DESIGN MATRIX • MARCH-APRIL 2011
X I R T A M
March - April 2011 VOL. 1 • ISSUE 3 • `80
RS DESIGN • INTERIO • E L Y T S E F I L • PEOPLE
A Paprika Media presentation
A
presenta
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 1
A splash of Innovation can change your World
Design displayed above is 401/230 Copper Rings
Discover newer ways to use metal in creating works. Over 150 real metal surface laminates manufactured by Homapal, Germany & Chemetal, USA.
Ventura presents exquisitely crafted designer metallic laminates that will add to your world the colors of creativity and glamour. From GERMANY
BROUGHT TO INDIA EXCLUSIVELY BY
2 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
USA
For catalogue or enquiry, please contact us with 'Magazine Name' as the subject VENTURA INTERNATIONAL PVT. LTD. 1/52, W.H.S. Kirti Nagar, New Delhi-110015. Ph.: 45536715, 45536756, 45597875, 32532719, Mob.: (0) 9717597366, Fax: 41755165, E-mail: mktg@venturaindia.com, Website: www.venturaindia.com
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 3
N G I S E D M A T R I X Publisher Managing Director Editor-In-Chief
: : :
Karan Jhunjhunwala Manohar Jhunjhunwala Babita Krishnan atrix.co babitakrishnan@designm
EDITORIAL Content Editor
:
Manager Writers Trainee Writers
: : :
Savitha Hira x.co savithahira@designmatri Chetna Chakravarthy dinho, Tanya Siqueira, Varun Go , yan ani ram Sub ya Sharan Sheena D’Lima
er Brand & Strategy Manag Finance Controller Head-Administration
: : :
BUSINESS ENQUIRY WEST
:
EAST
:
NORTH
:
SOUTH
:
Riddhi Walia Manjari Ved Maria Fernandes Vijay Chauhan .co mumbai@designmatrix Vishal Shroff o kolkata@designmatrix.c aj Baj ok Ash delhi@designmatrix.co Abhishek P. Agrawal blr@designmatrix.co Nallari Rupana Reddy hyd@designmatrix.co Sheetal Jain o chennai@designmatrix.c T. Jayakrishnan o cochin@designmatrix.c
OVERSE AS ENQUIRY UAE
:
USA
:
UK
:
Subscription
:
ART Art Director Designing
: :
Digital Imaging Production
: :
NT TEAM PROJECT MANAGEME Project Manager
:
Vice President
:
Chairperson
:
Prem Mishra dubai@designmatrix.co Kishore Dadlaney usa@designmatrix.co Jayendra Ved uk@designmatrix.co Shalini Sawant trix.co subscription@designma Rahul Das esh Gajjar, Devang H Makwana, Brij ve dha Mo jan Chittaran Devang H Makwana sh Salvi, Harish Suvarna, Mange r rka Bo p dee San Vishwanath Shanbhag dia.com vishwanath@paprikame Neelam Kapoor om neelam@paprikamedia.c a odi Smiti Kan m smiti@paprikamedia.co
., 201 Shyam MRJ Creations Pvt. Ltd njhunwala on behalf of Jhu And Printed At an ia Ind Kar , by 057 ed 400 lish ai Pub rket, Vile Parle (E), Mumb Ma l 078, India. rwa 400 Aga ai g, mb ldin Mu Bui ), Kamal ‘C’ ndir Road, Bhandup (W Ma ta Dat 6 ., Ltd . Pvt Print House India 4 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
A
&
venture
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 5
6 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
S ’ R O T EDI N O T E
W
hen I think of my first meeting with this handsome couple, I recall one aspect very vividly – enthusiasm and unshackled creativity. Having closely watched Kalhan & Santha grow as professionals, I felt they were an ideal
choice for the cover – their repertoire is a case study in itself. What really came across during the interview was how Planet 3 Studios is all about team-bonding, honesty and the joy of expressing themselves. Our editorial team also enjoys being themselves and that usually means someone at the receiving end of our pranks! This time it was the design team (all guys!), who turned red, much to our amusement, when they saw the images for Musings, which I mustn’t reveal, and let you discover for yourself along with the myriad design forms held within the pages! I must add that our debut on the stands was a resounding success. My meeting with many people last month began with, “Oh, I bought this issue from so-and-so place,” or “I saw it at such-and-such place.” To say that I have been walking like a proud mom would be an understatement, but I have to thank all of you who have made this possible. I hope you have as much fun reading the issue as we had putting it together. Send us your feedback, who knows you just might end up winning a special gift from Dreams Furnishing! So long till the next issue!
Babita Krishnan
Issue Partners: Location: Le Sutra; Jewellery: Anmol Jewellers; Make-up & Hair: Rudra Spa
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 7
8 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 9
CON TEN TS 10 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
&RQYHUVDWLRQV
8GVGTCP OCMGWR CTVKUVG 4CO 6KRPKU VCMGU WU FQYP OGOQT[ NCPG YKVJ KPIGPWQWU KPUKIJVU KPVQ VJG CTV QH OCMGWR YJKNG JKU JWOKNKV[ KPJKDKVU JKU EQOOGPVU QP VJG RTGUGPV UEGPCTKQ KP VJG CTVĹ— 9QTFU +OCIGU #PWLC )JQUCNMCT Anuja Ghosalkar is programme oďŹƒcer at India Foundation for the Arts, Bangalore and Mr. Ram Tipnis’ grand-daughter. To read more on Ram Tipnis check out Anuja’s blog: www.papaajoba.blogspot.com
16 72 */266 72
*/ $ 0285
74 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 75
60
PRMR '21¡7 /26( <285
9QTFU 5JCTCP[C 5 +OCIGU EQWTVGU[ VJG CTEJKVGEV
4GXKVCNKUKPI VJG PKIJV NKHG CPF RCTV[ EWNVWTG QH %QNQODQ KU %NWD /QLQ FGUKIPGF D[ -GGT &GUKIPU )TQWR
60 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-A
â&#x20AC;˘ Cover featuring: Santha & Kalhan Mattoo â&#x20AC;˘ Photograph by: Prashant Bhat â&#x20AC;˘ Hair & Make-up by: Anne Bharati Subba, courtesy Rudra Spa â&#x20AC;˘ Location: Le Sutra, Mumbai
30 98
COVER STORY Santha & Kalhan Mattoo on what make Planet 3 Studio a ďŹ rm to reckon with. Pg 16
AR. AAMCHER Ar. Aamcher accompanies Ar. Vikas Dilawari to Kotachiwadi in Mumbai. Pg 32
MUSINGS We trace the changing face of lingerie design in India with Suman Nathwani. Pg 33
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
ARTY-TECHTURE We celebrate Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day in the Shringar Room at Le Sutra. Pg 66
CONVERSATIONS
DESIGN ASPECTS
Veteran makeup artist Ram Tipnis walks down memory lane with ingenuous insights into the art of makeup. Pg 72
Rediscover FLIP â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the design symbol of the 21st century. Pg 102
GREEN SPOT Bengaluru-based Rainbow Drive Layoutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eďŹ&#x20AC;orts towards water sustainability. Pg 80
Akruti Designs transforms a decrepit home into a luxurious den in South Mumbai. Pg 40
PHOTO FEATURE
CREATIVE IDEAS
TECH DIARY
mab architects create a recreational space atop a ďŹ&#x201A;at roof in Athens. Pg 54
Make food more alluring, get creative on the platter. Pg 86
PRODUCT LAUNCH All the news from the market. Pg 107
ETCETERA Information & news from the design ďŹ eld: Happenings, Organic Book Binding, Tech Review, Book Review, Website Review & Events. Pg 113
A low down on the Operating Systems of your mobile phone. Pg 96
LEISURE DESIGN
MY SPACE
Club Mojo designed by Keer Designs Group in Colombo. Pg 58
Bela Shanghviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insight into a sustainable approach to traditional skills & crafts. Pg 98 MAR-APR 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ DESIGN MATRIX 11
M A T R I X
Jan - Feb 2011 VOL. 1 • ISSUE 2 • `80
NTERIORS LE • DESIGN • I PEOPLE • LIFESTY
“I like to open the doors to people’s brain” A
presentation
This issue onwards 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.
12 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
INBOX
As people say change is essential in life, I
been covered. It feels great to share space with
would like to congratulate you on this venture
a great designer like Philippe Starck. I wish all
and even wish you and your team the best.
of you the very best and looking forward to
Through your innaugural issue, it was good
some more great people and projects in the
to know more about Mrs. Brinda Somaya as
future issues of Design Matrix.
I have always been an admirer of her work.
Ar. Naresh Shah,
Reading about the step wells took me back to
Naresh Shah & Associates, Mumbai
college when we did a case study on them. I also found multi-form plateau and eco pods
wFirst of all I would like to congratulate you on
interesting reads. I just hope that the maga-
the first issue of Design Matrix and more on the
zine does not become an advertisement di-
commendable piece of editorial. I especially
rectory with less of content, though I under-
like the interesting bits of information that
stand that it is a necessity. I am sure it will be
you give in the magazine though I would like
handled perfectly..
better images. For example, the Kinect from Alpesh Haria,
X-Box is such an amazing application and I say
Zaha Spaces, Mumbai
this because I have it but the pictures don’t say
WINNER
much about how interesting or exciting it is. It
Congratulations on the second issue of Design
is the best thing I have played in a long time.
Matrix. I want to congratulate you for this won-
We could also do with some more information
derful enterprise. The magazine completely
on what’s new in the market. Rest everything
held my attention through to the last page. I
is great, Keep on the good work.
am positive that the magazine displays truly
Sheetal Jain,
international standards and will soon be rec-
Uniply Industries Limited, Chennai
ognized as a bible for the design world. Clean lines and crisp writing has only enhanced the
Thanks for sharing the issues of Design Ma-
features. I loved each photograph and the way
trix. The format is positively different and the
it was presented. Though the cover story on
variation makes interesting reading. I espe-
Phillipe Strack was done by many magazines,
cially liked the photo features. Since design is
in Design Matrix I did not only understand YOO
visual, your presentations surely catch the eye.
Design, but also got to know the people be-
Wishing you all the very best for the new chal-
hind it. I really like the language which is not
lenges.
too technical hence easy to understand. The
Ar. Rajeev Sathe,
magazine has the right blend of work and fun.
Mumbai
Neha Madaan, Durian Industries Ltd., Mumbai
Design has come alive with this issue. Good work, lots of potential and a great future. All
I am very happy with the way my project has
the best to the entire Design Matrix team.
been featured in the second edition. I also
Ramesh Iyer,
liked the way the international projects have
Gaiaka Mediaworks, Mumbai
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 13
14 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 15
16 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
Babita Krishnan: The first question is to both of you. Was architec-
KM: Actually, it is not about the two of us agreeing, it is more
ture always your ambition?
about all of us agreeing to whatever is being created. For us
Kalhan Mattoo: When I was in the 7th or 8th standard, I had a clear
design is about collaborating. All of us together ideate and
interest in architecture. There are three reasons for that: firstly, I was
everything is discussed. Everyone contributes and the best pro-
a little creative and used to draw a lot and knew that I had to follow
posal thus created is taken forward. Though most of the time it
something creative for a living. But I come from an academically-
ends up being our basic idea, sometimes these kids also come
inclined middle class family (both my parents are professors). Had
up with wonderful ideas. But, between the two of us there never
I told them that I wanted to become an artist, they would have
is an issue, as all decisions are taken collectively.
thrown a fit. Secondly, I never scored high marks that could get me
SM: I don’t remember any major conflict. It is never his idea vs
into any top engineering college. Also it was not of my interest, so
mine…
architecture fitted the bill perfectly. Thirdly and most importantly, at a very impressionable age I saw the movie In Which Annie Gives It
BK: How big is the Planet 3 Studios team?
Those Ones. The whole mood of the movie was seductive and I liked
KM: We have a team of about 35 people working on different
that. Unfortunately, I didn’t know that it was SPA Delhi; I thought it
projects across the country.
was JJ and landed in Mumbai! So, architecture was interesting, to my liking and a profession – it fit all the requirements.
BK: Santha, professionally, you have a large team and husband as
Santha Mattoo: In my case, it was my dad’s idea. He is a civil
a colleague – it’s perfect. But now, as a mother with a small baby,
engineer.
how do you balance the two?
KM: …she got into medicine as well, but opted for architecture.
SM: Ho jata hai. I have never planned anything, never followed a
SM: Because I was destined to meet you (smiles).
time table. And Kalhan has always helped. KM: We’ve been fortunate that there are a lot of people around
BK: So, you met in college?
to help. But on a daily basis, I keep the baby engaged in the
SM: After ten years of marriage, discussing this is very embarrass-
morning. That gives me about an-hour-and-a-half with him and
ing…
by then half the things are done. Also, when he comes to office,
KM: Yes, we’ve been together since college. First as friends, then
he gets the same real estate as I do – baby zone is as large as
as professional partners when we established Planet 3 Studios and
my cabin… there is always someone to look after babies in the
then – life partners. It is a 20-years-young relationship.
office. All babies are welcome. SM: It is good that we get him to work (a privilege that is enjoyed
BK: So, how do the design sensibilities come together? Since you
by everyone in the office) and continue working. I’m sure a lot of
work closely, both personally and professionally, do the differences
people have to really plan their schedules, mornings, etc. with
hinder creativity?
the baby in mind, we feel truly blessed in that respect.
TWOGETHER
They have built a formidable reputation within the fraternity. The young and dynamic duo – Kalhan & Santha Mattoo – is as vibrant in their attitude as in their projects. Words: Babita Krishnan; Images: Prashant Bhat
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 17
BK: You have a very young team. Is this a deliberate step, since
we are working with, who clearly said that he wants to work
your projects reflect a very different approach?
only with us because he doesn’t need to work with different
KM: We want our work to remain consistently fresh. 20 years
architects to achieve different looks. For long, people didn’t
hence, we would want to win the young designers award once
understand that we had a large repertoire of work.
again (laughs). But seriously, it is all about being dynamic and constantly reinventing yourself. The average age around here
BK: Now fresh graduates want to join you, as your achievements
is about 25 to 30 years and the associates take their tone from
have become aspirational. Do you think it could be a trap that
the guys at the top. If you are solemn about work all the time,
they might fall into – of idealising your work?
working in a structured environment, they, too, would work like
KM: I have an issue with the fact that one needs to idolize some-
that and their age would only be incidental.
one else. What we are doing is unique to us. 99% of the work
SM: When some of the guys joined the Studio, they came in ties
in India is not design intensive and that is painfully boring. But
and then realized that though this is an office, they were the
if it works for you and you can find a market for it, then well
only ones dressed that way.
and good.
KM: We have never looked at any firm as a role model for our
SM: Maybe it was destiny, luck… being at the right place at the
office. We just created an environment that we were comfort-
right time and finding the right people. Even we could have
able in – like the crib, no dress code, everyone able to speak
fallen into the same trap. We never idolized anyone and have
their mind, etc.
done what we are comfortable with. You just have to be true to yourself; then there is a greater chance of success.
BK: But where did all this begin? I mean, your internship, training, before Planet 3 became a reality?
BK: Therefore, did the absence of influences and idols and/or a
KM: Oh, that was only for a few months. Though it could sound
formal training with a firm actually help you develop your own
very interesting as a story of how we struggled and started our
style?
own thing, the fact is that when we graduated in ‘96, the mar-
KM: I don’t think it would have mattered as working with some-
ket crashed and there were no jobs. In order to survive, we did
one can influence you only up to a limit. There is no formula to
some very low-paying assignments. We established Planet 3 in
our work.
’98. BK: How much does work intrude on your private space – at BK: I recall our very first meeting many years ago when you had
home or with friends?
shown me the renderings of Vidyalankar project. How did you
SM: Only in case of emergencies does work get carried home –
break ice with the clients and convince them for such a maverick
not otherwise. He doesn’t like it and if I pick it up, “office ki baat
design for an educational institution?
office main karenge” is the response I get.
KM: For this we need to look beyond the question. Let me
KM: I like to do things intensively in small spurts. If work is inten-
explain something about us. Most people have their academics
sive at that point then I’d rather stay in office to finish it and then
fairly predictable – they know what needs to be done to work
go home, but prefer not to carry it home. We both like to read a
towards their degree. For us, actually, just me, since Santha was
lot; that is one of our hobbies.
a bit better in studies; I flunked each and every architecture and design paper from my fourth to tenth semester. So I learnt to
BK: There is a very involved work environment. What is the work
internalize the whole thing about how my designs were not
philosophy that you follow?
received out there. And once in the field, I became more prag-
SM: Sometimes I feel we are running a design academy here,
matic, kind-of let loose and did my own thing.
because of the way we train our associates in every aspect of
SM: We went into the presentation with the approach that the
design.
worst that could happen was that we won’t get the project. But
KM: That’s ok. Why shouldn’t we use them to their full potential
not only did we get it, it has become like a benchmark. And that
and give a client the benefit of getting 3-4 design options.
doesn’t mean post Vidyalankar, things have been easy for us. It
SM: Yes. Sometimes great ideas come from the youngest per-
created a kind of image that we are these funky architects and
son in the team.
we had to convince people otherwise. It gave us the reputation, but didn’t get us work. In fact, we got the next architectural
BK: So, how would you describe your designs?
project 3-4 years after that.
SM: We don’t attempt to describe them; we just design. It may
KM: We had to convince people that a design is governed by
not be very “safe” in terms of design (though we like to give that
requirements, so no two projects will be similar. Now people
option to our clients as well), we try to do different things and
understand this and it is easier. A case in point is this developer
that works for us.
18 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 19
20 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 21
22 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
BK: When you say that, I am assuming your client is satisfied. So
SM: No profession should be static, small beginnings have led us
how important does the client-designer relationship become in
to where we are today. There are so many things that one can do.
the profession? KM: The investment that goes into building this relationship is
BK: What do you feel about the attitude of today’s generation of
phenomenal – the client is putting in a huge amount of mon-
architects and designers?
ey, you are committing a huge amount of time and creativ-
SM: The fault lies with this whole culture of ideologies. I’m sure
ity to it. And many times these attempts fail from both sides.
even we had it then and didn’t realize it. I remember us telling a
When things click, it is special and if in your entire career span
client to take back the cheque - that was attitude.
you build 5-6 such permanent relationships, it is a precious
KM: Designers have always had an attitude. The kids look up to
achievement. But one needs to be careful so as not to become
some of the icons in the industry and listen to their anecdotes.
predictable.
The symptoms of the creative process are taken as the attitude that makes you creative. They think that unless you have attitude
BK: For example, any such learning experiences?
you are not creative. I don’t think it is necessary. We are quite
KM: The very first project that we were working on was an inte-
chilled out. I don’t think you need any of those perceived trap-
riors project. Even after developing many concepts, this gentle-
pings to be creative.
man kept us hanging in. SM: He kept on postponing the project with some or the other
BK: So what pointers would you give them to hone their skills
excuse and we gave it up.
and make them better professionals?
KM: Then he approached us again six years later for the same
KM: One must remember that while it is a creative field, it is also
thing. He had not approached anyone else and we did it, not for
a profession where you work with others and clients. Secondly,
the money but simply because it was our first project. But we
you have to demystify every opportunity. It is not about becom-
have never fooled ourselves on one thing – the importance of
ing the next so-and-so, but about giving what the requirements
money. The relationships that we have built with individuals are
are. You need to have the right communication skills. Next, you
never at the cost of practicality. There was this client we worked
have to stay with your convictions, whatever they may be. Most
with for a couple of months and then it was time for our first
people tend to follow others, like spending lakhs for a Masters
payment. When I reached his office at 11.00 AM, he was on his
from a foreign university, sometimes mortgaging their parent’s
way out and said that he would return by 6.00 PM and could give
homes. But no one stops to think further. This trend scares me
me the money only on his return. So when he returns in the eve-
as I cannot understand the co-relation between architectural
ning, he finds me patiently browsing magazines at the recep-
success and a foreign Masters. Many of them later end up doing
tion. “You must really need the money,” he said, to which my
stupid work that is a sad waste of talent. As a designer, you know
simple reply was, “It is my money and I don’t mind waiting for it.”
how good you are; find your line of expertise.
SM: Whenever a project has come our way, we’ve never said no.
SM: Glory is not in building only iconic structures. Everyone who
Let’s try it, has been our attitude. Each one has taught us some-
passes out of design school wants to become the next Zaha
thing or the other.
Hadid or Charles Corea. I’m not discouraging that, but there
KM: RPG Group is now a regular client, but the first time we
has to be some introspection about what you are good at, that
worked with them was on a design-build (DB) small temporary
nobody can teach you, that has to come from within.
office to accommodate 42 people in a budget of a-lakh-and-ahalf to be completed in 20 days. You can’t be faced with a bigger
BK: And finally what do the two of you do after work?
challenge.
SM: We are always out. We try not to miss any of the latest mov-
SM: DB has been a learning process. It was our first design and
ies, we take the entire office and go. We also love to go for a lot of
build project and we had no clue about so many things. But we
trekking and camping trips. Not only are they fun it is also a great
asked, learned and completed it in 18 days, we even slept on
way to bond with your colleagues. We used to do this at least
site!
twice a year but, it reduced due to my pregnancy.
KM: When the manager saw us sleeping on the table and the
KM: But we will restart now. Even in office, post work we all
carpenter on the floor, he said that this is a great social equalizer;
sometimes sit and have wine together.
and when we got our cheque, it was really hard earned money!
SM: If someone is working late into the night, a break at about 8
While some of our contemporaries were doing their masters in
in the evening is fine.
the US, we were learning practical details on site. Not that the design part was not of interest, this just seemed more real to us.
BK: Drinks in office?
And that money at the beginning of our practice helped us go
KM: Most people act very responsibly when they are given the
a long way.
freedom MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 23
24 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-APR 2011
Glory is not in building only iconic structures. Everyone wants to become the next Zaha Hadid or Charles Corea. But there has to be some introspection about what you are good at, that nobody can teach you, that has to come from within
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 25
26 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
PERCEPTION... and a touch of whimsy… Reviewing their projects of the last few years, one realizes how progressive design can impact the thinking-mind, without disrupting the inherent tenets of conventionality Words: Savitha Hira Images: courtesy Planet 3 Studios
T
he art of translating a concept into a workable solution…with deft strokes of professional expertise, peppered with a dash of conviction… is perhaps the secret of success that Kalhan-Santha thrive on in their leadership of Planet 3 Studios.
Hand-picking a few from their diverse portfolio, we try to decode the mindset and
working philosophy of the duo as they sashay through life – ticking and fulfilling, both professionally and personally. Internationally recognized, their rapidly growing portfolio comprises a range of eclectic projects that span institutional buildings, mixed use and adaptive-reuse projects, housing complexes, corporate offices, retail outlets, hospitality segment, furniture, industrial products…. ‘Self-appraisal’ seems the foremost virtue of this team. Applying a candid evaluation process to the success of their first major institutional project – Vidyalankar Institute – they reintroduced the student connect into a vibrant environment for the institute’s 35,000 sq. ft. bio-technology and life-sciences centre in 2008. Taking a cue from what was best appreciated in their former effort; various design elements were incorporated to corporeally image large student work displays, light sources and graffiti strips, etc. in the new structure. Whilst the new design borrows heavily from nature, it attempts to reiterate the intended use via the graphic quality of most constructs: a staircase with a railing evoking frayed, dried wheat stalk rendered in wood and steel; a meeting room with a twist, game board near the entrance; strategically punctured roof with skylights illuminating the interior corridors; ventilators as signage letters; etc. Amidst this pandemonium of whimsy-in-the-eye, are diametrically placed symbolic lotus petals – the seat of learning – and a few other such tongue-in-cheek discoveries that although a trifle blasé, bring the ‘aaha’ aspect into being! MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 27
Establishing the fact that an evolution is possible in set building typologies, and keeping pace with changing needs, Planet 3 Studios goes on to prove that thinking-out-of-the-box can be as much a subtle exercise as a blatant one. In their recent (2010) design of the reception, recreation and training areas at the RPG group headquarters at CEAT Mahal, Mumbai, traditional Indian ethnic elements of design and architecture blend with Grecian typologies in a contemporary idiom. The recreation area, marking the ethos of an informal active relaxation as the underlying narrative, is a contemporized interpretation of the Mykonos and Santorini architecture. The design evokes the pristine white vernacular feel and consistency of these Greek villages. Similarly, the reception area has a very distinct
character that syncretises modern planning and construction with local architectural tradition, delivering on the expectations that the building creates. Large parts of the space are left open and empty to receive art, and the only built space is an air-conditioned lounge with a distinct Rajasthani character. In absolute contrast and befitting its intent, is the training centre, which sports Spartan chic seriousness.“Communicating the progressive ideas of the group gives the employees a sense of pride of ownership,” says Santha. A pride that they would like to evoke in the residents of Shirdi, where they are furthering the social initiative of the Somaiya Group, by building a science centre within the now derelict, original factory structure situated on 28 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
a 100-acre site. Awaiting its various mandatory approvals, the project poses the challenge of maintaining historical continuity while building a modern facility with a minimally invasive approach. Their proposed design retains and extends the industrial art deco character of original structures while newer additions in modern materials blend in via subtle design elements. Within the confines of these structures, innovative technologies will be used to create futuristic displays and cutting edge science experiments, creating an experiential high among the users in this small town. Using cutting-edge technology, the progressive architects have also elicited a ‘wow’ response to the proposed design of their upcoming luxury
residential apartments in a Mumbai suburb. Inspired by Antonio Gaudi’s forms, and marrying them with design details borrowed from traditional Indian architecture, the high-rise is conceived as a modular construct of interlocking solid surface acrylic panels anchored to the building frame, each thermoformed to create a fluid, soft character for the cladding. Columns of the same material, with a twisting fluted detail in various sizes adorn the façade and together with the thermoformed panels create a distinct character for the building. The cladding material will reduce the building façade maintenance to a minimum… something Mumbai buildings struggle with a lot on account of monsoons. Proposed as the first fully steel-framed residential building in India, integrating international influences, cutting-edge building technology and innovative use of materials in a thoroughly contemporary context, the path-breaking nature of this development is a bold attempt at rewriting the rules for such projects in India. MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 29
Pushing-the-envelope with design notions that challenge an established or conventional outlook is a trait that seems to come naturally to the duo
30 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-APR 2011
Another feather in their cap is the dramatic, spiralling design of a new panoramic resort in Karnala won through an invited competition. While local building codes restrict the structure to ground-plus-one, the client requirement of an iconic property provides the point of inspiration for this remarkable design. Radiating from a central core with luxury hospitality services and suites on the upper level, five arms extend into the landscape with out-facing rooms on two floors. The building skin is engineered in horizontal louvers to moderate harsh tropical sun; while the same louvers light up in subtle colours during the night, suggesting magical lanterns that float in air. The project is at take-off stage and envisages a 5-year completion period. But ‘time’ is truly the essence of life and living. Back in 2007, when Godrej had announced a product design competition, Planet 3 Studios had deigned a modular portable workstation. They won the best product award but the workstation remained under production; until last month when Godrej rolled out the product after appropriate and adequate R&D. Christened ‘Out-of-the-box’, the workstation is a literal rectangular box, which opens up, much like a Swiss knife, to reveal two perfectly functioning workstations. It takes no special skills and couple of minutes to install. The trick really, is in using the surface of the box as a jigsaw arrangement of components that unfold in a logical and sequential manner. Packed within is the requisite paraphernalia down to the smallest detail of necessary cabling. The portable box is mounted on lockable castors and can be shut with the same ease when not in use. The concept encourages multi-use space design by its mobility, while its compactness opens it up to alternate uses. With the focus always on context, the constraints and the opportunities that a project presents, the incisive vocabulary of the space and the project per se communicates with the architects to evolve into a solution that balances wit with wisdom, keeping it fresh in visual appeal
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 31
VANISHING HERITAGE Conservation Architect Vikas Dilawari on his drive around the Mumbai metropolis with Ar. Aamcher is saddened at the insensitive management of heritage structures.
A
lthough Mumbai is well known globally for its Gothic Revival ensemble of public buildings and Art Deco residential districts like the Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Necklace, several areas
like the Banganga precinct, Kotachiwadi, Matharpakdi, and Bandra village, to name a few, that identify with the socio-economic and cultural patterns of the city and are symbolic of local distinctiveness, are fast vanishing. It is pitiable to see areas like the Santacruz Catholic Colony and Kotachiwadi in a dilapidated condition, where buildings in a predominantly repairable condition are being neglected and instead pitched for redevelopment. It is indeed a shame and a sham to simply observe that the government, instead of addressing the core issue of Rent Control Act, which many states have diluted or repealed, has provided no incentives to see that heritage buildings can be protected and repaired. On the contrary, the government has introduced Section 33 (7) that encourages demolition and oďŹ&#x20AC;ers larger FSI for reconstruction. This may be true for the really decrepit buildings but this is being grossly misused for heritage buildings in repairable conditions. Even buildings worthy of being Heritage Buildings fall under the threat of redevelopment as there is no legislative protection. Certain areas of Girgaum are already undergoing transformation. Special development laws are needed for redevelopment that acknowledge and address the character of the place and sociocultural values that are integral to the built form and its distinctive character. A good progressive nation/city is one where heritage and development go hand-in-hand To share more such designs or experiences, positive or negative, contact Ar. Aamcher at aamcher@designmatrix.co 32 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-APR 2011
Ar. Aamcher
Musings
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 33
34 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
A TALE OF
Satin& Lace Words: Sheena D’Lima Images: courtesy the designer
Suman Nathwani talks about her unique journey as India’s first lingerie designer.
P
icture this: it is late 1980’s Calcutta and a 17-year-old girl is accompanying a soon-to-be-married elder cousin on a lingerie shopping spree. The young girl, fortified with a knowledge born of several Mills and Boon romance
novels, boldly demands to have a look at the “lace negligees” and “baby dolls” on stock, much to the consternation of several shy shop owners. That little slip of a girl, Suman Nathwani, grew to be India’s First Lady of Lingerie and Loungewear design. “Everyone, including my cousin was amazed at my knowledge and the shocking words that I was throwing around,” Nathwani recalls. The feisty schoolgirl ended up designing her cousin’s wedding lingerie herself, even getting it stitched by the family tailor, much to her conservative parents’ dismay. That story definitely had a happy ending though. “My cousin loved my work. Those were my first designs, done in cut-work style,” she says. “That’s when I decided to choose lingerie design as my career.” MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 35
36 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 37
dards that my designs have,” she says. She designs for fashion outlets and also makes custom-designed lingerie for weddings and honeymoons. The inspiration for most of her designs comes from a lot of research of what works for the Indian woman. “I design for Indians and I try to cater to that sensibility – be it in the colour, fabric or design. For example, while European women love pastel shades and are partial to satins in off-white and white, those colours are a no-no for an Indian bride who prefers bright colours. While I may include shades like white in a honeymoon collection, I would never choose white for wedding night lingerie.” Nathwani’s personal favourite is purple, a shade she describes as “very in.” As for the material she uses, quality, she says, is everything. “I buy my materials abroad because the satin manufactured in India is of a slightly inferior quality,” she says. Though the high from striking gold, both literally and metaphorically, has been thrilling enough, Nathwani is equally excited at the change in the attitude of women through the years. “Six years ago, I would describe the attitude of the average Indian woman as passionate but shy. Nowadays, she’s exposed to international trends; she’s aware of brands and has become much Still, if she thought that making this tal-
Nathwani
carved
a
bolder.” A good exam-
ent her profession was going to be as easy
niche for herself in the
ple of this change in
as using provocative words from a Marks
minds of women who
mindsets is the change
and Spencer store, she had another think
wanted
in
coming. “The first six months were the
what store-bought lin-
panions. “First women
most difficult,” she recalls, talking about
gerie could give them.
used to shop with their
how she wrestled with the condescending
Her ability to deliver just
toleration and mild disapproval of the tra-
what her customer had in
ditional circles in which her family moved.
mind, ensured that they kept
“Still, word went around that I was really
coming back for more and soon she had
good at designing comfortable lingerie
expanded her business base: begun de-
Suman Nathwani’s story is not unlike
and lightweight sleepwear and I started
signing sleepwear for men and earned her
those of great explorers who discover un-
getting orders from friends and even fam-
first runway spot (1991).
charted territory and claim it for their own.
ily. Six months later, I was ready to start my own factory.”
more
than
shopping
com-
mothers. That changed to sisters-in-law, and then to female friends. Now they shop with their fiancés,” she laughs.
Now Nathwani overlooks a workforce
Her sense of humour, determination and
that easily exceeds 200 tailors and crafts-
incredible eye for detail, quality and design
From there began a steep uphill climb
men, with four workshops both in Kolkata
has ensured that from now on, her path will
but the journey just got better as she went
and rural Bengal. “I am truly blessed to have
be forever strewn with satin and edged in
along. With her trademark cut-work and
loyal artisans, who have worked with me
lace. Whoever said that reading romances
light, flowing designs in sweet floral prints,
for over 22 years and who know the stan-
could come to no good?
38 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 39
Residential design
40 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 41
42 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
Luxu ry s e co n d none team from The Aakruti design double Mumbai scoured a ing an whammy by revitaliz me in South almost decrepit ho ting it into Mumbai and transla a luxurious den. ho Words: Varun Godin , Images: Indrajit Sathe ns sig courtesy Aakruti De
t an interior t isn’t everyday tha car te blanche a designer receives him to “do as ing tell nt, from his clie etan Shah, Ashok you please.” While Ch th from Mumb aiMewada and Sanjay She re elated with we s based Aak ruti design y had to raise the t tha w this offer, they kne excellence. Their their hitherto set bar of s Hitesh Job alia, client for this projec t wa ing dire ctor of nag the promoter and ma s Limited, who tem Sys g gin Ma x Fle x & Ima a large 2,200 sq. had recently purchase d Road that could ft. pad on Napean Sea wer to London’s ans well pass off as India’s . Billionaire’s Row ent was in a The 22-year-old apartm envisaged alia Job state of near ruin. But into a orm nsf tra uld that the proper ty wo m of tea ert exp the er und luxurious abo de Aak ruti Designs. confidence Starting out with this dge that wle kno the of the client and s and budgets geo graphical boundarie not res train them, were fac tors that did th set out to give Shah, Mewada and She und the world aro m Job alia the bes t fro ations. The ect exp his h in keeping wit Sat vario marble, flo oring is done up in rble, which is ma also known as statuary rble with rare ma ite wh a highly polished the quarries m fro ed ort veins and imp China, they have of Carrar a, Italy. From ins talling a large borrowe d the idea of mosaic in the hall ss gla SICIS hand-craf ted “Although Jobalia that has a floral pat tern. se to be done up initially wante d the hou
I
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 43
in cream and gold, we convinced him to go with white, which would serve the dual purpose of delivering an uber-luxurious feel and also of creating the impression of ample space within the house,” says Shah. The Ligne Roset signature lemon green sofa set with gatherings and pleated fabric is sourced from Dubai. “As we sifted through the different options, it was quite a task to decide on any one particular item as opposed to the next. Each time Jobalia saw something he liked, we needed to evaluate whether it was the best that we could source and then advise him accordingly,” he continues. Each part of the home is a marvel in itself. The living and dining rooms are fitted with bare minimum furniture, while the false ceiling conceals mood lights. There were initially three bedrooms in the flat that Jobalia asked to be reduced to two – one for him and his wife, the other for his son. “While other people ask for two bedrooms to be converted into three, I went the other way and asked that the space from the three bedrooms be converted into two large bedrooms,” says Jobalia. His bedroom has been cleverly designed with a DuPont Corian wall that camouflages the entrance to a walk-in wardrobe. The bathing room and a smaller reading room that serves as his private get-away. The bathroom is not excluded from the opulence and grandeur of the rest of the home. Top-of-the-line material including a wall made from white onyx has been especially designed by the Aakruti team. There is even a chandelier in the bathroom to add to the defining touch of elegance. In his son Karan’s bathroom, the overhead shower panel is fitted with LED lights to serve as a therapeutic light massage shower. The wardrobes have sliding doors that are made of white back-painted glass. For the kitchen, the team has been instructed by Jobalia’s wife, Dipti, to keep the design extremely clutter-free. The cabinets are fitted with two-way storage compartments, Corian top
counters
with
appliances
from
Siemens and a wine-red finish to the wall 44 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 45
46 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
“The 22-year-old apartment was in a state of near ruin. But Jobalia envisaged that the property would transform into a luxurious abode under the expert team of Aakruti Designs.” gives the kitchen a sleek finish. The entire house and all its appliances are controlled by an automated system from Schneider Electric. Major structural repairs have been undertaken across the entire flat prior to any of the interior designing work. With almost a year of repairs, sourcing and designing, the project has evolved as planned, a little over a month ago. Working in South Mumbai came with its fair share of problems too. “We had to adhere to a 30-page manual on the society guidelines and were careful to follow every norm while the work was in progress. We generally do not contend with such issues while working in the suburbs of Mumbai, where every other building in the neighbourhood has construction work underway,” informs Sheth. The Aakruti design team has outdone themselves and Jobalia and his family are thrilled with the look and feel of their new home. Shah reaffirms that it has been a privilege to work on projects such as these and on international ones too, including a row-house interior designing project in Hong Kong two years ago MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 47
48 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
le Sutra , the Indian art hotel was awarded “India’s Most Unique Hotel” at the Indian Hospitality Excellence Awards (IHEA) held at Hotel Westin, Mumbai on January 15, 2011. It’s unique conceptualization is based on Indian philosophy and the implementation encompasses the thoughts and works of artists, sculptors, designers, visualisers, stylists and coordinators coming under the banner of Dr.Art+Design, a sister concern of Le Sutra.
Mitali Bajaj
It’s an accolade we would like to share with you and appreciate the labour of love, uniquely brought to reality in hospitality terra firma.
www.lesutra.in Join us on http://www.facebook.com/lesutra 14 Union Park, Khar(W), Mumbai-400 052. India # 91 22 2649 2995/7 MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 49
50 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 51
Leonardo Arts was started in 2001 as an attempt to blend art and affo rdability, without compromising o n aesthetics We offer end to end high quality art solutions on a variety of media different environments and design ideas.
(including acid free canvas) that suit
The versatile nature of our prints has made it possible to use them for everythin prints to individual custom portraits.
g from limited edition art
Some of our clients include: Hyatt Regency, Kolkata
Raj Bhavan, Hyderabad
Hyatt Regency, Mumbai
Patni Computers, Mumbai
Hyatt Regency, Pune
Ginger Hotels
Taj Holiday Village, Goa
Mahindra Holiday Resorts
Aditya Vikram Birla Hospital, Pune
Bombay Dyeing, Mumbai
Grand Hyatt, Mumbai
TCS, Thane
Grand Hyatt, Goa
Talwalkars
Please give us a call to see what we could do for you! Leonardo Arts Pvt. Ltd. B/18 A, Ghatkopar Industrial Estate, LBS Marg, Behind R-City, Ghatkopar (W) Mumbai 400086 Tel: +91 22 6796 9078 / 79 Email: askus@leonardoarts.com
Ad Durian Doors
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 53
ROOFESCAPES Words: Savitha Hira; Images: mab architects
mab architects create a warm and inhabitable recreational space atop a flat roof in Athens, making a significant difference to the bio climate of the city, and the perception of its inhabitants.
54 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-APR 2011
Creative ideas MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 55
“In a city where the building stock is lowrise and with flat roofs, the latter represent a wonderful opportunity to be planted and utilized as recreational spaces.”
M
context based on the consideration of the
northern part of Athens, in
rived an indigenous wooden wrap with Iro-
Greece. Located at the foothills of mount
ko hardwood boards of standard dimension
Penteli, its advantageous raised position
– 12cm wide and 2cm thick – that wraps
provides beautiful panoramic vistas over
around the surface of the floor, folds and
the city of Athens and the Saronic Gulf
wraps the wall, where the wall becomes a
in the distance. Finding a home atop a
table or a bench, and a bench becomes a
small four-storey housing block with the
bed or a planter etc., creating a luxurious
exclusive right to use the flat roof as a
tableau, virtually in the sky!
elissia is a considerably green, middle-class district in the
programme and the client’s needs, they de-
private terrace was like a dream fulfilled
The main idea behind this monologu-
for a young couple looking to set up
ise vocabulary is to accomplish the design
home independently. Offering almost 360
and create a luxuriant ambiance by mini-
degree views of the entire city, the terrace
mizing the variety of materials applied and
was to be revamped into an intimate area
consequently limiting the variety of trades
for the couple and a place where they
used in the construction process. Work-
could hang out with their friends, organize
ing on a tight budget, everything is built
parties, etc. All of this had to be achieved
within this module to control the off-cuts.
on a tight budget!
Unsightly chimneys are for fire-protection
Enter architects mab - Rena Marioli,
reasons wrapped with metal sections of
Franky Antimisiaris and Branko M. Berlic,
the same dimensions. All furniture is built-
with their fundamental simplicity and
in, except two benches on wheels, which
logical clarity through an everyday think-
can be moved around freely. All planting
ing and working process. Understanding
is indigenous and sourced locally from the
the social, cultural, climatic and urban
Attica area.
56 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
With Athens having long hot summers,
floor provided the requisite protection
the couple plans to use the revamped roof
against physical damage and UV rays.
terrace on a daily basis for 4-5 months of the
Furthermore, rain water can flow through
year. It has become a large open-air exten-
decking onto the new sealing layer, which
sion of their apartment below, where they
meant that there was no need to change
prepare their meals in an open-air kitchen,
any existing floor falls and drainage out-
dine, relax and entertain their friends, sun-
lets. In order to achieve a uniformed look
bathe… and a conveniently placed shower
and to provide a feeling of luxury (on a
provides the much-longed-for cooling on
tight budget), it proved cost effective to
hot summer days after lying in the sun.
use the same material for all – floor and
Although the ‘roofescape’, as the ar-
Design mabarchitects Client young couple Location Athens, Greece Programme 75 sq. m. roof garden
wall claddings and furniture.
chitects choose to call it, is a handsome
In the present day city of Athens, there
private open-area that is a definite en-
is a critical lack of open green and recre-
hancer to any middle-class home irrespec-
ational spaces. In a city, which has such an
tive of its location, the design is driven by
advantageous location and mild climate, it
deeper issues: the building, which was
is almost impossible to find that little patch
just a few years old, had already devel-
of green where a contemporary urban
oped problems with water-leaking on the
dweller can relax and enjoy his time off. To-
flat roof terrace. The existing terrace floor-
day the city is characterized by locals and
ing was of ceramic tiling and the most
visitors alike, as being an endless concrete
cost effective waterproofing solution,
jungle, which spreads and fills every little
thus, was to pour polymer-type sealant
corner in the Attica basin.
over the existing tile flooring. However,
Maybe this conversion has planted a
this new membrane required protection;
little seed in the area and possibly more uti-
so it was decided to install floating wood-
lized and planted roofs will slowly appear.
decking over the entire floor. This type of
Hopefully some of them would be public
Major materials Iroko wood, galvanized steel sections
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 57
Leisure design 58 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 59
60 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
mojo DON’T LOSE YOUR
Words: Sharanya S; Images: courtesy the architect
Revitalising the night life and party culture of Colombo is Club Mojo, designed by Keer Designs Group.
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 61
62 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
“Walking into Club Mojo is almost like walking into a different world – a brighter, more colourful, non-linear world.”
A
bhijeet Keer could well be Batman.
Mumbai, InterContinental in Mauritius, and
Or a version of a design superhe-
several residential ones as well. Currently
ro, who swoops in, designs your
working on a host of spas and restaurants,
space exactly the way you want, makes it a
he talks about the bright and shiny jewel in
reflection of your personality and flies away
his crown, Club Mojo, Colombo.
into the vast blue sky. Keer is the perfect cli-
The nightlife and party culture in Co-
ent’s designer. “I don’t believe in leaving my
lombo began to be resuscitated post the
signature in everything I design. I’m not de-
unrest and civil war in the country and Ho-
signing for me; I’m designing for someone
tel Taj Samudra decided to resurrect the
else. So I like to keep their choice and their
night club in their basement. The owners
needs in focus,” he says.
Sanjay Punjabi and Tambi Fernando want-
Keer Designs Group started in 2003 and
ed their earmarked clubbing space to be
has an impressive line of hospitality proj-
up and running again. Keer visited many
ects including China Gate and Red Box in
nightclubs in the city and reveals, “I had MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 63
to design it so that even after reno-
entire lighting system can go from red to
Keer even solves the problem
vation, the other clubs wouldn’t be
blue to green depending on the kind of
most women experience when enter-
able to match up to Club Mojo. I like
sound the DJ is belting out.
ing clubs; that of where to park their
to be two steps ahead.” The drawings
Another striking feature is its curvilin-
evening bags or hand-purses. Special
were made in Mumbai with his team
ear forms. With a name like Mojo, it had to
lockers with individual keys have been
– Swapna Hankare and Navneet Keer;
be young and funky and have minimum
provided for the womenfolk; and this
and three months later, Club Mojo
straight lines. This is clearly incorporated in
feature encourages them to enjoy a
began with a bang.
the curved seating area around the circular
carefree evening, dating and dancing.
Walking into Club Mojo is almost
dance floor, the arched staircase, and a bar
While it is fairly obvious that the
like walking into a different world–
that has random lines of light reflecting the
lights, dance floor and split-levels are
a brighter, more colourful, non-
asymmetry of Club Mojo.
the soul of Club Mojo, it is the minute
linear world.
It is almost surprising to hear Keer list
details that actually transform it into
The primary focus of Mojo is the
the thoughts and little elements that went
a wanna-be-in space. The translu-
lighting – tables lit from the inside,
into designing – giving us a little insight
cent columns, the use of mirrors that
acrylic waves of light that make up
into the multi-faceted roles that a design-
encourage frequent self-appraisals, ,
the bar, bubble lights that line the
er has to play in modulating a project for
fabric on the walls and ceiling pan-
wall, even an LED flower motif on
his client. Nightlife in Colombo only picks
els that aid acoustics, laser lights
the ceiling that is almost the sig-
up after midnight, so Keer thought up a
bouncing off a disco ball, waves on
nature of Club Mojo. “Sometimes
clever ruse to rake in the revenue in the
the wall coupled with blue lighting
clubs are so crowded that you can
wee hours. A performance stage, complete
that give the upper lounge a sea-
see nothing ahead of you. But the
with a projector for live bands, screening
like effect, simple floors that gleam
ceiling is definitely something you
matches or movies was created. It is placed
oh-so slightly, a deck behind the
would notice. When people take
for convenient viewing from wherever you
curved sofas that accommodates
pictures of their parties, they try
may be seated. There is even the provision
additional dancers and even the
to include the motif, so that oth-
of a small hidden passageway and store
ample standing space provided
ers instantly know that the party
room that could double up as a green
near the bar... draw your atten-
was at Club Mojo,” says Keer.
room.
tion to the old maxim – God is in
While the number of lights itself
Hotel Taj Samudra is the official hotel
the details. An impeccable eye for
is quite impressive, it is their stra-
for the ICC, and cricketers frequenting Mojo
details and keen sense of light
tegic manoeuvring that is truly
created the need for a VIP lounge. A sepa-
and colour makes Club Mojo
amazing. All the lights, even the
rate level with its own bar has been made
stand out from a herd of generic
ones on the tables, can be syn-
that enables celebrities to view the entire
nightclubs and a must-hit on any
chronised to suit the music. The
club without mingling with the crowd.
partygoer’s list
64 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
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
S
struct them. The final installation is nothing
phy reveals that beauty being skin deep,
The mirror installation by Pooja Purie in
it is with shringar that a woman attracts a
the bathroom represents the many different
man and his aura. Beauty is nothing without
facets and perceptions of a woman. The mir-
grace and shringar is that delicate union of
rors symbolize self-love, an important aspect
beauty and grace.
of shringar. Bindi is the symbol of a married
hringar is the art of adornment, romance, culture, beauty and enjoy-
short of stunning and does not miss evoking
ment. Indian culture and philoso-
a smile or chuckle from a guest,” she says.
The Shringar room represents the Ra-
woman and is said to keep away bad omen.
jsic guna, which is the attribute driving one
It highlights the ajna chakra (6th chakra), also
to action. It is the force that creates desires
known as the third eye. The Bindi installa-
for acquiring new things, which leads one
tion is by sculptor Anand Prabhudesai. The
to activity and expansiveness; it represents
Nathni or nose stud is the most seductive of
vibrancy and passion, being vivacious and
all the ornaments worn for shringar. The nose
stylish. The room had other design concepts
is said to be closely related to the sexual or-
initially – one of them with the solah shringar
gans and hence a woman wore a nose ring
elements of an Indian bride. But the team felt
to signify it. Product designer Mark Phillip
that they were all getting too literal, hence
created a Nathni lamp for this room. The
moving away from the mood. “Seema Kohli’s
Painting done by Seema Kohli showcases
painting with the lady and peacock really
the different moods of a woman. It portrays
set the compass due north and from it was
the idea of self-love. Self beautification adds
born the room,” reveals Mitali Bajaj, Head, Dr.
to the aura which is the energy that women
Art+Design.
use, to become powerful and significant in
The room was done by Dr. Art + Design
the eyes of the opposite sex. Peacock chair
under Mitali’s guidance. “We wanted to create
is by product designer Neil Dantas. The pea-
an installation of mirrors and thought it would
cock is the symbol of beauty and grace. The
be the simplest of things. So we went on a
Peacock’s feather, in the form of an eye, rep-
hunting spree to find the old hand-held mir-
resents knowledge. An attractive woman has
rors to give the classic touch. Surprisingly, we
all the three qualities – beauty, knowledge
found only a couple and had to literally recon-
and grace
ADORNED IN
STYLE Dressed in the symbols of beauty, the Shringar room at Le Sutra celebrates the woman. Words: Babita Krishnan Images: courtesy Le Sutra
Arty techture 66 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 67
“The various symbols of beauty or forms of adornment are put together and translated as art to adorn this room. A stay here would truly have you surrounded with beauty. It’s the time to enjoy the shringar rasa”
68 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 69
70 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 71
72 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
Veteran makeup artiste Ram Tipnis takes us down memory lane with ingenuous insights into the art of makeup; while his humility inhibits his comments on the present scenario in the art… Words & Images: Anuja Ghosalkar Anuja Ghosalkar is programme officer at India Foundation for the Arts, Bangalore and Mr. Ram Tipnis’ grand-daughter. To read more on Ram Tipnis check out Anuja’s blog: www.papaajoba.blogspot.com
74 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
Conversations
GLOSS TO...
GL A MOUR
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 75
Tipnis is nostalgic of his time spent with Shammi Kapoor and Sadhana and greets them even today on their birthdays
76 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
R
am Tipnis is a veteran makeup
oldest living make-up artistes of Bolly-
artiste of the Hindi film industry.
wood witnessed a time that is markedly
He is also a master story-teller.
different from the current one.
Perhaps, a trait inculcated into his persona;
Hailing from an eminent family of the-
he weaves the story of his sixty years
atre artistes (his father was the Marathi
(1941-2001) in the Bombay film industry
stage actor Madhavrao Tipnis, who also
with élan, not realizing that stories often
had his own theatre company), Tipnis
become history…
spent the first few years of his life travel-
Imagine a time when the superstar
ling across Maharashtra with him. He
of the film industry travelled by the third
would sneak backstage and watch thes-
class railway compartment with his make-
pians paint their faces with grease before
up man! Picture a film studio that func-
a performance. Says Tipnis, “Those days
tioned like an extended family… In today’s
there was no foundation so the actors
uber professional film industry, this seems
used grease and the more accomplished
unimaginable. But Ram Tipnis, one of the
ones applied loni (homemade white but-
ter). With the coming of cinema, and the
assisted. When Paranjpye joined V. Shan-
decline of his father’s flourishing thea tre
taram’s new studio, Rajkamal, Tipnis fol-
company, Tipnis, at the age of 19 had to
lowed. “Working under V. Shantaram was
support his seven siblings and ageing par-
like attending Art School,” he reminisces.
ents. Tipnis, who could perform lines from
“Back then, before Max Factor (the leading
his father’s plays better than he could read
cosmetic company) came to India, we had
school textbooks, decided to find work as
to make our own foundation and make-
an actor in Pune. He secured a miniscule
up. At that time there was only a German
role in the 1941 Marathi film Municipality,
company called Leichner that sold founda-
where along with acting, he also became
tion. But the shades of foundation did not
an assistant to the makeup artiste. Thus
match with the Indian skin tone; so at Ra-
began the colourful journey.
jkamal, we were encouraged to innovate.
A short sojourn in Pune, and Tipnis
We used to make our own colours: we first
was Bombay-bound with his mentor Dada
added coloured powder to water, then
Paranjpye, another makeup artiste he had
boiled it, strained it, allowed it to dry and
Imported shades of foundation did not match Indian skin tone; so at Rajkamal, we were encouraged to innovate
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 77
an actress’ face, or making Indian actors look Chinese, they had to invent new ways to make the fictional, believable. But the biggest hurdle that Tipnis faced was the advent of the colour film. Geva Colour, was a type of film that when exposed, resulted in a yellow tinge. Even though Tipnis had tested Geva Colour many times earlier, the Studio brought in a British make-up expert and Tipnis was refused entry into the dressing room to observe his “international technique”. Disheartened, Tipnis left the room and it was only after the intervention of a senior actor that the British expert apologized to Tipnis. Deeply aware of the entrenched hierarchies in the film industry, Tipnis continues his story saying, “My job was to make the stars look good.” Looked good they did. Sadhana, Shammi Kapoor, Asha Parekh, Saira Banu, were some of the leading stars of the 1960’s who Tipnis worked with after the
He would sneak backstage and watch thespians paint their faces with grease before a performance. then mixed a bit of petroleum jelly in it,”
and the make-up incharge were discuss-
decline of the studio system. Tipnis is nos-
he explains the painstaking process with
ing the road block, Tipnis suggested us-
talgic of his time spent with Shammi Ka-
precision, testimony to the fact that this
ing the hair of a horse for the beard. Tipnis
poor and Sadhana and doesn’t fail to wish
90-year-old artiste’s memory is flawless.
explains, “Human hair is too fine to put
them on their birthdays even today. He
Age has also not withered Tipnis’ abil-
on a beard, but the hair on a horse’s back
has witnessed a range of transformations:
ity as a storyteller. He is the triumphant
is coarser and relatively easy to attach.”
from silent film to talkie, black & white
protagonist in all of them. One such is
Convinced by his suggestion, Shantaram
pictures to Technicolour, cinemascope to
of his ingenuity during the making of
instructed Tipnis to construct this beard
television… His latest foray being the suc-
V. Shantaram’s film Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Ka-
and throughout the film he was made re-
cessful makeup of actor Pankaj Kapur for
hani (1946) where the character of a Chi-
sponsible for each strand attached to the
Office-Office on SAB TV. He desists com-
nese priest had to don a beard with pre-
actor’s face.
menting on the current breed of artistes
cisely 36 strands of hair in accordance with
In 1947, Tipnis joined Filmistan Studio.
and their fare, choosing instead to brood
his religious stature in the film. This was a
In the sixteen years he spent there, he rose
silently. But his illustrious stories can con-
time when wigs and beards were largely
up to the rank of Head of the Makeup De-
tinue as long as he has an audience and
hand-made and not readily available.
partment. He recounts how improvisations
as he waves; one cannot help but imagine
While a generic beard could be designed
were a part of his working life. Whether it
how that hand was responsible for the
easily, a specific beard for a Chinese priest
was discovering innovative ways to make
shimmering faces of many a star, in a time
was hard to come by. While Shantaram
wigs, or masking unflattering features of
long gone
78 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 79
WHEN PIGS
FLY ! Words: Savitha Hira Images: Courtesy Biome Environmental Solutions
Rainbow Drive Layout’s efforts towards water sustainability have citizens at the centre of Integrated Urban Water Management.
A
citizens’ initiative can work wonders for pockets of the country and ultimately for the masses as a
whole. This is a story of design impact that struts through the rigmaroles of inconvenience and bureaucracy to emerge victorious as a self-sufficient gated community. The phenomenal pace of unbridled growth in almost every sector has led to widespread urbanization of city and township suburbs; the eventual development is assessed and pragmatics fast implemented to make a community settlement comfortable to the extent possible. Yet, despite infrastructure and community services in place, many a time, water supply seems the last resource to be tackled as people often rely on the availability of tankers. With monetary implications ruling the day, it is heartening to see at least a small percentage of the layman rise up against the odds of inconvenience, turning away from tankers and bore wells and adopting innovative measures to contribute constructively to the betterment of his environment and his lifestyle. One such gated community that sprung into action in the Rainbow Drive Layout, South East of Bengaluru, has seen a commendable citizens’ effort in addressing its water problems in a sustainable manner without resorting solely to shortterm coping strategies like buying tanker water or drilling more bore wells. Rainbow Drive Layout Plot Owners’ Association (POA) sought the services of Biome Solutions, a company engaged in sustainable water management, to help
80 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
Green spot
them understand their water situation and
and implemented an incentive to harvest
put in place durable and appropriate solu-
rainwater by building it into the water bill
tions as they had no provision of Municipal
through a discount for those households
water. Due to the pioneering nature of the
who have implemented rainwater har-
work that was done, Arghyam, a non-profit
vesting. Rationalizing the water pricing
foundation supported Biome in an inten-
scheme, POA has restructured its water
sive monitoring exercise to develop the full
pricing scheme to recover costs and dis-
picture of Rainbow Drive’s water manage-
courage wastage. This has been accom-
ment regime and derive lessons for similar
plished by maintaining the base tariff
urban contexts and communities that did
of water quite high in order to motivate
not have access to Municipal water.
conservation, while a progressive pricing
urban community in managing its water in
The layout has been exploring the possibility of enhancing the output of existing bore wells or sinking new community bore wells using scientific methods.
In the absence of any institutional or le-
regime has been put in place with a higher
a more sustainable and integrated manner
gal framework to guide it, POA undertook
cost per litre, for households that consume
in the absolute absence of the Municipal
efforts towards comprehensive rainwater
more water.
water supply. Rainbow Drive has also suc-
harvesting and had several households
Despite this achievement, POA feels
ceeded in enhancing the financial viability
implementing the system by constructing
that more work needs to be done and is
of its water management regime by dou-
a large number of recharge wells and pits
looking to improve the output quality
bling monthly revenues. This is a vast im-
at the community level to capture most of
of waste water that is recharged into the
provement over its past pricing scheme. It
the water that falls within the area of the
ground, to the level where it can be used
has also succeeded in raising water literacy
layout. Desisting the propagation of pri-
for various non-drinking purposes. Consid-
with the residents, though this has not
vate bore wells; POA also enforced a ban
ering recycled water as an important sup-
necessarily resulted in reduced demand,
on them to protect the community bore
plementary source of water in the overall
and there is still work to be done to sta-
well supply. The layout has been exploring
water management picture, POA has taken
bilize the groundwater extraction and re-
the possibility of enhancing the output of
concrete measures to understand its wa-
charge balance. BIOME’s strength has been
existing bore wells or sinking new commu-
ter usage. It has been able to monitor and
in adapting the best suited technology for
nity bore wells using scientific methods.
get good data on the per-capita and per-
use in urban scenarios especially on small
Equally important – the sewage manage-
household water consumption. Reverse
plots as well as getting the customer’s buy-
ment system has been looked into care-
Osmosis systems have been studied to
in to treat their waste in their own gardens/
fully and alternate technologies like Soil
gauge water wastage. Excessive water use
rooftops. This has been implemented in
Bio-technology (SBT) and Decentralized
in car washing has thus been identified as
multiple homes in various layouts. Broadly,
Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS)
a problem and an awareness drive under-
the implementations are of different types
have been considered. These carry out
taken to reduce this. The real per-litre cost
based on the availability of space and the
the requisite maintenance, improving the
of water has been identified, by measuring
nature of input water (black or grey).
Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and ensur-
all the various sub-costs like the electric
One looks forward to Biome Solutions’
ing a higher quality of output water.
power consumption in running the bore
proposed computations involved in the
wells and the cost of maintaining the STP.
data gathered and the footprint to be ap-
The highlight of such commendable but routine transformations is that
This said, the Rainbow Drive story rep-
the community has gone much farther
resents impressive achievements for an
plied to similar urban contexts and communities MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 81
82 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
“Rainbow Drive has also succeeded in enhancing the financial viability of its water management regime by doubling monthly revenues” MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 83
Ad Rudra SPA
84 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 85
Photo feature
GOURMET DESIGN The importance of presentation in food is understood by all the moms of the world, but to turn it into a work of art is done best by a professional. We got Sameer Chawda to capture some of Svenska’s gourmet design secrets that they shared with us…
Svenska Design Hotels, F 73/74, Oberoi Complex, Off Link Road, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053, India; T: +91 22 4431 0000; F: +91 22 4431 0011; Email: luxury@svenskahotels.com
86 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
Tapas Smoked paprika scented confit chicken wings
MAR-APR 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ DESIGN MATRIX 87
Ghanasingh & Sons 88 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
Salad
(Opp. page) Maple Sesame grilled peppers with garlic croute; (this page) pan fried goats cheese and chilly figs
MAR-APR 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ DESIGN MATRIX 89
90 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
Main Course Parmesan and herb crusted pan-fried chicken breast with a white wine glaze, wilted greens and brava potatoes
MAR-APR 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ DESIGN MATRIX 91
Dessert
(This page) Citrus crema Catalana finished at your table (cream brulee Spanish style); (opp. page) Churros with hot chocolate 92 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 93
Drink
Water Melon Frappe 94 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 95
Tech diary
F
rom Donald Trump to the taxi driver, cell phones are a common sight. But ask the geek within you, have you ever wondered how these little phones do so much more than the true purpose that they were designed for? The operating system (OS) is
responsible for controlling the hardware and it defines the overall look and functionality of the device. Earlier, there were only few smartphones available and most were Symbian-based devices, until Apple completely changed the smartphone market when it announced the iPhone in January 2007. With its sleek touch screen, friendly interface and the huge Apple fan base, it was a success from day one. In September 2008, the world got a taste of the first Android with the HTC Dream (also known as T-Mobile G1). Fast forward to January 2011, and everybody seems to have a smart phone. As things stand, the Symbian OS running primarily on NOKIA phones, the iOS running on every iPhone and the Android OS running on a wide base of handset providers are the dominant players in the smartphone OS market.
SMART
SYSTEMS Smartphones rule the mobile world. We draw up a low down of the Operating Systems that have made naught of the humble hand-held mobile phone. Words: Jatin Hariani & Himanshu Hiranandani Images: HImanshu Hiranandani
96 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
SYMBIAN OS The Symbian OS pioneered by Nokia, the world’s largest cell phone manufacturer, holds the lion’s share in the market. With an advantageous head start in the smartphone market, the Symbian is still the alpha of the pack. The recently released Nokia N8 uses the Symbian^3, which is the latest version of the Symbian OS. With Java support a large number of Symbian applications are available through various sources including the Nokia OVI store. Though the Symbian interface seems old, the OS continues to sell handsets on its reputation for reliability. ANDROID The Android OS, developed by Google rose to prominence in the market because its open source capability caught the eye of a range of manufacturers – tablets, netbooks and mobile phones combined. The Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) is the latest stable Android OS. It includes support for multi-touch based interface, video calling, and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality. The Android comes preloaded with applications such as Google maps and Gmail with a variety of applications available from the Android market and several others downloadable from external sources. Some analysts even believe that the Android may overtake the Symbian by end 2011. iOS The Apple iOS has carved a reputation for being fun and secure. Previously known as the iPhone OS, the iOS is the operating system that runs on the iPhone, iPod touch and the iPad; its latest version, the iOS 4.2, appears on the latest iPhone 4. It offers the ability to synchronize your music with the iTunes. The iTunes store, which lets you buy music online, is one of the most popular features of the iPhone. In addition to this, the iOS 4 enables an innovative folder system that automatically recognizes the type of apps concealed. The iOS 4 has finally brought multi-tasking onto the iPhone. The retina display is another stunning feature of the iPhone 4. Apple keeps its shields up and only allows applications to be downloaded from the Apple app store, which boasts of over 400,000 applications. There are various other operating systems but the aforementioned stand tall among the crowd; each OS with its distinctive set of advantages helps each person select a phone as per his need. Office-goers who do not need too much still prefer the Symbian, while the iOS is for the mobile-media-warehouse types; and last but not the least, Android is the wildfire spreading among people looking for a balance between business and pleasure
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 97
98 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
My space
NAMDA
OF KASHMIR VALLEY Bela Shanghvi gives us an insight into a sustainable approach to traditional skills via a personally initiated and monitored project in the Craft of Embroidery.
Namda Embroidery is a chain stitch pattern, done with a special needle inserted through the fabric and the embroidery thread is picked up from the back of the fabric with the help of the needle shaped like a hook. The craft necessitates that the needle is inserted at 45 degree angle for picking up the thread. The tradi-
Images: Ms. Bela Shanghvi & her team
tional needles used were very thick and would often make the fabric tear or would leave a hole in the fabric, when the needle was pierced at a
Ms. Bela Shanghvi is a Design & Business Re-Engineer for Textile & Craft. Her contribution to the handicraft industry is guided by a practicable approach with a single-minded focus on the empowerment of the craftspeople and sustainable solutions to keep alive the traditional crafts of India.
wrong angle. To combat this, thicker fabric was utilized traditionally, making the process a laborious eďŹ&#x20AC;ort.
Ms. Bela Shanghvi can be contacted on belashang@gmail.com /+919820042350 MAR-APR 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ DESIGN MATRIX 99
years of actively working with
27
a modern outlook. Little did I realize then
apparent problems, there were a host of
diverse craftspeople of India
that the simple and uneventful Namda Em-
related not-so-apparent issues that silently
have given me tremendous
broidery (basically using only a chain stitch)
wailed for attention.
insights into the ongoing shift in the Indian
would actually impact me as a socially
Firstly, considering both, marketing
and global markets. The pace has been
conscious professional as well as socio-
and production issues, the thick fabric was
phenomenal and mutually impacting.
economically foster the lifestyle of the said
replaced by a finer more flexible mate-
craftsmen.
rial that could take the needle pricks easily
The kaleidoscope of diverse cultures that India is has even the smallest village
It all began with a simple observation
without making any holes in it; secondly, lo-
endowed with its individualistic sensibili-
of the surroundings in which the craftsmen
cal craftsmen were taught to manufacture
ties, its unique exhilarating ambiance and
worked. When I visited them to evaluate the
these needles themselves to facilitate self-
its distinctive artistic expressions. Each
work and shortly prepare my design brief
dependence; and the most significant part
era has left behind a legacy of its classical
for them, I was forced to turn away from
– the ergonomics – were considered and a
impressions, evolving inevitably with the
the issue at hand and focus on their basic
wooden frame was especially designed to
challenging and changing environment.
working conditions instead. It was appalling
hold the fabric while the craftsmen worked
Embroidery craft, too, has not escaped this
to say the least: beginning with the pos-
on it. Special care was taken to fine tune
impact; although it has been unable to re-
ture of the craftsmen – most wore glasses
several little details. This facilitated inher-
spond to the evolving scenario at a corre-
due to strained eyesight and poor lighting
ent production issues, the prime one being
sponding pace.
conditions, sat bent over the fabric, holding
comfortable working conditions: the fabric
This is where the role of a designer is
the thick needles; feet cold and the general
was closer to the craftsmen’s eyes without
recognised. As designers, we can dynami-
work environment dusty. Even the sketches
the strain of hand-holding it; their elbows
cally weld the ‘design baton’ to impact
were done – back bent over, with paper on
now rested on the frame while working, so
many lives in a variety of ways. I got the op-
the floor. The poor posture had manifested
the tension on the spine was considerably
portunity via an assignment by the Jammu
major negative ailments of the spinal cord,
reduced; and overall cleanliness and good
& Kashmir Handloom and Handicrafts Cor-
Tennis Elbow and poor eye sight, to name
lighting significantly improved the general
poration to develop products suited to
just a few. While these were among the
working conditions.
100 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
My team did tremendous ground work
ity via a speedy production. The craftsmen
improved, resulting in faster production
as far as the economics was concerned: we
were trained to address various aspects of
and better quality, which culminated in bet-
tried to comprehend the requirements of
their craft viz., proper placement of the de-
ter per-piece-earning for the craftsmen and
the market by diligently studying the exist-
sign stencil; fabric and colour combinations;
the retailer along with the middle chain.
ing markets, trends and forecasts. Tradition
quality of stitches; tension of the fabric; etc.
The craftsmen were happy. The traders, too,
was studied. Meetings with the Kashmir
The significance of basic manufacturing is-
were happy as they got better production
Chamber of Commerce were arranged in
sues like ensuring cleaner work areas and
that increased their profits. A fresh range
order to address their needs.
the importance of better quality were also
was developed for the tourist markets. It
Designs were developed in accordance
explained to them. Finishing and manufac-
was a win-win situation for all.
with the aforesaid findings. But we wanted
turing of the prototypes were given special
By sharing this experience, I want to
to ensure the perpetuation of traditions.
attention. Special packaging was developed.
emphasize the need for our generation to
Out of respect for this issue, I created a
Enhanced marketing efforts were com-
bring about innovation and its own styl-
contemporary collection of products with
menced. A thorough documentation was
ization to evolve signatory designs, having
a traditional twist, addressing the needs of
done, so that even when I left, these condi-
impressions of India’s present era. Conse-
contemporary India and the saleability of
tions and designs would continue to be per-
quently, as in the past, India may evolve
the products, both nationally and interna-
petuated.
with a choice of the adoption of influenc-
tionally. The price range varied so that dif-
After all the new learning they went
es of other cultures and may make these
ferent ways of making price adjustments
through, it was indeed a joy to see the pride
choices of her own. No doubt, the world-
were understood by the craftsmen; and de-
in the craftsmen’s eyes when they viewed
renowned skills that we have in abundance
sign and product diversification remained
their finished products.
have evolved over generations, and need to
addressed.
Looking back, I realize that the income
be preserved and protected; yet, these skill
The change experienced was phenom-
for the craftsmen increased by at least 3.25
sets need to be adapted to contemporary
enal to say the least! This labour of love cul-
times. The negative health impact of their
sensibilities in a way that the industry and
minated in as many as 40 new products with
profession was minimized. Their sensibili-
all the stakeholders are benefited, along
a focus on better designs and better qual-
ties changed. The speed of manufacturing
with our nation, in a sustained manner MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 101
Design aspect 102 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
Rediscover what truly makes FLIP the design symbol of the 21st century. Words: Tanya Siqueira Images: Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego
BOTTOM’S
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 103
I
f Optimus Prime making a seamless
rapidly towards the end. After the bow
of the vessel remains submerged. If neces-
transformation
to
(the front of the vessel) has reached its
sary, the platform can remain in this verti-
from
truck
mechanical warrior in the American
vertical position, 55 feet – almost as tall as
cal position for extended periods of time.
sci-fi action film Transformers had you
a five-storey building – it rises above the
To return to its original horizontal position,
at the edge of your seat, hold on to your
water surface while the remaining 300 feet
air compressed into the platform’s eight
eyeballs... Try imagining a large ship that
stretches underwater into a stable water
ballast tanks pushes seawater out and FLIP
is sunk in the middle of the ocean – on
column. Captain William A Gaines (Retd.),
resurfaces.
purpose! This isn’t the figment of the
Marine Physical Laboratory, Scripps Insti-
What is also fascinating besides the
overactive; but a routine mission for the
tution of Oceanography says, “FLIP was
platform’s ability to remain perpendicular
most unusual marine research vessel in
designed to be virtually motionless in the
to the ocean floor is the interior of the ves-
the world. FLIP or The Floating Instrument
ocean. This is significantly different from
sel. Much like a submarine, the confines
Platform, modelled after the Louiseville
a conventional research ship that will roll
have been built to maximize space and
slugger (a baseball bat), was the result of
and pitch in almost any sea state. The de-
efficiency by swinging into a functional
the combined genius of Dr. Fred Fisher
sign ensures that FLIP moves less than 1/10
mode irrespective of what position FLIP
and Dr. Fred Spiess. Created in 1962,
of the wave height when in the vertical ori-
is in.
by The Marine Physical Laboratory of
entation.” This is perhaps because some of
Dining, sleeping and bathing spaces
Scripps Institution of Oceanography in
the strongest waves dissolve just beneath
compete for floor space with expensive
collaboration with the US Navy, FLIP has
the surface leaving FLIP virtually unaffect-
equipment and crew. Refrigerators, shelves
completed close to 300 expeditions over
ed. This unique design of the vessel – slim
and bunks are fitted on swivels and trun-
the past 50 years.
at one end, fat at the other – also helps to
dles – pivoted support systems – swing-
stabilize the vessel in choppy seas.
ing into operation at short notice. Once
Although it is loosely referred to as a ship, the vessel is actually a manned float
Gaines adds, “When FLIP is going from
flipped, a few fixed structures like doors,
and needs another ship to tow it out to
horizontal to vertical or vertical to horizon-
shower cubicles and sinks sometimes also
the designated research site, where it can
tal, the crew is positioned on the engine
make the 90 degree move. While most
operate either while drifting or anchored.
room deck, the lowest external deck, oper-
equipment works without any manual
Although it has no engines, the platform
ating the valves on the ballast tank. During
intervention, certain fixtures need some
has a small hydraulically-operated orienta-
the transition periods, all equipment in the
manual repositioning before use.
tion propeller that rotates the vessel on its
interior of FLIP is secured, turned off and
The most significant challenge for
vertical axis to achieve the flipping motion.
the doors leading to the external decks are
those aboard is the limited space. When
closed.”
FLIP goes to sea for a research cruise, it
Once at the designated spot, the cylindrical end equipped with ballast tanks is
Made from approximately 700 tons of
carries a crew of five and a science party
flooded with over 1,000 tons of sea water
Tri-Ten steel, this 355-foot vessel shaped
of 11, a total of 16 members on-board.
to begin the flipping process. The transi-
like a spoon operates both horizontally
They share four small bunk rooms and
tion is completed in less than 30 minutes;
and vertically with equal ease. After the
two bathrooms known on-board as
beginning slowly and proceeding more
flipping process is complete, close to 3/4th
heads. “There is only one usable shower
104 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
when FLIP is in the horizontal and one
ing to a certain set of safety measures can
usable shower when in the vertical. Six-
be trying. However, since 1996, an aggres-
teen persons sharing one shower can be
sive inspection and preventative main-
challenging. Even so, after a very brief
tenance programme has been put into
period at sea, all aboard become ac-
place, including an annual inspection and
customed to the constrained quarters
refurbishment of the two ballast tanks.
and learn to work and live in harmony,” says Gaines.
Awe-inspiring ingenuity aside, the vessel is used principally for acoustics research.
Functioning as a micro-community
However, this does not limit its application,
in the middle of the ocean is helpful as
and the platform has helped scientists to
the crew can stay out at sea for anywhere
gather extremely precise measurements
between a week to a month without re-
for a number of projects. Studying things
plenishing supplies. Generating enough
like how storm waves are formed, depths
power for all the equipment on-board
to which whales dive and how heat is ex-
then becomes essential to the success of
changed between the ocean and the at-
the operation. Acting as the lifeline to the
mosphere are all part of the plan for FLIP.
entire operation are FLIP’s two 150 kilowatt
During the course of its research activities,
generators, with an additional 40 kilowatt
the vessel has spanned both the Atlantic
backup generator, responsible for power-
and Pacific Oceans and till date, remains a
ing all the equipment on-board. As FLIP is
versatile platform for oceanography, me-
a one-of-its-kind research vessel, conform-
teorology, geophysics and biology
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 105
10 106 06 DES DESIGN IGN GN MATRIX GN MA M ATRI T X • MAR-APR TR TRI M AR MA MAR-A R--A R-A APR PR 2011 20 201 011 1
T C U D O R P
H C N LAU The Charcoal Sussane Roshan Project by 14,000 sq. ft., this h two levels spread over s The Charcoal Project. Wit mis to d from all over ible ate oss cur imp has ost It’s alm ’s vision and dream. She han Ros ne san ns, Sus is re sof t furnishings, installatio impeccable interiors sto re, table linen, crockery, wa ner din nch s, Fre orie ess from g acc gin the world, home pieces. With furniture ran tion photo-art and accent Khosla and Andrew ep nde i-Sa artefacts, and limited edi Jan u Ab by ed ic, exclusive lines design antique to modern eclect re. Martin make it to this sto Contact: 022 61936198 m ww w.thechardalproject.co
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 107
Kitchens from
Metrika upturn your y promise to completely the retail market and the into ed s combine nch ign bra des has a a’s trik trik Me details’ philosophy, Me the in is d ‘go the of ers kitchen of your dreams. kitchen experience. Believ at quality to bring you the gre and ity nal ctio styled fun te stock a range of Europeanbeautiful design, comple Mumbai and Pune, they in g ds. nin nee ope r es you tiqu all to bou er With flagship kitchens that will cat ww w.metrika.in Experience real quality wit h the new ultra slim LED range from Akai. With fea like natural Light Techno tures logy and a dynamic bac k light, brushed steel or finish, dynamic skin correc high gloss tion and motion compen sation, you’re left wantin Both models have Video g nothing. USB, which enables you to have a brilliant cinem ence even without a DV atic experiD player. The range also allows you to pack in spo and games with an amazin rts, movies g backlit picture, amplifi ed and enhanced surrou nd sound, and the convenience of sleep timer and picture free ze. ww w.akai.com
LED from
Akai
Black & White faucets
from
Grohe Equipped with the patent ed Grohe SilkMove techno logy, these beautiful faucets give precise con trol over water flow and temperature and provid user with an enhanced erg e the onomic experience. Exu ding modernist appeal, sensual Velvet Black and the pure Moon White finishes on this collection of faucet bring with them the opp s ortunity to create bathro oms that are sophistica and truly individual. ted ww w.grohe.com
The standards for incredible design have just been upped. Eco Corners new range of kitsch clutches use vibrant colours, intriguing creatives, quirky and un-conventional cuts and styles. The collection is perfect for someone who wants to break away from the mould and step into the exciting world of pop culture and bollywood thrills. The Item Girls appliquéd on the clutches stand will create a bold style statement. Contact: 022 24813450
Clutches from
Eco Corner
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 109
Dinner Plates from
Play Clan
asions are ner par ties and special occ out the good china for din e interior hom y zan n’s Cla y The days when you hauled Pla ing new and fresh. eth som for e com has ite bone e wh long gone and the tim dinner plates in stark ered. Their new range of ord tor doc erience the exp at an is wh t products are jus off tableware like this s inked onto them. Eating tion st have. stra mu illu ne ical ryo eve com e china, hav ww w.theplayclan.com
Running Shoes from
Reebok
Everything about Reebok ’s ZigTech technology is designed to conser ve and athlete for a sof t and spr return energy to the ingy ride. The one-of-a-k ind ZigTech bot tom unit fea weight foam that is engine tures innovative, lightered into a dramatic, geo metric, zig-zag shape.The from a heel strike and sen sole absorbs the impact ds a wave of energy along the length of the shoe pro pelling the athlete for ward with each step. The bot tom unit is both light and flexible. ww w.reebok.com
110 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
Duriafiend
gets FSC certi
n certified Durian Industries has bee rnationinte the h wit nce for complia wardship ally-recognized Forest Ste ong the am are Council (FSC). They n this wo e hav to ia ver y few in Ind ion icat ded ir the for ion cat certifi bei and ng towards the environment ir entire The y. a responsible compan wood, ply , tes ina lam line of products, office and e hom as ll we as veneers dly rien furniture use environment-f e abl valu our ve materials and preser wood resources. ww w.durian.in
Siemens has introduced a minigard 4 in 1 appliance protector to make sure that all those electrical gadgets around your house and office aren’t affected by sudden power surges. The device has been designed keeping in mind not only functionality, but also with the aim of adding an aesthetic touch to the area where it will be installed. The protector is a combination of a miniature circuit breaker and a DELTA vega socket. It can support several appliances including air-conditioners, microwaves, geysers, refrigerators and water-coolers. Contact: globalcomponents.in@siemens.com
Appliance protector by
Siemens
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 111
Crystal from
House of Raro
nt to insure stal so brilliant, you’ll wa a collection of bar ware cry is worth tion lec col new House of Raro brings you this lector or a great host, col a ’re you er es, eth Wh nes et. l show off your fi t win every glit tering fac tion by David Redman, wil lec col re in wa ce bar pie l sta ent cry tem consideration. The from a stunning sta their advantage. Choose to mgin cha t and gan isky ele wh to er tch pp brandy, sco h a clear crystal sto rling silver and finished wit pagne flutes in opal white. amethyst mounted in ste ww w.houseofraro.com
Jewellery from
Orra
in Orra, Established Jewellery cha ism is bol sym at wh clearly knows like cial spe s say g thin No all about. love ed ign des tely uisi exq , their new ose the Belbands. Whether you cho polished hly hig in gian diamonds set of metal rls swi the or en, platinum she h tiny sprays cur ved to form a ring wit love bands se of crystals on them, the are a must have. ww w.orra.co.in
112 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
etc. MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 113
Happenings
A3
FOUNDATION ULTRATECH PAINTS AWARDS The A3 Foundation Ultratech Paints Awards and Conference on “Contemporary in Sustainable Architecture” in Chandigarh.
114 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
F
and noted veteran architect who had
Foundation promotes sustainable ar-
designing
Sharma,
with the ‘Indian Architecture and Builder’
chitecture and with the combine association
presented
addresses.
magazine, Suparna Rajguru was awarded
and efforts of professionals, students, educa-
in his address, Dr. Yeang suggested that bio-
the “Best Architectural Journalism Award”.
tional institutions and other professional bod-
integration, restoration of ecosystem, and
Commendation certificates for sustainable
ies, it has floated an organization devoted to
integration with infrastructure were essential
design concepts were also given away to
the promotion of art and architecture.
components for sustainable architecture. Ar.
six students – Mohit Vij, Anuj Vijay, Rhythm
As a silver jubilee event, they organized
Sharma averred that national sustainability
Kataria, Harsimran, Gayatri and Vikas Pawar.
the A3 Foundation Ultratech Paints Awards
was devoid of technology and sustainable
Poetry and photography awards were
and Conference on “Contemporary in
and green architecture were complimentary
given to Pallavi Vohra, Harjot Singh, Rishi and
Sustainable Architecture” at Government
to each others. Ar. Vinod Gupta from Delhi
Anchal, Ishaan Pradhan and Sunaina Nargis.
Museum & Art Gallery in Chandigarh. Ms.
said that sustainable development calls
Chairman’s Choice award for photography
Geeta Bhukkal, Education Minister Haryana
for environmental, economical and social
was conferred upon Purneesh Dev Nikhanj.
was Chief Guest and Ms. Meenaxi Anand
sustainability which is for all people for all
Chaudhry, State Information Commissioner,
times. Other noted speakers included the
The objective of the conference was to
Govt of Haryana was the Guest of Honour. Ms.
legendary architect Charanjit Shah, who has
implement and use sustainable resources
Bhukkal honoured the architects and lauded
been former Chairman of Indian Institute of
to
the contribution of
A3 Foundation in
Architects and South Asian Association of
architectural designs to minimize impact
promoting the profession and congratulated
Architects, Ar. Ashok Kumar from Lucknow. Ar
on environment, explained celebrated local
Ultratech Paints for supporting the endeavour.
K.R. Jaisim, Ar Revathi Kamath, Ar Ranjodh, Ar
architect and Chairman of A3 Foundation, Dr.
Ms. Choudhry, asked the young architects to
Gagan Garg and Ar R.K Kakkar.
Sangeet Sharma. The event was a vision of Mr
ounded in 2004 by Ar Sangeet Sharma,
K.S. Anantha Krishna from Bangalore. The
an architect based in Chandigarh, A3
been engaged with Le Corbusier in
freelance journalist who earlier also worked
the
city,
the
Ar.
keynote
S.D.
create
environmentally-conscious
realize the importance of depleting resources
“SD Sharma Best Sustainable Design
Rohit Asthana, President Ultratech Paints Pvt
on earth and innovate to find environment-
Award” was conferred upon Anuj Vijay Kale
Ltd., the pioneers of introducing Green Paints
friendly solutions for future needs. The guests
from Nasik and “Best Innovative Concept
in India. CMD of Ultratech Paints Ms. Sandhya
also visited the exhibition put up by A3
Design Award” was won by Madhur Goyal
Asthana also graced the event. The event was
foundation.
from
Architecture
attended by students from 12 architectural
The father of sustainable bioclimatic
Teacher Award” was conferred on Architect
institutes and eminent people from the
buildings from Malaysia, Dr. Ken Yeang,
Sarbjot Singh Behl from Amritsar and Dr.
architectural fraternity
Gwalior.
The
“Best
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 115
1
116 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 117
Happenings
JALAR AM VENEERS & FLOORS Architects & interior designers discuss exquisite flooring options over wine & cheese at Jalaram Veeners & Floors showroom in Andheri, Mumbai, with bruschettas from Svenska Design Hotels.
118 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-APR 2011
T
he Jalaram Veneers & Floors show-
Deluxe Collection, the highest category of
room in Andheri, Mumbai, hosted a
5-star deluxe hotels, Svenska is a part of a
wine & cheese evening in associa-
network of nearly 500 properties across 300
tion with Svenska Design Hotels. The idea
destinations and 70 countries worldwide.
was to introduce the exquisite flooring
While enjoying the pampering by both
brands Finfloor, Faus and Travette to select
the Jalaram and Svenska staff, the guests
architects and designers from Mumbai over
were introduced to the various options of
some delectable bruschettas, cheese and
flooring available in India from the parent
marinated olives courtesy Svenska along
companies through JVAF, their sole distribu-
with some exotic white and red wines.
tors in India. The evening was attended by
Svenska Design Hotels are a collection
leading professionals from the city, Khoz-
of modern boutique 5-star hotels based on
ema Chitalwala, Kalhan & Santha Mattoo,
Swedish design philosophy and contempo-
Neilesh & Bhavya Kenkare, Parag Pandya,
rary European styling with clean lines and
Rajiv Kasat, Rupesh Baid, Kanchan Fagwani,
minimalist interiors. Their trend-setting con-
to name a few. In close attendance were
cepts and chic design elements combined
Suman Shah, Karan Jhunjhunwala, Pooja
with signature service and personalized hos-
Goswami-Kulkarni, Ashok Goswami and
pitality create memorable experiences for
Manohar Jhunjhunwala along with Babita
the guests. Member of the WORLDHOTELS
Krishnan, Editor-in-Chief, Design Matrix MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 119
Happenings
RESONANCE 2011
Resonance, the first-ever all-India competition for design students in two categories -- Cuboid (interior design) & Silhouette (architecture) by LS Raheja School of Architecture, saw a thumping response.
120 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-APR 2011
T
he final of Resonance was held on
At the all-India level, the jury decided to
4th February in the auditorium of L.
give a special commendation in Silhouette
S. Raheja School of Architecture. Mr.
to Sahil Sudon, an interior design student
T. Khareghat and Mr. N. Chandra were the
from INIFT Chandigarh for the effort. In
guests of honour while Mr. Prafulla Karkha-
Cuboid only one winner was announced –
nis, President IIA was a special guest.
Rahul Thakker & Nitant Hirlekar from Rachna
The evening had Mujib Ahmed and
Sansad, Mumbai.
Lalita Thadani of Collaborative Architecture
The winners from L. S. Raheja School
do a presentation on the way cuboids
of Architecture in both the competition
and iconic structures can be used. This
were: Silhouette – Akshay Kore & Rucha
enabled the students to understand
Kamat (Winners), Meenakshi Jessani & Ishita
the way the briefs would be handled by
Mordani (2nd prize); Cuboid – Meenakshi
practicing architects. Attending the event
Jessani & Ishita Mordani (Winners), Narahari
were members of the jury, architects
banvalikar & Tejasvini Nalavade (2nd Prize),
Aravind Sathaye and Seema Puri Mullan.
Gargi Karve & Ruchita Chandsarkar (3rd Prize).
were
The evening ended with Mr. Khareghat
architects Chandrashekhar Kanetkar and
interacting with the students and a vote of
Dhruti Vaidya, who were jurors for both
thanks by Mr. Khano;kar, Principal in charge
closed and open jury.
of L.S. Raheja
Conspicuous
by
their
absence
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 121
Book Binding
AN ORGANIC
ODYSSEY
Anupam Chakraborty’s Nirupama Academy of Handmade Paper uses organic materials to publish all of their books. Words: Varun Godinho; Images: Courtesy Nirupama Academy
122 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
I
treat paper as a form of expression and
Chakraborty went to the Glasgow
Chakraborty employs, and enjoys. These
an entity in itself rather than a medium
School of Art in 2000, where he learnt the art
include: the coded multi-section technique,
to print written text on,” says Anupam
of using organic materials for bookbinding
the Japanese stab-binding method and the
Chakraborty, publisher, designer, artist
as part of the Charles Wallace Art Trust
accordion style as well.
and content developer – all rolled into
scholarship. On his return to India, he
Nevertheless, the process of making
one. Talking about his discovery of the
identified an ignorance of this specialized
these customized books is tedious and
organic medium of making paper and the
technique, but also realized the potential
expensive. Chakraborty’s first book was of
art of book-binding, Chakraborty opines
of propagating it in a country rich in natural
water-marked images of some photographs
resources. In 2004, he established the
that he clicked at Glasgow depicting the
Nirupama Academy of Handmade Paper
weather cycles during his stay. One of his
not only to produce paper from organic
favourites also includes Ratul Visits Our
materials, but also to publish books and
Photo Studio, an 8-page book chronicling
hold workshops where he could teach
his son’s visit to his printing studio. His latest
others the nuances of his trade.
project is a book titled Eyes Or Fingers, with
Chakraborty and his team have
raised printing to assist the blind through
identified and applied several organic
the Braille imprint. “It is mostly the art
resources to the art of book-binding.
houses and art house libraries abroad that
Of these, he considers cotton fibres and
are collectors for such books,” he explains.
pulp as the most superior. Cotton fibres
His books have found their way into the
make paper that is superior in durability
collections of the Chicago School of Art
and strength, as compared to wood pulp-
and the John Saltash Artists Book Collection
based paper; also, cotton paper is divest
as well as the Tate Modern collection in
of the acidic components that its wooden
London. Of the four books that Nirupama
counterparts often exhibit. Muga silk with
has published so far, each of these costs
its natural golden hue, obtained from a
between Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000 and there
silkworm called Antheraea assamensis
are usually below 25 copies published of
found only in Assam, is used as a covering
each edition.
fabric. The coarse copper-tinged tassar silk,
From March to August every year,
khadi and cotton fibres are also used to
Chakraborty conducts annual workshops
make book covers. Flour paste is a handy-
on organic techniques for bookbinding and
kitchen remedy that can be produced on a
papermaking. “Over the years, a number of
that organic bookbinding is an art form
large scale, too, to be used as an adhesive.
people from Pune, Bengaluru and Mumbai
that aims for more than mere aesthetics.
Vegetable dyes, especially from soya, are
have attended these workshops. Some of
It aims at design sensibilities just as
used as a printing ink. Apart from the choice
them are even planning to start a similar
much as it does at paving the way for a
of material for paper and binding, there are
publishing house within their respective
greener future.
several techniques of bookbinding that
cities,” smiles Chakraborty
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 123
Cascade Brewery www.cascadebreweryco.com.au
124 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
Website review
The new website follows on the footsteps of the campaign Reviewed by Sharanya S.
L
movement of the stamps without flash is a fact that only adds a
did the labels on the beer bottles; they made new print ads,
Arguably, it’s the customization that makes the Cascade
new television commercials and even changed the name of one
Brewery website interesting and interactive. But all of this is backed
of their classic brews. While the campaign was interesting in itself,
by its cool colour scheme and layout. The website has an old-school
repositioning Cascade as a brand that brews by ‘feel’, it was their
feel. The stamps are brightly coloured and laid out on a background
newly designed website that grabbed the eyeballs.
of brown wood and each page opens like parchment, or on muted-
ast year, Droga5 launched a new campaign for Cascade Brewery that they had acquired at the end of 2009. They re-
brilliant technical aspect to its already expert idea and layout.
Cascade Brewery is a legend in Australia and very often forms
hued backgrounds.
part of a tourist spot for the country. And rightly so, the area is
Click on a product and the page will give you an introduction
bubbling with history. The brewery was founded in 1824 and is
on the beer, its taste, ranking and also what kind of food you should
situated in the picturesque location of the hills of South Hobart
match it with. When you’re done reading, you can pick another
and Mount Wellington. It boasts of the famous Woodstock gardens
beer from the mini bottles that line the end of the page. Move your
and museums. Cascade brewery still produces its own malt for beer
mouse over one and it will quickly jump aside and unfurl a name
from locally grown barley.
plate. Again, to remind you - the page uses no flash.
Giving a new spin to a legacy this rich, is no easy task, but Droga5
Another cool thing you can find on this website is ‘The Brewer’s
has managed it beautifully. The new website follows on the footsteps
Nose’. It is an iPhone application created for beer lovers. You can use
of the campaign and lets you brew your own website by feel: On the
it to scan the barcode of any beer and instantly get a description
homepage, you are greeted by furtive looking dials and buttons. And
of the beer, meal suggestions, and a video explanation about that
under that, a collage of stamps, that link to various pages like the
particular beer style.
history of the Cascade, their various products and more…
The app enables you to upload tasting notes on Facebook as
The dials read products, brewing, homebrew and brewery and
well as geo-tagging the time and place you had the beer. You can
the three on/off buttons read stores and venues, history, and news
keep track of when you had which beer on an interactive map. A
and events. You have the freedom to fiddle with and choose what
‘Find a Cascade’ tool is included in the app, helping drinkers to track
you want to see on your website and the stamps will appear or
down pubs and shops nearby that sell Cascade varieties. Rewards
disappear accordingly.
and prizes to users of the app are also in the offing.
For example, if you only want to see all their products, you dial
There are also fascinating details on the site like the brewers
down everything else and switch off all the other buttons. Viola!
calculator that will let you determine alcohol content of your home-
Only your chosen product stamps will stay behind. Same goes
brewed beer and the illustrated brewing process is charming.
for reading tips and information on brewing your beer or reading
The website works as it successfully manages to execute a
up on news and events. While this may seem amazing, it is even
good idea, while combining a simple and attractive layout with a
more intriguing to know that this site functions without the use of
complementary colour scheme. Oh, and you can actually use what
flash. While there are no flashing pictures and texts, managing the
you read MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 125
Book review
Celebrating Collaborative Design
126 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-APR 2011
PENGUIN 75 Designers, Authors, Commentary (the good, the bad…) Publisher: White Flag, Rs 2,995 Editor & Introduction: Paul Buckley; Foreword: Chris Ware; Book Design: Christopher Brand Published by Penguin Group, paperback Penguin original; Pp 254; Price Rs 499/Reviewed by Udit Chaudhuri
A
book design must draw the reader’s attention amidst a huge stack of choices and trigger an initial curiosity – often before he gets the chance to read its review. Here lies the challenge: from spine, cover, font, layout… to the choice of paper.
Celebrating 75 years of the Penguin Group’s legendary success Penguin 75 is a collection of 75 top stories in book design. In his foreword, the eminent graphic novelist Chris Ware dwells on the fine line that design must tread to preserve a narrative. This means a dust-up – “collaborative design” to gentlemen. While the author has strong views on depicting his story, if at all; the artist provides his unique rendition of book and brief; the Art Director worries about style, standards and reputation of the publishing house; and the Marketing pitches on what look will sell. Finally, the embattled publisher plays match referee. Million-copy sales, author loyalties extending to 50 years and thereon have hallmarked all Penguin publications that once included Pelican and Puffin. Penguin Books entered the paperbacks business in 1935 with emphasis on elegant design, quality and low price. Its huge success, selling a million copies over 100 titles by 1936, showed up a large audience for serious writing. While Penguin Classics carry the work of immortal writers, other titles on politics, the arts and science went on to fuel public thought across the English-reading world. Generations of students grew up on reading lists dominated by Penguin. Paul Buckley, the creative head of Penguin Books holds the narrative of Penguin 75 via an entertaining and insightful selection, peppered with comments. Cover styles range from tattoo-like graphics to pure geometry: Caricatures on Little Women; Fashion treatment to Wuthering Heights; Comic-strips on Lady Chatterley’s Lover; Chinese-style ink-n-brush and wood-cut-like graphics… Simply amazing! MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 127
Interior Fit-Out
stairways and glass flooring, textile floor cov-
passions. In addition to instructors teach-
The Interior Fit-Out Exhibition will be held
erings, tools and maintenance, trade associa-
ing participants how to advance your skills
for professionals from architectural prac-
tions, vinyl, wood floors, parquet floors and
and send your imagination soaring, the
tices, department stores, interior design
laminates.
exposition will deal with the manufacture
companies, manufacturers, suppliers, own-
and sale of products for craft, needlework,
ers, proprietors and partners in commercial
Date: April 5th-8th
and art activities such as decoupage, quilt-
properties, retailers, wholesalers, distributors,
Venue: Crocus Expo International Exhibi-
ing, teddy bear and doll making, tapestry,
agents and other related professionals as
tion Center, Moscow, Russia
papercraft, sewing, cross stitch, stencil-
well as the general public. Everything from
ling, stamping, weaving, embroidery, spin-
blinds, carpets, rugs, cushions, decorative
Doors & Locks
accessories, fabrics, flooring, furniture, glass
Doors & Locks is for professionals related to
courses involving craft, art or needlework,
and ceramics, lighting, mirrors, pictures and
the field of windows and doors manufac-
craft kits, magazines or books, you must
prints, table and bed linen, tiles, wall cover-
turing, ventilation equipment, door panels,
have a presence at The Needlework, Craft
ings and more will be on display. The exhi-
materials, construction mounting tools and
& Quilt Fair – the exhibition for companies
bition will showcase companies involved in
equipment etc. While the exhibition is rela-
targeting people interested in crafts and
the manufacture, supply and installation of
tively new, the exhibitors are well-known
textiles.
interior fit-out and refurbishment solutions.
names. Exhibits will include automatic
The event will be held along with Retail-
doors, aluminum windows & doors, ventila-
Date: Mar 17th-19th
London.
tion equipment, revolving doors, gates, door
Venue: The Lakeland Center, Lakeland,
closer & panels, internal partitions, wooden
U.S.A
ning, painting, and knitting, training and
Date: April 5th –7th
windows and doors, interior doors, metal,
Venue: Business Design Centre, London,
fire-guard & armored doors, windows and
United Kingdom
doors manufacturing materials, glass packet
International Furniture & Craft Fair Indonesia
manufacturing
glass-fibre-
IFFINA is the answer to today’s challenging
Flooring Moscow
equipment,
reinforced plastic windows and doors, pvc
market for furniture business and indus-
Flooring Moscow will provide exhibitors and
windows and doors, light-transparent con-
tries. It serves as a one-stop buying centre
visitors to learn of new trends, technologies
structions, shutters, windows and doors ac-
offering both quality and uniqueness. IF-
and development in the flooring industry.
cessories and extrusion equipment.
FINA will showcase wide selections of fur-
Seminars and workshops will be conducted
niture and craft products, household and
offering a chance to enhance your knowl-
Date: April 5th-8th
accessories. The fair aims to reach Interna-
edge. The exhibitors profile includes main-
Venue: Crocus Expo International Exhibi-
tional potential buyers directly and gather
tenance/cleaning and laying techniques,
tion Center, Moscow, Russia
a rich source of new sales leads - both
carpets, ceiling and wall partitions, ceramic,
from new and existing customers. The
cork, linoleum, design and other services,
Original Sewing & Quilt Expo
fibres and yarns, flexible floor coverings,
The Original Sewing & Quilt Expo returns just
the living room, dining room, bedroom,
industrial flooring, rubber, slate and stone,
in time to energize and inspire your sewing
family room, office furniture, garden fur-
128 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
profile for exhibits includes furniture for
niture, kitchen furniture, bathroom, lighting
ing, research, electronics, computer, health,
brings together manufacturers, suppli-
and accessories, curtains and textiles.
cosmetics, design, architecture, engineer-
ers, traders and contractors working in
ing, construction, consumer goods, insur-
the wood industry. From timber process-
Date: Mar 11th-14th
ance, automotive, aeronautics and others
ing, molding, beading, finishing & fittings,
Venue: Jakarta International Expo, Ja-
will be showcased. This exhibition will be
wood & timber flooring, wooden crafts &
karta, Indonesia
held along with Retail London and Interior
art to fastening systems, sanding & polish-
Fit-Out
ing machines, sawing machines, splinding
The Great Bridal Expo
& turning machines, surface treatments &
The Great Bridal Expo is the ultimate desti-
Date: April 5th-7th
finishing tools and spraying equipment will
nation for all things bridal, offering the latest
Venue: Business Design Centre, London,
be showcased. Countries from all over the
in bridal garment style. Professionals from
United Kingdom.
world like India, Pakistan, U.K., France, Ger-
the fields of bridal accessories, jewellery,
many, Spain, Italy, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Unit-
tiles, sound, light and entertainment, pho-
Irish Furniture & Home Accessories Fair
tography and video production, floral and
With over 4000 buyers and 100 Irish and
Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China,
stage design, wedding stationary, wedding
international suppliers, the Irish Furniture
Thailand, Japan and Taiwan will participate.
cakes, confectionary, catering services will
& Home Accessories Show is a must visit.
be present at the event in order to discuss
The fair is a window to Ireland’s furniture
Date: April 5th-7th
trends and showcase their work. The pro-
industry and is packed with new products,
Venue: Dubai Airport Expo, United Arab
file of exhibits includes intricately designed
ideas and offers. It will showcase a range of
Emirates
bridal gowns and accessories, henna, dress-
products from beds to upholstery, sofas to
es, evening wear, bridesmaids and groom’s
soft furnishings, giftw are to occasional fur-
wear and textiles and fabrics.
niture, lighting to floors. The exhibition will
Innovative Beads Expo Seekonk
work as a meeting point for wholesalers,
The Innovative Beads Expo – Seekonk is a
Date: Apr 2nd
manufacturers and importers from various
one of a kind event that will showcase vari-
Venue: Los Angeles Sheraton Gateway,
sectors.
ous types of beads. Diamond, pearl, plati-
beauty and hair services and products, tex-
ed States, Switzerland, Holland, Portugal, Greece, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand,
num, gold, silver, antique jewelery, pearls,
U.S.A
Visual Merchandising & Display Show The Visual Merchandising and Display show is the trade fair that brings everything under one room. Products and accessories
gemstones - ruby, sapphire, opal, emerald,
Date: April 3rd-6th Venue:
RDS
Simmonscourt,
Dublin,
Ireland
Dubai International Wood & Wood Product Show
related to the world of telecommunication,
crystal and other elements will be available. The visitor’s profile will include Jewellery designers and manufacturers, gemologists and watch or clock designers. Date: April 2nd – 3rd
multimedia, integrator, instrumentation,
The Dubai International Wood and Wood
Venue: Johnson & Wales Inn, Seekonk,
audio-visual equipment, education, train-
Product Show is an exclusive event that
USA MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 129
GLOSSARY Inside Front Cover: Ventura Matlam
Pg. 22: Room for Every Room
Premium Metallic Laminates Ventura International Pvt. Ltd. 1/52, W.H.S. Kirti Nagar, New Delhi – 110015. Tel: 45536715/56 Email: mktg@venturaindia.com www.venturaindia.com
Roomstyle Global Pvt. Ltd. A/106, Parijat C.H.S.L. L.T.Rd., Behind HSBC Bank, Borivli (West), Mumbai - 400 092 w roomforeveryroom.com
Pg. 1: Durian Home Furniture. 401, The Chambers, Western Express Highway, Vile Parle (E) Mumbai 400057 Tel : (022) 26269000 Email: info@durian.in www.durian.in
Pg. 3 : The Art Lounge Hodiwala Bhatehena & Co. 3, J. Tata Road, HP Petrol Pump, Near Ritz Hotel, Churchgate, Mumbai 400020 Tel: 22878787 Email: theartlounge@live.com
Pg 4: Jalaram Agar Bazar S. K. Bole Road, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400028. Tel: (022) 24318444/555 9/b, k, Laxmi Ind. Estate, New Link Road, Versova, Andheri (W), Mumbai – 400053. Tel : (022) 26327733 / 34
Pg. 6 & 7: Faus Laminated Flooring MRJ Marketing Pvt. Ltd. 201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Bldg., Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai – 400057. Tel : (022) 26187132 / 26131442 Email: flooring@mrjgroup.in
Pg. 10 & 11: Le Cdeor MRJ Marketing Pvt. Ltd. H No 8-2-293/82/A/1261, Road No. 36, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, AP 500033 Tel: (040) 2355 0868 Email: lecdeor.hyd@mrjgroup.in
Pg. 12 & 13: Travette Engineered Hardwood Flooring MRJ Marketing Pvt. Ltd. 201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Bldg., Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai – 400057. Tel : (022) 26187132 / 26131442 Email: flooring@mrjgroup.in
Pg. 23: Uniply Elementz Decorative Veneers Uniply Industrirs Ltd, #52, Harleys Road, Kilpauk, Chennai – 600010. Tel : 044 – 26605995.
Pg. 37: Le Cdeor MRJ Marketing Pvt. Ltd. H No 8-2-293/82/A/1261, Road No. 36, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, AP 500033 Tel: (040) 2355 0868 Email: lecdeor.hyd@mrjgroup.in
Pg. 46: Heritage Decorative Laminates Deco Mica Pvt. Ltd. 306, 3rd Floor, Iscon Mall, Star Bazaar Bldg., Jodhpur Cross Road, Ahmedabad - 380 015
Pg. 68 & 69: FINfloor Laminated Flooring MRJ Marketing Pvt. Ltd. 201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Bldg., Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai – 400057. Tel : (022) 26187132 / 26131442 Email: flooring@mrjgroup.in
Pg. 70: RMR Marmo RMR Marmo (P) Ltd. D – 11, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi – 110027 Ph : +91 11 45131300 Karan Kinger : (M) 9311055003
Pg. 71: Durian Office Furniture. 401, The Chambers, Western Express Highway, Vile Parle (E) Mumbai 400057 Tel : (022) 26269000 Email: info@durian.in www.durian.in
Pg. 47: Le Sutra
Pg. 77: Uniply Platinum ATS Plywood
14, Union Park, Khar (W), Mumbai – 400052. Tel : 91 22 32511447, 26492995/7 www.lesutra.in
Uniply Industrirs Ltd, #52, Harleys Road, Kilpauk, Chennai – 600010. Tel : 044 – 26605995.
Pg 48 & 49: Bright Outdoor Media Pvt. Ltd.
Pg. 82: Rudra Day Spa and Salon
8th floor, Crescent Tower, Near Maurya House, Opp. VIP Plaza, New Link Road, Andheri (W), Mumbai 400053 Tel: (022) 67140000 Email: brightoutdoor@gmail.com www.brightoutdoor.com
Pg. 50: Leonardo Arts Pvt. Ltd. B/18 A, Ghatkopar Industrial Estate, LBS Marg, Behind R – City, Ghatkopar (W), Mumbai – 400086. Tel : 67969078 / 79
Pg. 51: Durian Doors. 401, The Chambers, Western Express Highway, Vile Parle (E) Mumbai 400057 Tel : (022) 26269000 Email: info@durian.in www.durian.in
Kemps Boulevard, 1-3-5 Kwality House, Kemps Corner, Mumbai – 400036. Tel : +91 22 23872530 / 2531 / 2363.
Pg. 83: Laminate Gallery 1 / 2, Hari Darshan, Opp. Shree Sagar Hotel, L. T. Road, Borivali (W), Mumbai – 400092 Tel : (022) 28922119 / 28918802.
Inside Back Cover: Durian Veneers 401, The Chambers, Western Express Highway, Vile Parle (E) Mumbai 400057 Tel : (022) 26269000 Email: info@durian.in www.durian.in
Back Cover: Ultratech Paints & Textures
Pg. 59: Stellar 8-2-293/k/308, Main Road, Kamalapuri Colony, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad 500073 Tel: (040) 66380007/66480007 Email: stellar@ptdstellar.com www.ptdstellar.com
F 213A/1, Lado Sarai, Old M. B. Road, New Delhi – 110030 Tel: (011) 46061549/50 Email: info@ultratechpaints.com www.ultratechpaints.com
FORM IV Statement of ownership and other particulars about magazine entitled – Design Matrix to be published in the first issue every year after the last day of February. 1. Place of publication: MRJ Creations Pvt. Ltd., 201, Shyam Kamal 'C' Building, Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai - 400057 2. Periodicity of its publication: Bi-Monthly 3. Printer’s Name: Mr. Karan Jhunjhunwala, Nationality: Indian, Address: MRJ Creations Pvt. Ltd., 201, Shyam Kamal 'C' Building, Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai - 400057 4. Publisher’s Name: Mr. Karan Jhunjhunwala, Nationality: Indian, Address: MRJ Creations Pvt. Ltd., 201, Shyam Kamal 'C' Building, Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai - 400057 5. Editor-in-Chief’s Name: Ms. Babita Krishnan, Nationality: Indian, Address: MRJ Creations Pvt. Ltd., 201, Shyam Kamal 'C' Building, Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai - 400057 6. Names and addresses of individuals who own the newspaper and partners or shareholders holding more than one per cent of the total capital. a) Karan Jhunjhunwala, MRJ Creations Pvt. Ltd. 201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Building, Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai - 400057 b) Manohar Jhunjhunwala, MRJ Creations Pvt. Ltd. 201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Building, Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai - 400057 I, Karan Jhunjhunwala – Publisher (Design Matrix), hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Date: 1st March, 2011 Sd/Mr. Karan Jhunjhunwala Publisher
130 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011
MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 131
132 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011