October 2010

` 150 OCT 2010 VOL 24 (2)

Indu stria l Desi gn:

Interac tive Dobple r Led Wall by Stig Skjelv ik design s & Snøhe tta archite cts

Arch itect ure:

Y. V. Univer sity, Cudap pah

by DCOO P

18 IA&B - OCT 2010

Richard Meier, master architect and a recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, is noted for his modernist style. Richard Meier has designed and executed iconic public and private spaces worldwide, including the Perry West and On Prospect Park residential developments. Amongst his best known works are the Getty Center in Los Angeles and the Jubilee Church in Rome. A champion of the evolution of the modern discipline, Richard Meier, through his five decades of architectural practice, has explored architecture that transcends fashion and seeks to build an aesthetic argument that stands the test of time. In conversation with Sarita Vijayan, Editor & Brand Director, Indian Architect & Builder Magazine, the celebrated master expresses his thoughts on architecture and India.

SV. Essar Steel Masterstrokes, The Icon Exhibition exhibited twelve of your most prolific works for the first time ever in India in Feb 2010. Please share with us your experience on presenting your work in India.

RM. It was a privilege to exhibit my work for the first time in India and to be able to add to the collective conscious of what modern architecture is and can be. I so wish I could have been there. I understand the exhibit was enthusiastically received.

SV. India is among the booming economies of the world. The architectural and design reference of the east diverges to that of the west. What would be your approach while designing in India?

in very different ways. I would look to take the design qualities of the interior public spaces and express them throughout the entire project.

SV. Most of your buildings have been tagged as Modernist Classics. How do you express modernism in architecture?

RM. I view architecture as an art form, a sculpture that interacts with natural light that is inhabited by people who experience the architecture on a human scale. I am also very interested in exploring new ideas about materials, building technology and sustainability. This approach in combination with the qualities of the individual project creates a unique design that is of the time and of the place. I see this as a modern and classic approach to architecture.

RM. My approach in India would be no different than my approach to designing anywhere in the world. It would be a unique response to the client, program, site, and the natural light of the place. India is a large and very diverse country. I believe that a project in Mumbai would have very different design opportunities and challenges than a project in Bangalore or Delhi.

SV. How do you see your structures in India working in its surroundings, interacting with near and more distant aspects of the country’s development?

SV. Your designs have great interactions with the public space. The flow between the private and public space is continuous, while availability of space is a luxury in India. How would your design philosophy adopt to the constraint of space?

SV. Your advice to young architects and designers who want to create meaningful architecture.

RM. I would celebrate public space and the sequence of public to private. Current architecture in India is unique because often the exterior and interiors are expressed

RM. We do not yet have a project in India. I would like nothing more than to explore the answer to that question by designing my first building there.

RM. Start by visiting the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and Chandigarh. Study the unique qualities of scale and light of these places. Travel to other countries in search of great architecture. And start with the basics. Sketch and draw by hand before using the computer. ď Ž

let’s talk

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LET’S PARTNER Richard Meier, master architect and a recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize. In an inclusive conversation with Sarita Vijayan,Editor & Brand Director, Indian Architecture & Builder Magazine, the celebrated master expresses his thoughts on architecture and India.

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CURRENT A complete update on architectural exhibitions, events, competitions and news.

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PRODUCTS

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Featured here are contemporary and innovative products under the category of Lighting, Interior, finishes, technology and Furniture from across the globe.

TECHNOLOGY Vertical City A radical proposition by Desitecture, a British architectural collective to rehabilitate the informal settlements of 23 de Enero in Caracas, Venezuela, challenges conventional notions by provoking strong reactions and serious

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CONSTRUCTION BRIEF

thought.

Exploration of five ongoing fascinating construction projects from around the World.

National Shooting Stadium, Bhopal, India

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Can Fluid Architectural Design be cost effective? M:OFA a Delhi-based studio

ARCHITECTURE Reflecting on Repertoires

explores in this project.

Mumbai-based architectural firm DCOOP’s design for the Yogi Vemana University,

North India Tallest Tower

Cudappah, seeks to explore ambiences conducive to learning, by giving it a high regard

Singapore based WOW Architects will be giving India’s national capital region its

to imaginative use of space and its infiltration with natural light.

tallest tower.

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Redefining Insular Living

Urban Regeneration, China

Bengaluru-based architect Gaurav Roy Choudhury, showcasing his distinct

Manchester based architectural firm BDP wins Urban Regeneration project in

design’s capability in Ghose residence by integrating the built mass and

Foshan, China.

natural site topography in compact and refined manner.

Insiugnia high Mumbai-based Mandviwala Qutub & Associates designed a new paradigm for Suntekh realty in Borivali, Mumbai.

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Rivali Park When CCI projects Pvt Ltd visioned a development close to nature, Gensler architects, an American architectural firm were approached to design Rivali park on the western

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INTERIOR Expressive Minimalism Designing a minimalist modern space for the administrative headquarters of Uttam Galva Steels, KNS Architects create a distinct identity for the brand and the people behind the brand.

suburb of Mumbai.

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POST EVENT Armstrong Event Following the concept of ‘Ideas to Reality’ Armstrong, a multinational pioneer in floorings and surface finishes, hosted an event presenting ideas and realities of two significant architectural practices.

Co v e r

a øhett Hildonen n S , k jelvi , Rasmus k S g S ti : © S ro t o t y p e A e g a P Im

Chairman: Jasu Shah Printer & Publisher: Maulik Jasubhai Editor & Brand Director: Sarita Vijayan Deputy Editor: Sujatha Mani Senior Writers: Hina Nitesh, Ritu Sharma Writers: Rati Singh, Namrata Rao Visualiser: Mansi Chikani, Nikhita Gadkari Web Designer: Sandeep Sahoo Editorial Co-ordinator: Namita Bandekar Events Co-ordinator: Abhay Dalvi Subscription Co-ordinators: Sunita Lumba (Delhi), Sheetal Kamble Production Team: V Raj Misquitta (Head), Prakash Nerkar, Arun Madye Brand Manager: Sudhanshu Nagar Head Key Accounts: Meha Shrivastava

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BOOK REVIEW Anjalendran: Architect of Sri Lanka Architects Quaid Doongerwala & Shilpa Ranade present an illuminating analysis of an insightful portrait of Anjalendran by David Robson.

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CULTURE COUNTS Missing in Action…Culture’s warriors?

Amita Baig returns with her curated colum, this time raising the debate on the non-governmental initiatives in the culture sector.

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INTERNATIONAL Paper Tecture Conceptualised and evolved from the craft of origami, Shanghai-based three Gatti Architectural firm has given the proposal for the first drive through Museum to the Nanjing city.

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An Icon for the New Capital Generating breathtaking forms through an understanding of material and immaterial natural processes, Studio Nicoletti Associati design an iconic concert hall for Astana, the modern capital of Kazakhstan.

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INDUSTRIAL DESIGN Turning Shadows into Light Norway-based industrial designer Stig Skjelvik Designs & Snøhetta Architects collaborated with Prototype AS and Rasmus Hildonen innovated a new interaction of art and technology in Sandnes City Centre Railway Subway, Norway.

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PRODUCT DESIGNER PROFILE TOM DIXON- The “vertebrate designer” Tom Dixon being a self-taught designer is not only innovative but also has combined the creative with the commercial throughout his career.

Editorial & Marketing Office: JMPL, 210, Taj Building, 3rd Floor, Dr. D. N. Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001 Tel : +91-22-4213 6400, Fax : +91-22-4213 6401 Mumbai: Assistant Regional Sales Manager: Viresh Pandey Sales Executive: Kavita Jharolia Sales & Accounts Co-ordinator: Manoj Gorivale Bengaluru: JMPL Nanda Gokula, # 96, Osborne Road, Ulsoor, Near Lakeside Hospital, Bengaluru 560 042 Tel: 080 2554 6371 Chennai: JMPL Assistant Sales Manager: Senkhadir Balu Saena Circle No 31/6, 1st Floor, Duraiswamy Road, T-Nagar, Chennai 600 017 Tel: 044 4212 3936 Fax: 044 4242 7728 Mob: 098407 05981 Email: senkhadir_balu@jasubhai.com Secunderabad: JMPL Cabin No 37, Reliance Business Centre, 303, Swapna Lok Complex, 92, Sarojini Devi Road, Secunderabad – 500 003 Tel: 040 5522 1050 Delhi: JMPL Assistan Regional Manager: Rohit Chhajer, Preeti S Mundra 803. Chiranjeev Tower, No 43, Nehru Place, New Delhi – 110 019 Tel: 011 2623 5332 Fax: 011 2642 7404 Email: Rohit_chhajer@jasubhai.com, preet_singh@jasubhai.com Pune: JMPL Suite 201, White House, 1482 Sadashiv Peth, Tilak Road, Pune – 411 030, Tel: 020 2449 4572 Fax: 020 2448 2059 Ahmedabad: JMPL 64/A, Phase I, GIDC Industrial Estate, Vatva, Ahmedabad – 382 445, Tel: 079 2583 1042 Processed at M B Graphics Tel: 91 22 2413 8980 Printed & Published by Maulik Jasubhai on behalf of Jasubhai Media Pvt. Ltd (JMPL), Taj Building, 3rd Floor, 210, Dr. D. N. Road, Mumbai 400 001.

Printed by him at M.B.Graphics, B-28 Shri Ram Industrial Estate, ZG.D.Ambekar Marg, Wadala, Mumbai 400031and Published from Mumbai.

Editor: Sarita Vijayan JMPL, Taj Building, 3rd Floor, 210, Dr. D. N. Road, Mumbai 400 001.

Indian Architect & Builder: (ISSN 0971-5509), RNI No 46976/87, is a JMPL monthly publication.

Reproduction in any manner, in whole or part, in English or any other language is strictly prohibited.

We welcome articles, but do not accept responsibility for contributions lost in the mail.

26 IA&B - OCT 2010

Name of competition

Nature of competition

Names of jury

Registration deadline

Submission deadline

For more information log on to:

Signature Competitions Truly Sustainable

Competition

Ricardo Legorreta

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

www.aecworldxp. com/competition-land

The Indian Habitat

Competition

B.V.Doshi

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

www.aecworldxp. com/competition-land

Housing Prototypes

Competition

Christopher Benninger

31 Dec’ 2010

31 Dec’ 2010

www.aecworldxp. com/competition-land

Kinetic Cities

Competition

Rahul Mehrotra

31 Dec’ 2010

31 Dec’ 2010

www.aecworldxp. com/competition-land

Ground Zero

Competition

Sen Kapadia

31 Dec’ 2010

31 Dec’ 2010

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Silent Spaces

Competition

Brinda Somaya

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Art of Relevance

Competition

Gautam Bhatia

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Past Perfect…

Competition

Dulal Mukherjee

31 Dec’ 2010

31 Dec’ 2010

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“The Ethos Of India 2010”

Competition

Ranjit Sabikhi

31 Dec’ 2010

31 Dec’ 2010

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The Design Of A Sustainable Habitable Residence In Three Scenarios

Competition

Parul Zaveri and Nimesh Patel

31 Dec’ 2010

31 Dec’ 2010

www.aecworldxp. com/competition-land

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Material matter competitions

Nature of competition

Names of jury

Registration deadline

Submission deadline

For more information log on to:

Match the following

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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More than laminate

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Know the brand

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Design a home in 6 pages

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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How green are you?

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Smart match

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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The legend

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Match the projects

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Know the leader

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Decoding sustainability

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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10 things

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Know the expert

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Cool spaces

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Conquer the quest

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Cool icons

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Pushing limits

contest

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Build it right

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Whose line is it anyway

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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New kid on the block

contest

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31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Hall of fame

contest

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31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Material wars

contest

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31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Name the master

contest

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31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Work it out

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Know the leader

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Ideal choices

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Identify the projects

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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The classic switch

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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From wood to architecture

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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The remote

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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eVolo 2011 Skyscraper Competition Category Type Deadline

COMPETITIONS

Name of competition

: : :

International Open to all Registration: January 11, 2011 Submission : January 18, 2011

Philosophy+Architecture 2011 Category Type Deadline

: : :

International Students and professionals Registration: January 15, 2011 Submission : January 15, 2011

The annual eVolo Skyscraper Competition is a forum for the discussion, development, and promotion of innovative concepts for ver tical density. It examines the relationship between the skyscraper and the natural world, the skyscraper and the community, and the skyscraper and the city. The aim of this competition is to redefine what we understand as a skyscraper and initiate a new architectural discourse of economic, environmental, intellectual, and perceptual responsibility that could ultimately modify our cities and improve our way of life.

Thinking about architecture has long been an enterprise of philosophers and architects alike, but in recent years there has been a growing divergence between them over terminological and methodological issues. Philosophers charge architects with mishandling texts and architects charge philosophers with mishandling buildings.

The Boston University Department of Philosophy invites submissions from professionals and graduate students in philosophy, architecture, and other related disciplines. Topics may be from any point of view, including the socalled phenomenological and critical, modern and postmodern, postcritical and projective, and urban and sustainable approaches to architecture.

For further information, contact: Web: www.evolo.us

For further information, contact: Web: philarch.wordpress.com

current Name of competition

Nature of competition

Names of jury

Registration deadline

Submission deadline

For more information log on to:

Name of competition

Nature of competition

Names of jury

Registration deadline

Submission deadline

For more information log on to:

Smart revolution

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

www.aecworldxp. com/competition-land

Ideal AI

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

www.aecworldxp. com/competition-land

Ideas that clicked

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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The white canvas

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Ideas for health living

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Sustainable yet affordable

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Colour Spots

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Exposed insides

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Identify the icon

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Every inch count

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Know your leader

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Enduring perfection

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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What is your shape?

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Connect with the earth

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Connect

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Panasonic

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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The hollow sky

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Think fast think pre-engineered

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Know your leader

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Create your flooring design

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Adobe contest

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Water edges

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Holcim awards

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Skin of glass

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Light lines

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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From the quary

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Unviel the trendsetter

contest

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31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Water shelter

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Twin win

contest

Through an organised jury

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Think different

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Secure architecture

contest

Through an organised jury

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Jumble

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Name the project

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Water experts

contest

lucky draw

31 Dec’ 2010

31 Dec’ 2010

www.aecworldxp. com/competition-land

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Designs for ever

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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We are H&R johnson and we are every where

The fire initiatives

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Rebrand us

contest

IA&B

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Design imprints

contest

lucky draw

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Silver lines of IA &B

contest

IA&B

31st Dec’ 2010

31st Dec’ 2010

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Competition / d3 Housing Tomorrow 2011 / d3 Category Type Deadline

: : :

International Open to all Registration: January 10, 2011 Submission: January 20, 2011

The d3 Housing Tomorrow competition calls f o r t ra n s f o rm at i ve solutions t hat advance sustainable t h o u g ht, b u i l d i n g per formance, and social interac tion throug h s t u dy o f i nt ri n s i c environmental geometries, social behaviors, u r b a n i m p l i cat i o n s, and programmatic flows.

challenge vs competition

Metropolis Next Generation Design Competition 2011 Category Type Deadline

: : :

International Architects, designers and students Registration: January 31, 2011 Submission: January 31, 2011

The d3 Housing Tomorrow competition allows designers freedom to approach their creative process in a scale-appropriate manner, from large-scale master planning endeavors, to individual building concepts, to notions of the interior realm.

The Next Generation Design Competition is open to any designer or architect in practice for ten years or less, as well as design students. The prize is intended to support designers whose entries reflect systems thinking, sustainability, accessibility, materials exploration, progressive technologies, historic relevance, provocative form, and beauty. Each designer should speak to any one of the 6 sub-disciplines supported by the magazine— architecture, urban planning, landscape design, interior design, product design, graphic design.

For further information, contact: Web: www.d3space.org/competitions

For further information, contact: Web: www.metropolismag.com/nextgen

30 IA&B - OCT 2010

current Sustainability Awards 2010 Date : Venue :

November 30, 2010 London

The Sustainability Awards recognise and reward outstanding achievement in Sustainability in the built environment and are a key benchmark for achieving best practice in the sector. It is the only major event in construction and architecture to recognise best practice in sustainability and innovation.

Building and the UK Green Building Council will be hosting the annual Sustainability Awards on 30 November at the Royal College of Physicians.

Building on the success of previous years the awards ceremony will once again be a celebration of the very best examples of sustainable building the industry has to offer.

For further information, contact: Web: www.sustainabilityawards.co.uk

IIA National Convention 2010 Date : Venue :

December 3 to December 5, 2010 Lucknow

IIA NATCON 2010 focuses on Environmental sustainabilit y and to achieve a sustainable built environment. This National Convention is being organized under the theme of ‘SUSTAINABILIT Y : Global Problems- Local Initiatives’. In today’s time nothing can be more impor tant than the optimization of the use of natural resources and the built- environment to sustain itself on minimum use of energy and yet provide the best ambience for human func tions, their comfor t and development. A large number of memberdelegates, eminent personalities, people from allied professions, builders and construc tion-professionals from all over the countr y will attend this convention.

For further information, contact: Web: www.iia-india.org/natcon10.shtml

Portrait of the City International Conference Date : Venue :

December 09 to December 11, 2010 Ireland, Dublin

Date : Venue :

December 16 to December 19, 2010 Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei International Building, Construction & Decoration Exhibition is the meeting point of Domestic and International Business community to explore the business potential in Bangladesh. Focusing on the theme of “Smart Green Architecture and Ecological Environment,”, the tradeshow will have on display of latest Technological Advancements of Equipments, Materials, Services and Techniques in the related fields, providing opportunities to interact with all the stake holders in the building and construction industry.

For further information, contact: Web: www.taipeibex.com/Visitor2/pre_regi.php?UIlang=ENG

Small Scale, Big Change: New Architectures of Social Engagement Date : Venue :

October 3, 2010-January 3, 2011 New York

This exhibition presents eleven architectural projects on five continents that respond to localised needs in underserved communities. These innovative designs signal a renewed sense of commitment, shared by many of today’s practitioners, to the social responsibilities of architecture. Their commitment to a radical pragmatism can be seen in the projects they have realised, from a handmade school in Bangladesh to a reconsideration of a modernist housing project in Paris, from an apartheid museum in South Africa to a cable car that connects a single hillside barrio in Caracas to the city at large.

For further information, contact: Web: www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/1064

Journeys: How travelling fruit, ideas and buildings rearrange our environment Date : Venue :

October 19- March 13, 2011 Montreal

In order to elucidate these topics, international scholars have been invited from different fields as keynote speakers.

The Canadian Centre for Architecture in Montreal presents the exhibition ‘Journeys: How Travelling Fruit, Ideas and Buildings Rearrange Our Environment’.

Although immigration is a dominant topic in contemporary culture, its discussion is often limited to the human experience. The upcoming exhibition at the CCA takes a different perspective: how movements impact on the environment. Examples range from the coconut that can drift freely on the ocean current and re-seed wherever it finds land, to government-enforced relocation, the uprooting and rearranging of communities in a way that changes landscape and society forever.

For further information, contact: Web: www.portrait-of-the-city.com

For further information, contact: Web: www.cca.qc.ca/en/exhibitions/1074-journeys-how-travelling-fruit-ideasand-buildings-rearrange

The School of Architecture, Landscape and Civil Engineering, University College Dublin, in collaboration with the Office of Public Works will host a multidisciplinary international conference to explore the significance of cities, their constructed heritage, and the manner in which both the city and its heritage are framed for the public, the nation and the tourist.

EVENTS

Taipei International Building, Construction & Decoration Exhibition

32 IA&B - OCT 2010

current Innovation Park MMRDA will set up Asia’s largest Innovation Park. The MMRDA – with the help of Science and Technology Park, University of Pune – will be establishing the Innovation Park in over 5000 acres.

The Innovation Park is envisaged as a city of wisdom, knowledge and creativity, where economic growth will respect nature and quality of life and technology and ecology will become symbiotic for sustainable development. The Innovation Park would also have International Convention Center, International Research University, Asia Center, Business Incubator, Design Institute, Language Center etc. The ambience of the Innovation Park would be conducive for nurturing innovation and creativity and will have centers for Fine Arts, Music Culture, Sculptures, Museum, etc. and also will also host several national and international festivals. This would help Maharashtra to become a global destination for scientific conventions.

2011 Royal Gold Medal goes to David Chipperfield It was announced that the RIBA’s 2011 Royal Gold Medal will be presented to David Chipperfield. The news comes shortly after Chipperfield’s renovation of the Neues Museum, Berlin was awarded the 2010 Crown Estate Conservation Award. The architect will be presented with the Royal Gold Medal at a London ceremony on 10th February 2011, signifying a ‘lifetime’s contribution to architecture’.

Chipperfield commented: “I am overwhelmed by the decision of the RIBA to award me the 2010 Royal Gold Medal and to join a list that includes so many great architects and personal heroes. I hope that my career will justify this great honour and that I can fulfil the expectations that this award bestows on me. I share this award with my colleagues and family without whom such a personal achievement would have been well out of reach.”

Four Plinth 2010 Shortlist Exhibition Opened in London

NEWS

Six of the world’s most exciting contemporary artists have been shortlisted to propose a new artwork for the Four Plinth in Trafalgar Square in London, England. This year’s winning artist will have their work on display during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Over the past four years the ‘empty’ four plinth in the Northwest corner of Trafalgar Square has been home to some of the world’s most innovative artworks. The Plinth was originally designed by Sir Charles Barry in 1841 to display an equestrian statue, however due to insufficient funds the statue was never completed in 1998.

The maquettes of this year’s shortlisted artists’ ideas can be seen in an exciting interactive exhibition in the lobby of St Martin-in-the-Field at Trafalgar Square.

Two new bridges planned for Olympic site Allies and Morrison has drawn up proposals for two new bridges that will take walkers and cyclists into the site of the 2012 games.

The approaches, which will span the River Lea Navigation, are designed as “gently sloping park areas” threading through a grid of trees with rest areas with seats provided. The bridges themselves are of painted steel supported by stiffening ribs which it is hoped will break up the plane of the steelwork and thereby discourage graffiti. A lift will provide disabled access to the bridges, which are permanent structures and will add to the games’ legacy for east London.

Olympic Park masterplanner Edaw is leading a consortium, also including Foreign Office Architects and HOK Sport, which is responsible for designing the site’s infrastructure including roads and bridges.

Bennet completes Stratford upon Avon theatre revamp Bennets Associates’ £112.8 million transformation of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon has reached practical completion.

The milestone was reached on budget and on the exact day predicted five years ago by consultant Drivers Jonas Deloitte. The project involved the reconstruction of the main grade II* listed 1932 theatre’s auditorium as well as remodeling of public and back-of-house spaces. The art deco interiors and original foyers were retained. The complex, on the banks of the River Avon and permanent home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, consists of three theatres.

The Royal Shakespeare and the Swan will now share front-of-house facilities and are due to reopen in November with a series of test events before the full production launch in February next year.

Empire State Building to get rival skyscraper in NY New York’s Empire State Building got a competitor after a developer received a green light to build a skyscraper that would rival the height of one of the world’s iconic buildings.

The Vornado project will be just two blocks from the Empire State Building at Penn Station, near 34th Street and 7th Avenue. It has the support of mayor Michael Bloomberg.Malkin Holdings, which owns the Empire State Building, said the new building would challenge not only its height but also its famous status of a landmark in New York. The project was approved by the city planning commission and received final approval by the City Council.

Empire State Building was the city’s tallest building until the construction of the World Trade Centre in 1970. After the twin towers were destroyed in the September 11 attacks, the Empire State Building again held the title of New York’s tallest building.

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products

IA&B - OCT 2010

Lampard’ air Lampard’ air is an innovative lighting product which blends together simplicity and ingeniosity as well as function and aesthetics by product designer Alssa Logerot along with Matthew Marine. The lamp is designed as an inflating light with variable volume which constitutes of multiple facets and disassociates to allow the variation in intensity of light. Upon inflating the triangular part of the lamp moves apart increasing the quantum of light. There is an integrated air pump equipped with a program which allows an autonomous fluctuation of its volume which alters depending upon the quality and intensity of light required.

Contact: Aissa Logerot Web: www.aissalogerot.com Email: aissalogerot@gmail.com

Senzo Nightlight Senzo Nightlight is a collaborative effort by the Industrial Design students from the University of Buenos Aires, Soledad Clavell and Marcos Madia. The nightlight creates an interesting relation between people and night time.

With regards to the functioning of the Senzo nightlight, it takes the gestural position of the hand when one walks with fingers gliding over walls. The sensors follow the human path and provide a soft light throughout.

LIGHTING

In addition to this, the light is also designed to serve security lighting upon the non supply of electric power. The installation of light is simple and is recommended for installation of 0.8m above the ground level. It consumes very low energy and serves long life lighting which can be adapted to different styles.

Contact: Soledad Clavell & Marcos Madia Email: soledadclavell@gmail.com marcosmadia@hotmail.com

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products

IA&B - OCT 2010

Sustainable Wind Mills Dutch designer Gijsbert Koren has made bamboo wings for a classic windmill. The wings are made from two layers of handwoven bamboo mats and are protected and kept in shape by resin. The mats are handwoven by tribal craftsmen from India, giving them a new source of income. The windmill is suitable for the Western market, but also for rural markets in India, where less than 50% of the households have access to electricity.

Contact: Gijsber t Koren Web: http://gijsber tkoren.nl/ Email: g.w.koren@gmail.com

Robot

T E C H N O LO G Y

This product is an industrial machine that is more adapted to the environment in which it is meant to be used, and how to take advantage of the resources that are close at hand. Inspiration was taken from existing solutions not only within forestry, but also construction machines, automotive concepts, military projects and space technology.

The robot navigates through the planting area by using high precision GPS and sensors, as well as internal maps based on laser scanner data.

The movement of the machine is pre-programmed by laying out routes and boundaries in virtual forest software. The robot is transported to the plantation area inside a special trailer that also works as a mobile service station. When the robot has run out of supplies, it returns to the service station to automatically refill seedings, water and fuel.

Contact: Anna-Karin Bergkvist Web: http:/glijsbertkoren.nl/ Email: info@overkillinterstellar.com

38 IA&B - OCT 2010

products Vitrulan new magnetic wall covering Vitrulan ® magnet is an innovative and functional glass deco fabric. One can stick magnets directly onto the wall itself. The result is a functional wall that’s both clean and safe. Turn your walls into one grand workstation, use them as a vast background for presentations, or allow lots of room for creativity and play. And you can still enjoy the unique technical and visual benefits of Vitrulan’s premium glass deco fabrics.

One can also use Vitrulan ® magnet as a background for presenting information, displaying and arranging work, or as a generous space for your creative ideas.

Contact: VITRULAN International GmbH B ernecker Str. 8 D-95509 Marktschorgast Germany Web: www.vitrulan.com Email: vitrulan@kt-exports.com

Pergo Laminate Flooring

FINISHES

Swedish based company Pergo – the global leaders in laminate flooring have always aimed at providing the best choice when it comes to floorings; with its latest launch of the Domestic Extra Collection, Pergo has kept up with that very commitment and service it has always been associated with. The Domestic Extra range as the name suggests is indeed designed to handle domestic areas with moderate wear, which means that it is ideal to handle the wear and tear that happens in our homes.

Contact: Ryan Fernandes Tel: 022 26434448/26418669 Email: ryan@synergypr.org

40 IA&B - OCT 2010

products Iconic Chair New York-based architect and product designer, Laurie Beckerman Iconic Chair is an inspiration from the capital of an Iconic column. The designer has extracted lines from the stone and has created a light, spacious and a resilient bench which creates vibrancy in the form where once sites middle with two luxurious scrolls on the side.

The Iconic Bench is made from 1”inch Baltic Birch plywood where the bench’s profile is cut out 18 times with the use of CNC technology so as to conserve material. The front and the back of the Iconic Bench are complete profiles where as the center one is in pieces, with slices laminated together for a strong curvaceous form. The surfaces that reveal the plies are finely sanded, and coated with a high-quality Italian acrylic; the result is a seat that is sensuously smooth to the touch. The Ionic Bench is perfect for an entry foyer, or at the foot of a bed, or silhouetted against a picture window. The scrolls can be used for storage, such as for shoes or magazines.

Dimensions: 49” Length, 21” Height (18” seat height), 18”Width.

Contact: Laurie Beckerman Design Web: www.lauriebeckerman.com Email: info@lauriebeckerman.com Tel: 212-889-1287

ARRAS by Herman Miller

FURNITURE

Designed for the Asia Pacific market by Herman Miller, Arras is created by Marc Fong, Head of the Research & Design Lab at Herman Miller Asia. Motivated by our nomadic instincts and socially connected lifestyle, enabled by technological advancement, and inspired by our innate desire for beautiful objects – Herman Miller presents our irresistible take on the workspace for the future – Arras™.

Freedom to sit anywhere fosters the organic development of relationships and encourages communications and collaboration. The Arras™ intermediate leg structure is recessed inward 500mm along the entire bench length, with pedestals re-adjustable to any position, providing comfortable leg room for all users.

Arras by Herman Miller promises a free and easy solution – one should be able to sit anywhere and at any time; your decision informed by work schedule, available space, the nature of your task, relationships with others and of course, personal preference. I would describe it as a perfect fit for every modern India office.” said Mr. Kartik Shethia, National Sales Manager, Herman Miller India.

Contact: Herman Miller India Tel: +91 80 30921333 Email: info_india@hermanmiller.com Website: www.arrasasia.com

42 IA&B - OCT 2010

products Bird in Hand The lamp is based on, and tribute to the universal art of hand shadows; making shadows on the wall using your hands to create birds, rabbits,and other figures. Playing with light and hand shadows is a centuries old past time long before electric light was invented. “BIRD IN HAND� plays with this concept: All of the hands are positioned to look like a flock of birds, flying out in circles. The shadows cast on the wall looks like birds. This results in a very expressive, dynamic and striking looking lamp , with layers of humor and poetry hidden in the design.

Contact: J.P.Meulendijks design studio Korte Jufferstraat 7, 3512EX Utrecht, Netherlands Email: j.p.meulendijks@n-u.nl Web: www.planktonstation.nl

Edgewire Edgeware is a coffee table.

Suitable to different environments, its style is far from anonymous. The transparent glass with a thickness of 12mm is supported by a major structure in steel cages.

The result is a fine product, elegant and original.

INTERIOR

The unusual shape crystal makes possible, lean against the steel structure.

Contact: Alex Sacchetti Via R. Goitre 4/c, 29122 Piacenza, Italy Ph: +39. 349.3312012 Mail: studio@alexsacchetti.com Web: www.alexsacchetti.com

IA&B - OCT 2010

44

construction brief

Arial View of the academy

M. P. State (DSYW) Shooting Academy

Can Fluid Architectural Design be cost effective? M:OFA a Delhi based studio has explored in this project.

Text compiled by: Sidharth Gupta Photograph: Courtesy the designer

L

ocated on the outskirts of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh; the project involves the creation of a world class shooting academy for The Ministry of Sports & Youth Welfare. The academy comprises of three individual ranges; 10m, 25m, 50m and a twin set of trap and skeet ranges. The Project was divided in two phases; with 50m shooting range and the twin trap and skeet ranges to be completed in the first phase by 2009 and the rest of the project by 2011.

The Concept was derived from the dynamics of undulating site and the functionality. Instead of creating oblivious blocks for various ranges, the design team decided to create a flow of dynamic forms which merge, shootout and explode thereby creating a flow that tries to recreate the force field created by a shooting bullet from the pistol to the target.

There have been some serious measures taken to make the institution self sufficient. Towards the water requirement, a 3.5 acre catchment basin has been created. The water collected during the monsoons would serve the landscaping and the human requirement for atleast 8-9 months a year, also providing the required calm and serene water body essential for the shooters.

The sports infrastructural facility has fulfilled strict norms and guidelines set by ISSF (International Shooting Sport Federation) and NRAI (National Rifle Association of India) right from the North-South orientation of the outdoor ranges to, a zero tolerance dimensions of all ranges. The challenge lay in creating fluid forms and dynamic spaces yet adhering to the norms strictly. Various ingenious methodologies were researched and implemented along with the contractor to keep the cost of the project under control yet achieving the fluid dynamic forms.

SITE PLAN 1. Administration 2. Players Facilities 3. 25m Shooting Range 4. 10m Shooting Range

5. 50m Shooting Range 6. Veiwing galleries 7. Trap/ skeet Range 8. Rainwater harvesting

FACT FILE: Project Architect M Design team

: : :

Project Area Structural engineers Sports Consultant MEP Consultants

: : : :

Initiation of Project Completion of project

: :

M.P. State (DSYW) Shooting Academy M:OFA Studios, New Delhi Manish Gulati (Principal Architect), Tanushree Gulati (Principal Planner), Prakash Pratap Singh, Akriti Sood, Richa Gupta 3500sqm ROARK Consulting Engineers Mansher Singh.

Vinod Sharma (Plumbing), Mahadev Verma (Electrical) 2007 2011

IA&B - OCT 2010

46

construction brief

Urban regeneration project in Foshan Sanshui district,China.

Arial View of regenerated Foshan city

Manchester based architectural firm BDP wins Urban Regeneration project in Foshan, China.

Text compiled by: Sidharth Gupta Photograph: Courtesy the designer

T

he tide is turning towards urban areas globally and china is leading the campaign. With its proposal for major urban regeneration project in the Sanshui district in the hear t of the city of Foshan.

BDP has been appointed as master planner and designer for all main buildings. Foshan, in south of China, is one of the cities which have been identified for major expansion by the Chinese government.

New master plan consist Cultural and Administration Centre, librar y city archive, senior university, medical research building, laboratories, city exhibition hall and civic offices.

The Design proposal for the master plan and the new buildings has been conceived in the manner of delivering excellent learning and research environments, stunning performance venues, galleries and stimulating office environments, which reflect the rich culture of Sanshui. The buildings create sustainable new special places responding to the climatic conditions; they are fully integrated into a new landscape incorporating the features and natural topography of

the elevated site and expansive waterfront location. Sanshui means three rivers; these mark the historical beginnings of the district and are represented in the new masterplan proposals by three principal routes linking and organising movement between the sites – a leisure river, a formal river, and an ecology river.

Urban regeneration plan in Foshan Sanshui District China is conceived by BDP’s Manchester studio. BDP is a multidisciplinary architectural design studio. This development demonstrated their combined interdisciplinary strengths. This development will have clarity and permeability and will provide a recognisable symbol for the whole district.�

FACT FILE: Project Location Architect Client

: : : :

Urban Regeneration Project Sanshui District Foshan China BDP Sanshui public and civic quarter

IA&B -OCT 2010

48

construction brief

3 D Rendering show casing Victory Valley.

VICTORY VALLEY Singapore based WOW Architects will be giving India’s national capital region its tallest tower.

Text compiled by: Sidharth Gupta Photograph: Courtesy the designer

I

reo has recently launched Victor y Valley. An iconic structure of unprecedented height, it promises to become a new landmark - for not just the city, but the entire region which will have the tallest 50storeys high building. Designed by WOW architects. An architectural firm based in Singapore, this new landmark development is intended to capitalise on nature and green features, making the users living more sustainable.

Architects have made sure that a spectacular visual feast meets the users eyes in ever y direction, from ever y floor. At the hear t of this necklace -shaped complex is a carefully crafted, multi-tiered 7.4 acres, central valley, which combines ver tical and horizontal landscaping in an innovative mix. This is complemented by terrace gardens, balconies with planter-boxes and trees on pedestals which engender a calm and green aura for ever y home. The same aesthetic sense of beauty is also prevalent in the forest-like grand entrance to the complex, and the tree canopied entrance of the towers.

This radiant experience of green continues on to the entrance to all three towers which make up the housing complex, in the form of

beautifully groomed tree canopies. A magnificent three -storey high lobby and elegant lighting in ever y residential tower carr y for ward the spirit of unparalleled luxur y in their grandness and beaut y of design all the way to your doorstep. To enjoy the pic ture -per fec t views of ever ything around your home with these 3-sided- open apar tments. The natural sources of sunlight, ventilation and an expansive view offers a feeling of being outdoors from the comfor t of the indoors.

FACT FILE: Project Location Client Architect Structural Consultants Project Area Initiation of Project Completion of Project

: : : : : : : :

Victory Valley Sector 67, Gurgaon .

Ireo Management Pvt Ltd. WOW in Singapore and Spazzio in India. web structures.

Approximately 2 million sq ft.

Anticipated to start on site early 2011.

By 2014

50

construction brief

IA&B - OCT 2010

Boring Borivali Becoming

BOLDER Mumbai based Mandviwala Qutub & Associates designed a new paradigm for Suntekh Realty in Borivali ,Mumbai Text compiled by: Sidharth Gupta Photograph: Courtesy the designer

S

ignia High is an iconic tower designed in an elliptical form to gain a panoramic view of the beautiful surroundings in Borivali. The residential tower elegantly stands on the well designed landscaped podium and rises up to 53 storeys. This premium address is available in a choice of several exclusive plans, each representing a unique mix of style and perfection.

Every home at Signia High has been created keeping in mind the special needs and allowing its users to abandon themselves in the sheer luxury of space . One could feel the air moving through open spaces and light streaming through an abundance of windows.

The entrance of the tower lead towards high-speed elevators that add to the sheer magnificence of the structure. The light streams in through the huge, wide windows. Designed for those who truly appreciate detail and subtle distinctions, living space at Signia High is crafted for sophisticated living and relaxation. A combination of the most contemporary desirable fixtures and finishes including a pleasing palette of colours give Signia High a truly contemporary appeal.

Special landscape feature includes garden terraces on every 5 floors.

The building will be a statement of contemporary residential architecture and would have all the modern amenities for the occupants to relish a luxurious and healthy life style. Individually every apartment is cross ventilated and has wide decks with glass railings allowing free flow of wind from all directions.

FACT FILE:

3 D Rendering of Signia High

Project Location Client / Developer Architect Structural Consultants

: : : : :

Initiation of Project Completion of project

: :

Signia High Borivali east, Mumbai Sunteck Realty Mandviwala Qutub & Associates Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA), Seattle, USA and Gokani Last quarter 2010 36 months

IA&B - OCT 2010

52

construction brief

Arial 3D view of Rivali Park

RIVALI PARK

MUMBAI, INDIA

When CCI projects Pvt Ltd visioned a development near the nature, Gensler architects USA were approached to design Rivali park. On the western suburb of Mumbai.

Text compiled by: Sidharth Gupta Photograph: Courtesy the designer

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ivali Park’s unique footprint is designed by Gensler, an internationally renowned design and architecture firm. The vision is to offer a mix of residential, commercial, retail, hospitality and cultural centers within a gated community, setting a new standard for convenient living. Situated in breathtakingly beautifully landscaped grounds, this architecturally timeless and future-proof development reflects the aspirations and desires of the community it serves. Rivali Park has all the makings of a landmark not just in Borivali but in Mumbai. The first phase of the project was launched this year on March, 2010 and the completion of the entire project is slated within the next 5 to 7 years. It’s a LEED certified project and incorporates many eco-friendly practices like rain water harvesting, waste management system, light fixtures for less electricity consumption and efficient glazing glasses which ensures rejection of heat throughout the day.

The residential complex has been designed in 4 clusters that offer a mix of low and high-rise towers Each cluster will have an individual courtyard with seating nooks and walking paths. Ample 3-level parking will be available. The ground level will be a vehicle-free pedestrian podium,

offering a high degree of safety to the young and old alike. A flat slab structure is being considered for the apartments, to give the inhabitants freedom and flexibility to plan their own interiors. Each building has been oriented to catch the breeze and minimise heat waves. Each apartment will have at least 2 exposures to the outside. The shorter buildings will have sky gardens, so that the view is always verdant from any observation point.

When completed, this upwardly mobile, cosmopolitan community will have extensive opportunity for social and cultural interaction within their own backyard. About 1600 families will be accommodated on the premises. 

FACT FILE: Project Location Client Architect Design team Project Area Civil Contractors Project Estimate Initiation of Project Completion of project Other details

: Rivali Park : Borivali (East), Mumbai, India. : CCI Projects Pvt Ltd : Gensler (USA) : Michel St. Pierre, Hao Ko, Smita Gupta, Gary Brandau : 3.5 million sqft : LikProof : Rs 1000 crore : March, 2010 : 5-7 years in phases : Mixed use property - Residential, retail, commercial, hospitality and cultural elements.

54 IA&B - OCT 2010

‘Ideas to Reality’ A

rmstrong World, a multinational pioneer in floorings and surface finishes, hosted an event titled “Ideas to Realities” presenting two significant architectural practices. The event was received with enthusiasm by architects and individuals related to the construction industry at Cochin and Visakhapatnam.

Mr. Naresh Dubale (Dy. G. M. Armstrong World India Pvt. Ltd.) addressing the guests

Mr. Sajid C. S. (Excutive, Sales, Armstrong World India Pvt. Ltd.) addressing the guests

Prof. Eugene Pandala talking about his projects and practices.

Concept Some individuals are driven by an idea, a passion; a vision which is different and ahead of its time.

And these ideas when implemented, open new doors and transform the reality allowing access to new realms. Swami Vivekananda once said, “Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone.” Turning ideas into reality requires vision, passion and determination. “Ideas to Reality” is about how ideas are conceived by individuals who are one among us and how they make a difference by translating them into a reality.

The Event At the event venues at Cochin and Visakhapatnam, Mr. Naresh Duble, Dy General Manager, Armstrong World Industries India Pvt Ltd, presented a distinct and comprehensive range of Armstrong products and services entertaining questions from the audience. Prof. Eugene Pandala presented his ideas and works at the Cochin event relating to his experiences and explorations in sustainable architecture and conservation. Ar. Soumitro Ghosh of Mathew & Ghosh Architects, presented his works in Visakhapatnam, in context of his concepts and experiments in architecture.

Ar. Soumitro Ghosh sharing a light moment.

post event

48

The audiences viewing the presentations at he event.

1

Soumitro Ghosh, principle architect, Mathew & Ghosh Architects presenting his works.

Rajesh Ranganathan addressing the audience.

Profiles Armstrong World Industries, Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of floors, ceilings and cabinets. Based in Lancaster, PA, Armstrong operates 37 plants in 10 countries and has approximately 11,700 employees worldwide. Armstrong, as a multinational, aligns with the trends and concepts in architecture keeping in pace with the contemporary architectural scenario.

Mr. Naresh Dubale in conversation with the guests.

The guests inspecting Armstrong products.

Professor Eugene Pandala is known for building with values of environmental sustainability. Eugene Pandala did Masters in Urban Design from School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. He had his Fellowship in Heritage Conservation at University of York and at Fort Brockhurst (English Heritage Training Centre) in U.K. He was the founding head of the department of Architecture at the Architecture School in Quilon where he spent educating and researching on traditional building technologies of India. Sustainable building is a field where Pandala has excelled. His Tsunami rehabilitation projects and buildings for hospitality industries received wide acclaim due to its interwoven complicity with nature.

Soumitro Ghosh graduated from the School of Architecture, CEPT in Ahmedabad. As a principle architect of Mathew & Ghosh Architects, Soumitro has been designing buildings for the last 12 years. Through a distinct body of work, Mathew & Ghosh Architects have won multiple awards including the Cityscape and Architectural Review Awards 2007 in Dubai and the Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award for the Bhopal Gas Tragedy Memorial Competition.

IA&B - NOV 2010

The Promised City

110

culture

A two year project of cultural investigation between three cities: Berlin, Warsaw and Mumbai comes to a climax with a collection of diverse ideas and mediums addressing the cities that are and the cities that were meant to be.

Text: Ruturaj Parikh Photographs: courtesy the Goethe-Institut Mumbai.

The City that was meant to be

T

he cities of the globalised world of today are dream factories. They present an irresistible prospect luring an individual to a dynamic world of fantastic images and irresistible experiences. They hold out a promise, a promise they sometimes keep to reveal a hidden treasure, a fortune; a promise they sometimes break to shatter even the last fragment of hope.

The city thus becomes a place for manufacturing, packaging and distributing dreams, dreams that form a layer of sheen on the deep waters of reality.

Mumbai, Warsaw and Berlin, formed a ‘rather curious constellation’ two years back when the Polish Institute Berlin, the Goethe-Institut Warsaw and the Goethe-Institut Mumbai initiated ‘The Promised City’ project by inviting curators, intellectuals and artists to join the process of research and work unearthing the hidden treasures and horrors of these three remarkable metros. The inclusion of Mumbai; the schizophrenic Indian megapolis extended the perspective to a more holistic global view. The two year program consisted photographic documentation of various facets of the three cities, multimedia art-installation by Raqs Media Collective, a lecture series titled ‘If I can make it there...’, a journalistic exchange, a literary exchange (six authors exchanged their place of residency for three weeks and produced a series of essays) and screenings of a film series titled ‘Promised Cities’.

Photographer Dhiraj Singh explores the ‘niche’ that people make for themselves in super-dense Mumbai. (Fortune Seekers)

Our cities have outgrown our cognitive perceptions. A city like Mumbai resists complete description like any other mythical city. The cities of our present were meant to be points of accumulation of dreams, which the city eventually turns into realities. The cities of our present were meant to be points of concentration of activity, from which the city eventually produces meaning.

The cities that we so gladly conquer in our minds brings us to a realisation that what we have is an ‘endless, formless, ruin’ and with our conquest, we have conquered the decay of a million dreams. Should we even attempt to describe a city which is always in transition? Well, the predicament is that the moment we feel that we have successfully captured the city as what it is, the city changes for something else. But isn’t that the point? Isn’t a city always something else than we had dreamt of? Isn’t the city more about ‘going somewhere’ that is ‘not here’ rather than a point on the map? The schizophrenic cities of our present manufacture an alternative reality to exist in the dreams and the promises they hold out against the reality in which they present an omnipotent danger of a spectacular failure.

60 112

Rami Tufi, a Frankfurt based photographer, indulges in the alienating landscapes of the ‘gated’ communities of Warsaw. (Fortune Seekers)

The City that it is ‘The Promised City’ project thus looks at the ‘idea of the city’ rather than the city as it is. It can be seen as a process of digging and unearthing the images of an alternative existence of the city in dreams and promises. As the Raqs Media Collective puts it, the project is ‘part-natural history, part-detective journal, part-forensic analysis, part-cosmopolitan urban investigation and part-philosophical dialogue’. As we look at the photographs catalogued under the title ‘fortune seekers’, we wonder if there are treasures that the city is hiding from us. As we move in the surreal space of the video installation by Raqs titled ‘The Capital Of Accumulation’, which goes as a counter narrative to Rosa Luxembourg’s seminal work in the form of ‘The Accumulation Of Capital’; we wonder if it could have happened and if it is happening.

The three essays on the three cities; Mumbai, Berlin and Warsaw by Kaiwan Mehta, Ulrich Gutmair and Gezegorz Piatek, can be seen as investigative journalism attempting to ask questions and search for answers. Pieces of text which swing between ‘eureka’ and ‘damn’ moments capture instances when reality comes into grasp and then slips out. As an alternative means of

‘REVOLTAGE’; a text sculpture with light bulbs and electricity by Raqs Media Collective, combines the words ‘REVOLT’ and ‘VOLTAGE’. (The Capital of Accumulation)

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Berlin based photographer Rebecca Sampson goes behind the golden screen to capture the lure that is ‘Bollywood’. (Fortune Seekers)

The video diptych by Raqs Media Collective as a counter narrative to Rosa Luxemburg’s book ‘The Accumulation of Capital’.

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‘The Capital of Accumulation’; a video installation by Raqs Media Collective at the Project 88 gallery in Mumbai.

documenting the city, ‘The Promised City’ project focuses on the experience rather than the analysis. It asks the question ‘Why?’ more often than it asks ‘Where?’. It is an attempt to start a journey rather than to reach a destination.

A journey through sometimes elusive, sometimes unknown and sometimes anticipated realms of our urban existence takes us to places we have all been but not seen. Strong ideas and memories anchor the space of our imagination to the space of our reality establishing a connect; unique to every individual and every experience. Although some mediums of expression experimented

within the project seem ‘oblique’, it becomes clear that the nature of the brief indirectly stresses on cognitive means of documentation and expression.

The City that it can be When one looks through the content of ‘The Promised City’ project, one realises that to ‘look’ is probably not enough. What is required is an engagement with the idea more than the product. In absence of this engagement, the work is just an addition to the already growing ‘heap of

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Audiences indulging in a discussion with Lutz Konermann after the screening of his film ‘Dharavi-slum for Sale’ at the Max Mueller Bhavan. (Promised Cities)

The panel with Raqs Media Collective in discussion with the audience.

holdings once one engages with them? The city gets claimed and abandoned at a whim. The city forgets the ones who build it and then abandon it once it fails to keep its promises. The city can be benevolent to some and cruel to some.

commodity’ that we call art and literature. Can the city keep its promise?

Maybe it can. But with one fulfilled promise, comes one new dream. With one new dream, comes one new promise. It makes one think of the paradox of a locked box lying unclaimed in a street corner outside an unknown house in the Raqs film diptych. Maybe the box holds a promise of something within. Some important object or revelation, intimate to someone who left it there. The box can reveal a spectacular dream or unleash horror. Are our cities unclaimed boxes of dreams and horrors only to partially reveal their

Through various mediums, ‘The Promised City’ project attempts to engage with the realities of the three cities it attempts to understand. Though one might feel a sense of over abstraction of the theme and a sense of disconnect while attempting to analyse a piece of work within the project, it is necessary to understand that the cities of our future will be as difficult to analyse and understand. The idea is to establish a sense of an individual perspective to continue to think of our cities as tangible entities. It is important to understand that the documentation of an experience marks a frame of time-space in our ever-changing cities with much greater accuracy and honesty than drawing of a map. ‘The Promised City’ might come across as a very abstract medium to understand our cities, but it certainly presents a fresh theme to think about, engage with and build on. It might not be about what our cities are, but it certainly is about what they can be.

64 IA&B - OCT 2010 The structure uses sustainable local materials like wood and bamboo.

architecture

Reflecting

on

Repertoires

Mumbai-based architectural firm DCOOP’s design for the Yogi Vemana University, Cudappah, seeks to explore ambiences conducive to learning, by giving it a high regard to imaginative use of space and its infiltration with natural light.

Text: Maanasi Hattangadi & Rati Singh Photographs: Students Hostel: courtesy Rajesh Vora School of Sciences, Guest House and Students Dining Hall: courtesy the architect

T

he region of Cuddapah, originally characterised by its famous stone mining and compact community patterns, is emerging as a new manifestation of power, progress and advancing infrastructure enhancement in Andhra Pradesh. Contributor y to this unstructured rustic context, the winning competition entr y by Mumbai-based architectural firm DCOOP led by Quaid Doonger wala and Shilpa Ranade, for S V University campus extension was chosen as the perfect facelift for the changing forefront of Cudappah’s architecture.

The idea of education today is strongly associated with a distinctive form of urban design. Now-a-days, campus design describes a multiplicity that has developed along the lines of the elaborated language of aluminium and steel. Negotiating a difference to such cloning principles, the architects tr y and redefine the architectural rationale of campus design through their conclusive por traiture of the project—Yogi Vemana University. The design approach, in variance to the initial concepts owing to the change in requirements, took flight as an inherent and progressive trajector y of the original inferences that had defined the architects’ competition entr y in 2005.

To blend in an apt form and imager y, the design has been informed by two distinct typologies - local influences and prevalence of globalisation of design trends.

6 5

5 Pedestrian Roads Natural Earth

4

Vehicular Roads Lawn and Grass

3

Parking Waterbodies 1. Plaza

2

1

It takes formal evidence of Cudappa’s rich topographical nature, as well as introduces a contemporar y architectural community asset to the fabric.

The genesis of the 90 acre plan is centred on an urban plaza wherein the entrance gateway announces itself. The rest of the site speaks of a planning that not only adopts restituted spaces but also conforms to a close knit axial symmetr y. The stratification of functions flouts an open program and the different phases staggered the plan.

2. Academic Building 3. Housing 4. Guest House 5. Hostels 6. Sport Centre

Site plan showing various blocks

The footprint of the academic buildings dubbed as the School of Sciences is wrapped around the plaza to render easier accessibility to the visitors and students alike. From there on, meandering pathways embrace a linear functional allotment intersected by branching vehicular roads

Section through Science Block

66

View of the Science Block

and a generous sprinkling of greenery and water bodies. The architects explore manifestations of various programs to delineate functions, movement and flexibility of spaces. A transformable module caters to the dynamics of all the buildings in the campus. Individual buildings diversify in the shape and space they reflect yet unify in the massing language. To absorb the massive scale into manageable propor tions, the architects have formulated a four-way division to work with. The fixed (the plug), flexible functions (the fingers), the ser vices (stacks)

and movement areas (wrap and knots) accumulate to form different entities; each permutation leading to a different massing, organisation and structure.

The ex terior envelope of each deploys a contrasting dual tone, a grey that ex tends visually to the sky and the reddish orange that mirrors the soil hues, elucidating the same striking composition in all the buildings.

67

4

6 3 5

1

8 7 2

Academic Campus

Site Plan showing academic block

Rendering of Science Block showing modular bays, vertical and horizontal movement connections

The School of Sciences, an expanse of 18,000sqm aims to analyse and rethink the definition of a typical academia by applying a deceptively simple solution to contain a progressively educational program.

Catering to multiple post-graduate depar tments of science with teaching and research facilities, the integration of varied architectural elements culminates into an experience aptly put by the architects as “a journey of discover y”. The interior volumes are sculpted from a coherence of columned hallways, cour tyards and terraces. The

circulator y ‘spine’ weaves in and out, car ving out spaces that bind both casual interaction and strict super vised educational environs.

The layout is simple but elusive. Flanking cour tyards, horizontal bays encompass the classrooms and research labs. The faculty functions, libraries and other customised functions are retreated to the outer ends to accommodate space in between for the ser vice cores. An unassuming celebrator y feature, the use of concrete ‘Jali’ dignifies this design approach. The shadowy impulses cast by the panorama

68

Fingers

Plugs

Stacks

Spine

Labs & Classrooms in flexible modular rays

Faculty offices, libraries and other customized functions

Vertical movements and services

Horizontal connecting movement stream at two levels

Conceptual sketch for Science Block

Interactive Spaces of the Science Block

Internal view of Science Block showing the use of ‘Jali’ and colours.

69

View of Hostel Block

of the ever-changing daylight enliven the corridor spaces, recreating a sense of traditional essence within the structure. It is an altruistic form of ar t which embeds both use and science which intrigues the playfulness of the area. On the external façade also, the ‘Jali’ patterns elevate curiosity and forge a connection of the past with the future. With the key intention to overlay an approach to sustainable design, the architects have manipulated the orientation to sustain environmentally responsible features to maximise indirect natural

light and create an insulating buffer zone for the scorching heat. The overall flexible grid outfitted in square form liberates the students in an unbound and unrestricted immersive feeling.

The flow of the planning then threads a connection with a silent structure—the University Guesthouse, unpretentious in its surrounding. Its remote setting ensures that its serenity is not obliterated by the back and for th circulation between the Students

Elevation of Student Hostel Block

70

Slide

Swivel

Scoop

Concept of Hostel Block showing, ‘swirl, scoop and slide’

Road

Road

Road

Legend 1. Courtyard 2. Hostel Type A 3. Hostel Type B 4. Dining Block

PLAN OF STUDENT HOSTEL

71

Site plan showing various blocks

Hostels and School of Sciences. Its concept in semblance to a Turkish roadside inn known as ‘caravanserai’, the 6000sqm framework revolves around two introver ted cour tyards. Adjunct in composition, the two contrasting shapes-one of a classic square the other of an eccentric trapezoid present an eclectic arrangement. The irregularities of the ser vice core’s angularities that project into the interstitial cour tyards, mediate connections as well as segmentation of the set monotony of the chosen shapes. The resultant form with its centred transparency shrouds a lethargic vibe which makes the humdrum of the world feel far away.

The reciprocity of the whole campus with the Students Hostel spread over the domain of 2050sqm, truly resounds the architects’ insight into the understanding of the young users of the University. A long walkway leaves the main functions to join the secluded portion of the site. A world, in its own, the Students Hostels are clustered in two parts, each a combination of three buildings. The closable building, suggestive of collaboration and social interaction, has worked out an intricacy of details to outline

Internal view of Hostel Block

72

External view of dining space showing vertical fins and ribbon windows

its areas. The volumetric dialogues is an interpretation conducted out of ‘swivelling’, ‘scooping’,’ sliding’ and ‘plug-ins’ of modular blocks to the central public spine. In a way, the multi-faceted experience is due to subtle details that make it particular to its location and purpose. The thoughtful resourcefulness of the architects makes its presence felt in the niches and corners like terraces overlooking the expansive landscape, dramatic overhangs, canopied arenas that they have devised for the students to

Legend 1. Entrance 2. Wash Basin Area 3. Dining Area 4. Kitchen 5. Courtyard 6. Toilet 7. Store

Plan of Dining hall

ideate, mingle or regenerate activities. These areas ascend multiple levels stitching together a reflectance that transcends far beyond a hostel but imprints memories of a lifetime on its residents.

The Student Dining hall, covering 425sqm, enjoys a corner site, converging as a focus solely to the two hostel clusters. Commanding a strong presence, thin strapped yellow concrete fins ver tically

73

rise out of three light wells that are concaved into the solidity on the outside. These fins grasp a multi-purpose foresight to not only enable a valuable experience of dining, owing to the fresh flood of natural light within and the frozen landscaped views that it offers

of the hostel cour tyard, framed by horizontal ribbon windows. The stream of light emerges as the centrepiece oriented around social activity that will reverberate in the space. An inventive inclusion, the subdued quality of light plays with the randomly placed columns

Internal view of Dining hall showing double layered faรงade and courtyard

74

View of Science Block showing modular bays, vertical and horizontal movement connections

Legend 1. Entrance 2. Reception 3. Staircase 4. Suite 5. Dining Hall 6. Rooms 7. Meeting Rooms 8. Staff Quarters 9. Courtyard 10. Lounge 11. Multi Purpose Room

Plan of Guest House Block

Concept model of Guest House Block showing ‘caravanserai’ concept

75 61

Internal view of Science Block showing the use of ‘Jali’ and colours

in the interiors, thereby, enriching the visual aesthetic. This close knit design, in its broadest sense, supports each individual’s personal and professional growth by fostering a sense of community within the suburban academia. The result is a highly personalised environment that drives students not just to learn, but to think. Rather than a monolithic building exhibitionism, the ideation behind the forms of the various buildings creates a bold geometric pattern merging with the starkly contrast, yet lies silently in the striking natural environment.

DCOOP characterises a new genre of campus design that speaks of a harmony; a balance of the two intangibles of traditional and modernity, of student’s imaginations and activities, of simplicity and layered experiences, to capture the timelessness of the region.

FACT FILE: Project Location Architect Design Team Structural Engineers Project Status Area

: : : : : : :

Yogi Vemana University Cudappah DCOOP Shilpa Ranade & Quaid Doongerwala Ingenieros de CC CC y PP: Manuel Linares Completed 90 acres

76 IA&B - OCT 2010 Worm’s-eye view of Ghose Residence.

architecture

6 5

Redefining 5

Insular Living

4

1

Bengaluru-based architect Gaurav Roy Choudhury, showcasing his distinct design’s capability in Ghose residence by integrating the built mass and natural site topography in compact and refined manner.

2

Text: Sidharth Gupta Photographs: Courtesy the designer

A

rchitecture in today’s contex t is changing its meaning ver y rapidly and it is becoming more and more difficult to define the boundaries of architecture. Architectural forms play a major role in spatial analysis. Architecture is changing its definition and widening architects’ scope. Residence for the Ghose family is one such project in which these changing definitions have been curiously addressed by the architect Gaurav Roy Choudhur y, principal architect and interior designer of a Bengaluru based studio “Designether”. The Ghose Residence which sits on the outskir ts of a burgeoning Bengaluru, looks over a valley with ‘private’ greener y all reveling in the ‘new urban home’; one which opens up to recoil, welcomes to fend of, and builds to sustain. Gaurav has consciously tried to evolve his own architectural vocabular y with minute detailing and reinventive application of material jux taposed with an innate design to compose one frame after another, almost like a musician. There has been a

78

View focusing on the structuring of spaces-dining, drawing and staircase.

Exterior view from the deck overlooking the living room.

View of the enclosed internal central courtyard.

79

+9.725 M

OHT Terrace Bridge Roof

Bathroom#2

Bathroom#3 First Floor

+4.5 M

+2.3 M +2.15 M

+8.6 M +7.825 M

+5.6 M

Entry Canopy Living Room

Bathroom#1

Bathroom#1

+2.6 M

Entry

section

Legend 1. Living Room 2. Deck 3. Dining Area

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Temple Passage Central Courtyard Internal Garden Bedroom #1

9. Bathroom #1 10. Powder Room 11. Kitchen 12. Utiliy 13. Back Garden

Site Condition

Ground floor plan

Landscape Wall

Legend 1.

2.

3.

4.

Family room Bridge Study Bathromm #2

5.

6.

7.

8.

Bedroom #2 Balcony #1 Bedroom #3 Balcony #2

9. Bathroom #3 10. Bedroom #4 11. Servant’s qtrs 12. Servant’s toilet Two Tubes

First floor plan

c o n s c i o u s a t te m p t to m a i n t a i n b a l a n c e b e t we e n c o ve re d a n d o p e n s p a c e.

The house is laid on a three sided road facing a 4100 sqft plot with a challenging topography. Floor Plans of the building are laid in three precincts. Building peripher y is aligned parallel to the site boundaries to integrate built and unbuilt space. By the invasion of open spaces in the central precinct, built up spaces on both the sides have been balanced. Central precinct consists of open and semi- open spaces in the form of internal garden and cour tyard. Internal open spaces have always played an impor tant role in contex t of Indian residences.

In this case central precinct has been seen as an ex tension of the

design development

existing greener y all around. The dining and living areas of the house finally dissolve into a large outdoor space in the form of a wooden deck for infusing natural light and air.

80

Interacting wall elements new dimension to the staircase.

Use of light and shadow for creating interest in the space.

Mere-play of levels create interesting floor spaces.

81

Changing character of the same space in the evening.

The upper floors transform into two tubes which reach and breach the brick wall to hover above the valley in a symbolic gesture. The ends of these tubes are blocked. The brick landscape wall rises independently to the light frame of the tubes. The continuous glass gap represents their dichotomous symbolic relationship. The family room hangs in between these tubes, overlooking the internal garden, becoming the hear t of the building. Interiors spaces reveal an elegant surprise with simple geometr y, play of natural light and shadow transforming its spatial character which changes with the day, the season into hues and colours making it the throbbing and pulsating par t of the house.

A special attention has been given while selecting furniture. The materials are not chosen not just for their inherent beauty but for their indigenious qualities.

Gaurav’s conscious effor t in prior tising the special needs and interests of the Ghose family is clearly visible in the design. The house has greener y all around, leaving space for a green buffer.

It relies completely on natural light and ventilation. It har vests rainwater to tr y and preser ve the ground level water which finds itself in continuous strain. It models an existential module for the urban family.

With a builtup area of approx 4100 sq ft, the home is functional and interspersed generously with elements of awe and candidness.

The brick landscape wall wraps, protects, and earmarks the physical module, internalising the private living spaces. It protects privacy from roads and the heat from the south west. It rises, to ease shoulders and to mark the entr y into the individual module.

FACT FILE: Project : Architect : Location : Built Up Area : Cost of Construction : Period of Construction : Contractors :

Completion of Project :

Ghose Residence Designether India 4100sqft 4,800,000.00 ` July 2006 – June 2008 Civil- LISA Interiors- Interiors Espania 2008

82 IA&B - OCT 2010

Expressive Minimalism Designing a minimalist modern space for the administrative headquarters of Uttam Galva Steels, KNS Architects create a distinct identity for the brand and the people behind the brand.

Text: Ruturaj Parikh Photographs: Courtesy, KNS Architects.

Interiors interiors

A laughing Buddha statue keeps an eye on the otherwise clear lobby.

V

ivid spaces, cuboidal volumes, transparent walls and play of colours and textures embody the interior architecture of the Administrative Headquarter Building of Uttam Galva Steels. The Uttam Galva headquarters building was designed by KNS Architects as an extension to an existing building on the site. The building was designed with due consideration to the global image of Uttam Galva Steels and their brand image of a steel giant.

Simple and modern, apparently minimal gestures define the boundaries between public and work spaces demarcating volumes within. The first two levels of the building are occupied by the administration followed by director’s cabins and workspaces on the following two floors. The conventional centre on the fourth

Objects like this fountain create an element of surprise to the space.

floor that houses vibrant spaces of the cafeteria and spaces for relaxation and interaction has multiple overlooking volumes with a play in heights. The formal organisation of the workspaces within the building follow a rigid geometry with experiments in the varying material palette and ceiling heights. Reflective glass is countered by the river finish of granite. The mirror polished stone floor is balanced visually by matt finished wooden cladding on the walls. The interior spaces take maximum advantage of natural light through full height glass openings. The vivid colours and patterns on the surfaces provide occasional visual interest maintaining an overall calm ambience. Dark polished wood and leather objects are positioned on light backgrounds. Planes overlap, intersect and merge creating levels and niches.

84

Overlapping, interplaying and intersecting surfaces compose the envelope of the internal spaces.

Multiple textures and tones of surfaces maintain an overall calm of the ambience.

Light is borrowed from the outside through a full length glass facade.

8

View of the entrance lobby.

Minimalism expressed with articulation of simple forms and geometries with expressive objects and textures makes the experience through space full of surprises. The lighting of the interior spaces changes in colour and intensity from place to place as one passes from a subtly to a vividly lit area. It is interesting to note that the organisation of spaces within follow the logic of ‘Vaastu’.

The interior spaces respond to the transparent skin of the building borrowing light and connecting to the spaces outside. The experience of the movement through various spaces of the building establishes the design sensibilities of KNS Architects by creating a unique identity for their clients and incorporating the ambitions and imageries of the brand in their expressions.

FACT FILE: Project :

Location : Architect : Design team :

Client : Interior design : Civil Contractors : Project Area : Initiation of Project : Completion of project :

Administrative Headquarters of Uttam Galva Steel Ltd. Khopoli, Maharashtra.

KNS Architects, Mumbai Ar. Shresht Kashyap, Ar. Hemali Jobanputra, Amit Sudra, Dhruti Joshi Mr. Mighalani KNS Architects Salasar Interiors 40,000sqft April 2008 December 2008

86 IA&B - OCT 2010

Anjalendran: Architect of Sri Lanka Architects Quaid Doongerwala & Shilpa Ranade present an illuminating analysis of an insightful portrait of Anjalendran by David Robson. holding, wrapping around existing trees, appearing as though they were organically contained by it. This intimate crafting of spaces is taken through to the detailing – the termination of a railing, the meeting of a column and beam, the edge conditions of the cour tyard – are all worked out with personal care. The furniture in the buildings is hand-picked by the architect, as is the ar twork. What sets the work apar t is also a definite quirkiness, par ticularly seen in the ar ticulation of junctions and accentuated by the use of colours such as in the SOS village and the House for Dharmavasan and Julie Van Der Bliek.

Cover page

W

ritten by David Robson, Anjalendran: Architect of Sri Lanka is the por trait of a unique architect and individual. The buildings featured cover as many as thir ty of the hundred or so houses designed by the architect as well as some workspaces and his work for the SOS Children’s villages.

It is rare for architect’s monographs to contain detailed references to the person behind the professional. This book stands out, in that it minutely outlines Anjalendran’s life in its historic contex t. It talks about his method of operation as well as of his varied relationshipswith friends, family, clients, contractors. Also revealing is his contemporaneous position in Lankan architecture – his relationships with Geoffrey Bawa and other architectural colleagues.

This background not only makes the book a fascinating read but is perhaps also essential to fully understand the work of such an individualistic practitioner as Anjalendran. For as fascinating as the work, is the man himself. A multifaceted personality, Anjalendran is a trained bharatnatyam dancer, a passionate teacher who loves travelling and is an avid collector of objects and music. In independent practice for almost three decades now, his method of working is far from the mainstream. “He has no office as such,” notes Robson, “ no secretar y, no car, no mobile phone. He operates without a bank account and has never signed a contract either with a client or a

At first glance, Anjalendran’s work sits squarely within the framework of what we in India identify as Sri Lankan architecture. An aesthetic drawn from traditional tropical dwellings, the eschewing of form in favour of space, the ex tensive use of warm natural materials, a seamless tying together of built form and nature, and the integration of ar t in architecture, characterises this architecture, exemplified in the works of Geoffrey Bawa.

Yet his work reflects a unique personality that is ver y much his own.

Simple materials are used to carefully craft spaces in oddly shaped sites; his buildings settle themselves cosily into corners of their

The book explains a close relationship between art and Anjalendran’s architecture.

book review

The book chronicles a multitude of Anjalendran‘s projects.

builder.” This personalized style of working and his close personal relationship with clients is clearly reflected in the intimacy of the spaces he designs.

depth to our understanding of his personality. Also insightful is a section on the ex tensive documentation the architect has carried out over the years of traditional building types and historic structures.

Robson goes into detail to unear th the subtle nuances of Anjalendran’s life and influences. For practicing architects in par ticular, this privileged peek ‘behind the scene’ offers much to learn from. But this ver y same device sometimes appears to have a chatty tone that can distract from the depth of the work. The projects are interspersed with sections showcasing Anjalendran’s collection of objects as well as people who have influenced his life – both of which help add

The book is richly illustrated; the buildings are granted substantial visual space – using both photographs and stylized drawings – with minimal tex tual descriptions. This device suits an architecture that is experiential and unlikely to be captured as well in words. Being the first book on the ex tensive work of a unique architect this book is cer tainly a must-have addition for architectural libraries and personal collections.

The author David Robson presents some of Anjalendran’s favourite artworks and objects.

Book: Anjalendran: Architect of Sri Lanka by David Robson Photographs: From the book: Anjalendran: Architect of Sri Lanka by David Robson Text: Quaid Doongerwala & Shilpa Ranade (DCOOP) Publisher: Tuttle Publishing Language: English ISBN: 978-0-8048-4038-5

88 IA&B - OCT 2010

Culture’s warriors?

Amita Baig returns with her curated column this time raising the debate on the non-governmental initiatives in the culture sectors.

By Amita Baig

A

s Public Private Partnership and Build Operate Transfer define the policies of governments in India today, we need to look very carefully at the culture sector. Falling outside the ambit of major developmental thrusts such as health, education and infrastructure…the culture sector has been secreted to the Prime Minister’s Office where increasingly opaque initiatives are deemed to happen.

The Amendment to the Ancient Monuments and Sites Act this year, well publicised by the Archaeological Survey of India, will inevitably alienate the people of India from their heritage. The Act mandates a 100m No Construction Zone from the outer perimeter wall of a monument and a Controlled Zone for the next 200m. In due course through a labyrinth of procedures and processes, a professional body called the ‘National Monuments Authority’ will be formed which will mediate permissible levels of development. In a single fiat of state, a draconian response to Government’s own importune acts of wanton destruction and damage done by the uncontrolled construction undertaken in Delhi for the Commonwealth Games has impacted all of India’s historic cities and sites. A management failure in Delhi precipitated a National law which instead of being priscriptive has served only to further estrange us from our heritage.

Strategies worked on and developed by professionals over the last twenty years to ensure inclusive and stakeholder oriented conservation and development plans have been compromised in this very opaque and urban centric policy. In reality this amendment will either be consigned to the dustbin or at worst restore the sharp chasm of distrust which defines the colonial administrative ethos we so skilfully perpetuate. For me, it begs the question what happened to the NGOs in the field who speak for the preservation of the heritage in a framework of partnership.

Who will take up cudgels on behalf of the citizens across India who often depend on these sites for their livelihood and whose homes are almost

always in or around the monument? Should the responsibility have fallen upon Indian heritage’s premier NGO, INTACH, founded on the premise that they were “fighting to preserve what is rightfully ours”? Can NGOs fight for a level playing field when they themselves are part of the process?

In the absence of a shared vision for the future of our heritage, the fate of our monuments is fragile. Largely they are orphaned and uncared for, were it not for “Heritage Heroes” like Karan Grover who lobby for the future of a site they love; or the Basgo Welfare Society who invest themselves to save their heritage…there are innumerable historic cities and sites languishing across remote areas where often it is the local community which ensures their survival. There are few crusaders today to plead their cause in an increasingly rapacious environment.

Indian sites are centres which once pulsated with life and still have at their hearts a sacred centre, becoming continuously living entities. Even in the inaccessible Bandhavgarh fort the temple is still in worship. Priests run the gauntlet of tigers and snakes as they trek to town for supplies; the erstwhile Maharaja still supports the temple…it is this which makes our monuments unique and where international charters and European models which govern our paradigms for preservation are completely at variance with India’s culture.

Another example lies in the heart of the World Heritage Site at Hampi.

The Virupaksh Temple Trust have taken a court case against the ASI as they do not want to be held to draconian ASI laws which are alien to the cultural ethos. The priests wish to administer the future of their temple as a living cultural resource, as relevant today as it was 500 years ago. At Hemis Monastery in Ladakh, the monks were so outraged with byzantine regulations imposed upon them that they refused entry to government officials; the materials of the ASI were thrown down the hill and eventually it was a local NGO who was able to negotiate access for government and find a moderate way forward. Traditional systems of

culture counts

preseve

responsibility manage heritage expression manage

responsibility

manage

nurture

ethos heritage preseve

conscience nurture ethos

patronage were lost a mere 60 or 70 years ago and government’s Culture Departments or Ministries were meant to fill that gap to address not only monuments but the entire gamut of cultural expressions. It was giants like Kamladevi Chattopdhyay or Pupul Jayakar who laid the foundations for the transition from traditional systems of patronage to the more inclusive and egalitarian cooperatives; today these are almost a lost cause with no warriors to fight for their survival; they are at risk of being lost forever. Our cultural heritage ranges from highest art expression to the humblest potter; if we wish to preserve our heritage, that is the canvas we need to work with.

Today weavers across the country are shutting down their looms as Chinese mass produced fabrics and synthetic industry undersells the finest Banarasi or Kancheepuram saris. In the handicraft sector, Balinese imports are the flavour of the month. The global market place is a tough one…the living cultural resources of a nation require to be nurtured if we are to ensure their futures.

Equally there are many museums and libraries languishing across the country, as bureaucratic fiefdoms and turf wars prevail, artefacts wither away. The Dinanath Kelkar Museum collection was gifted to India over 10 years ago and there is almost no interest in its preservation as “property development” appears more lucrative than the collection housed in a Wada in Pune. Significant heritage of the country is being lost for future generations…and we must ask who cares? It is the constitutional responsibility of government as custodians of our heritage. Will NGOs step into what appears to be a vacuum as watchdogs and shepherds?

In the articles ahead Asheesh Banerjee, former Member Secretary of INTACH, writes about NGOs and how he sees their future in a rapidly changing environment. Will they continue to be relevant and if so how do they survive financially as watchdogs and conscience keepers? In culture, will NGOs be able to deliver where government has failed? NGOs

are proliferating across the country empowered today with the Right to Information…can they make a difference in the culture sector?

Similarly in Mumbai, are the activists fighting to preserve what Rahul Mehrotra calls the postcard city of the 19th century; unable to address constructively with a contemporary city. Are NGOs beginning to lose the battle to the nexus between rapacious developers and politicians?

Nayana Kathpalia, who works today under police protection, writes an article on the battles to save Mumbai’s urban environment as a civic responsibility…it begs the question how strong must the activists be since government itself is implicated; and will the NGOs stand together for the greater common good?

In the series ahead we will expand the scope of our concern for culture from monuments to a more broad based one where we will learn about some phenomenal work being done by NGOs in many parts of the country and whose work is rarely heard of and also how much more needs to be done. We may not be able to save all of it, but we must do our duty to future generations and at least know what exists where and how its problems can be ameliorated...if we are to achieve this, then culture urgently needs warriors.

About the author Amita Baig is a Heritage Management Consultant with experience in many conservation projects that work towards developing paradigms for the management of historic sites in India and the Asian region. She is the India Projects Consultant to World Monument Fund and advisor to Namgyal Institute for Research on Ladakh Art and Culture and the Jaipur Virasat Foundation.

90 IA&B - OCT 2010

“Paper-tecture�

Conceptualised and evolved on concept of origami, Shanghai-based 3 Gatti Architectural firm has given the first drive through Museum to the Nanjing city.

Text: Rati Singh Photographs: Courtesy the architects

E

nvisaging an edifice emerging on the concepts of traditional Japanese ar t of paper folding, Origami, is fascinating, however pictures as an ingenious project.

Francesco Gatti of Shanghai-based 3 Gatti Architectural firm has won an international competition for Automobile Museum at Nanjing with this innovative and unique concept.

3 Gatti Architectural Firm was formed in 2002 by Francesco Gatti and two partners. The firm believes in innovation and integration of environment, human beings, and buildings offering design, consultancy, and management services of various urban and architectural projects. Automobile Museum is one such amalgamation of innovation and integration of various aspects based on simple concept of origami.

19 centry

20 centry

Design process illustration

21 centry

international EXTERNAL CAR RAMP

INTERNAL PEDESTRIAN RAMP

MAIN GLASS VOLUME

GLASS ROOMS BOXES

Dedicating the project to car experience, there is an intersection of human and organic world which results in evolution of the anatomic form of the building, creating canvas of experiences and interactions for the visitors.

The Museum is primarily designed keeping in mind the human scale and the function of space. Rather than a conventional approach of displaying the cars, the architects have conduced idea of drive-in museum where one experiences the fusion of speed and car as an object of desire and becoming an exhibit himself. The conceptualised origami model results as extrusion of the horizontal plane vertically, creating ramps at the external periphery where the visitor drives through the undulating ramps with a sense and feeling generated that of a highway still giving a human scale ambience along with refined interiors and ergonomics of a car. Each fold of the paper or the structure acts as an area to reveal the cars with an appropriate angle premeditated on the inclining floors.

Judiciously designed, the visitor drives within the building on the ramps and crosses various levels with various themed displays generating an intense feeling due to the undulating path. Upon

ELEVATORS AND STAIRS

3D rendering illustrating vehicular and pedestrian movement.

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SouthEast Elevation

NorthWest Elevation

Master Plan

Ground Floor Plan

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NorthEast Elevation

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Birds eye view of Automobile Museum, Nanjing city.

reaching the highest level of the edifice, one transcends down through the gradually designed spiral ramps. These ramps pass across the two levels of the museum, the higher level displays the vintage cars and the lower level exhibits the modern cars.

Exterior view of safari gallery

Architect has achieved in creating a series of experiences within the museum where the visitor corporeally feels Museum both while entering the space until he leaves the Museum. The surging entrance ramps and the spiral path leading to the subordinate floors transcends naturally and creates a blend of experience of both driving and walking through the museum at different levels. The complete experience of ever-changing route and different focal point generates an adaptable environment. However, while walking down the spiral ramp, the ramp gradually alternates from 0 percent to 7 percent, which helps the visitor flow naturally within the space and is taken down without much endeavour taking pleasure in the exhibit of an assortment of cars. The architect has achieved in designing a non-conventional building by avoiding steps and elevators – thus also achieving a continuous flow within the Museum. An interesting deviation in the height of the floors also increases and decreases as the advancement in the flow, ranging from 9m high at lower level and lowering to 4.5m at the higher level.

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Night view of Automobile Museum, Nanjing city.

Interior gallery

The building façade is porous, reflecting interplay of different levels and transparency of the building. It also displays both the internal and the internal connections. The museum structure is completed in steel with raisin coating and glass par titions. With the rare use of glass blocks designed in accordance with the function of each space, the designed spaces function as per the desired function.

The architects have created an inimitable piece of the structure which offers an incessant experience to the visitors and has judiciously created this as a landmark for the city, which cannot be a miss for the passers by – both from the road and the sky!

FACT FILE: Project : Architects : Location :

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Autobomile Museum 3GATTI Jiangning area, high-tech zone, Nanjing, China.

Jiangsu Head Investment group CO.,LTD Francesco Gatti Summer Nie Nicole Ni, Muavii Sun, Chen qiuju, Jimmy Chu, Luca Spreafico, Damiano Fossati, Kelly Han. Steel structure, resin coating, glass partitions.

15000sqm May 2008

98 IA&B - OCT 2010

An Icon for the New Capital Generating breathtaking forms through an understanding of material and immaterial natural processes, Studio Nicoletti Associati designs an iconic concert hall for Astana, the modern capital of Kazakhstan.

Text: Ruturaj Parikh Photographs & Drawings: Courtesy Studio Nicoletti Associati

The building in time: The auditorium in snow.

international

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azakhstan, an independent republic since 1991 established its capital in Astana, a city built within the landscape of the 'Steppes', a vast grassland ecoregion. The city is planned on multiple orthogonal grids intersecting at angles forming interesting collision geometries and distinct axes flanked by large public spaces. This city, which represents an imperial idea in scale and planning invited proposals from world over for a new state auditorium to be built on a rectangular site in the neighbourhood of some of the most important landmarks of the country. Manfredi Nicoletti and Luca Nicoletti of Studio Nicoletti Associati were awarded this project for this concert hall in this decade old national capital.

The Astana State Auditorium lies on the south of a historic organizational axis leading to the Presidential Palace with the Senate House opposite to the auditorium. Manfredi Nicoletti generates the form of the building from an analysis of a native flower. The music which the building envelopes, reflects in the dynamic form and colour of the envelope. The built form, envisioned as a “Flower Of The Steppe” contains a system of plazas housing shops, balconies, restaurants, two cinemas and a 3500 seat capacity State Concert Hall. The hall is a wood clad shell from within and outside seated deep within the swirling envelope of the building. This womb-like space symbolises a native Kazakh musical instrument ‘Dombra’. The multileveled plazas within the building integrate with the system of plazas on either side of the central axis. The concrete frame of the envelope is clad with glass to protect the inside from harsh extremities of the climate of Astana while reflecting the changing landscape from sun to snow. The temperatures swing from above and below -40 to 40 degrees with assaults of strong salty winds.

The structural discipline of the architecture of Minorou Yamasaki and an obsession for detail typical to Walter Gropius with whom the architect

The Historic Axis: The Presidential Palace with the auditorium site (inset).

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Sectional Elevations

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The plans of the building with a womb-like concert hall in the center.

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The building in time: The auditorium at night.

The blue glass clad facade reflects the surrounding landscape.

The Spiralling Staircase: The interior spaces with multiple textures and elements.

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The Concert Hall: A wood clad interior space renders warmth.

closely worked, defines the style and sensibility of Manfredi Nicoletti.

Imitating nature through a deeper understanding of its forms and processes becomes the central idea behind the buildings designed

by Studio Nicoletti Associati, a design practice based in Italy with projects spanning through Europe, Asia, USA and Africa.

It is impor tant to read deep rooted meanings in the metaphoric architecture of Manfredi Nicoletti and his contemporaries like Santiago Calatrava to understand the understated associations of the built form with things in nature and its interaction with its contex t. The symbolic relationship of the image of the building with the blooming of a flower, the wrapping of a dr y leaf, the swirling of a sea shell, the twisting of a twig and blinking of the eye is read in the wrapped sur faces, fragmented cur ves, spiral organisations, layered envelopes and frozen dynamics of the form. Intuitive architecture, introduces us to look at objects we come across daily in a new light and with an inquisitive eye. The Astana State Auditorium and Concer t Hall talks on behalf of the aspirations of the Kazakh people through the vivid architecture of Studio Nicoletti Associati.

FACT FILE: Project : Location : Architect :

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Central Concert Hall Kazakhstan Astana, Kazakhstan Manfredi Nicoletti & Luca Nicoletti, Studio Nicoletti Associati.

Republic of Kazakhstan Manfredi Nicoletti & Luca F. Nicoletti - Studio Nicoletti Associati, Rome, Italy Structures: Ingegneri Associati, Rome IT Services: E.N.E.T.E.C., Rome IT Acoustics: Xu-Acoustique, Paris FR Studio Nicoletti Associati, Rome IT + Changement-Ă -Vue, Paris FR Design assistants: Studio Altieri SpA, Thiene IT Astanagorproekt, Astana KZ KrĂźger Hoch & Tiefbau GMBH - The Mabetex Group 54,000 Square Meters 120 Million Euro (Rs. 750 Cr) 2003 2010

106 IA&B - OCT 2010

Turning Shadows into

Light

When Norwegian industrial design firm Stig Skjelvik Designs & Snøhetta architects collaborated with Prototype AS and Rasmus Hildonen, the usual lighting concepts got a new definition. They created an interaction of art and technology that is captured in Sandnes City Centre Subway.

Text: Sidharth Gupta Photographs: courtesy the designer

industrial design

Human shadow when casted on “the stommer” illuminated the railway subway.

Basic formula for the calculation of shadow’s length: Length of Shadow = Tan(θ)*a.

Where a = object’s height, and θ = angle between the point of light and the object.

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ut what would you say in this illustrated case. Where light has no role to play in casting shadow. Yes it’s possible and has been achieved in the featured installation “The Strømer”. It is based on Stig’s Dobpler prototype, a modular interactive LED system that is activated by movement. When

arranged next to each other, the project create a uniform series of modules that illuminates and is based upon a visual input system. The installation of this lighting system in Sandnes’ city centre Norway has reincarnated the railway subway character, and has been providing safer walkways.

Old memories of a reluctantly usage of a pedestrian subway are transformed into people walking, jumping, dancing or bicycling. Each person may play or perform to create their own special pictures and effects. Streams and flows allow children to be playful, and grown-ups to be children again! Pass through the pedestrian subway; notice the trace you leave behind. Stop for a minute, watch and play. Rediscover your own shadow. Two people approaching from

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3D illustrations of the space for installation.

Urban character of subways turning lively.

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User enjoying “the stommer”.

opposite directions will experience their light shadows melting together, disappearing into a sc-fi inspired intimacy for a few seconds before reaproaching. This leads to the hope that one fine day subways are no more an escape or a safety hazard but also a place with a new improved urban character. As people move through the tunnel the walls light up and leave luminous trails behind them. Needless to say, this is a great way to turn a pedestrian space into a brand new experience.

Shadows generating smiles.

Technically, Strømmer is a unique installation, 27sqm of interactive LEDs provide light for each person passing by, and the total energy consumption is smaller than 3 regular 60 w light bulbs. With an impressive lifespan this is the light source for the future. With its analogue qualities the light is soft and friendly, triggered by passing humans, or doing its own organic lifelike and mysterious behavior. It creates interest among the user’s, paving a path to a whole new lighting concept which is an unusual interaction of art and technology. Application of this kind of unusual lighting system will not only induce a new character into the urban space but also makes the space more interactive.

FACT FILE:

Children analysing the illumination casted by their shadows.

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Lighting System in Sandnes City Centre subway, Norway Sandness, Norway Snøhetta architects Stig Skjelvik 2008

110 IA&B - OCT 2010

The “Vertebrate designer” Tom Dixon being a self-taught designer is not only innovative but also has combined the creative with the commercial throughout his career.

Text: Renuka Singh Photographs: ©Tom Dixon

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elebrated British designer, Tom Dixon personifies ar t and innovation. B orn in Sfax, Tunisia, he never went to any designing school. His knack of creating beautiful produc ts was discovered accidentally when he applied his welding skills to design the iconic S-B end chair. Furniture designing has been his for te, which was honoured by Italian furniture maker Cappellini. After working with him initially, Dixon launched his own company ‘Eurolounge’.

D i xo n h a s i n n u m e r a b l e p ro d u c t s to h i s c re d i t, s u c h a s ‘ Ec o Wa re’, t a b l e w a re m a d e o f b i o d e g r a d a b l e b a m b o o f i b e r, ‘ M i r ro r b a l l L i g h t ’ a n d t h e ‘ Wi n g b a c k C h a i r ’. B e s i d e s, h e i s re n o w n e d f o r r a d i a t i n g h u n d re d s o f l i g h t s to t h e B r i t i s h p u b l i c f ro m Tr a f a l g a r S q u a re i n 2 0 0 7 .

Dixon heads the Tom Dixon and Ar tek Furniture D esign Company and the interior design company ‘D esign Research Studio,’ which was established in 2002.

D ixon has designed 45 produc ts, which i n c l u d e s exce l l e nt furniture and lighting innovations. His b ra n d l a u n c h e s n e w collec tions ever y year at top international ve n u e s l i ke t h e M i l a n Furniture Fair, ICFF and 100% D esign London . I n 2 0 0 5 , h e b ro u g ht out a public installation of 80 meters of p u b l i c s e at i n g b a s e d on a rubber theme to celebrate the launch o f t h e Lo n d o n D e s i gn festival. In 2007, he organised the ‘G reat L i g ht G i ve away ’ o f 1000 lights with a low energy bulb that m a d e p e o p l e awa re o f sustainabilit y aspec t of designing.

He pioneered with innovation with the classic S- chair, which prompted the meteoric rise of the self-taught designer to the higher standard of contemporar y designers. The wicker and marsh straw

product design

versions of the chair showcase the way he incorporated form and material. B esides the S- chair, he executed his ar t in several other interesting chairs like Wire, Crown, Slatt y and Pylon chair. Most of his furniture signifies freest yle design. He designs sculptural furniture from scrap metal and experiments with iron, wicker and hard rubber.

Dixon illuminated many worlds with his lighting innovations.

Lighting made of double -walled spun metal was introduced in Milan this year in April. Some of the new produc ts include Void, a mysterious lighting objec t with a double wall spun construc tion.

Dixon applied an industrial process to make ‘etch’ lamps that exhibits detailed graphic filigree. The light effec t filters through thousands of tiny holes, creating an ambient luminosit y. ‘etch’

112 lights are available in brass and stainless steel with a variet y of versions like a modular tea light holder, flat-pack light shade, a range light and an edition. His inspired innovation ‘Light Light’ is an idea he drew from a car’s impressive use of aluminum and LED and interior ambient lighting. Dixon chose a rare colour like copper and used it ex tensively in lighting and furniture. As far as material is concerned, he has experimented with all sor ts of them with the utmost ease. “Well, I always found wood a tough material because you have to plan with it properly, unlike metal, which I can cut up and reweld in a different way. If I make a cut in a piece of wood, then that’s it. It doesn’t necessarily suit my impatient nature. But I’ve typically gone down a completely different route with natural materials, which is to look at the raw material first, like bamboo, and also other materials that we’re investigating, like recycled paper pulp, which I initially looked at as a furniture material, and which we eventually used for the Shigeru Ban– designed pavilion”, says Dixon.

Dixon’s current projec ts include the Tazmanian Ballroom, a pool bar in the Central distric t of Hong Kong; Circus, a new restaurant &

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cabaret space and a new London restaurant for an esteemed chef close to St Paul’s, London. His innovation and design is the inter face bet ween industrial technologies and handwork .

FACT FILE: Project Location Architect Design Team Structural Engineers Project Status Area

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Yogi Vemana University Cudappah DCOOP Shilpa Ranade & Quaid Doongerwala Ingenieros de CC CC y PP: Manuel Linares Completed 90 acres

114 IA&B - OCT 2010

Articulations in

Aluminium

Technal, a leading French supplier of aluminium building systems, celebrates 50 years of inventions and innovations.

advertorial

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ince past 50 years, Technal’s world class aluminium façades, windows and door systems combine technical, aesthetical and environmental performances, to adapt to sustainable construction needs. Between 1960 and 1963, Technal opened outlets in the South West of France. Direct contact with professionals was a priority. The company developed its image as a provider of solutions through the creation of its first outlets in Montpellier and Bordeaux-Talence.

Innovative for the time, these strategic premises showcased the company’s products and its recognised expertise. They changed the future for aluminium; a material that had until then only been used for major facade works.

A landmark market innovation in the form of The Maisons de Lumière adventure began in 2007 with the launch of the store concept. Technal

The scope of Technal services.

Presented at Batimat in 2007, the Géode curtain wall marked the beginning of photovoltaic integration in Technal solutions.

has now opened 11 branches in France. These points of sale are aimed at the private market to allow individuals to speak with professionals benefit from specialist advice. The consumer is given advice about design, how to maximise natural light, energy performance, interior comfort and insulation and security. In France, the concept was awarded the ‘Janus du Commerce’ prize by the French Design Institute. It was also acclaimed by ‘Eco-Design’ for its commitment to the environment when developing spaces.

In line with cutting-edge technological innovations, Technal designs effective decision-aid tools both for external customers and internal departments.

These tools are designed to facilitate the work of professionals.

TechTouch by Technal is a new software that produces energy simulations in real time and in 3D. It is available to architects and Technal customers.

The software can be used to assess, from the planning stage, the impact of construction choices on the performance of a building or a house for new builds and buildings being renovated. This didactic

In 1989, a special design mention was awarded to the BD-BK guardrail.

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One of the first Technal outlets.

Technal Iberica assisted with the “Casa Barcelona” project at the Construmats trade show.

enabled it to reduce the product’s carbon footprint from the production phase. The avenues explored by the R&D department reflect the passion for innovation that drives Technal. These projects drive the brand to work today on future solutions to improve the comfort of users and to anticipate new regulatory requirements.

The Système Technal product.

tool immediately explains the interactions between construction parameters and their consequences on energy consumption. The first decade of the 21st century marked a turning point in the strategy of the Technal offer. The company made a commitment to limit its impact on the environment. Since then, the creation of a design-aid tool has

Contact : Hydro Building Systems Pvt. Ltd. - No.54 Virgonagar, Old Madras Road, Bangalore-560049, India Tel: + 91 80 3060 4000 • Fax: +91 80 3060 4010 • Email: hbsindia@dataone.in Kolkata: +91 9903023620 Mumbai: +91 9967025894 New Delhi: +91 9899670758