DESIGN MATRIX • JULY-AUGUST 2011
X I R T M A
July - August 2011 VOL. 1 • ISSUE 5 • `80
N • INTERIORS G I S E D • E L Y T S E F I PEOPLE • L
Revathi
„Humanity has to evolve sustainable paradigms on this earth which is finite‰
A Paprika Media presentation
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., of MRJ Creations Pvt.Ltd Jhunjhunwala on behalf ia an ,Ind Kar 057 by ed 400 ai lish mb Pub Mu ), Printed and rwal Market, Vile Parle(E ai Aga mb g, Mu ldin ), Bui (W p ‘C’ al ndu 201 Shyam Kam Mandir Road, Bha India Pvt. Ltd., 6 Dat ta ‘C’ Building, and Printed at Print House at MRJ Creations Pvt. Ltd., 201 Shyam Kamal n lished ia. Editor: Babita Krishna 400 078,India and Pub ), Mumbai 400 057, Ind le(E Par Vile 2 DESIGN MATRIX • JULY-AUGUST 2011 t, rke Ma l Agarwa
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S ’ R O T EDI N O T E
W
e have all grown up getting our hands dirty with mud – whether it was mud pies or rolling in a wet football field, there is a bit of mud-memory in all of us. Imagine mud becoming central to your profession! It has for
Ar. Revathi Kamath. Some years ago, my very first interaction with her ended with her stating “You can’t comprehend what I mean till you experience it personally.” The reference was to her home – kachchi kothi. Today, I agree with her. It was almost an ethereal experience as I walked on the roof garden (and I mean grass on a slanting roof with no railings) with her husband Ar. Vasant Kamath and feasted my eyes on the verdant surrounds. Spending the entire day with her helped me understand and appreciate her ideas and efforts towards a more sustainable environment that leads to repose. Most creative people find repose in their work and that is the reason they excel at it. Hence, the conception of the Design Matrix-Ultratech Paints Excellence Awards – a competition for interior design excellence in different categories that will be adjudged by the stalwarts of the industry. Even as you read this, we are preparing to send out mails inviting you to participate. Contact us at response@designmatrix.co. for more information. Meanwhile, enjoy another assiduously put together issue and don’t forget to share your views. I would like to sign off by quoting a proverb that came to mind while writing the cover story: Only when the last tree has died and the last river poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realise we cannot eat money.
Babita Krishnan
Now follow us on www.facebook.com/DesignMatrixMagazine Partners: Location: Le Sutra; Jewellery: Anmol Jewellers; Make-up & Hair: Rudra Spa
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My space
PURSUING
SUSTAINABILITY Design Consultant, Sharmistha Banerjee recapitulates her six-month journey that led to creating an innovative harvesting solution to extract cancer chemotherapy drug (taxoid) from taxus trees.
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Words & Images: Sharmistha Banerjee
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ave you ever noticed the fine fragrance near a bunch of pine trees after a thunderstorm? It was March of 2010 when I did, while contemplating my Masters Thesis project at Technical University of
Delft in The Netherlands. As I enquired, I got to know about two scientists (Marijnissen and Roos), who inspired by this phenomenon, attempted to induce an artificial electric field (artificial thunderstorm scenario) around a taxus tree and managed to capture some white crystalline sprays of taxoid on their electrode. Unfortunately, due to the crude nature of the set-up, the leaves of the tree would touch the electrode, causing sparks, and would consequently burn out. Subsequently, they had been looking for someone to refine this possibly non-destructive (to the tree) technique and create an economically viable harvesting solution. I knew that taxoids are a group of very highly-priced cancer chemotherapy drugs. That they could be harvested artificially, was a revelation. I was told that this technique might phenomenally reduce the cost of these drugs; and I just could not stop myself from meeting these scientists for greater details. My job started with how this crude set-up could be converted into a commercially viable harvester. 58 DESIGN MATRIX • JULY-AUGUST 2011
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32 14 LANDSCAPE DESIGN
• Cover featuring: Revathi Kamath • Photograph by: Sameer Chawda • Location: Delhi
COVER STORY Discover Revathi Kamath, the creator of timeless structures who is deeply connected to Earth Pg 14
ROVING EYE This one is for the motor enthusiast – celebrating 125 years of the automobile industry with a visit to Automobile City Pg 26
AR. AAMCHER Ar. Nitin Killawala laments the monstrosities of Mumbai – the skywalks Pg 32
CREATIVE IDEAS Park Associati, Milan, realizes the Electrolux dream project of an itinerant restaurant that is currently touring high profile locales in Europe Pg 34
DESIGN PROMO
DESIGN ASPECT Simple wooden slats make a compelling façade element in typologically-driven design in Zurich & unveiling the un-store of ‘delightenment’ at Pune Pg 50
MY SPACE A sustainable and cost-friendly approach to chemotherapy is being researched. Sharmishtha Banerjee on her work Pg 58
Thomas Balsley enriches the urban environs with a landscaped oasis in the middle of Times Square, New York Pg 82
PHOTO-FEATURE The magic of chiaroscuro in everyday recall. Photo-journalist Cleo at her len’s best Pg 84
INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN Raebarelli in Uttar Pradesh is the next big address for state-of-the-art sports facilities dedicated to India’s rural segment Pg 94
YOUNG GUNS
GOURMET DESIGN
Kirtana Krishnan explores multiple facets in the realm of art with her peculiar brand of artistry Pg 62
ARTY-TECHTURE
ARCHITECTURE The serene aura of the Drepung Loseling Monastery echoes its minimal architectural interference in the forests of Mundgod Pg 66
UNMASKING TALENT
Chocolate trimmings that tantalize Pg 100
The Demon God in full form – Ravana – the room for the self indulgent at Le Sutra Pg 102
TECH DIARY With an eye on the morrow, technology is on an all-time high with the new Tata Pixel Pg 108
Design Consultant Sarabjit Singh’s take on hospitality trends Pg 40
Statistical fingers get agile on the drawing table – a chartered accountant turns interior designer Pg 72
PRODUCT LAUNCH
GRAPHIC DESIGN
LEGENDS
ETCETERA
Bosco Graphic Co. design the perfect signage to Calatrava’s architecture in Spain Pg 44
Down memory lane with Shri V A Mali, the doyen of Indian Portrait Painting, who celebrates his birth centenary this year Pg 77
Information and news from the design field: Art Review; Zaha Hadid’s new products; & Events Pg 119
All the news from the market Pg 113
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M A T R I X
May - June 2011 VOL. 1 • ISSUE 4 • `80
NTERIORS LE • DESIGN • I PEOPLE • LIFESTY
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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 following your magazine from the
keep in touch and send on anything that I
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ect. It is beautifully laid out and well written.
Puja Singh Nahar,
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MUD,
NATURALLY! For some people, being sustainable is a profession; for others it is a way of life. She is an architect of very strong convictions without being apologetic; her buildings are as ecological as they are timeless. We discover Revathi Kamath, the person behind the professional, who not just practices sustainable architecture, but lives it too. Words: Babita Krishnan; Images: Sameer Chawda & (projects) courtesy Kamath Design Studio
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Cover story JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 15
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Babita Krishnan: You live so far from the city!
RK: Oh all the time. I have done a home for Nandita, a friend
Revathi Kamath: Yes, isn’t it marvelous. You are surrounded
and client, which follows the same ethos. There is another home
by this forest; there is no sound of vehicles to disturb the peace
in Hartola, near Nainital that we are working on. Have also imple-
or concrete jungle to distort the view. The only sounds you hear
mented this in the conservation of the Ahilyabai Holkar Fort, where
are the birds, peacocks in particular, frogs, insects, etc. some of the
the owners were reviving the traditional weavers and their craft, etc.
peacocks even answer back when I call! Our most recent guests are
And not just homes, we are working on several institutional projects
a band of monkeys – they swing from the trees, use my solar cooker
as well, which again use these kind of materials and they are beauti-
as a jhoola and peep into the house.With the monsoons coming in,
ful. Then there is the Tribal Art Museum in Bhopal that is underway.
it gets even better. BK: You seem totally occupied with this project. BK: Tell us about your home Kachchi Kothi.
RK: Right now I’m in the process of correcting the building. This
RK: The architecture of my home is totally an expression of who
museum is for a lot of people. For the city it would be a repository
we are. We have used bamboo, mud and stone from right here. The
of information on the tribes of Madhya Pradesh, but for me it is very
entire surrounding ecology is a part of this house. I have recently
important that the tribals participate in making and recording their
made a sketch that documents all the birds, creatures of the ground,
heritage. Then it becomes a place where people who don’t live in
the use of solar energy, the green roof, wind-catcher, materials used,
the tribal fold anymore can come and be proud of their culture. This
the waste generated and recycled, all the plants, tubewell, etc.
place will look like a haat that these people can identify with. What-
When you hear a frog croak in the pond, it means all is well with
ever I know, I want to take it further. We are evolving constantly
the eco-system here. Living with all this and appreciating it is the
while working with certain materials, which actually generate and
beginning of the desire to keep all of nature’s bounty safe. There is
sustain life. I love to use tribal motifs as they speak a universal lan-
no option but to be synchronous with all that is around you. While
guage. I am trying to get some of the locals to create them for me.
it is fine to do it for a house, it has to be done at the scale of the city and civilization.
BK: Is there a lot of people-involvement in all of your work? RK: You are dealing with the poorest of the poor. I like to involve
BK: But is there any other project like this? Do people actually ask for it?
these people whose only contribution to the economy is by being our daily-labour, because that is the only way of raising them to the JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 17
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level of being artisans. A man who has been laying bricks should derive the pleasure of creating patterns with bricks to make his job an art. Let us not forget, today the biggest issue is to take economy to the people. We have been doing it for the last 30 years. BK: This affinity with the tribals is a little unusual… RK: Not from where I’m standing! (Laughs) As a kid I lived with my grandparents. My grandfather was the chief engineer of Bhuvaneshwar and he had this architect friend because of whom we all became interested in architecture – works on progressive architecture was my reading material. My father was also a civil engineer, making these huge dams in remote areas. On my visits to him, I would watch the tribals dance, go to the haat bazaar, participate in it, visit the houses of weavers, and try to understand their culture; especially drawings. These drawings are inspirational and go beyond cultures and eras. I have always studied and tried to interpret them. BK: Your projects do not seem to follow the conventional symmetries… RK: As opposed to intrinsic architecture, if you have to understand the relationship between spaces and the visual compositions, then you have to be in the complex geometry. It is amazing how many spaces can be visualized through the mathematics of organization. Complex geometries and mathematics have to exist in spa18 DESIGN MATRIX • JULY-AUGUST 2011
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cial relationships. I like symmetrical structures; but only if they have a clean and detailed rhythm within the symmetry. BK: I see a pencil in your hand. RK: All architectural design happens in a non-digital mind space; so till the computer absorbs and maps data of mathematical rhythm or music of designs, for us it is only a tool for producing speedy drawings and fast transfer to the site. It is truly amazing how the work space has changed completely. But it is still a tool and there is no substitute to hand sketches. That is how the design process starts. It allows the intuitive manifestation of the idea without us even trying. BK: Is that how you create these huge spans – roofs or gateways, etc.? I’m specifically referring to the Jindal project. RK: All structures need to be analyzed. We create a mathematical drawing, which is then fed into the computer and analyzed. To relate to everything around you, think in terms of dimensional geometry and then use it in drawings. Naveen Jindal wanted us to do his house and also the township. We saw the site, ideated and looked at the whole town ecologically. The two most outstanding things there are the gateway and the auditorium. We used a lot of steel. I love steel as it is again a very ecological material. The gateway is very contemporary, minimal and very aspirational. My son helped me with that design. He is an architect and an installation artist in LA. With technology, you can work together from anywhere if you think alike. So he does these beautiful drawings that my engineers create here. Now he is helping me with the bamboo structure
“
I love to use tribal motifs as they speak a universal language
”
for the Bhopal Museum. BK: So he is establishing himself as an installation artist/architect. What about your daughter? RK: She is at Havard pursuing Evolutionary Biology. But my son is far from content. Creative people are restless. You have to be dissatisfied, yet you can’t lose your inner repose. There is an aggression in creative people and that shows in your work, this repose balances it. Restlessness has to be channelized in some direction. You have to visualize yourself within the system, not as a victim; but a manipulator, who is thinking in some direction. Even the smallest thought in the right direction becomes a part of the whole, I really believe in that. BK: Take me back in time to the very beginning… RK: Oh that was years ago (laughs)! I did my architecture from SPA Delhi. Working with Vastu Shilp Foundation, Anandgram came my way. The project was instigated by Rajeev Sethi, who wanted an architect to plan a permanent settlement for these nomadic performers and craftspeople. I was just about to start my professional life and I took it up as a challenge. It was my first project and I wanted to bring tradition into the fabric of design. We studied their existing lifestyle and then went about creating their dwellings according to their needs. It has been planned in such a way that their lifestyle JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 21
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My relationships with clients are for life. Ogaan was made years ago. but I’m still involved there in every minor change done.
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is not hindered, but the city can now come in and interact with
BK: Is a LEEDS certification equal to being sustainable?
them. There are facilities all around. We have retained the trees.
RK: That’s what people feel these days. But these ratings
Even today this drawing holds. It was greatly appreciated by every-
have been designed for the European and American standards.
one in the Capital including Rajeev Gandhi. After that, things just
It begins with the assumption that a building will have air condi-
started rolling and one project led to another.
tioning, use artificial lights, etc. and then the whole endeavour is on how to reduce it. But look at our old Mogul buildings and
BK: How do you manage to juggle the two – your approach to clients and your sustainable designing?
havelies. They would score way beyond the LEEDS point system. It is all about how you market it. I don’t have anything against
RK: First of all, being a woman in this field is not a very easy
technology, and I won’t throw LEEDS out of the window, but
task – on a daily basis. Every day you have one encounter that will
architects who are aware of these materials can make better
put you in your place and keep you grounded. Moreover, I am inter-
buildings than the kinds, which are blatantly showy. Let us say,
ested in the character of the structure that I design and build, if I go
for humanity, it is one step forward; so let it be. Design should
soliciting for work, how will I be able to do all this? (Laughs).
be functional; it should have all the attributes within the context of recyclability. Whether it can be rated or not doesn’t bother
BK: What if a client doesn’t agree with your choice of material?
me. If I use this I get some points; and use that to get points! I
RK: It happens. There are times when you do projects that are
am not giving an exam to clamour for points. I would rather use
not ecological but you take the client one step forward and share
something within the urban context, like reflective surface for
your architectural sensibility with them. Neeru Kumar’s home that
the roof that will bring down the heat quotient of my building.
we are currently working on uses the modernist idiom but it is
I prefer creating something that does not take anything away
my interpretation of that idiom. Each space, proportions, etc. are
from nature; rather, when it is destroyed or broken down, every-
discussed in detail. There is a complex speculation of the kind of
thing should seamlessly go back into where it came from. When
spaces required but there is a simple linearity to the whole home.
you breakdown my buildings, everything will be reused.
By comparison, in Nandita’s house there was a free flow of open and semi-open spaces, the compositions were like that. Compositions come through by understanding the sensibilities of the client. What helps is the desire of people to break out of the routine life.
BK: You are probably the biggest champion of mud as a building material. RK: There is a huge social stigma against mud especially in
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North India, because traditionally in a patriarchal system, the
ship changed hands, and it is all mud. You have to do it right. It
physical reality in something like buildings was a way of express-
irritates me when people write against mud as a construction
ing superiority over time. So something that is light and will
material. Just because you could not accomplish it since your
blend back after you are gone is not acceptable. It is not about
method was wrong, doesn’t mean it can’t be done. It depends
creating something that should stand for generations to come;
on your understanding of the material.
whether they want and like it or not, it should have the ability to blend back into its source and should not harm the environ-
BK: So what does sustainability mean to you?
ment. All over the world, the process of breaking and rebuilding
RK: It just is. I don’t think we have an option. You have to be
is continuous. So much is dumped into the landfills. So why can’t
sustainable whether you do it now or later – depends on your
we have it in our system to create in a way that even after 50 or
level of evolution. Humanity has to evolve sustainable para-
100 years, if we bring a structure down, it blends back into the
digms on this earth, which is finite. Infinity is within each one of
environment. Nandita’s home was built 30 years ago and it is still
us and that needs to be explored to understand the finite energy
going strong, though now someone else is using it as owner-
and material on the planet
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Roving eye
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FOR THE LOVE OF MACHINE Recounting an informative and awe-inspiring journey to Stuttgart – the automobile city. Words & Images: Anand & Madhura Katti
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W
e had arrived in South West
automobile museums of Mercedes-Benz
Germany to be a part of the
and Porsche are also built here.
celebrations of 125 years of
The interestingly architectured ‘Mer-
car manufacture and the formost on our
cedes-Benz Museum’ is a passion, tradition
itinerary was a visit to the Mercedes Benz museum. Stuttgart, state capital of Baden-Württemberg in Germany is like a pilgrim place for any autmobile enthusiast. It was here that Wilhelm Maybach and Gottlieb Daimler jointly invented one of the very first automobile engines. Karl Benz then designed the first car using that engine. It is also the
The Mercedes-Benz museum presents and documents history of the automobile and mystic of brand through 1,500 exciting exhibits on 9 different levels.
and innovation in this automobile city and is situated in front of the main MercedesBenz production premises. Opting for the individual audio tour, we found that the museum presents and documents history of the automobile and mystic of brand Mercedes-Benz through 1,500 exciting exhibits on 9 different levels. The main themes of the exhibition include legendary automo-
location of the main production plants of
biles, technology and research, adventure,
both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Befit-
myths and milestones in 125 years of the
tingly, two of the world’s most outstanding
Mercedes-Benz history. The story of auto-
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mobiles is presented in the context of
there is no speed limit restriction in Germa-
industrialization, world economic growth
ny, making it another paradise for automo-
and challenges - through machines, cars,
bile enthusiasts. Test driving a new vehicle
motor vehicles, photos and text slides. An
here is sheer pleasure.
absolutely exhilarating ‘Silver Arrow – Races’ section presents highlights from the company’s long tradition of motor racing history. In 1872, Daimler had written to his wife from his house in Cologne, “From here, the star will rise”. In 1883, in co-operation with Wilhelm Maybach, Daimler constructed the first fast-running, light universal engine. Karl Benz designed the car in 1886. The Mercedes Star (emblem) was adopted for the first car. In 1926, the companies of Daimler and Benz merged to form the world’s first automobile factory in Stuttgart-Unter-
Audi employs more than half the 27,000 population of the city of Neckarsulm. It is amazing to learn that Audi first began its journey by producing knitting machines, followed by bicycles; motor cycles and then ventured into car making as late as 1906.
Each day brought on a revelation: we visited the race track at Hockenheim and were sadly informed that painfully fitted, exclusive cars can only be used for one race, after which they are scrapped. We then drove to Manheim – the city of the first car, where in 1886 Mrs. Bertha Benz along with her two sons, drove the Patent Motorwagen automobile that her husband had given up hope on, to her parents’ home in Pforzheim. On the 24th and 25th of June every year, motorists passionately re-trace her route. For those interested in cars of the
türkeim. A big ‘star’ has been revolving on
future, a visit to Manheim on 10th and 11th
top of the tower of Stuttgart’s main railway
September 2011 is an absolute must. The
station since 1951 and graces many other
premiere Bertha Benz Challenge here will
buildings in the city since then.
feature vehicles with an alternative driving
Another interesting discovery was that
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Stuttgart is also the headquarters of Porsche, one of the world’s best sports car manufacturers. The Porsche Museum that opened in 2009 has an unusual design of a floating, monolithic structure that seems to hover in the air. Nearly 80 vehicles and
For those interested in cars of the future, a visit to Manheim on 10th and 11th September 2011 is an absolute must.
innumerable smaller items are on show
development for lightweight body design, engine development and interior development of the elite car was intriguing. The chassis of Audi is made of an aluminium alloy and is rust-proof. In 2010 alone, the Audi plant here had started production of five new models Audi R8 Spyder, Audi A8,
here. The exhibition area displays Porsche
rally to commemorate 125 years of the great
the A8l, the new Audi A7 and A6 Sedan and
Classics and Professor Ferdinand Porsche’s
invention. The architecture of Baroque and
produced a total of 335,083 vehicles dur-
achievements in automotive development,
modern buildings across, and gardens at
ing the year. The company makes cars only
history of the brand presented through
the Square complemented the occasion.
against order and hence can design accord-
thematic emphasis, spotlighting Porsche’s
We boarded a vintage Mercedes bus to
ing to individual specifications.
most important vehicles, outstanding race
join the rally. Interestingly, the luggage rack
The automobile tour in Stuttgart can
rankings and technical innovations. The
inside was made of netted rope and seats
never end. There are many more places of
museum also has its own workshop for
were big and comfortable.
interest, like the Classic Centre in Fellbach
maintaining museum exhibits and private-
Next was a guided factory tour of Audi
near Stuttgart, Retro Classics Trade Fair and
ly-owned vintage cars. We were able to
that employs more than half the 27,000 pop-
the ‘Centre of Excellence’ in Sindelfingen...
watch restoration of vehicles – overhaul-
ulation of the city of Neckarsulm. It is amaz-
to name a few. And of course, there will be
ing of the engine, bodywork and chassis
ing to learn that Audi first began its journey
new models of Mercedes Benz, Porsche
through a glass partition in the foyer.
by producing knitting machines, followed
and Audi that will keep rolling out every
The celebrations continued to Stutt-
by bicycles; motor cycles and then ventured
year and we will have much more to look
gart’s Palace Square that was holding a car
into car making as late as 1906. Technical
forward to on our next visit
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UNDER THE OVER Ar. Nitin Killawala condemns the inexcusable state of affairs of Mumbai’s skywalks and metro rail project to Ar. Aamcher…
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I
Ar. Aamcher n the city of Mumbai, all infrastructure projects are sadly created not necessarily as amenity to citizens but to make profits for the government and contractors, where the design element is
grossly missing. The worst example is of mushrooming skywalks and FOB’s (Foot Over-bridge). It is a monstrosity of the highest order. Apart from their vulgar aesthetics – they are forced upon the citizens totally bypassing the aspirations of end-users. Over the last couple of years, MMRDA embarked upon some forty skywalks at the cost of over `670 crores. These skywalks in the Western and Eastern suburbs of Mumbai are a fraudulent project, where the nexus between bureaucracy and handful of contractors are virtually destructing the city on the pretext of convenience to pedestrians. Authorities have presumed human beings are robots and they will walk wherever and at whatever level they are forced to. None of the skywalks are terminated at proper junctions where other modes of transport or utilitarian spaces, parking lots, etc. are provided. These skywalks are the ugly face of construction technology. The outdated roof cover using polycarbonate sheets is not only collecting dust and dirt but retains heat during the day. The over-sized structural members in steel occupy fragile footpaths and already over-used, motorized roads. The MMRDA have given false affidavits in the Court of Law that trees would only be trimmed, but in reality hundreds of trees, several generations old, have been brutally uprooted. Similarly they gave assurance of providing escalators/elevators at convenient locations to all the skywalks. Now they claim that there is neither space nor funds to provide the same. The worst is dismantling of 3 skywalks because now they have come to realize that the skywalks are an impediment to the alignment of the Metro Rail; on a similar note the MMRDA had earlier claimed that the same would be connected to Metro Rail! There is virtually no space to construct Metro Rail (which is now being challenged in Bombay High Court). All stations proposed are in High-rise Category to be constructed in the middle of roads; therefore the thought of connecting it with skywalks is nothing short of absurd. MMRDA is not interested in carrying out projects in the best interest of the citizen but wants to systematically destroy the city at exchequers cost. Moreover, these days a lot is being discussed on ‘green’ issues. Infrastructure projects constitute 90% of investment in our construction industry but these authorities are not only ignorant about these sensitive issues but are even non-accountable. I strongly feel that cities should have an integrated world-class infrastructure facility, which is a backbone to its growth
To share more such designs or experiences, positive or negative, contact Ar. Aamcher at aamcher@designmatrix.co JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 33
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V
DINING WITH A
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Creative ideas
Words: Savitha Hira; Images: courtesy Park Associati
Experience the unusual...an 18-seater itinerant pack-n-carry restaurant that can sit anywhere – atop historical monuments, cliffs, even in the middle of the sea... JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 35
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H
i-tech is no longer just a word; it is
close to the headquarters of the European
and has a total floor area of 140 sq. m., dis-
a way of life! From touch screens
Community. It has been open for lunch and
tributed between a large open-planned
to virtual whiffs, almost every little
dinner in this location until the 3rd of July,
pavilion and a 50 sq. m. terrace space. The
mundane activity has donned a cyber man-
temporarily transforming Brussels’ skyline
pavilion is fitted with a visible kitchen and
tle. With ground space becoming premium,
with its presence.
a single large table that can be made to dis-
the sky is the limit – literally!
The project, conceived and organized
appear by raising it up to the ceiling; trans-
“The Cube - Dining with a View” – itiner-
by the Belgian event agency Absolute Blue,
forming the area into a leisurely lounge for
ant pack-n-carry restaurant is a brainchild of
has the design of the pavilion as well as
after-eating revelry. The kitchen, fitted with
the electronics giant, Electrolux. Designed
the interior design, developed by the Ital-
high-tech appliances in typical Electrolux
as a hi-profile mobile eatery, this semi-trans-
ian firm Park Associati, Milano; and Logo
style, proposes to host top international
parent structure celebrated its opening on
and Texture Design developed by Studio
chefs who will take turns in offering guests
1 April, 2011 in Brussels, sitting atop, none
FM Milano. The Cube, as it is easily called,
a show-cooking service with especially cre-
other than the Parc du Cinquantenaire,
is strikingly visible by its exterior white skin
ated menus.
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Conceived as a modular module, one
the outer surface. The base of the building,
and energy saving as well as those enabling
that suits all climatic conditions, even the
slightly raised with respect to the ground,
constant re-use.
most extreme; while always expressing the
accentuates the idea of lightness and clean-
The portable restaurant boasts of vis-
maximum in living comfort with its refined
ness of form that characterizes the entire
iting unexpected and dramatic locations
aesthetics and use of high-quality materi-
structure. Inside, more highly advanced
throughout Europe, active simultaneously
als, its interior is designed to suit different
technological solutions can be found in
in twin structures; two Electrolux Cube’s will
arrangements.
the lighting, heating, sound system and of
travel across Europe offering a memorable
course, the kitchen equipment.
dining experience for 18 guests per setting
The pavilion’s lightness of form is emphasized on the exterior by its white
The construction has the lightness and
in magnificent locations: Belgium, Italy, Rus-
colour and given a sense of movement
versatility of an exhibition stand juxtaposed
sia, Switzerland and Sweden, where it pro-
through the use of aluminium ‘skin’ that
with the design complexity of a building.
poses to reside for three months in each
has been laser-cut to create a texture with a
It uses materials that are highly innovative
location; on top of buildings, monuments
geometric design that covers the whole of
in terms of technology, eco-sustainability
and on occasions, even floating on water! JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 37
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The kitchen, fitted with high-tech appliances in typical Electrolux style, proposes to host top international chefs who will take turns in offering guests a show-cooking service with especially created menus. JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 39
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DESIGNS ON
HOSPITALITY
Interior Design Consultant Sarbjit Singh, of the Delhi-based Fabinteriors that has a staggering reputation in designing hospitality spaces, comments on the current trends and rues the technology takeover of hand-drawn sketches.
Design promo JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 41
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H
ospitality design has seen tremendous
change
–
& topping it all is the immaculate service.
rienced and widely exposed to global
simply
So how do you introduce the Indian
design trends, some have to their credit
because it is perhaps the ultimate
ethos in a contemporary and minimalistic
outstanding projects at par if not beyond
form of public design. Economic growth
set up? The design should ideally respond
those of designers from abroad. Indian
has increased the footfalls of business
to the regional history and culture and
Design Councils should maintain a data
travellers and hotels have to be custom-
ideal locations could be selected to high-
bank of the indigenous expertise avail-
ized to suit their requirements. The form
light the traditional elements, making
able in the country to assist promoters for
has become more international & func-
them the main focus. (Ceiling, Walls, Floor
recommending suitable design consul-
tions appropriate high-tech requirements
coverings, Artworks, Artefacts, Paintings,
tants appropriate to the scale and nature
catering to the needs of various business
Sculpture, Textiles are some of the ways
of the project.
categories, guest rooms ranging from 150
wherein Indian forms and motifs could
But more than anything else, it is the
sq. ft. to 400 sq. ft., & facilities starting from
be incorporated suggestively.) The design
growing dependence on technology that
offering compact accommodation with a
would guide whether one uses symbolic
many times deprives the design of a soul.
self help eatery to a fully loaded deluxe
representations or actual design elements
Definition of volume including the engi-
room having all inbuilt office functions.
to emphasize the cultural ethos. This
neering services for the space such as
Business travellers generally are short-
leads to another strange trend of inviting
the AC, electrical, plumbing, fire fighting
staying guests with high expectations; as
designers from abroad. Indian designers,
& detection, acoustics & other technical
such the hotel has to be technically per-
particularly the new generation, not only
backups need to be well-defined in abso-
fect, ambiance soothing & international,
understand our culture and are expe-
lute accuracy. Also, contents of the space
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such as furniture, fixtures, etc. being an
loose furniture to perfect the proportions.
in design functions, working through CAD
inherit part of the space, should be equally
Free-hand drawing has the benefit of
make it easier. There are countless advan-
well defined. But surface finishes, furnish-
expressing one’s thoughts spontaneously.
tages in terms of drafting, printing, trans-
ing, artwork & accessories, lighting set-up,
Many times during the course of discus-
ferring drawings electronically to any part
etc. undergo stages of refinement well
sion a quick 3D hand sketch is far easier
of the world through email.
within the scheduled programme to meet
and effective than explaining in so many
Hotel projects need to be planned
estimated deadlines.
words. Drawing is the carriage of design
well to be completed as per schedule
To arrive at taking decisions on various
and the two are inseparable parts of the
due to large commercial commitments. It
stages of design development, it helps to
process. A classic reference would be of
is important not to keep anything on an
sketch out the proposed concept for a
historical buildings classified as “Won-
open end beyond the date of completion.
preliminary review prior to moving to the
ders” – they were all made in the absence
Trends may come and go, but the flow
drawing board. When all aspects of the
of CAD facilities with utmost perfection &
of creativity needs to be constantly nur-
interior design and details with specifica-
accuracy.
tured while adapting to the ever advanc-
tions are resolved, the drawings are con-
Post approval of the design con-
ing technologies which should enhance
verted to a 3D virtual reality for a final
cept, which is so much easier through 3D
and not takeover the natural flow of
review prior to submitting working draw-
sketches, they can then be taken to the
thoughts
ings good for construction. While the site
CAD system, which has many technologi-
Sarbjit Singh is a member of the Indian Design
work is put to execution, one gets ade-
cal advantages over hand drawings. With
Council & Governing Council NID and can be
quate time to review the prototype of the
engineering systems to be incorporated
contacted at mail@fabinteriors.in JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 43
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Graphic design
ART PROGRAMMATIC
Digital technology carves out completely new and full-ofpossibilities solutions that positively impact the dynamics of graphic design.
Words: Savitha Hira; Images: Bosco Graphics, Spain JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 45
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I
t is truly amazing the lengths that man can go to, to showcase the wonders of arts and science to his fellowmen. The
City of Arts and Sciences or the Ciudad De Las Artes Y Las Ciencias (CAC), in Valencia, Spain is a unique complex devoted to scientific and cultural dissemination. Created through the dynamic collaboration of two Spanish architects – Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela – the structure, like all other Calatrava’s sculptural, signatory projects, has a consummate identity and an endless capacity for entertaining and stimulating the minds of its visitors. Therefore, integrating a signage programme in tandem with such strong architectural vocabulary, striking just the right balance, is an exercise commendably accomplished by Miguel Bosco and his team at Bosco Graphics, Spain. Establishing an authentic, permanent and functional dialectic, which collaborates in the understanding of messages, Bosco Graphics works on a signage system that is based on three essential points: sequence, prediction and structure. Rearranging the elements of graphics, and prioritizing those elements that control the operation of the buildings, one observes a meticulous simplification of the information and the types of signs. Likewise, graphics’ integration to architectural and corporative context and messages support systems are designed to merge with the architectural style and the museum contents. Analysis of signs’ location according to the function that they accomplish, and application of basic principles of clarity, legibility and visibility, establishes the prudent selection of graphic standards. Consequently, icons, selection of font, spatial flow, and colours... all weave a distinct story behind their choice and pattern of application. The chromatic code (white, black and grey) answers the functional and communicative characteristics of the space, where the chosen colours reinforce CAC’s identity and fit perfectly with the architecture. In respect of functionality, the choice of this range adjusts to the criteria of contrast with the buildings that every JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 47
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good communication has to accomplish.
a completely new technological dimen-
flexibility and easily manageable display of
As a basic rule, white colour is used for
sion, full of possibilities that can improve
information, the CMS is designed to com-
the signs and background, and the grey is
the presentation of contents. Incidentally,
pose coherent, dynamic layouts for differ-
used for content (texts and icons). The only
the digital system solves three essential
ent directional and informative content.
exception is in the digital signs, where the
problems: it improves the image and com-
Further, it can be updated in real time and
background is dark and the typography is in
munication; reduces the visual chaos and
allows for sequences to be scheduled, syn-
white for better on-screen readability.
encourages resources saving.
chronized, and assigned simply by select-
The selected font – Helvetica Neue
Two types of digital signs predominate:
ing one or more information points on an
Condensed – has a perfect tracking com-
a group of 5 LCD screens displaying ticket-
interactive map, so that the right informa-
position and balance between the differ-
availability and expositions-information is
tion can be displayed at the right time and
ent weights (thin, regular, bold) chosen to
positioned at the entrance of every build-
in the right place. This also facilitates easy
represent the different languages. Width of
ing. Totally, 4 groups of 5 LCD screens each
application by the staff, who can quickly
the letters adjusts the proportion of white
are ordained for the Museu Principe Felipe,
edit and update information every time
spaces between them; characters connect
and 2 LCD screens for the Hemisfèric. By
they add an exhibit, announce a workshop,
like the links of a chain; the line is compact.
the museum’s main path, a series of totems,
or remind visitors of how many seats are
Texts are written in small letters, for bet-
each comprising 2 LCD screens offers vari-
available for the current day’s IMAX show –
ter perception of the content, except and
able information: directional, promotional,
results always consistent with house style.
exclusively for the building names (always
specific, and informative about expositions
To guarantee consistency despite network
in capital letters); and in italics for extracts
and activities. The main project consists of
problems, if any, the system server only
of other texts. The thumb rule to follow
14 totems in the interior of Museu Principe
sends out new content, edits and updates,
in all signage systems is the economy of
Felipe, and 2 at Hemisféric. Digital charac-
letting client computers generate video
space; this significantly impacts the choice
teristic of the system allows an easy change
output themselves.
of typography with family Condensed as a
of contents, allowing dynamic, customiz-
determinant.
able and always-on-change information.
Besides static signs, a dynamic digi-
Torino-based
studio
“TODO”
With such laudable progress in digital methodologies and ease in installation
col-
and application, graphic design services
tal system is designed for the interior of
laborated with Bosco Graphics, design-
are today a multi-pronged synchronization
buildings. The use of digital contents dis-
ing a content management system “CMS”
designed to accomplish comprehensive
tributed across many screens provides
specific for this project. With the focus on
solutions via minimal intervention
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Design aspect
WOODY
ALIEN
Words: Savitha Hira Images: courtesy Gramazio & Kohler Architects
An architect firm manipulates a single design aspect – the façade – as their bludgeon to manifest a progressive approach to conventionality. JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 51
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T
here are generally varied views and
its village-rural structures for the most
stay of the project is its façade. This design
approaches to the diktats of urban
part. The preservation law here requires
aspect reinterprets the typology of the
planning, especially when they are
particular attention towards this sensitive
surrounding gable-roof houses and the
referenced to physical characteristics and
situation. The architect firm chosen for
building regulations’ mandatory require-
scales or as we say physical typology. Sev-
this project, Gramazio & Kohler, however,
ment of ‘the use of wood for the façade’.
eral academicians and researchers have
is a firm whose design philosophy is based
“The need for such a materialization, which
time and again reinstated that typology is
on a combination of the physics of built
at first sight appeared to be incompatible
critical to analytical, design, and regulatory
architecture with digital logics, where the
with our design intent proposing an exten-
situations in urban planning. However, the
potentials of the computer and of digital
sive window strip running along the edge
recent new sensual dimension in the expe-
fabrication become complementary to tra-
of the roof, led us to developing a wooden
rience of build structures offered by com-
ditional design, construction and building
slats structure enveloping the façade. This
puters and Computer Numerical Control
methods. Consequently, the sensual qual-
gives the house a homogeneous and con-
(CNC) fabrication processes that is being
ity of this design culture manifests itself in
tinuous wooden appearance and simul-
actively addressed and creatively explored
the novel expression of a digital material-
taneously activates, by modulating them,
by architects of our generation, provides a
ity. How the progressive firm has reinter-
the generous transparencies and visual
differential view of the approach to typo-
preted the state laws to find a via media
relationships between the living spaces
logically-driven design.
between the traditional and the contem-
and the spectacular surrounding,” informs
porary idiom is a fine feat that we chose
Fabio Gramazio, co-founder and principal
to illustrate.
architect of the firm.
Leafing
through
various
projects
addressing this issue, we zeroed in on a simple and beautifully designed home
The home in question is a dwelling
The architects have a significantly
located at Riedikon, near the city of Uster,
that faces an unbuildable green belt on a
discernible design on their hands that
about 30 kms from Zurich – one of the
lake in a typical Swiss village. Apart from all
has been accomplished by parametri-
oldest Swiss settlements that has retained
other design essentials involved, the main-
cally adapting form to context. They have
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applied the stipulations of two geometric
without losing out on the scenic sur-
operations to determine the ground plan
rounds.
shape of the house, adhering to the man-
“The private client, a sculptor, asked for
dates of ensuring a clear view of the lake
a house that could accommodate both, a
Credits:
from the neighbouring house and allow-
single person household and, in the future,
Client: Private
ing access and parking behind the house.
a small family. Additionally, a separate ate-
Architect Firm: Gramazio & Kohler, Zurich
Like a tent, an overhanging pitched
lier space in the ground floor was required.
Collaborators: Raffael Gaus (project leader),
roof covers the high rooms in the upper
Simple requirements… where the onus of
Anya Meyer, Cristian Veranasi, Manuel Bad-
storey. The window strip, which runs along
the design lay in interpreting the building
er, Damaris Baumann, Gabriel Cuellar, Peter
the edge of the roof, emphasizes the hori-
regulations and the typology of the geo-
Heckeroth, Claudia Nasri, Silvan Oesterle
zontal structure while 315 vertical wooden
graphic location,” he says.
Selected Experts: ibeg bauengineering
slats, affixed to the surface of the wall,
Although every single project is, in the
GmbH (structural engineer), Thomas Mel-
completely envelope the façade. By milling
beginning, a challenge for most architects,
liger (planning), Raumanzug (energy con-
the edges, cross sections of the slats have
in the case of Gramazio & Kohler, there is
sulting), Archobau AG (economy consult-
been modulated in correspondence with
always some innovative idea, often depen-
ing), Ralph Bärtschi (Programming)
the window strip so that requirements of
dent on some technology that is not yet
Site area: 655 m2
sight and sun protection are fulfilled, and
available on the market. The challenge is
Built site area: 134 m2
various, flowing levels of transparency set.
then to be able to realize it in time and with-
Gross floor area: 295 m2
Being innovative and daring to question
in the costs without losing the scope of the
Gross cubic space: 1001 m3
established methods and known aesthet-
initial idea. “The challenge lies in realizing
ics, the architects have designed a modern
a project that conveys something relevant
home with a triple-glazed glass envelope
about the ‘zeitgeist’ of our time without
to absolutely connect the inside-outside
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Design aspect Exhibition space Delightenment sets new standards in conceptual creative design.
& COLOUR C COL OL SPACE LIGHT Words: Sheena D’Lima Images: courtesy Delightenment
D
elightenment, coined cunningly from the words ‘delight’ and ‘enlightenment’ promises Pune’s culture-loving, kitsch set, a creative space, where everything unusual is celebrated and nothing is what it seems to be. Delightenment is
located a few paces from its older cousin ‘Either Or’ (Pune’s one-of-its-kind kitsch store) at Sohrab Hall. It was established on the 15th of January 2011 by the creative team at Either Or as an extension to the store. However, Delightenment is anything but a store! “It is a creative space that can be used for anything between a film screening and an exhibition hall,” explains co-founder Ritika Tikoo.
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We were already enamoured by
over so that it appears like the colourful
unassuming, I-put-it-there-because-I-felt-
the bright azure store-front shutter that
floors are a well-timed, happy accident.
like-it feel that lends Delightenment its
stood out, and sparklingly so, from the
The creative team who dreamt up Delight-
homely warmth.
drab brown and beige palette of Sohrab
enment have specially planned the space
Still, that’s not entirely why the place
Hall. Yet, nothing could prepare us for the
so that it could be multifunctional. This
holds so much charm. It only takes a quick
explosion of colour that splashed across
is why there is a table set for a food fes-
look around to feel like a child discover-
Delightenment when we entered its por-
tival in front of us, while a wall to our left
ing secret nooks and crannies. Take for
tals. The polished floors are a heady whirl
showcases an assortment of bric-a-brac;
instance, a small box-like structure jutting
of blue and orange. At certain points in
and a few steps away, books lie stacked in
out of the back wall with a shutter pulled
the room, paint buckets, their insides
no apparent order – the way they would
down. “It isn’t a shutter,” we stand cor-
crusty with fake dried paint, lay tipped
be on your bookcase at home. It is this
rected. It is a door designed to look like
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a shutter. We’re barely over the surprise
some extremely well deliberated upon,
not the trademark that subsumes your
when we enter a mirror-lined changing
though
individuality.”
room to greet multiple reflections of our-
theories back every such design sur-
August will mark the eighth month of
selves. “The thought behind this design is
prise at Delightenment. The creation of
Delightenment coming into being, and
to show that ideas can multiply in a min-
Delightenment really started with the
patrons have come to accept it as a place
ute, even a second,” explains the flesh and
wish to create a community of individuals
where one can expect the unexpected.
blood Ritika to one of our several reflected
who celebrate themselves. As Ritika puts
The bright colours offset by the soothing
selves in the mirror. And here we were
it, “We want you to discover your identity
white and pine wood make for a journey,
thinking that a changing room is a chang-
and let us support you in that journey. For
an experience, truly a celebration of vitali-
ing room is a changing room!
us, you are the centre and the performer
ty and variety, exactly the way the creators
on the stage of life. We are the assistant,
envisioned it
There are many such thoughts and
not-altogether-pop-philosophy
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My space
PURSUING
SUSTAIN 58 DESIGN MATRIX • JULY-AUGUST 2011
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NABILITY Design Consultant, Sharmistha Banerjee recapitulates her six-month journey that led to creating an innovative harvesting solution to extract cancer chemotherapy drug (taxoid) from taxus trees. Words & Images: Sharmistha Banerjee
H
ave you ever noticed the fine fragrance near a bunch of pine trees after a thunderstorm? It was March of 2010 when I did, while contemplating my Masters Thesis project at Technical University of
Delft in The Netherlands. As I enquired, I got to know about two scientists (Marijnissen and Roos), who inspired by this phenomenon, attempted to induce an artificial electric field (artificial thunderstorm scenario) around a taxus tree and managed to capture some white crystalline sprays of taxoid on their electrode. Unfortunately, due to the crude nature of the set-up, the leaves of the tree would touch the electrode, causing sparks, and would consequently burn out. Subsequently, they had been looking for someone to refine this possibly non-destructive (to the tree) technique and create an economically viable harvesting solution. I knew that taxoids are a group of very highly-priced cancer chemotherapy drugs. That they could be harvested artificially, was a revelation. I was told that this technique might phenomenally reduce the cost of these drugs; and I just could not stop myself from meeting these scientists for greater details. My job started with how this crude set-up could be converted into a commercially viable harvester. JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 59
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However, the even bigger challenge
strong belief in the ideology of ‘adapt-
into an extensive study of geometry and its
was the fact that it turned out to be a
ing to nature’, I proposed to design a sys-
implications on electric field. My aim was
multi-disciplinary project. Since trees were
tem wherein minimal invasion would be
to create a uniform electric field all over the
involved, I needed to consult a biologist;
required into the natural growth patterns
harvester.
since an electric field was required for the
of the taxus. Hence, I aspired to design a
extraction, I went on to collaborate with
harvester that will adapt itself to nature.
The next very crucial riddle was to negate the very big pain point – burning
electrical engineers; to understand the
Interestingly, a thorough study of the
of the needles (leaves). Devising an envi-
dynamics of growing and maintaining
taxus species revealed that there are 9 dif-
ronment friendly and non-destructive har-
taxus and to know more about its differ-
ferent species with several variations with-
vesting possibility thus became the core
ent species, I also engaged a horticulturist
in the same species. Taxus is available as
requisite of the entire project philosophy.
into dialogue. Now my team comprised an
natural growing trees or cultivated hedges.
So, if I were to find any success, I had to
expert each in biology, physics, chemistry,
So ideally my harvester had to work on
do something to prevent burning first. So
botany, electrical engineering, industrial
a non-invasive technique without any
I thought, why not provide an appropriate
design, horticulture and very interestingly,
hedge trimming or shaping. It would also
material defense to the needles so that
ecological philosophy. My harvester is a
have to cater to all the different species of
the electric field is non-destructive to it; is
true example of what heights a collabora-
taxus, which vary in terms of branch and
more effective in extraction and addition-
tive multi-disciplinary team can achieve.
leaf structure. These findings were encour-
ally adsorbs the taxoids so that it stays on
Very briefly, the analogy of the basic
aging as they were cost-effective too. The
the harvester till it can be retrieved at the
principle on which the harvester works
hedges once planted would not need any
end of the day.
is that after a thunderstorm, a fine fra-
manual intervention – this implied tremen-
A study of more than 200 different
grance of vegetation can be experienced
dous fuel saving costs on farm equipments
polymers and semi-conductors brought
near a bunch of pine trees. The fragrance
for shaping and trimming hedges. This also
me to the perfect answer.
is caused due to the imbalance in electric
meant that I could carry sustainability up to
field in the atmosphere, which in turn is
the very core of the system.
I thus went on to create a working prototype and adjust various parameters to
balanced by the trees by releasing bio-
After having passed the test of my
prove my design. It has been a year now
chemicals into the atmosphere. With a
ideology towards design, I had to embark
that the hedges on which I conducted
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the experiments are doing perfectly fine.
ABOUT:
Hence the non-destructive nature of the
Sharmistha Banerjee is a Design Associate
design is quite evident.
at Shenoy Innovation Studio, IDC, IIT Bombay, Mumbai.
It was now important to propose a
She has recently completed her Masters in Integrated Product
viable commercial setup in which this har-
Design from the Technical Universality of Delft, The Netherlands.
vester can be placed. From yield calcula-
Focussed in the area of innovative product & system development
tions, it was obvious that centralized farm
in a collaborative work environment, this is her most challenging
set-up will be needed for the proposed
project. She can be contacted on 91 9768424980
harvester. Initial calculations involving the
or banerjee.sharmistha@gmail.com
proposed design of a sustainable farm-
Blog:http://shenoy-innovation-studio.blogspot.com
ing and harvesting scenario indicate that it is possible to bring down the cost of
ABOUT TAXOID
the drug by about 20 times. I am thrilled
Taxoids are a group of cancer chemotherapy drugs and are priced at around ` 2500 per
to the core imagining the implications to
mg. Each patient requires approximately 2g of taxoid for treatment and that’s what makes
the large underprivileged cancer patients
the cancer treatment so expensive. Synthetic and cheaper versions of the drug are also
across India, Africa and any other develop-
available but they have a low curing spectrum. Hence doctors prefer the natural drug. Also,
ing country. Another aspect of the achieve-
the concentration of taxoids in the trees is so low that six 60-100 year old trees are required
ment that gives me great pleasure is the
per patient. The current processes require either the tree to be cut or all needles (leaves)
fact that now I can extract pure taxoids that
to be pruned and digested through an array of chemicals. This has brought the tree close
do not require any further chemical pro-
to extinction. Hence cancer treatment sounds very unfriendly to the pocket as well as the
cessing and allow the trees to live happily
environment.
ever after. Thus, herein lay a seed of nature friendly, sustainable and renewable farming era. This technology, if successful, can bring in a green revolution in the essential oil industry. My efforts continue…
HOW DOES THE HARVESTER WORK? • The harvester clasps a branch • The geometry of the harvester distributes all leaves in the branch uniformly. • The electrode in the harvester starts the extraction process, which runs typically for around half an hour at a time. • The insulator on the harvester protects the leaves from burning due to the electrode. • The insulator also adsorbs the taxoid extracts. • The harvester then moves on to clasp the next branch. • At the end of the day all the collected taxoids can be extracted from the harvester by an ethanol wash. • Same branch can be harvested with an interval of 3-4 months JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 61
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Young guns
ART
ATTACK We uncover the story of a blogger, who realized her potential as an artist, and is climbing up the ladder to success via Facebook. Words: Priyanka Mathur & Varun Godinho; Images: courtesy the designer
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K
irtana Krishnan, 22, is as unconven-
Kirtana was initially worried that she
tional as they come. She’s an artist;
would eventually discover that she should
although she says that she’s a musi-
have stuck to painting; however, as she
cian, blogger, and graphic designer – all
started learning Photoshop, all her appre-
rolled into one. Candidly admitting that she
hensions disappeared and she began to
is still to find her “niche”, she’s also one of
thoroughly enjoy what she was doing. A
the rare breed of versatile visual artists, who
self-employed designer and artist, her main
flits between media that ranges from walls
project these days is to set up a website and
and shoes to canvases and virtual spaces.
portfolio for herself. Though it is just a Word-
This young artist started painting only
Press customization, she has been picking
about three years ago, when she was in her
up stuff over the past one year from friends
last year of college. Her first ‘project’ was
who design and from the internet. Through
painting a pair of canvas shoes for herself.
her website, she has been able to discover
“They were cheap white shoes, and I didn’t
the wonders of the mixed media world. Her
really care about ruining them,” explains Kir-
new-found love now is mixing traditional
tana. “So I painted them. In retrospect, that was a pretty ugly pair, but I was pleased with it back then.” This led to a series of shoes, after which she began to look for a medium less restricting and decided to move on to painting guitars, which were larger ‘canvases’ in comparison. Two guitars and two walls later, she opted for the traditional canvas, finding it to be a great medium and one she could freely express with. Like most artists, every one of Kir-
Her new-found love now is mixing traditional and digital, apart from reworking paintings in Photoshop. She also enjoys doing photo manipulations and is ecstatic about how it all works so beautifully together
tana’s projects revolves around a theme.
and digital, apart from reworking paintings in Photoshop. She also enjoys doing photo manipulations and is ecstatic about how it all works so beautifully together. Today, Facebook serves as an excellent platform for young entrepreneurs like Kirtana. After painting her first pair of shoes, it became a hobby of sorts. A friend suggested that she start selling shoes. Despite her initial apprehensions, her friend remained determined and helped her set up a Facebook page and all of a sudden, she was in business. Through the networking site,
She explains, “When I was painting shoes,
behave on a surface, as compared to ink.
she has now been able to sell artwork,
I always worked in keeping with a theme.
Designing, of course, is all about the brief.
make several contacts with gallerists and
The client would give me a theme – some-
So far, she has worked with branding, layout
media people. Keeping the overall tone of
one wanted Rastafari and somebody else
designing, artwork, illustrations and Word-
her business casual, she only tells people
wanted the number 13. I always spent a
Press customizations.
about what is on the site, requesting them
lot of time doing some basic research so I
Once she had several projects under
to check it out sometime. She is confident
could find elements I wanted to work with.
her belt, she decided to step into the digi-
that there will always be someone out there
For people who didn’t really have a theme
tal world. Says she, “Painting for a living is a
who will find her products interesting and
in mind, I’d ask them to tell me about the
hard thing to do, good for pocket money at
eventually buy them. Given Facebook’s
things they liked and did, their favourite
my level, but not much more. Sometime last
popularity, there will also be more people
colours, their favourites from my previous
year, while I was trying to figure out what I
who will stick around on her page and
shoes, to get an idea of their taste. However,
wanted to do with my life and my career, a
“like” things regularly and share her links. It
when it came to canvases, very few people
friend suggested graphic design. He was a
doesn’t matter if all of them aren’t buying.
gave me themes to work on. Everything
designer himself, and he reckoned that if I
When you’re 21 and feeling uncertain about
was left to my discretion.”
could do fine art, I could probably do com-
where you’re heading, it’s nice to just feel appreciated sometimes, she feels.
While she is experimental with her
mercial art equally well. I was apprehensive
ideas, she, however, is not as experimental
because I knew that I’d have to develop a
Judging from Kirtana’s achievements, a
with the medium she uses. Though she has
whole new set of aesthetics to become a
year down the line, she has embarked on a
tried painting with ink and tea before, she
designer. Besides, the only thing I could do
path that shows tremendous promise. That
tends to stick to acrylics most of the time.
with a computer was check my mail. I was as
she has an eye for art, irrespective of the
She feels that though ink gives rich colours,
far from being tech-savvy as one could ever
medium, is an undisputed fact, and her will-
it doesn’t last as well as acrylics do. Also, it
be. It was scary, because nobody wants to
ingness to experiment is what sets her apart
is a lot easier to predict how acrylics will
start off on a whole new path at 21.”
from the others in the field
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Architecture
Unspoilt by human aspirational interventions, Mundgod in Karnataka is the ultimate sanctuary for, reputedly, the world’s largest Tibetan Monastery. Words: Savitha Hira; Images: Arun Narvekar; courtesy Upalekar Sadekar Architects
SILENCE IS
GOLDEN
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J
ust like a set of project drawings are a
flat agricultural land with soft soil condi-
and the terrain cut down to the hardest
compilation of sections, elevations and
tions, and amidst hot and humid climate
rock. This of course negated the use of any
perspectives, a designer’s repertoire
with heavy rainfall, is 2, 38,000 sq. ft. of land
retaining walls. However, the flight of steps
spans multi-faceted design programmes.
pledged to Tibetan monks. With the vicin-
became an unavoidable feature as it held
Upalekar Sadekar Architects have been in
ity known for Tibetan settlements and six
a symbolic reverence for the monks, who
practice since 1981 working with their USP,
other monasteries, this area, too, has been
climb up the height of 12-14 feet to pay
which is “creative deliverance across diverse
developed into a beautiful large monastery,
obeisance to their deity.
projects”.
perhaps the world’s largest one. When the
Maintaining the basic guidelines, the
Apart from the regular fare that every
team began working on the construction,
monastery has its main entrance at the first
designer sprints through, Upalekar Sadekar
they found that they could contribute a
floor level, leading to the main hall. The
Architects have had the novel experience
very personal touch by way of design in the
ground floor hosts the dormitories and
to design a mosque, a monument symbol-
predictable construct of this religious sect.
common toilets; while the other domestic
izing peace, a monastery…etc. While each
Generally, the norm for construction of
quarters occupy the periphery. Respecting
of these structures are generally governed
a monastery lays out two mandates: a flight
the ordained size of the main chanting hall
by a very stringent set of standard norms
of steps leading to the main hall, and reclin-
(the foremost and most prominent feature
and parameters for intervention, the archi-
ing walls. While the architects understood
of a monastery), the grid of structural col-
tects relate their experience in making a dif-
that the features were an integral part of
umns and beams, etc., the large span in the
ference as part of the social fabric of their
the hitherto programmes of monasteries
200 x 190 sq. ft. main chanting hall with a
services.
being built on hill slopes and rough terrain;
ceiling height of 38 ft., has been infused
Situated in the midst of a forest area
here the design could be defined differ-
with a touch of skylights that usher ample
in Karnataka, adjacent to village Mundgod,
ently. Firstly, since the land was agricultural
natural light into the innermost areas of the
approx. 55 km from Hubli, on a partially
to a large extent, foundations had to be laid
hall, whilst clerestory windows at higher
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levels provide for natural light and ventila-
outdoor gathering areas, chanting rooms,
tion in the surrounds.
and well-landscaped surrounds. The typical
The other significant feature of a mon-
feature of pagodas here are also used as a
astery – the elaborate and vibrant Tibetan
camouflage for ancillary services on the ter-
art work that is generally done in Plaster
race viz., staircase rooms, lift machine room,
of Paris, has been re-programmed to be
water tanks and vent pipe outlets; where
executed in moulded fibre glass for speedy
the height of the ceiling to the topmost
execution and a long-lasting effect. This
level of the pagoda is 110 ft.
meant that the architects detailed the
The Drepung Loseling Monastery
artwork, trellises, emblematic references
thus follows a design style that is typically
and the like, and communicated the same
Tibetan with red brick, ochre yellow and a
through scaled drawings and details to the
black-and-white base. Internally, the abbey
specialized Tibetan craftsmen, who then
is as serene with its monumental brass Bud-
executed the same to precision-driven skill
dha seated on an alter against a backdrop
and intensity.
of hundreds of miniature Buddhas, instan-
With regard to the remaining spa-
taneously overpowering one with calm
tial programme, the project commanded
and sobriety; as it is vibrant with its heavily
good cross ventilation, high ceilings, big
ornate brackets and colourful columns; its
windows and double walls for insulation;
precisely spaced rows of red floor mats, and
a five-storey ancillary building with rooms
the typical orange and maroon garb of the
for visitors and special domestic quarters
dedicated monks, urging one to live life to
for the Dalai Lama; prayer halls, debate halls,
the fullest
The large span in the 200 x 190 sq. ft. main chanting hall with a ceiling height of 38 ft., has been infused with a touch of skylights that usher ample natural light into the innermost areas of the hall.
JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 71
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Anshita Asnani uncovers her latent talent as an interior designer and gives the best of them a run for their money.
FINANCE MEETS DESIGN
Words: Sheena D’Lima; Images: courtesy Anshita Asnani
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Unmasking talent
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I
t is difficult to visualise a hard-core pro-
but not many trained CAs can boast of the
fessional with figures on her fingers and
same thing. Anshita, who also designed
balance sheets on her mind actually set-
her guest house, recounts that designing
ting aside time and effort to create an aes-
an office and a home were two totally dif-
thetically resplendent workspace – albeit
ferent experiences. “When you’re thinking
for herself. Every morning, after a round of
of designing a home, you always remember
golf, Anshita Asnani, a chartered accoun-
that the key focus is relaxation. But an office
tant walks into her office in Ahmedabad,
space has different requirements altogeth-
Gujarat at Urban Management Consultants,
er,” she muses. It did not take long for her
where she is also Managing Director. Work
to figure out just what these requirements
begins as usual until a visitor walks into her
were. “I wanted a space that reflected a
office and complements the fountain or the
fine blend of energy and relaxation,” she
design of the lobby. That’s when Anshita
confirms, stressing the need to create an
recalls with self indulgence, “I designed this
atmosphere where people were driven and
office.”
focussed enough to work out creative solu-
For a professional interior designer or
tions in a high-stress industry.
architect, it’s all in a day’s work to whip up an
Once she got the idea set, it was time
office or two or a holiday home in Timbuktu
for execution. Aware of the mammoth task
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she had taken upon herself, Anshita chose
the real estate market is supposedly at an
to tread with nothing but utmost caution.
all time high.
She contacted everyone who could possi-
Anshita is brisk and businesslike when
bly help in the process. “I got a contractor
asked about the challenges she faced dur-
to look into things like air-conditioning sys-
ing the project. “Nothing happened that
tems, plumbing, water proofing and load
doesn’t happen in other industries. Stress,
bearing walls. Besides, I also needed help
last minute panic attacks. What can you do
dealing with suppliers of material like wood,
but crib a little and move on?” she says with
cement, etc.” The drawn plans of her office
the air of someone who deals with emer-
space sat on her desk for months getting
gencies everyday.
fine tuned; and she only went ahead with
This is not to say that the ride was all
the construction when she was absolutely
smooth sailing. The experience of a char-
certain about what she wanted to do. And
tered accountant donning the cap of a
the caution paid off. “Once the construction
designer came with its fair share of worry,
started, touch-wood, there were no chang-
not the least of which was managing the
es made to any of the original plans. Today,
ture and colour invokes a sense of character
company side-by-side. “I came through it
this office space stands exactly the way it
and articulation to the space. The office has
and the experience has taught me how to
was envisioned,” she smiles.
two broad divisions – the first is a recep-
be patient,” she says. And would she take
The office itself, true to what Anshita
tion, the director’s office and a meeting
on designing another space somewhere
defines as her personal style, is minimalist
room; the second consists of the work pool.
else in the country? “I doubt it, at this stage,”
without being too stark. The use of materi-
Abundant natural light, neutral tones and
and laughs, “It’s too stressful and very dif-
als like Zikki plaster, concrete, Cudappa and
clean bright lines of the office character-
ficult and I would have to set aside a lot of
wood, together make for a look that in tex-
ize this new work space – in a state where
time”
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Legends
L I V I N G L E G E N D O F P O R T R A I T PAI NTI NG
V A MALI Artist Gayatri Mehta walks down the pages of portrait painting in India and celebrates artist Shri V A Mali’s contribution to the nation on the occasion of his birth centenary this year.
Words: Gayatri Mehta; Images: courtesy the Art Society of India, Gangal Publications JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 77
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Mali’s portraits adorned the walls of high courts, Parliament House and other public places of high prestige.
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I
t was a recognized tradition of yore to
revered ones for posterity.
credit and irreplaceable page in Indian art
adorn the walls of important places
In India particularly, portrait painting
history with his incarnation of the images
with portraits of the men that gave the
finds reference in mythological stories of
of Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati, which
institutions their standing in society. Judg-
Aniruddha and Usha, where a friend of Usha
through his oleographs have reached
es, renowned industrialists, even family
is mentioned as an artist making a portrait
almost all households in the Indian sub-
portraits that were hand-painted very artis-
of Aniruddha based on a description by
continent.
tically recounting the general expression
Usha. Gandhar sculptures portrayed Shiva,
Gradually, the subject of portraying
of the family elders, along with portraiture
Parvati and other deities with mythological
kings and heroes graduated to that of poli-
through calendar art, were until not very
and historical figures in sculpture and relief
ticians, industrialists, and civic servants of
long ago the most accepted manner of fine
form in temple complexes. Miniatures also
the highest ranks according to the prevail-
art in homes, corporates and public offices.
showcased portrayal of lords, kings and
ing standards of importance. Sir J J School
In fact, portrait painting has an age-
emperors. These were representations with
of Art became the formal centre for learn-
old tradition in each part of the world with
a strategic standard laid down by the aes-
ing and teaching the art of painting, where
a unique style of composition, use of the
theticians or the proficiencies of that era.
Shri A X Trindad, Shri Pestonji Bomanji, Shri
medium and style of handling; as also the
Under Western influence, however,
M F Pithawala, Shri S L Haldankar, Shri M V
socio-economic impression on both, the
portraits with realistic representation of
Dhurandhar and others were the learned
subject and the style of the era in which
human form got rooted for the contem-
masters of portrait painting carrying for-
it is painted. This legendary art was never
porary style of portraiture. Raja Ravi Varma,
ward the baton of realistic art of which
lost from time immemorial because of the
the pioneer of portraiture, in addition to
a name of rare caliber, Shri V A Mali, rose
inherent human desire to perpetuate the
painting kings, also painted mythological
to the highest rank. Shri Vasantrao Anan-
image of self or of loved ones or even of
figures and common people. He has to his
trao Mali was born on August 22, 1911 at
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Kolhapur. Son of Shri Anantrao Mali and
of India). Mali’s portraits adorned the walls
Grandson of Malharao Mali, both artists of
of high courts, Parliament House and other
repute, V A Mali had the inherent qualities
public places of high prestige. To name a
of an artist. Unfortunately he lost his father
few of innumerable famous personalities
early, and his uncle Shri Damodar Kolvalkar
that were captured as portraits by him: Mr.
reared him. A renowned photographer of
Boman, (mayor of Mumbai), Shri Chhagla
his time, Kolvalkar understood the capabil-
(Justice, Bombay High Court), famous sur-
ity of his young nephew and enrolled him
geon Dr. V N Shirodkar, industrialists like
into Ketker Art Institute of Drawing, and lat-
Shri Lalchand Hirachand, Shri Shantanurao
er into Sir J J School of Art. At the age of 22
Kirloskar, Shri G D Birla, Shri S M Dahanukar,
years, Shri V A Mali with his dedication and
Smt. N S Dahanukar etc.
Today at the age of 100, he has become a little frail, his memory almost lost, but he still fondly remembers his art of portraiture, his studio in Girgaon and his success as a portrait painter.
hard work, achieved mastery in painting,
My association with ‘Mali sir’, as we
the studio was also equipped with a stage
which won him prestigious gold medals
fondly call him, is from the day I became
where he would make his models sit. From
from The Bombay Art Society. He painted
a member of The Art Society of India, and
there, he tells us that he used to go out and
all types of subjects like landscapes, still life
later got closer when I was elected as part
catch hold of interesting characters and
and figures, but was always special with his
of the working committee. A strong but
paint them. His portraits not only include
portraits.
modest person always dressed in black or
the elite and famous but also the common
His undeniable skill for portrait painting
blue suit and always wearing his innocent
characters of everyday life – albeit with a
recognized him as one of the topmost rank-
smile would be the most punctual person
special look like monkey tamer; the tuntun-
ing painters of the prevailing masters when
in all the programmes and meetings. There,
wala, the kadaklaxmi, the peacock seller,
three portrait artists of the highest calibre
the human aspect of Mali sir was more vis-
the famous Nepali woman smoking a pipe,
were invited to paint the portrait of then
ible, where he would care for all the artist
etc. Today at the age of 100, he has become
Chief Justice of High Court Sir Beaumont.
members, their paintings. A person of few
a little frail, his memory almost lost, but he
Shri V A Mali’s portrait was highly acclaimed
words and great deeds with an encourag-
still fondly remembers his art of portraiture,
and was selected to adorn the walls of the
ing approach to all around him, he would
his studio in Girgaon and his success as a
High Court. This gave him immense popu-
never get angry but stick to his principles
portrait painter when he was selected to
larity. He was later on invited by Lady Beau-
and policies with firmness.
paint Chief Justice Sir Beaumont; his por-
mont to paint her portrait too. The unend-
Mali sir has often regaled us with anec-
trait of the legendary cinematographer
ing journey of painting portraits continued
dotes and memories of his long innings
and great artist Shri Baburao Painter of
till he was 95 years of age, when he painted
as a painter. His uncle had a huge photo-
Kolhapur; his association with famous art-
and gifted a life-size portrait of Shri Mahavir
graphic studio at Girgaon and Mali sir was
ists; his colleagues at the Art Society of
Prasad Saraf (the great philanthropist and
given a special place for painting there.
India and his friends Shri N S Bendre, Shri
donor for the renovation of The Art Society
Well lit with huge windows and skylight,
S L Hadankar, Shri Hebbar, Shri B V Talim,
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and Smt. Prafulla Dahanukar . He adores his
photographic. They have that touch of
ABOUT GAYATRI MEHTA:
association with The Art Society of India,
the artist where the ardent proficiency of
Gayatri Mehta is a professional artist who
where he has contributed a great deal for
handling his medium, be it oil paint or soft
creates allegorical compositions and
more than sixty years in various capaci-
pastels; his compositional perfection; his
subjects of everyday life in representational
ties as President, Committee Member and
use of somber colour schemes and also the
manner. She is currently the Jt .Secretary
Chairman.
vision to capture the passing expressions of
for the Bombay Art Society and on the
My passion for portrait painting was
the sitter make his portraits inspiring and
working committee of The Art Society of
roused in my adolescent years. The art of
serve as guiding landmarks to beginners
India.
portraiture was always a fascination. To
and professional and to academic portrait
me it was an art form of ultimate perfec-
artist.
tion. I always feel that the camera captures
In an era of modernity, where tempta-
similarity of a person in a fraction of time;
tions are alluring, he passes the baton of
but, when an artist creates a representa-
representational art (which imbues dedica-
tion with much longer time and effort, it
tion and relentless hard work), to contem-
personifies the character of the sitter and
porary masters, with tremendous success
also the expression of the artist. That is why,
and satisfaction of honesty still glowing on
may be still, all around the world, portraits
his face at the age of 100. We, the art frater-
are painted and appreciated everyday.
nity are celebrating his birth centenary at
I am inspired by Shri V A Mali’s dedica-
Coomarswamy Hall, Prince of Wales Muse-
tion to painting portraits relentlessly for so
um, Mumbai on August 22, 2011 to salute
many decades. His portraits have tremen-
the living legend for all his efforts and con-
dous similarity to the models but are never
tributions. Everyone is welcome JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 81
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T
homas Balsley Associates (TBA), creators of some of America’s most acclaimed urban parks and public
spaces, have applied their unique landscape sensibility to a different kind of project, now open in midtown Manhattan – a 1,500-square feet, gem-like courtyard at the Intercontinental New York Times Square Hotel.
The garden’s sculptural focal point is a metallic sapling cluster whose form strikes a compelling dialogue with its Zenlike environment.
terns across the ground plane that has been detailed in bright white-washed riverstones. Subtle concealed LED lighting accents the composition elements throughout the day and evening. Other “layers” of the landscape include a series of staggered, sheared boxwood hedges beside a floating stone bench; the
comes hotel guests as they walk into and
bench itself adrift in a white-washed field of
Located in the centre of the vibrant
around the lobby. Deceptively simple, the
river stones that recalls the rock karesansui
Times Square entertainment district, this
courtyard is actually comprised of a series
gardens of Japan. This dynamic landscaped
hotel is a convenient base for well-travelled
of strategically layered landscape features,
theatrical backdrop is set off against a lami-
tourists and various guests from around the
all of them conceived and orchestrated by
nated granite wall and a line of tall illumi-
world. The building’s lobby is intended as a
Thomas Balsley.
nated bamboo in stainless steel planters.
respite from the hustle-bustle of the street,
The garden’s sculptural focal point is a
Working together as an ensemble, these
and the courtyard serves as its serene cen-
metallic sapling cluster whose form strikes a
various layers of composition provide a
trepiece.
compelling dialogue with its Zen-like envi-
sense of depth and frame the views from
This private “vest-pocket” park (as the
ronment. With an illuminated red resin wall
the reception lobby as well as from the
TBA team calls it) first becomes visible
as its backdrop, a constructed metal tree
hotel restaurant and lounge on either side,
through a window just beyond the check-in
clump appears to occupy an island floating
with perspectives that vary and shift from
desk. In a conscious attempt to subtly catch
in the zero-edge reflecting pool. Bamboos
room to room – making every visit a differ-
attention, it seems an oasis of tranquility
in a stainless planter, dwarf boxwood and a
ent experience.
afloat in the interior that entices and wel-
laminated granite wall strike dramatic pat-
Says Balsley, “This courtyard is designed
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Landscape design
THE ZEN APPEAL Words: Shekkhar Viswanathan; Images: courtesy TBA
Reflecting Thomas Balsley’s mission of enriching our urban experience is this landscaped oasis in the middle of Times Square. to oxygenate the hotel, both literally and figuratively. The Zen-like space offers a visual and spiritual retreat to the hotel’s guests as they retreat from the city’s bustle and serves as a visual feature for the premium restaurants that book-end the court.” For over 35 years, TBA has reshaped urban space around the world by designing landscapes that teem with public life, and are a source of civic pride. A graduate of Syracuse University and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Balsley lectures and teaches at universities around the world including Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, the University of Pennsylvania, the National Building Museum and Seoul National University. For a firm the Intercontinental courtyard shows TBA’s artistic muscle at a fine-grain level. The same civic-minded spirit that is reflected in projects like Dallas’ Main Street Garden, Tampa’s Curits Hixon Park, and Manhattan’s new Riverside Park South is in evidence here, continuing Thomas Balsley’s nearly four-decade mission of beautifying and enriching the urban experience and his belief that, “Public open spaces are the great democratic spaces, the ultimate common ground” JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 83
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Photo feature
PAT T ER N ED
LIGHTS Light dispels darkness and vice-versa. But, when the two get together, they produce brilliant patterns; shapes and textures, forms and characteristics are at play. Bangalore-based PhotoJournalist Cleo captures patterns created by light and dark. We find mundane things like curtains, shadows on the wall, city lights from a mountaintop, fire crackers so on and so forth, taking on a different dimension in the shadows of light and darkness.
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aesthetics...hospitality...mindspace
Thousands of years of Indian ethos, put together in a small hotel, the first of its kind in the world! The 14 rooms are virtual art installations, each based on a ‘Character’ (Ravana, Ashoka, Buddha) or ‘Characteristic’ (Sensuality, Love, Purification) from a theme in Indian culture; where every inlay and artifact tells its part of the room story. Dine at the award winning restaurants Out of the Blue, Olive Bar and Kitchen and Deliciaethe dessert café. Gallery space for Art shows, Supper Theaters, Promotions & Events...
14, Union Park, Khar (w), Mumbai-400052. Tel: 91 22 32511447, 26492995/7 Email: reception@lesutra.in Web: www.lesutra.in
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for all your interior needs indeed, it can only be described as a dream come true. stellar, india's premium home finishes showroom will stock the finest of kitchen trimmings, bathroom embellishments, hardware, veneer, plywood, designer tiles & wooden flooring under one roof that'll make your dreams come alive in brick and mortar. spread over 15,000 sq.ft to pick the most exclusive fixtures and accessories for world-class projects that can only do with the very best. please make it for the first look of what will soon be your preferred destination.
step in. set a trend
kitchen trimmings bathroom embellishments hardware veneers plywood designer tiles wooden flooring
showroom : 8-2-293 / k / 308, main road kamalapuri colony, jubilee hills, hyderabad-500073. phone : +91-40-66380007 / 66480007, fax : +91-40-23558007, email : stellar@ptdstellar.com, url : www.ptdstellar.com head office : 6-3-3/2, main road, new bhoiguda, secunderabad-500003. phone : +91-40-64620007 / 27538466, fax : +91-40-27534468
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ON ANVIL THE
Words: Savitha Hira; Images: courtesy Studio Symbiosis
Studio Symbiosis spearhead their design of a new multi-programme stadium at Raebarelli, pledging rural India a sporting showground with cutting-edge design standards.
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D
espite the miasma that surrounds
system is said to be a unique experiment,
houette conceptualized on the ripples that
political activities in India, one
unparalleled in the annals of school educa-
pebbles create when thrown into water.
cannot ignore the progressive
tion in India. Their most recent project in
This simple delightful activity is defined into
steps that are bridging the urban-rural
the development of infrastructural facilities
a large sports complex that accommodates
divide; albeit very gradually. One such
at Raebarelli is a multi-programme stadium
a variety of gaming zones for cricket, foot-
effort from the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti
called ‘Athletic Ripples’. It is conceptualized
ball, kho-kho, lawn tennis, hockey, volley-
(an autonomous organization under the
by Amit Gupta and Britta Knobel Gupta of
ball, basketball and badminton in addition
Ministry of Human Resource Development,
Delhi-based Studio Symbiosis, with the
to an athletics running track, indoor game
Department of Secondary & Higher Educa-
focus on cutting-edge contemporary archi-
hall, swimming pool, dormitories and guest
tion, Govt of India.), is the proposed sta-
tecture.
houses.
dium facility at Raebarelli in Uttar Pradesh.
Emerging from the landscape and
A central linear and landscaped pedes-
Targeted specifically at equipping tal-
merging into its environs, the 31,000 sq. m.
trian zone instills a feeling of being in a
ented rural children with the means to
stadium is spread on a site area admeasur-
green sports complex as it circumambu-
compete with their urban counterparts on
ing 1,00,000 sq. m. The programmatic is
lates the varied trajectories, interweaving
an equal footing, the Navodaya Vidyalaya
developed along a single continuous sil-
the activity zones with an inherent quality
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of interaction. Conceptually, these program-
nomics of the project. Exposed concrete
mix of solar panels and pneumatic panels on
matic zones are treated as individual rippled
is being proposed for the stadium exterior
the roof to maintain the required light inten-
pools effecting pebbles dropped in water.
along with a steel grid roof. Piezoelectric-
sity inside the stadium. The flooring of the
Each zone from 1,000 sq. m. to 20,000 sq.
ity is being looked into to be applied on
entire project, too, will be a combination of
m. is independent in its identity and born
the landscape pavers whereby the system
kota stone, landscape pavers, piezoelectric
out of a simple pool of ripples. Each of these
will harvest the kinetic energy generated
tiles and natural landscaping, wholesomely
ripples come together to form the entire
by crowds and will be effective in areas of
catering to sustainable design.
complex, where it is the inference of the
heavy foot traffic. On a similar principle of
The highlight of the project is the intri-
water field that thus creating ripples, gives
sustainability, solar cells are proposed for
cately woven nature of the programmes
a guideline to the formal design language
the roof to harness the abundantly avail-
and the way they interact with each other
of the project. All along, a strategized differ-
able solar energy. Without compromising
on site and with the landscape. The focus of
ence in levels is used to create seating in the
on the design aesthetic, only a certain per-
the design is the user himself.
landscaping itself.
cent of the roof panels will be designed as
With the foundation stone just laid in
Materials have been carefully selected
solar panels and integrated into the roof as
February 2011, the projected timeline for
to maintain the aesthetic quality and eco-
a design feature. In fact, there is a proposed
completion is slated at approx. 3 years
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IF CHOCOLATE BE THE
FOOD OF LOVE How does a confection become an aesthetic tool? We find out. Words: Sheena D’Lima
I
f you’re a woman, or a man not afraid
Celebrity Chef Nikhil Chib, whose res-
you like to get out there and get some
taurant Busaba in Mumbai serves a mean
mud on your jersey too!), there are nine out
chocolate fondant, believes that the key
of ten chances that you will already have
reason why chocolate stands out visually
watched the film Chocolat, where a god-
is the “colour and texture”. Chocolate, he
fearing, conservative little French village
believes, made the quick crossover from
turns into a sensual, chocolate-celebrating
being a desert to a tool for visual appeal,
fiesta. Chances are you’ll also remember
only because as a substance it has no
trying to decide whether you liked the
dearth of opportunity for creativity. “Choc-
movie for Johnny Depp or for the quantities
olate chips, streaks, a dash, chocolate flakes
of chocolate luxuriously laid out in every
– these are all about the visual,” he says.
scene. We’ll take a wild guess and say that chocolate won. We’re sorry, Mr. Depp!
Gourmet design
Design Matrix_July-Aug11.indb 101
of chocolate in food gets upped every day.
of his feminine side (yes, yes we know
Rebecca Vaz, owner of Mumbai-based The Baking Tray disagrees, “Anticipation
Chocolate is talked about all the time.
works when it comes to the presentation
Food fads come and go, but chocolate
of an entrée. We know what chocolate
is an eternal favourite; it holds a timeless
looks like; so when we see it arranged in
mystique. The press has given it a glamour
some way on a plate, we know what we
representing it repeatedly in art, theatre
will taste just by looking at it.”
and film; the health-conscious ruefully term
Belgian Chocolate cigarellos, choco-
it a weakness of the most tempting kind;
late curls, chocolate roses and chocolate
people claim that it is the closest substitute
leaves, panatelas and triangles are a few
to love and romance and medical experts
of the conventional uses of chocolate as
swear by the magic it holds to prevent heart
visual add-ons. For decorations such as
disease and a variety of other ailments.
these, the chocolate used has to be just
Chocolate is all at once a drug, a mood
the right temperature, and the required
enhancer, an aphrodisiac and an irresistible
shapes and forms need to be moulded
indulgence. Though this substance, born of
with great precision and as little handling
the Cacao bean, contains compounds like
as possible. Vaz, who is something of a
theobromine and caffeine, which stimulate
genius when it comes to artwork in baked
pleasure activity in the brain, that’s not the
goods (The Baking Tray makes inventive
only part of its appeal. It’s a lovely bonus
theme cakes), tends to mistrust choco-
that apart from tasting like a slice of heaven,
late as a visual element in her cakes only
it’s a pleasurable sight, easier on the eyes
because of the softness of its texture,
than most foods.
which makes it melt easily. “I mostly use
This premise is precisely why you’re
gum paste in my art work. Quick things
more likely to choose your dessert based
like chocolate swirls or leaves can be
on whether or not it has a million choco-
made and chilled, “she confirms, “All you
late stars sticking up artistically from a
need is a block of chocolate and a really
plain sponge cake; or why a white china
sharp knife.”
tray with a smear of dark chocolate sauce
No matter how much it is talked about,
on the corner is more appealing than one
much like The Beatles or sliced bread,
without. But such niceties are just the tip
Chocolate is an item that retains its appeal.
of the iceberg. Food experts are actively
Simply delectable, we can’t sing its praises
getting more creative with chocolate and
enough. Like the famous man said, “Love?
going by the looks of it, the aesthetic use
I’d rather fall in chocolate”
7/6/2011 7:05:00 PM
GLORIOUS
LANKESH One of the most fascinating characters from Hindu mythology, Ravana has been artistically interpreted on the Tamas Guna floor of Le Sutra in Mumbai. Words: Babita Krishnan Images: courtesy Le Sutra
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H
e represents all that you should not do…he is evil and demonic… The primary antagonist character of the Hindu legend – Ramayana – Ravana is also known as the powerful king
of Lanka, who had ten heads. In the classic text, he is mainly depicted in a negative light, kidnapping Rama’s wife Sita, to claim vengeance on Rama and his brother Lakshmana. On the other hand, certain segment of Indian philosophers believe that Ravana and his ten heads depict his unmatched and thorough knowledge of the six Upanishads, four Vedas, ayurveda, political science and his ability to master the melodious Veena. An alternative interpretation is that he is guided by and does not have control over the five senses and five bodily instruments of action. Either way, Ravana is the ideal representative of the Tamas Guna that is colourful, opulent, intricate and erotic. It is also usually associated with excessiveness, and the person or object is immersed, attached and drowned in self-indulgence and gratification. Various artistic depictions and interpretations of the king mark this room. The witty and humorous doodling on the headboard is graphic designer Aviral Saxena’s imaginative approach of presenting the lost and found diary of Ravana. It is an illustration of Ravana’s thoughts, strategies and scornful impressions of self, adversary and tact. The painting by Anand Gadapa depicts Ravana in his avatars as demon king and sage holding a Veena surrounded by the nine planets at Mount Kailash, the holiest peak in the Himalayas, showcasing his mastery of music and control over planetary effects. The horns and scepter in the chair by Neil Dantas are a representation of Ravana as the notorious king of demons, while an abstracted artistic version of the Veena leg of the table speaks of Ravana’s prowess over the musical instrument and is created by Kishan Duriseti. But the most eye-catching of them all is the metal art work on the bathroom door done by Haribaabu Naatesan – the all-seeing eyes. He was also known to be a devout follower of Lord Shiva, a benevolent ruler and strategist of the highest order. Ravana therefore, could be summed up as a symbol of both, wickedness as well as wisdom. He has been burnt and worshipped for ages and will continue to be burnt and worshipped for ages to come. So
whether
you
find
him intriguing or hate his guts, the
Ravana room at Le Sutra is definitely worth a stay for the sheer artistic impression it weaves
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The witty and humorous doodling on the headboard is graphic designer Aviral Saxena’s imaginative approach of presenting the lost and found diary of Ravana. JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 107
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Tech diary
SOARING T
HIGH The Hollywood blockbuster Small Soldiers proved that size doesn’t matter; the Tata Nano certified it. Now exploring the Tata Pixel…
Words: Himanshu Hiranandani; Images: courtesy Tata Motors
here are some things money can’t
sporty new look when seen with the naked
buy; for the rest, in today’s world
eye. But under the microscope of a car and
you have to think twice even before
tech enthusiast, it is an eye opener where
using a MasterCard. With rising prices, infla-
amazing technologies have been incorpo-
tion’s unkind hand has discoloured the
rated into a small car.
fabric of society. Yet, a commodity that
Coming back to where I started, infla-
has emerged victorious in its upkeep and
tion is not the only thing on a high. Tech-
outreach is the harvest of the automobile
nology in automobiles is a recent, yet very
industry. Today, you can see cars that vary
interesting concept. It is not just limited to
from the age-old Maruti 800 to beautiful
AC’s, music systems and TV screens; it has
and elegant Bentley’s. In spite of inflation,
brought safety and luxury to the passenger
one company brought down the cost of
as well as the driver. The Pixel, designed for
cars targeting the common man who push-
the narrow lanes of Europe, would also be
es his way through busses and trains. The
a perfect car for the narrow roads in India.
initiative of a small cost-friendly car gave
This car is meant for tight spaces not just
birth to the Tata Nano. Entering Indian mar-
because of its name ‘Nano’, but because it
kets in the first half of 2009, “The Peoples’
boasts of a ‘Zero Turn toroidal traction-drive
Car” brought a new market to the automo-
Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT)’ feature.
bile sector. Two years later, at the Geneva
This enables manoeuvrability and parking
Motor Show 2011, Tata unveiled its concept
of the vehicle and the ‘scissor’ doors rotate
of the new Nano Europa model – the Tata
upwards from the front to enable easy entry
Pixel. This new concept has lent the Nano a
and exit, even in the tightest spaces. The
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most astonishing aspect is the ability of the
reduced wastage of energy. The stop-start
speed you are travelling at, but also lets you
engine to rotate the outer wheel forwards
technology and intelligent battery charging
use the aforementioned tablet features. All
and inner wheel backwards during low-
provides enhanced fuel efficiency. The com-
in all, if your tablet or Smartphone has its 3G
speed manoeuvres. In addition, the front
pany claims a fuel economy of 3.4ltr./100km
activated, then this car is a dream-come-
wheel turns at acute angles, resulting in a
and CO2 emissions’ of just 89g/km.
true for any youth.
turning radius of just 2.6 meters for a car just over 3 m long.
The most attractive feature of this vehi-
With a profile that will scare few of
cle is the HMI – Human Machine Interface
the high-end luxury cars today, the Pixel
The Pixel has a youthful style, which
concept from Tata Motors that provides a
is surely one of the cars that the ‘Internet
is accentuated by its forward sweeping
high level of connectivity. The Pixel’s dash-
Generation’ is looking forward to. After
roofline and slightly jutting-out wheels. The
board is designed with a sleek mount for a
watching movies like Back to the Future
1.2 litre three-cylinder turbocharged diesel
tablet PC or a Smartphone that controls the
trilogy and the famous TV series Knight
engine, situated in the rear, provides ample
entire vehicle’s interiors. The Tablet PC or
Rider, Tata Motors has taken one more step
power and lively performance. This beauti-
Smartphone runs custom software by Tata
towards the future cars you’ve dreamed of.
ful little creature keeps the Tata workshop
Motors titled ‘My Tata Connect’. This allows
In addition to the Tata Pixel, Ford Motors
occupied as it adds even more features in
the driver to use the tablet or phone’s hard-
has also announced their concept car
the performance sector. The Pixel’s engine
ware to use basic features like music player
called the Ford Avatar, which revolves
has a low-friction design, featuring variable
and GPS. In addition, it enables the user
around all the features seen in movies. Last
coolant and oil pump, and rapid warm up.
with AC control and other basic tablet fea-
but not the least, the staggering Lambo-
Yet adding to the list of features is the opti-
tures like e-mail, web browsing and social
rghini ‘Sesto Elemento’ defines the mark
mized aerodynamic drag for better traction
networking. An innovative design for the
for future sports cars. With such mind-
at high speeds and low rolling-resistance
gauges includes the first-of-its-kind multi-
blowing concepts on the anvil, the future
tyres for optimized fuel efficiency and
mode display. This not only shows you the
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T C U D O R P
H C N LAU New Furnishings from
Furniturewalla
If you want to lend a tou ch of glamour to your inte riors, then the recent line Furniturewalla might be of furnishings from just what you need. Furnitu rewalla was founded in to offer a wide range of 1999 with a vision exquisite furniture that is both sophisticated and con of the products available temporary. Some in this line are Baroque leis ure chairs in gold leaf & laser cut cushioned chairs vel vet and leisure in wood with coffee tab le in stainless steel frame are available on request. & glass top. Prices ww w.furniturewalla.com
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Gumboots from
Tresmode
Tresmode has always bee n one of the stylish brands in the shoe world, and the y just took it up a notch. Their new rainwear collec tion consists of bright, cut e and practical pair of gum boots. Available in bright blue and baby pink, they have little stars embossed on them. They are lightwe ight and ensure that you can jump into as many pud dles as you like, without get ting your feet dirt y. Pul l them over your jeans or match them with a fun skir t and your set. Is there really a bet ter way to wa lk around this monsoon?
ww w.tresmode.com
Chuck It collection by
Converse n the Converse has always bee th and you es ifi brand that person dy tren and ple sim ir fun with the tion, lec col new ir The rs. ake sne n Chuck It has recently bee per fect is and ia introduced in Ind y are The k. loo ve sua l for that coo e with com t tha s -on slip ple sim t and an upper mesh for comfor r feet you p kee l wil t ventilation tha her bot to e hav ’t don you s fresh. Plu re. mo with those pesky laces any of colours Available in a wide range metal se ver Con with the classic great a are es sho It ck rivets, Chu s. rain the for ent tem sta le sty ww w.converse.com
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Book Shelves from
The Great Eastern Home Readers will agree on two things. First, there’s nothin g like picking up your boo and losing yourself for an k hour or two; second, a good, sturdy bookcase good library can fill you or a with joy that is second onl y to reading. The Great Eas ern Home introduces a tclassic new range of clas sic book shelves. These shelves are made of ros book e wood and burma tea k. Grace and elegance are elements of the design key of these sophisticated boo kshelves. Give your library facelif t with these one-ofa a-kind book cases ww w.greateasternstore.co
m
The eagerly awaited April Showers 2011 Collection by Burberry has made it to India perfectly on time. This collection is for those who like to stay fashionable even as we get ready to brave the monsoons. Don’t let the dull rains bring you down, ditch the greys and blacks and try these bright waterproof shoes, wags, raincoats, boots, umbrellas and sunglasses. With designs that are trademark of the classic Burberry brand, these products are the one of the best rainwear money can buy. www.burberry.com
April Showers 2011 by
Burberry
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Fish Eye from
Chrome Hearts Eyewear
This season, the latest Fish Eye collection from Chrome Hearts Eyewear features a vintage silhouette in pure Titaniu m punch with twisted ends and sterling silver Chr ome Hearts decor cap. Chrome Hearts Eyewe ar, known for its luxury accessories that fea ture Fleur-de-lys, dagger and floral cross design s, are simply the most innovative eyewear in the market today. The Fish Eye collection from Chrom e Hearts brings in the fascination for Black, Wh ite and Gold and adds to it, a touch of sophistica tion and chic. This collection is a retake on the classics: Sleek blacks and cool whites. ww w.chromeheartseyew
Canapes Duviver from
ear.com
Pallatte
Pallate, the unique design super studio, has just intr oduced Canapes Duvivier furniture. The use of high-q – a range of sleek uality leather sets these chairs apart, in terms of com most other international for t and finish from brands. Canapes Duvivier has been awarded the “NF whole leather range and Prestige Label” for its all its models, guarantee d for exceptional quality is recognized and cer tified professionals. Spruce up by your interiors with this dos e of sophistication. ww w.pallate.com
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Spring Summer Collect
ion 2011 from
Wrangler
The new Wrangler Spring Summer collection 2011 is designed specifically the adventurous, wear and for run kind of woman. This latest collection from the adrenalin-fuelled iconic denim brand is called ‘Tru e Wanderers’, and is the essence of bold yet cas ver y ual. The clothes blend com for t and functionality wit unmatchable style. Strikin h g photo prints on tee shir ts, cargos with extra poc and super-washed khakis kets all make their way into this collection. Red, white and blue dominate the colour range this time. ww w.wrangler.com
The i2i™ chair from Steelcase will be a boon for the Indian workspaces. The chairs are designed for social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The i2i supports a variety of postures through its dual swivel mechanism that allows users to swivel the seat and back together or swivel either the back or the seat. It also includes an optional swivel return cylinder. The flexing back features moulded “fingers” that support back movement and recline, for comfort. www.steelcase.asia
Chairs from
Steelcase
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etc. JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 119
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Entries from across the country were invited, with the only criterion for judgment being how best the artist could utilize the gallery for the day allotted to him.
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Art review
Days
17Artists
17 days of diverse art forms and interactive sessions brought forth a heavy outpouring of contemporary art at Mumbai’s littlest gallery of fine art… Words: Akhil Sood; Images: courtesy Pradarshak
17
years ago, an idea was conceived; a vision was
made especially for the exhibition. A composition of 13 white eggs
developed and an eclectic art gallery called Pradarshak
on a red sheet of paper, which served to add a sense of disturbance
was born. Restricted to the confines of merely 60 sq. ft.
and disorder; it had one golden egg perched atop a flight of 17
of space, Pradarshak has been acclaimed as the smallest art gallery
steps to signify success. “The white eggs,” he explains, “are symbolic
in India and has over time, come to be recognized as one of the
of the common man, who is constantly struggling to achieve
finest platforms for upcoming artists in the country. The gallery,
something. The golden egg is emblematic of Pradarshak, which has
which lies quaintly tucked behind the drooping branches of a fern
reached such a high stature through its dedicated work.”
tree – its majestic shade protecting the gallery from the rigours of
Sujatha Bhandarkar’s sketches using pen and ink, served as a
the world outside – exudes a sense of cosy comfort, and a space to
reminder of the imperial beauty behind the frenzy buzz that resides
breathe and soak in the mesmerizing quality of art on display.
in the city of Mumbai. She also included an informal interactive
From June 6th to 24th, the gallery hosted an elaborate exhibition
session with the ‘spirit of the city’ – a dabbawaala while exhibiting
showcasing myriad artistic talent as part of its 17th anniversary
her works. The exhibition also witnessed several exceptional
celebrations. Titled ‘17 Days - 17 Artists’, entries from across the
installations, with Samar Singh Thakur creating a whirlpool
country were invited, with the only criterion for judgment being
suspended mid-air by a wire; Indore’s Rahul Solanki showcasing
how best the artist could utilize the gallery for the day allotted to
miniature autorickshaws decorated in effervescent paper collages;
him.
and a balloon floor-graphic created by Shreyas Shrikant capturing
Curated by Lalit Hira, a designer and co-founder of the gallery,
“unseen impressions”. Another engaging event was Sanjay Kumar’s
the exhibition showcased an assorted mix of conventional styles
intricate charcoal paintings revolving around the mesmerizing
of art as well as interactive sessions and installations designed in
aura of Buddha. This contrasted with his rendition of poetry based
honour of Pradarshak. Of the several ‘highs’ during this celebration,
on the motif of lies as a misnomer and an actual representation
th
‘water sculptures’ (on June 9 ) was an innovative concept that
of significant truths. All along, the gallery also showcased some
was devised as part of the collaboration between Lalit and
brilliant paintings and sculptures. Although one day per artist could
Sumeet Singh, a budding photographer. It involved the audience
be termed a very short duration to reach out to the true lover of
playing with water from different levels and angles, with Sumeet
art, the spirit of celebration was high amongst all involved – the
perceptively capturing the motion on a high-speed camera,
gallerists, artists as well as the steady stream of well-wishers and
rendering an intuitive design and structure to water and giving it
buyers who seemed to equally love the concept. As the proprietor
a tangible shape and form. June 11th showed Pune-based Rajendra
sums up, “The response has been very moving for us. At the end of
Poudel’s charcoal ‘horses’ and his first independent installation
the day, we want to reach out and promote what we believe in” JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 121
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Happenings
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SPATIAL CONCEPTS In her latest furniture designs, Zaha Hadid explores the sculptural sensibilities and formal dynamics of a balanced relationship between solids and voids... Words & Images: Courtesy Zaha Hadid Architects
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I
nternationally acclaimed for her theo-
mass of traditional wooden furniture to
retical and academic work, architect,
the minimal thickness of plastic surfac-
artist and product designer Zaha Had-
es. The design refers to geometries and
id continues to sustain experimentation
mathematics of minimal surfaces – those
with cutting-edge technology in her re-
which are equally bent in all directions,
cent furniture designs – the Sketch Chair
having zero average curvature and the
for Sawaya & Moroni contemporary furni-
smallest area spanning a given contour.
ture and Minimal Shelf for Magis, Italy.
The design uses the geometrical char-
While the design of the Sketch or
acteristics of each module to generate
Z-Chair summarizes the essence of con-
a high degree of variation and composi-
temporary design and the research devel-
tion. The ornamental aspect is derived by
oped by Zaha Hadid Architects over the
structural and geometrical properties of
last three decades, TIDE – the modular
the module itself.
shelving system is conceptualized from
The concept here is based on the
the study of minimal surfaces.
theory that un-bordered minimal sur-
Known for her dynamic sketches,
faces have the property, whereby each
Zaha’s Z-Chair is a simple three-dimen-
the elegance of the composition and its
point is the centre of a small patch that
sional gesture that zigzags in the space as
articulation is negotiated through a subtle
behaves like a soap film relative to its
part of the continued discourse between
play of contrasting angular corners and
boundary contour. Physical models of
form and function, elegance and utility,
wide, smooth curves. The resulting form
area-minimizing minimal surfaces can be
differentiation and continuity. Geometric
echoes the calligraphic gestures of Hadid’s
made by dipping a wire frame into a soap
abstractions inform the design’s linear loop,
two-dimensional works; a controlled brush
solution, forming a soap film, which is a
which is articulated along its path in a lan-
stroke on a canvas, the perfect synthesis of
minimal surface whose boundary is the
guage that alternates thin wire streams and
an idea: the sketch.
wire frame.
large surfaces to provide both ergonomic
TIDE on the other hand, is a modu-
The two furniture concepts were
affordances and inherent stability to the
lar lightweight shelving system, which
exhibited at the Salone del Mobile at
overall shape. The dichotomy between
embodies the transition from the heavy
Milan Fair 2011
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International Stationery and Office Products Fair International Stationery and Office Products Fair, Tokyo, is an opportunity for seri-
Date: July 7th-10th
that is expecting over 500 exhibitors and
Venue: Grunwalder Freizeitpark, Munich,
1,000 visitors.
Germany Date: July 12th-14th
all over the world. As the world’s second
Building & Home Improvement Show
largest market for stationery, office prod-
Building & Home Improvement Show is an
Texworld USA
ucts and gift items, the Japanese market is
exhibition covering everything from kitch-
Texworld USA is the one of the most promi-
vast. A great number of retailers, dealers,
ens and bathrooms, air conditioning, appli-
nent trade fair devoted to apparel & fabric
wholesalers, manufacturers, importers,
ances, energy efficiency and solar power, to
industry. Large number of exhibitors of cot-
exporters, buyers and corporate users are
finance and insurance, flooring, furniture,
ton, denim, embroidery, fibres, functional
expected. Exhibits will includes writing
heating products, home decor, home ser-
fabrics, knits, lace, linen, prints, silk, silky
instruments, paper products, stationery,
vices, home technology, hurricane pro-
aspects, and wool will be participating from
electronic products, office accessories,
tection, landscaping and gardens, light-
across the world to showcase their latest
files, drawing instruments, office furni-
ing, outdoor living and leisure, pools and
products. It is the perfect place to explore
ture, briefcases, designers’ equipment,
spas, roofing, security, windows and doors
textiles of inventive structures, material
calligraphy sets, ecological stationery,
and more. A one-stop show for all home
mixes and shade palettes. Designers will
novelty goods and more.
improvement needs.
be provided with opportunities to expand
Date: July 8th-10th
their business.
ous professionals to come together from
Venue: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India
Date: July 6th – 8th
Venue: Adelaide Showground, Adelaide,
Venue: Tokyo, Japan
Australia
Home and Garden Munich Home and Garden Munich offers latest
India International Garment Fair
information about goods and techniques
The 47th India International Garment Fair,
being used in the field of flowering, gar-
dedicated to the apparel and clothing
Interior Design Workshop by AVID
dening and home decoration and will also
industry, will provide a platform to explore
Avid-The School of Continuous Learning
host a beautiful flower show. Exhibitors
the newest designs and technologies in the
will be opening doors to designers of inven-
from the field of gardening and flowering
fashion industry. Everything from jackets,
tive design. The Interior Design workshop is
decoration, such as municipalities, garden
shirts, shorts, skirts, trousers, blazers, blous-
an excellent opportunity to learn about the
designers, home decorators, event com-
es and cardigans to fur wear, denims, knit
three important functions while designing
panies, marriage bureaus, people from the
wear, leather wear, bridal wear and clothes
your space; Automation, Air conditioning
landscaping field, exporters of flowers and
for ladies, men and children will be on dis-
and Home entertainment. These sessions
home remodeling equipment will partici-
play. A chance to interact, gain perspective
will expose the participants to products
pate. The event will be held at the beautiful
and build networks, fashion traders as well
currently available in the market and prom-
amusement park of Grunwalder.
as fashion buffs will benefit from this event
ises to give some basic idea on how you
Date: July 19th – 21st Venue: Jacob K Javits Convention Center, New York, USA
126 DESIGN MATRIX • JULY-AUGUST 2011
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can make choices, which will conform to
trends in the industry. The most talked
trade fair for international textiles, yarn, fab-
your needs
about participant this year is JACUZZI USA.
rics and similar industry. This 3-days long fes-
International tennis super-star Leander Paes
tival will showcase needlework, or art activi-
will also be present at the expo.
ties like decoupage, quilting, teddy bear and
Date: July 20th-22nd Venue: Textiles Committee Building, Mumbai, India
Bangalore Fashion Week
doll making, tapestry, paper craft, sewing, Date: Aug 10th- 12th
cross-stitch, stenciling, stamping, weaving,
Venue: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
embroidery, spinning, painting, knitting and many more. Training and courses involving
to create a bridge between the designers
Shanghai International Construction Material and Indoor Decoration Exhibition
and consumers in India and abroad. Casual
The Shanghai Building Materials Industry
Venue: The Ranch - Larimer County Fair-
wear, wedding wear, evening wear gar-
Association and World Expo Group Shang-
grounds, Fort Collins, USA
ments and textiles, fashion accessories and
hai Modern International Exhibition Co., Ltd.
related products, jewelry, handbags, shoes
plan to organize a one-stop exhibition - the
will be on display. This event is expected to
22nd Shanghai International Construction
The Courier-Mail & the Sunday Mail Home Show
give a great impetus to the fashion industry.
Material and Indoor Decoration Exhibi-
The Courier-Mail & the Sunday Mail Home
Fashion professionals, wholesalers, retailers,
tion. The show focuses on the theme of
Show is a trademark event for home decora-
department stores, chain stores, boutiques,
energy-saving, water-saving, land-saving,
tion innovative products. Building products,
importers and manufacturers and the gen-
materials-saving and environmental pro-
financial products, furniture and furnishings,
eral public will be attending.
tection, development trends in building
kitchens, garages and carports, pergolas and
materials featuring environmental-friendly,
shade, security, solar power, spas, swimming
Date: July 28th-31st
eco-healthy and comfortable products.
pools and more will be on display. The event
Venue: Hotel Matthan, Bengaluru, India
Construction materials, such as energy-
is likely to provide entrepreneurs and new
saving and insulation materials, roof system,
companies a chance to interact and work
solar energy, machines, villa equipment,
alongside many established brands and
wooden structure, heating systems and
companies. Some established names like
indoor decorations will also be displayed.
Advanced Termite Control, Avante Bedding,
Bangalore Fashion Week is a big annual event introduced to provide a platform for Indian designers. The Fashion Week hopes
WAVES Pool-Spa-Bath International Expo 2011 WAVES is a must-attend event for India’s HNIs, architects, interior designers and
craft, art or needlework, craft kits, magazines and books will also be available. Date: Aug 19th-21st
Australian Timber Ceilings, Austart Homes
builders. The event will include exhibitors
Date: Aug 17th-20th
Brisbane, Chesterbuilt Renovations, Creative
and guest speakers from countries like the
Venue: SNIEC, Shanghai, China
Sleepers etc. will also be participating.
USA, Germany, Australia, Spain, France, UK, pants to share and exchange information,
Rocky Mountain Quilt Festival
ideas and tips as well as discuss the new
Rocky Mountain Quilt Festival is a unique
Dubai and India. WAVES promises partici-
Date: Aug 28- Sept 4th Venue: RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane, Australia JULY-AUGUST 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 127
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GLOSSARY I F C: Jalaram
Pg. 13: Travette Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Pg. 93: Stellar
Agar Bazar S. K. Bole Road, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400028. Tel: (022) 24318444/555
MRJ Marketing Pvt. Ltd.
Jubille Hills, Hyderabad 500073
9/b, k, Laxmi Ind. Estate, New Link Road,
201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Bldg., Agarwal Market,
Tel: (040) 663800007/66480007
Vile Parle (E), Mumbai – 400057.
Email: stellar@ptdstellar.com
Versova, Andheri (W), Mumbai – 400053. Tel : (022) 26327733 / 34
Tel : (022) 26187132 / 26131442
8-2-293/k/308, Main Road, Kamalapuri Colony,
www.ptdstellar.com
Email: flooring@mrjgroup.in
Pg. 110 & 111: Bright Outdoor Media Pvt. Ltd.
Pg. 1: Ebco
Pg. 19: Durian Office Furniture
402-3, Hyde Park, Saki Vihar Road,
401, The Chambers, Western Express Highway,
Mumbai 400072
Vile Parle (E) Mumbai 400057
Tel: (022) 67837777 Fax: (022) 66920700
Tel : (022) 26269000
New Link Road, Andheri (W), Mumbai 400053
Email: info@ebco.in
Email: info@durian.in
Tel: (022) 67140000
www.ebco.in
www.durian.in
Email: brightoutdoor@gmail.com
8th floor, Crescent Tower, Near Maurya House,
www.brightoutdoor.com
Pg. 3: Durian Home Furniture 401, The Chambers, Western Express Highway, Vile Parle (E) Mumbai 400057 Tel : (022) 26269000 Email: info@durian.in
Pg. 25: Le Cdeor MRJ Trading Pvt. Ltd.
Pg. 118: Faus Laminated Flooring
201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Bldg., Agarwal Market,
MRJ Marketing Pvt. Ltd.
Vile Parle (E), Mumbai – 400057.
201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Bldg., Agarwal Market,
Tel : (022) 26187132 / 26131442
Vile Parle (E), Mumbai – 400057.
Email: artifacts@mrjgroup.in
www.durian.in
Tel : (022) 26187132 / 26131442 Email: flooring@mrjgroup.in
Pg. 4: GODS
Pg. 31: Surface Décor (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Email: gods@planet3studios.com
Abdul Satar Lakdawala Compound,
gods@designmatrix.co
W. E. Highway,
Pg. 125: FINfloor Laminated Flooring
Besides TATA Motors, Jog-Vikroli Link Road,
MRJ Marketing Pvt. Ltd.
Jogeshwari (E), Mumbai 400060
201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Bldg., Agarwal Market,
Tel: 28362424 / 28242424
Vile Parle (E), Mumbai – 400057.
Pg. 6: The Art Lounge
Tel : (022) 26187132 / 26131442
Hodiwala Bhatehena & Co
Email: flooring@mrjgroup.in
Churchgate, Mumbai 400020
Pg. 55: Heritage Decorative Laminates
Tel: 22878787
Deco Mica Pvt. Ltd.
I B C: Durian Veneers
Email: theartlounge@live.com
306, 3rd Floor, Iscon Mall, Star Bazaar Bldg.,
401, The Chambers, Western Express Highway,
Jodhpur Cross Road, Ahmedabad - 380 015
Vile Parle (E) Mumbai 400057
3, J. Tata Road, HP Petrol Pump, Near Ritz Hotel,
Pg. 7: VITA Vitrified Tiles 383 – A, Vasu Smiriti, Flat No.4, 1st Floor, 13th Road, Khar(W), Mumbai : 400 052. Tel : 022- 42367900/909 Email:cermalvisa@cermalvisa.com
Tel : (022) 26269000
Pg. 65: Delta Olympic Laminates Pvt Ltd
Email: info@durian.in www.durian.in
6, Patel Avenue, 1st Floor, Near Gurudwara, S.G.Highway, Ahmedabad – 380059. Tel: + 91 – 79 - 40017979
B C: Ultratech Paints & Textures F 213A/1, Lado Sarai, Old M. B. Road, New Delhi – 110030
Pg. 12: Design Matrix Ultratech Excellence Awards
Pg. 92: Le Sutra
Tel: (011) 46061549/50
14, Union Park, Khar(W), Mumbai-400052.
Email: info@ultratechpaints.com
Email: response@designmatrix.co
Tel : 91 22 32511447, 26492995/7
www.ultratechpaints.com
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