas
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A PLACE IN
THE SKY Words: Shekkhar Viswanathan; Images: Fuminari Yoshitsugu
Sometimes what results from seeking a simple solution to an everyday problem – however small and inconsequential – can be quite a stunning design.
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E
ver wondered where to keep that
radio on it while you hang out your laun-
cup of tea and the ubiquitous
dry, or it can be used as a counter when
mobile phone when leaning on
you have a beer on your balcony on a nice
your balcony? The cement edge or the
day. This collaboration between the initia-
railing is not an option! Well, Japan-based
tive and Torafu ensures that the portable
Ishinomaki Laboratory has a solution to
design is manufactured by the people of
offer – the ‘Sky-deck’.
this region as a means of supporting the
‘Sky-deck’, a small table which is made
local community while making the prod-
to hook onto handrails of balconies or look-
uct commercially available to the con-
out points, has been created by the Japa-
sumer market.
nese firm Torafu Architects. The functional
Floating in the air, Sky-deck stretches a
surface is manufactured by Ishinomaki Lab-
narrow balcony space out by just a little bit,
oratory which is ‘a place of creating some-
into the city beyond. Made from Canadian
thing new’ for the community, established
red cedar, the ‘Sky-deck’ offers a surface on
by designers and others in Ishinomaki, a city
which to rest your mobile phone or radio,
which was devastated by the Tsunami on
or can act as a counter when you’re out
March 11, 2011.
on your balcony enjoying a drink. floating
This small table uses just enough
in the air, the ‘Sky-deck’ stretches a narrow
pieces of wood to be hooked onto the
balcony space out past its boundaries, just
rail. You can put your mobile phone or a
a little bit further
Principle use Manufacturer Material Size Design period Production period Website
: : : : : : :
Product Ishinomaki Laboratory Canadian red cedar 308×453×90mm (when folded)-450mm (when set up) 2010.09 - 2012.02 2012.01 - 2012.03 http://ishinomaki-lab.org/
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! Y R E V O C S I D F L E S F
EY
O
N R U
E H
JO
T
Words: Samar Malik; Images: courtesy the designer
On a journey of self discovery, Chandaa Narang unleashes the artist in her while being in sync with her corporate training. JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 93
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S
he refers to herself as a ‘serendipist’
brand growth and a large credit goes to
or
who
the product developers. That was when
accompli
I decided that product development is
in absolution. Chandaa Kochar is an
an arena that needs focus, in all business
artist who rediscovered herself after
fields. My lateral move to an artistic realm
being a documentary film maker and a
meant changing my thinking from people
photographer for ten years before swinging
to science. No more comfort grooves to
into the corporate rigmarole.
follow, instead I have to design technically
the
eternal
surrenders
to
wanderer fait
Having studied Art from Mills Col-
a utilitarian form that graduates into eyeball
lege in USA, Chandaa went back to study-
grabbing art. Every time I lose heart, I pull
ing business and later getting completely
out a photo of a Phillipe Starck-designed
entrenched in the corporate world. Art took
toilet pot, and get re-charged,” she smiles.
a backseat until she took over the reins of
Chandaa is an expressionist with a
Frazer and Haws, the British silver brand. It
strong belief in the traditional Hindu voy-
was then that all lines acquired more mean-
age of learning by experience and obser-
ing and the opportunity to explore her
vation called Darshan Shastra, as she plays
inherent creativity presented itself to the
with images and materials by placing them
fullest. Her connect with the divine mani-
within the theoretical concepts that she has
fested itself in her sculptures and canvases
developed by observing life. In the corpo-
as Chandaa’s observation of the subject and
rate world individual expression is not pos-
feel for the material is highly sensitive.
sible, but in product design emotions are
But why this transition from corporate
very important, how does she manage that.
to the artistic realm? “Corporate India start-
“I am trying to evoke a reaction (hopefully
ed a very exciting stage of its development
a positive one) in the minds of people who
since the 1990’s. Creative business models
are already besieged with ‘buy-me’s. What
were the order of the decade. Frazer and
and how I develop must jump out at people.
Haws has been one of the pioneers in its
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to it, means my creativity isn’t in sync with
tion of the final result is in the hands of the
my clients,” she says. Does the corporate
contractors/vendors. However, with India’s
background help her as a product designer?
visionary entrepreneurship, our designs
“Positioning; pricing; personality are all too
and products will become an industry very
important. As a former corporate person I
quickly. China is ten steps ahead of us in
understand that the buyer dictates design,
their design protocol – Hong Kong-based
it’s not my ego I have to satisfy. Which
product design institutes are swiftly com-
designer wouldn’t love to create in limbo,
petitive, but I believe Indian creativity has
like putting herself as is out there, or shout-
a global metaphor, and once the mechan-
ing from rooftops that what I do is pure art!
ics of quality translations of products is
Design is a much harder discipline – I have
organized, our pool of creative talent and
to be a gymnast, keeping all the business
technique is endless. The private sector will
factors in mind, I will develop that product
wake up to this need soon. And when it
which an entire boardroom of different per-
does, then I want to be right there, head of
sonalities and different disciplines are happy
the line,” Chandaa laughs.
with. There is no place here for my ego.”
Hiring a designer and paying design fees, means getting the physical actuality of that design. You have the right to demand it. And every right to get it!
Chandaa’s creations are a continuation
What is design and development? “It’s
of her belief in Darshan Shastra. The obser-
a tedious nuts-and-bolts job – from con-
vation is more a third-eye perception and
ception to the physical working form is
the interpretation totally individualistic. It
a long non-creative mechanical process.
is this power of unique elucidation and its
Just drawing lines on paper or a 3D com-
connect with the divine that positions her
puter rendition is not designing. The follow
art in a genre of its own. Working as an art-
through is as necessary as the design itself!”
ist and an artisan, Chandaa has developed a
Chandaa feels sad that India has much
touch-feel synergy with stone, wood, resin,
creativity but no inclination towards hard
alchemy and silverware and feels her art is
work, especially the production process.
in the lines and in the boldness with which
“When I am following through my designs
she challenges set doctrines, “Turn it on its
during the production, I keep tweaking it,
head and then it will make sense. It starts
sometimes even changing it, applying a
to flow towards newness.” Armed with this
new technique to traditional process’ – the
conviction, she turns the metaphors, if not
creation cycle is endless,” she reveals the
on their head, then certainly towards dif-
dedication to her vocation. Talking about
ferent horizons. But she has a last word for
the product design scenario in India Chan-
the clients as well, “Hiring a designer and
daa states, “Compared to other countries
paying design fees, means getting the
we might appear indolent, even unprofes-
physical actuality of that design. You have
sional, but that is not so. Creative design is
the right to demand it. And every right to
a nascent field, and the work ethics aren’t
get it!” With this statement Chandaa finally
in place yet. We work like architects or engi-
proves how the corporate and the artist in
neers or town planners, where the execu-
her co-exist JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 99
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Photo feature
ILLUSTRIOUS Armed with a Masters from IDC IIT Bombay, Abhishek Chaudhary, an independent illustrator and graphic designer from Delhi, attempts to create a fusion of the traditional with touch of contemporary styles. The basic intent of this project was to use Indian art and traditional styles for today’s youth. He tries to make it youthful with the use of myriad colours as he believes that India is a nation embodied with glorious colours. Bollywood posters, Mughal Miniatures, Indian Comic superheros, etc. who became the inspiration since he feels it is unfair to blatantly follow popular western comic book & Pop Art when we have such a rich cultural heritage and highly evolved art forms. His illustrations are a medium to bring out personalities of the characters and help the viewer understand the context and era looking at each one of them. And of course, amuse with details of the character’s personality and emotions. 100 DESIGN MATRIX • JULY-AUGUST 2012
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My space
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HOME
SWEET
HOME
Ar. AA Zuberi of the Hyderabad-based Lines N Archs talks about the role designers play when creating a home out of a residence to suit the client’s lifestyle.
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Sometimes one plays the role of a designer, who needs to create the space, but most of the time you need to be more of a guide who takes the client through the various possibilities and helps him choose that which is right for him, especially when designing his home
A
s a designer what sets us apart is
The informal living area on the first
our creative ability to understand
floor is well placed with a contemporary
the unspoken needs of a client
L-shaped sofa from Stanley. The wall unit is
regarding his space and give him solutions
again designed to reflect a contemporary
that are not only aesthetic and functional
style with leather upholstery from New
but practical and within his budget as well.
Zealand that surrounds the gold leafing
Very few of us get a client (maybe once
and a fabulous toughened glass (2 mm
or twice, if we are lucky) in our years of
thick) with indirect lighting to hold the TV.
practice, who would give us a space and say
Natural wooden grains for veneers and a
create it – unmindful of the cost.
pink marble floor give the space a dash of
The very first step in design is to
required elegance.
understand the client and his need
A wall panel, aesthetically done display
thoroughly and the process begins from
area, and curtains from Décor add to the
there. We spend time asking questions
warmness of the living area. Chandeliers
and observing them to get a wholesome
from UK perfectly blend with the patterned
image – beyond what he is telling us as
fans to complete the look. The overall
this enables us to give him the best design
effect created is that of a royal comfort
solution to his living space. A case in point is
which the client desired. The dining area
the interiors of this bungalow designed in a
with its PVC-3D wall panelling, a sliding
Modern/Contemporary style in geometrical
door with 3D glass work that opens into
forms to give a bright yet elegant look.
the kitchen, false ceiling designed using
The main design elements used are
wooden rafters and polish; the master
false ceiling with direct and indirect lighting
bedroom headboard and panel become
effects, PVC-3D wall elements, wallpapers,
focal points of the design. The headboard
leather upholstery from New Zealand,
is beautifully designed using leather
mirror, natural wooden grains for veneers,
upholstery while the panel is designed in
polish and laminations. To continue the
a combination of light and dark natural
elegance, one cannot ignore the space
veneer of ply as horizontal rafters.
underfoot, hence one finds Crema Italian
These are the areas which would
marble on the ground floor and pink
not change so much as their occupants
marble on the first floor. The entrance foyer
would not change in their likes and dislikes.
is designed with PVC-3D wall pattern and
However the children’s room needs to be
display units.
kept dynamic so that it can adapt to the
The display unit in the living area is
changing needs of a growing kid(s).
beautifully designed with a circle in the
Sometimes one plays the role of a
centre, drawers and open shelves for display
designer, who needs to create the space,
items with lighting arrangements and
but most of the time you need to be more
wallpaper background and a mirror. This
of a guide who takes the client through the
was to add an element of sophistication
various possibilities and helps him choose
to the space as the client wanted the living
that which is right for him, especially when
room to reflect a plush environment.
designing his home
About Ar. AA Zuberi is the Chief Consultant, Lines N Arcs, Architects & Interior Designers. He can be contacted at 3-6-430/2, Flat No. 402, Venkateswara Apartments, Hyderabad 500029; Mobile: 09848850419; Email: linesnarch@yahoo.com; Website: www.linesnarcs.com JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 109
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T C U D O R P
H C N LAU Bling collection by DotP SD
DotPSDWe an accessorie s brand, combines the rich ness of Indian design and with a healthy ser ving of amalgamates it pop culture. With their late st collection, they bring how! The amazingly qui back bling and rky and retro hand-emb roidered range of bags and spring in your step. A com clutches will add a for table day bag, a little pouch with a detachabl this range brings back the e sling and a clutch, much loved disco. The bra nd combines the sophis with the delicacy of variou tication of leather s other materials, melan ge of colours and reflects arti across India in a contem san skills from porary manner. info@dotpsd.in
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Bombay Store loves India
The Bombay Store introdu ces the ‘I Love India’ collection. This special ran ge is inspired by classic folk symbols of Indian art, culture and people. The designs por tray the vibran cy and youthfulness of Indian folk art. This exq uisite range includes Assamese women, a Raj asthani couple, a Bengal i Girl and Kerala’s famous Kathak ali mask, which represent the diversity of the Indian people, their traditions and cultures. These strikin g designs are used on a range of products like clocks, coasters, fridge magnets, bags, mugs, sho t glasses, flip flops, scarve s – blending the traditional with contemporary. ww w.thebombaystore.c om
Fresh new range by
Rinox
Rinox Kaufmann Ltd, a par t of ACL Group and a big player in the stainless ste has its new range of pro el architectural space, ducts. The product line has been expanded to includ hinges, glass connectors, e patch fittings, shower lock cylinders, spider fittin gs, glass door handles and such as superior rust pro more. With features tection for the patch fittin gs, self closing from upto 30 deg hinges, high-strength stru rees for the shower cture for the glass connec tors and the spider fittin maximum strength to we gs designed for giving ight ratio; the comprehen sive range of architectural and hardware products by Rinox, is provided in diff erent specifications of size s, shapes, colour and thic kness. ww w.rinox.in
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A new address –
Confluence Elite Confluence Elite, a concep t design store has recent ly made its debut launch Mumbai, wtih the launch in of furniture designer Ma nasi Manjrekar’s summe lection. The store features r colManasi Manjreka’s design s along with other interes ing national and interna ttional furniture and access ories. Customers can cho from the range of produc ose ts like furniture, art, sculptu res, pot tery and more. ww w.cedpl.com
Terra Sans offers haute living as it brings together the renowned international players from the world of home decor and lifestyle, FENDI Casa and Streamlined by Ipe Cavalli. Terra Sans Home Couture, interior experts is the result of the passion of designer duo Nitin and Seetu Kohli and entrepreneurs Neha and Priyanka Nagar, in a giant step to consolidate the fragmented home decor market in India. The springsummer collection was unveiled with a lot of whites, bright colours, clean cuts and simple designs. Fiery oranges, zesty lemons and pristine whites were splashed across the myriad home furnishing pieces that adorned the showroom. www.terrasans.com
A fresh new collaboration for
Terra Sans
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The Spalsh collection
Dreams
by
In keeping with the spirit of the beautiful monsoons, Dreams Home Furnishing Studio has launched the Splash Col lection of bath linen and accessories. The collection comprises of super sof t and thirsty towels and bath-sets which are made from fine combed cot ton yarn and are available in a variety of fres h colours. The use of embroidery, appliqué and lace on towels and an option that all of these can be personalized with initials or names to make for an ideal gifting idea, makes it exclusive. 022 23853232
New colours by
Decorex
launched a set LG Hausys & Decorex, has id colours for of nine new HI-MACS® sol and natural colours 2012. It includes neutral in Blue and Steel zar such as Marta Grey, Ma e Green that fit min Jas , wn Grey, Toffee Bro to natural materials. per fectly in combination energetic There also is the bright, and introducing also is ex Lemon Squash. Decor y are Gray The . nish fi nite gra new pat terns in o, puccin Caramel Crystal, Candy White, Cap tely non-porous and Black Bird. It is comple durability and of el lev and has the highest ing. It also has our col its e los thus does not g for per fectly uniform thickness, allowin imperceptible joints.
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ww w.decorexsol@gmail.co
m
6/28/2012 9:44:13 PM
Dornbracht launches
its
Flagship store Germany based luxury bath and kitchen design fitting manufacturer ‘Do bracht ’ unveiled its first fl rnagship store in New Delhi. The store will showcase entire gamut of premium the range including Deque, Horizontal ShowerAT T & The display is housed in 110 SELV. sq. m. area with live display of the product ‘RainSkyE an electronically contro ’, lled rain module in which water, mist, light and sce combine in choreographi nt es that are based on nat ure itself. ww w.dornbracht.com
The Colorart collection by Maspar is simple yet elegant to boost up your mood and is easy care bed linen, which requires low maintenance, light ironing and has fewer wrinkles. Available in twenty four different solid colours, gives a feeling of harmony and bestows sound sleep. The collection is made available in three sizes - single, double/queen size and king size.
Colorart by
www.maspar.co.in
Maspar
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PEOPLE • LIFESTYLE • DESIGN • INTERIORS
May - June 2012 VOL. 2 • ISSUE 4 • `100
RUPESH BAID “To me work means designing a human experience.”
A
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presentation
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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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etc. JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 117
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Happenings 118 DESIGN MATRIX • JULY-AUGUST 2012
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THE ONE The One furnishing store in association with Design Matrix, hosted a casual wine and cheese evening, at their showroom in Andheri. The idea was to bring together a select few designers of the industry and talk about design as a part of their lives. While doing so, Anshuman and Rashmi of the One walked the guests around the showroom, introducing them to the variety of offerings by all the international brands at the store. Also in attendance was the entire team of The One for answering any query put forth by the guests. The One offers an amazing range to all the furnishing needs related to interiors for your home or office. Brands on display are Montgomery, Eijffinger, Russel & Harvey, Bernard, Reynaldo (The Netherlands), Jim Dickens (UK), Comersan (Spain), Cascadeco (France), blinds from Destiny (Spain) and Diaz (Belgium), lights of Voltolina (Italy) and Fenesta. The showroom houses the crème de la crème from around the world. The evening was attended by designers such as Alhad & Amit Raje, Kalhan & Santha Mattoo, Samir Dharurkar, Seema Joneja, Rajan & Ritu Goregaonkar, Sachin & Shami Goregaonkar, accompanied by Babita Krishnan, Editor and Natasha Bohra, Deputy Editor of Design Matrix. The evening concluded with a feeling of wanting more. Surely, we can look forward to more such evenings in the months to come!
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Happenings
STEELCASE WORKLIFE Steelcase, the 100-year-old leader in the ofſce furniture industry from Michigan, USA recently opened the Steelcase WorkLife – their new ‘living showroom’ – in Hyderabad.
H
eadquartered in Grand Rapids,
“100 Dreams, 100 Minds, 100 Years,” an
Michigan
is
open dialogue on the future of work
reputedly the world’s largest
and life and the work-life balance and
office furniture company, offering a
the innovation required to support
comprehensive portfolio of workplace
the changing world or work. This
products, furnishings and services to
celebration highlights Steelcase’s core
leading local and global companies.
commitment to human-centred design
USA,
Steelcase
To help recognize and meet new
and commitment to always look to the
needs of the interconnected business
future to anticipate and meet changing
world and to optimize the ways people
needs. Steelcase WorkLife showcases
work, Steelcase, WorkLife Hyderabad
the company’s philosophies that see the
is designed to showcase the practical
office as a critical business tool. It displays
application of Steelcase’s knowledge,
a wide range of the latest products
products
enable
designed to support new ways of
individuals and teams to work anywhere,
working, such as the Think and Leap task
anytime, around the world to be their
chairs, the Manifesto workplace system
most productive and successful.
and the i2i chair and Media scape which
and
services
that
The opening of WorkLife Hyderabad
are designed to support collaboration
is especially noteworthy, as 2012 marks
and team work. Hyderabad WorkLife is
the 100 th anniversary of Steelcase’s
the third WorkLife ‘living showroom’ in
establishment. In celebration of this
India, joining Worklife Delhi and WorkLife
important milestone, Steelcase created
Bangalore
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Happenings
CERA
STYLE STUDIO CERA Sanitaryware Ltd. recently announced the opening of its CERA Style Studio at Mumbai. A pioneer in the Sanitaryware segment for 30 years, CERA is renowned for its elegant products with advanced features.
L
ocated in the new business district of Andheri West in Mumbai, customers across Maharashtra and Goa can now experience the entire range of stunning CERA products at a new customer-friendly destination. Vidush Somany, Executive Director
inaugurated the Style Studio which has over 2,000 square feet of product display and the visitors can interact with the studio team and explore the line-up of products. Moreover, the Mumbai sales team can now engage with the trade and influencers, who can browse, discover and experience the incredible features of the luxuriously stylish portfolio of products. According to the COO Atul Sanghvi, consumers and influencers will have better access to the Style Studio, as it is situated in the heart of the city. The Cera Style Studio displays a range of the latest designs that have been transforming homes for some time now and can also be leveraged as a display tool by the trade, as they can bring in their customers and show the vast range displayed 122 DESIGN MATRIX • JULY-AUGUST 2012
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marketing@ubmindexfairs.com
Design Matrix_July-August 12.indb 123
www.ubmindexfairs.com
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An unconventional and snazzy decor, a magazine to flip through, wifi to carry on with your work and a cup of coffee to savour while waiting for your turn at the Yuva branch of SBI. 124 DESIGN MATRIX • JULY-AUGUST 2012
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Reader contribution
YOUTHFUL
AND
F UN
Our reader Nawzer Kerawala shares the changing face of banking he came across on a business trip to Hyderabad at SBI’s Yuva Branch.
S
tiff pinstripes, tie, a serious look and a general air of preoccupation, the very thought of going and interacting with a banker gives you the shivers, and top that with the general
disinterested and lackadaisical attitude of a nationalized bank and you’d rather keep the money at home. This is probably the reason, that a lot of banks are not able to lure the general public and more specifically the youth into opening an account with them. Most people have salary accounts wherever their employer creates it for them. Well, one bank has decided to change it all and to consciously target the youth. Give them an ambiance which is as fresh and young as their attitude towards life and voila! The YUVA branches of SBI are born. The whole space has a very relaxed and fun environment which would intrigue the young person enough to lure him in and eventually start banking with the branch. Small music kiosks, nooks to sit and chill a juice bar, the lounge-like ambiance are all a welcome first. Looking forward to more Yuva Banks in all the cities in the near future JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 125
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Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer
and ideas are closely deliberated upon here. Business participants have exclusive
International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo
Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Sum-
opportunities to expand their corporate
With more than 25 new exhibitors partici-
mer will be a place to provide many busi-
networks at the show too. All the products
pating in the International Billiard & Home
ness opportunities to all the participants
exhibited at the show rank high on the style
Recreation Expo, this leading trade show
coming from different parts of the country
and elegance counts and several top indus-
has been entirely sponsored by the Billiard
and abroad as well. Hong Kong Fashion
try experts attend the event at each of its
Congress of America. Since its inaugural in
Week for Spring/Summer will facilitate all
editions.
1983, the expo has been providing ample
the visitors to grab the latest trends of the
business & networking opportunities, latest
industry. It will be beneficial for all visitors
Date: July 6-8, 2012
products and education for the key indus-
as they will be able to choose products for
Venue: Hotel Golden Tulip, Raipur, Chhattis-
try distributors, manufacturers, poolroom
the upcoming Christmas season. There will
garh
operators, dealers and retailers. Showcas-
be a designer’s corner in the event that will
ing the largest collection of modern prod-
all these products will be there to fulfill the
The Northern Motorcaravan Show
growing needs to outsource creative ser-
The Northern Motorcaravan Show is a one-
accessible to all Billiard Congress of America
vice.
of-a-kind exhibition that deals with Ameri-
(BCA) members. The BCA trade show also
be filled with Home Tech & Electronic Gifts;
ucts for home recreation, the International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo will be
can, European and British motorhomes,
offers a reasonable and resourceful way to
Date: July 3-6, 2012
caravans, compact van conversions and
gain access to the hundreds and thousands
Venue: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition
vehicles of luxury coachbuilt. The exhibition
of quality buyers in one single platform and
Centre, Hong Kong
presents a great platform for the exhibitors
at a low cost.
Fashionista Lifestyle and Fashion Exhibition
to display their products and services in front of the prospective trade visitors and
Date: July 18-20, 2012
also gives them a rare chance to lock impor-
Venue: Schaumburg Convention Center, Scha-
Fashionista Lifestyle and Fashion Exhibi-
tant business deals. The Northern Motor-
umburg, Illinois, USA
tion – Raipur, is a fashion and lifestyle sector
caravan Show is scheduled to take place
trade show in India. Organized at the Hotel
in the city of Knutsford and offers camp-
Office Expo
Golden Tulip, the event serves as a conve-
ing opportunities for visitors throughout
The Office Expo is organized by Media
nient business platform for a large number
the three days of the event. Apart from the
Expositions & Events at Pragati Maidan,
of exhibitors to showcase an extensive
caravans, there is going to be a display of
New Delhi. The Office Expo is a pioneer
array of fashion apparel, home decoration
all the necessary accessories that go along
show in providing niche platform for
themes, handicrafts, handbags, scarves,
with the van.
office automation, office furniture, stationery, audio visual, security, I.T. and service
gift items and several other related fashion accessories. The show is billed as the fast-
Date: July 13-15, 2012
solutions. It is a mega event which helps
est growing business fair of its kind in the
Venue: The Cheshire Showground, Cheshire,
in providing enormous opportunities for
entire country and the latest fashion trends
Connecticut, USA
exhibiting various products and emerging
126 DESIGN MATRIX • JULY-AUGUST 2012
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trends in making the office environment more efficient and effective.
Architecture and Design Film Festival of India 2012
kitchen accessories, gardening tools, toys and informative trade publications are
ADFF India 2012 is organized jointly by
showcased during the event and attend-
Date: August 4-6, 2012
AARDE Foundation and Faculty of Archi-
ing companies are provided with ample
Venue: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
tecture, Anna University, Chennai. This
business networking opportunities too.
festival will be India’s first and only Film
The cosy and minimalist trend design
Festival to celebrate and create dialogue
theme is one of the main highlights of the
Decorex Joburg is the Trend ToolBox, an
on architecture and design values. The
show, which is attended by over 850 pro-
invaluable tool for interior designers, retail-
Film Festival will screen more than fifty
fessional exhibitors.
ers and manufacturers featuring colour
films from all over the world for five days.
forecasts, emerging product finishes,
The films will be sourced from all over the
Date: August 16-19, 2012
future fabric and industry themes that will
world. The film would focus on any one
Venue: Stockholm Exhibition and Congress
affect the industry. It strives to showcase
of the subjects – architecture, landscape,
Center, Stockholm, Sweden
the consumer with inspirations of room
urban planning, sociology, design values,
settings coupled with the product to inter-
works of architect, urban psychology,
Magic Show
pret the style of your choice.
graphic design or set design, and theatre
The Magic Show Las Vegas is the promi-
design etc. The festival aims to create an
nent event of the apparel and clothing
Date: August 8-12, 2012
awareness and dialogue in public between
industry. The event sets a bench mark
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Mid-
different fraternities.
as being the most popular and wor-
Decorex Joburg
thy event of the apparel and clothing
rand, South Africa
Texas Home and Garden Show Fort Worth Home and Garden Market pres-
Date: August 15-19, 2012
industry. This platform will entertain the
Venue: Anna University, School of Architec-
people engaged with the industry, from
ture and Planning, Chennai
the beginners to the professionals. New industrialist will get a focused opportu-
ents an extensive array of interior and exte-
Formex
rior products for the new or ready home.
Formex is one of the premier interior deco-
to get introduced with the big names of
Home, building and designer industries
ration sector trade shows in Sweden. The
the industry. This common platform will
gather here annually to offer the latest in
show serves as a convenient platform for
set new standards for the industry to take
home design. Many exhibitors are partici-
top professionals from the Nordic inte-
it on the heights. The show will be orga-
pating from across the globe in Fort Worth
rior design sector to directly interact with
nized by the Magic International Inc. Mag-
Home and Garden Market to present their
each other and exchange information on
ic is one of the most popular Las Vegas
latest products as well as services.
the latest topical issues. More than 26,000
Trade Shows.
nity to explore their business’s wings, and
attendees take part at the show, including Date: August 11-12, 2012
a large contingent of foreign participants
Date: August 20-23, 2012
Venue: Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC),
as well. A wide array of interior design
Venue: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las
Fort Worth, Texas, USA
themes, art and craft items, home textiles,
Vegas, Nevada, USA JULY-AUGUST 2012 • DESIGN MATRIX 127
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GLOSSARY IFC: Jalaram:
• 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
•
Pg. 1: Ebco Pvt. Ltd. 402-3, Hyde Park, Saki Vihar Road, Mumbai 400072 Tel: (022) 67837777 Email: info@ebco.in www.ebco.in
Pg. 2 & 3: Durian Veneers Durian Industries Ltd. 401, The Summit, Western Express Highway, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai 400057 Tel: (022) 26269000 Email: info@durian.in www.durian.in
Pg. 4 & 5: Schueco Green Technology Schueco India Solar & Windows Pvt Ltd Premises No. 64, 6th Floor, 3 North Avenue, Maker Maxity, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai 400 051 Tel: (022) 6786 8989 Email: info@schueco.in www.schueco.in
Pg. 6 & 7: Le Cdeor
Tel: (022) 25114285 Email: info@naturalveneers.com www.naturalveneers.com
Pg. 12: Mathios Stone HF Interiorss 32-Madhav Darshan, Waghawadi Road, Bhavnagar – 364 001. Tel.: (0278) 3001215/2427376 Email: hateem@hfinteriorss.com
Pg. 13: Durian Laminates Cedar Décor Pvt. Ltd. F/2, Shapath-1, Nr. Cargo Motors, Opp. Rajpath Club, S. G. Highway, Ahmedabad - 380015 Email: mail@cedarindia.com www.durian.in
Pg. 14: Geeta Geeta Aluminium Company Pvt.Ltd. D/4, Ansa Industrial Estate, Saki Vihar Road, Saki Naka, Andheri (East), Mumbai – 400072. Tel: 9930806685 www.geetaaluminium.com
Pg. 15: Astral ALCA PLAST Astral Poly Tecknik Limited 207/1, Astral House, B/h. Rajpath Club, Off. S.G.Highway, Ahmedabad – 380 059. Tel: (079) 66212000 Email: info@astralcpvc.com www.astralcpvc.com
Pg. 20: Uniply Elementz Decorative Veneers
MRJ Trading Pvt. Ltd. 201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Bldg., Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai – 400057. Tel: (022) 26187132 / 26131442 Email: artifacts@mrjgroup.in
Uniply Industries Ltd #52, Harleys Road, Kilpauk, Chennai - 6000010. Tel: (044) 26605995 Email: info@uniply.in
Pg. 9: Cera
KiTEC Industries (India) Limited C-18/11, Jeevan Bima Nagar, Borivali (W), Mumbai – 400 103. Tel.: (022) 2895 1144 Email: sales@kitecindia.com www.kitecindia.com
Cera Sanitaryware Ltd. Madhusudan House, Opp.Navrangpura Telephone Exchange, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 006. Tel.: (079) 26449781/26449789 Email: marketing@cera-india.com www.cera-india.com
Pg. 10: Natural Veneers Turakhia Overseas Pvt. Ltd. 307, Traffic Lite, Next to Bank of Baroda, M.G. Road Ghatkopar (West), Mumbai- 400 086
Pg. 21: KiTEC CPS
Pg. 22: MRJ Flooring MRJ Trading Pvt. Ltd. 201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Bldg., Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai – 400057. Tel : (022) 26187132 / 26131442 Email: flooring@mrjgroup.in
Pg. 23: DECOREX SOLUTIONS PVT LTD New Patel Sawmill Group 204/B, Vertex Vikas, Sir M V Road, Andheri (East), Mumbai – 400069 Tel – (022) 26833377/0952 Email: decorexsol@gmail.com
Pg. 36: Baaya Design 11/12, Baaya Design, Raghuwanshi Mill Compound, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400013 Tel: (022) 65210165 www.baayadesign.com
Pg. 37: Fenesta Windows Motif Agencies Shop No.9, Ruturaj Bldg., Opp. S.N.D.T. College, Juhu Road, Mumbai 400 049. Tel.: 26603458 / 65819799 Email: motifagencies@gmail.com
Pg. 41: Prayag Prayag Polymers (Pvt.) Ltd. Customer Care: 9310002486 mail@prayagindia.com www.prayagindia.net
Pg. 110: Uniply ATS Plywood Uniply Industries Ltd., #52, Harleys Road, Kilpauk, Chennai – 600 010. Tel: (044) 2660 5995 Email: info@uniply.in
Pg. 123: UBM-INDEX Trade Fairs marketing@ubmindexfairs.com www.ubmindexfairs.com
IBC: Sleek Kitchen Sleek International 224-227, Blue Rose Ind. Estate, Western Exp. Highway, Next to Maruti Showroom, Borivali (E), Mumbai – 400 066. Tel: (022) 64527616 Email: enquiry@sleekworld.com www.sleekworld.com
BC: DANSANI Bathroom Furniture Ultramine Group Chatterjee International Centre, 33A, J. L. Nehru Road, 6th Floor, Suite #10, Kolkata 700 071 (M) 9874430000 Email: indiadansani@vsnl.net www.dansani.com
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