29th Anniversary issue- October 2015

www.iabforum.com

EXPLORE

VOL 29 (2)

OCTOBER 2015

MUMBAI

INDIAN ARCHITECT & BUILDER

POWER OF THE HAND VOLUME I SELF CRAFTING ARCHITECTURE 29TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

EXPLORE

VOL 29 (2) | OCTOBER 2015 | ` 200 | MUMBAI RNI REGISTRATION NO. 46976/87, ISSN 0971-5509 INDIAN ARCHITECT AND BUILDER

Chairman: Jasu Shah Printer, Publisher & Editor: Maulik Jasubhai Shah Chief Executive Officer: Hemant Shetty Editorial: Meghna Mehta, Lavina Bulchandani, Saylee Soundalgekar Email: iabedt@jasubhai.com Design Team: Mansi Chikani, Prasenjit Bhowmick, Kenneth Menezes Subscription: Dilip Parab, Prakash Powar Production Team: V Raj Misquitta (Head), Prakash Nerkar, Arun Madye

40

IN CONVERSATION

Head Office: JMPL, Taj Building, 3rd Floor, 210, Dr D N Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400 001.

Tel: + 91-22-4037 3636, Fax: +91-22-4037 3635

Derivations and innovations in design In conversation with IA&B, Gurjit Singh Matharoo characterises his work and talks about evolution of his firm.

SALES Brand Manager: Sudhanshu Nagar Email: sudhanshu_nagar@jasubhai.com

46

Dimensions of Design In conversation with IA&B, Finnish legend Juhani Pallasmaa talks about the journey of his architectural career and how he developed the concerns towards materiality and phenomenology of experience.

MARKETING TEAM & OFFICES Mumbai Parvez Memon Taj Building, 3rd Floor, 210, Dr D N Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001.

Tel: + 91-22-4037 3636, Fax: +91-22-4037 3635 Email: parvez_memon@jasubhai.com Delhi: Preeti Singh / Suman Kumar 803, Chiranjeev Tower, No 43, Nehru Place, New Delhi – 110 019 Tel: +91 11 2623 5332, Fax: 011 2642 7404 Email: preeti_singh@jasubhai.com, suman_kumar@jasubhai.com Bengaluru / Hyderabad / Gujarat: Sudhanshu Nagar Mobile: +91 9833104834, Email: sudhanshu_nagar@jasubhai.com Chennai / Coimbatore: Princebel M Mobile: +91 9444728035, +91 9823410712, Email: princebel_m@jasubhai.com Kolkata: Sudhanshu Nagar Mobile: +91 9833104834, Email: sudhanshu_nagar@jasubhai.com Pune: Parvez Memon Mobile: +91 9769758712, Email: parvez_memon@jasubhai.com

42

FOCUS

Power of the Hand | Volume I | Section I This issue of IA&B empowers instruments that shape the way we build and the processes using individual elements and techniques behind projects. By paying tribute to the practitioners of this concept, Power of the Hand simply highlights the various aspects that have influenced the evolution of architecture.

50

ARCHITECTURE

A House of Culture Engaged with this project for 25 years, Juhani Pallasmaa, injects life and culture into Korundi (Rovaniemi Art Museum and Music Hall) project.

58

66

School Floating in the Sky Architect Kikuma Watanabe brings to reality for the orphan children of a village in Thailand a dream school which is airy, earthbound and an ideal learning space.

74

CAMPAIGN

Psyche of Click: Pen + Mouse Colby Mitchell discusses how the psyche responds differently from an actual click of a pen or mechanical pencil to paper versus that of a mouse click producing a design in the computer.

78

Printed & Published by Maulik Jasubhai Shah on behalf of Jasubhai Media Pvt Ltd (JMPL), 26, Maker Chamber VI, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021.

Printed at The Great Art Printers, 25, S A Brelvi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001 and Published from Mumbai - 3rd Floor, Taj Building, 210, Dr D N Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001.

Editor: Maulik Jasubhai Shah, 26, Maker Chamber VI, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021.

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.

Revival of Crafts in a Traditional Setting Kamath Design Studio insist upon nurturing and sustaining traditional hand printing craft skills through an architecture that recalls the spirit of the spaces which housed these activities.

The Architect’s True Pursuit Christopher Benninger discusses about the essence of architecture existing through immeasurable means between the realms of science and nature.

82

ACADEMIA

Traditional crafts collaborate with contemporary design techniques

A collaborative program by DICRC, CEPT University to integrate

craft and design to create an innovative set of products in collaboration

with the craftspeople.

EXPLORE

90

FOCUS

Power of the Hand | Volume I | Section II

This issue of IA&B emphasises on the power of using local materials

towards producing authentic architecture to innovate and execute for the

betterment of the society through collaborative means.

94

IN CONVERSATION

Handcrafting Structures

In conversation with IA&B, Anna Heringer talks about architects,

materials and building technologies contributing towards shaping a

better society.

98

ARCHITECTURE

Self Crafted Endemic Edifice

Honouring the philosophy of learning with joy, the METI school

by Anna Heringer and Eike Roswag is a key example of an

architectural masterpiece that empowers the local potential and

strengthens the regional identity of Bangladesh.

106

For the people, by the people

Torsten Kremser, a young visionary, builds Africa’s first carbon-neutral

Dome house to support 200 children.

114

Cohesive development for a sustainable future

TYIN Tegnestue Architects collaborate with locals to build private,

light and buoyant homes for orphan children.

122

Altering the familiar

Alberto Kalach adapts the techniques of age old construction methods

to create architectural details that are region specific responding to the

local weather and its people.

126

CAMPAIGN

Craftsmanship and the digital realm

Meghal Arya discusses the importance of visualising possibilities for

the digital world and the crafts to be integrated to allow both to evolve.

130

ACADEMIA

Community Capacity Building

POWER OF THE HAND

Edifice Consultants researches about a constructive and productive

engagement of the community within their own environment to achieve

economic and social self-sufficiency to focus on capacity building for

local populations.

138

SPACE FRAMES

Printed & Published by Maulik Jasubhai Shah on behalf of Jasubhai Media Pvt Ltd (JMPL), 26, Maker Chamber VI, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021.

Printed at The Great Art Printers, 25, S A Brelvi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001 and Published from Mumbai - 3rd Floor, Taj Building, 210, Dr D N Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001.

Mastery of Ornamentation

Editor: Maulik Jasubhai Shah, 26, Maker Chamber VI, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021.

An interesting photo essay by Dr Deepak Mathew that captures the

intricacies and finesse in crafting traditional ornaments of Jaipur

and Bikaner.

Cover Image: Images from various projects

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.

42

Indian Architect & Builder - October 2015

focus

43

THINKING ARCHITECTURE POWER OF THE HAND | VOLUME I | SECTION I “Practice is the frequent and continued contemplation of the mode of executing any given work, or of the mere operation of the hands, for the conversion of the material in the best and readiest way. Theory is the result of that reasoning which demonstrates and explains that the material wrought has been so converted as to answer the end proposed. Wherefore the mere practical architect is not able to assign sufficient reasons for the forms he adopts; and the theoretic architect also fails, grasping the shadow instead of the substance. He who is theoretic as well as practical, is therefore doubly armed; able not only to prove the propriety of his design, but equally so to carry it into execution.”

- Vitruvius

A

rchitectural pedagogy relies strongly on its ancient histories and theories. Architecture is not a purely practical discipline. The act of building is a simultaneous process of realising a vision, what we call design, as well as creating a space that addresses the need of the people and community.

‘The Thinking Hand’ authored by Juhani Pallasmaa is a metaphor for the characteristic independence and autonomous activity of all our senses as they constantly scan the physical world. Many of our most crucial skills are internalised as automatic reactions that we are not consciously aware of. Prevailing educational philosophies continue to emphasise conceptual, intellectual and verbal knowledge over this tacit and non–conceptual wisdom of our embodied processes, which is so essential to our experience and understanding of the physical and the built.

This section of Indian Architect and Builder pays tribute to the practitioners of this principle. The discourse in architectural theory and practice can be understood from various perspectives; learning can be achieved from ancient wisdom through texts and authored theories. The Power of the Hand in turn empowers instruments that shape the way we build from the past up to current day methods.

Through these individual elements one can understand the time and technique behind the project and the way people inhabited it.

Celebrating every contribution that has moulded the practice of architecture today, Power of the Hand simply highlights the various aspects that have influenced the evolution of architecture.

To read more: http://www.magzter.com/IN/Jasubhai-Media-Pvt.-Ltd./Indian-Architect-&-Builder/Art/

44

DIMENSIONS OF DESIGN Juhani Pallasmaa talks about the journey of his architectural career and how he developed the concerns towards materiality of the built and phenomenology of experience.

SKILL

TECHNOLOGY

Constantly adapting to the upcoming Projects that technological demonstrate developments, innovative these projects approaches display a high level towards the of compliance with development advance methods of a skill set. of construction.

By pushing the Through the envelope of adoption of practice these upcoming projects highlight technologies and the power of the creation of the hand by linked design tools, exhibiting novel the abilities of techniques in the the architect are way architects extended. build.

Indian Architect & Builder - October 2015

A HOUSE OF CULTURE Juhani Pallasmaa, injects life and culture in to Korundi (Rovaniemi Art Museum and Music Hall) project transforming this originally utilitarian building with his idealistic architectural interventions.

REPRESENTATION

From sketching to model making to digital renders, the design evolution of an architectural marvel sees various stages of representation. These projects highlight the importance of applying the correct tool of representation to aid the design process.

THEORY Architectural theory as a theory of design aims to support the individual development of an approach to design by learning from history and others.

Architectural practices rediscover its principles appropriate to time and place.

CRAFTS

An artists’ hand is his tool and his tool an extension of his hand?

Today artists are side tracked and the value of artists must be rejuvenated.

Showcasing the work of architects who collaborate with craftsmen, local people and strive towards rejuvenation of lost arts.

REVIVAL OF CRAFTS IN A TRADITIONAL SETTING Kamath Design Studio insists upon nurturing and sustaining traditional hand printing craft skills through an architecture that recalls the spirit of the spaces which housed these activities.

CONSTRUCTION Advancements in the disciplines of building construction techniques, civil, urban and environmental engineering, and other fields involved in the production of the built environment. These projects display robust construction details and smart interaction of building systems.

COMMUNITY

Advancing the collective realm, these endeavours encourage participation of the community. These projects are a simultaneous process of realising a design, as well as creating a space that addresses the need of the people and community.

power of the hand

PSYCHE OF CLICK: PEN + MOUSE

Colby Mitchell enquires how the psyche responds differently from an actual click of a pen or mechanical pencil to paper versus that of a mouse click producing a design in the computer.

DIGITAL

MATERIAL

Of the many methods of construction and representation, digital technologies are gaining rapid popularity.

Computer technology has given architects the tools to analyse and simulate the complexity observed in nature and apply it to structural building shapes and urban organisational patterns.

These projects display efficient use of construction materials.

Highlighting the impact of the material selection and its efficient application, these buildings influence the design philosophy, giving rise to innovative applications of materials.

TRADITIONAL CRAFTS ENCOUNTER CONTEMPORARY DESIGN TECHNIQUES

THE ARCHITECT’S TRUE PURSUIT

Christopher Benninger discusses about the essence of architecture existing through immeasurable means between the realms of science and nature.

CONTEXT With an in depth understanding of existing contextual conditions, these projects respond to the natural and built environment.

Showcasing architectural quality and aesthetic impact specifically concerned with space and spatial sequences.

CULTURE

45

A collaborative program by DICRC, CEPT University to integrate craft and design to create an innovative set of products in collaboration with the craftspeople.

SUSTAINABLE

The interdependent nature of self and community is directed by a focus on cultural evolution. Projects that have the ability to derive inspiration from existing cultural backgrounds thus creating spaces for the community.

Often shadowed by multiple interpretations, the subject of sustainable design is treated highly superficially. The practices that aim at sustainability embrace the preservation of the environment as well as efficient use of resources.

SCHOOL FLOATING IN THE SKY Kikuma Watanabe brings to reality for the orphan children of a village in Thailand a dream school which is airy, earthbound and an ideal learning space.

INNOVATION

Addressing the patterns of design and creating a new character through projects should be an intuitive response.

Innovation comes through the unison of ideas, vision, character and the appropriate design tools.

COLLABORATION An important aspect for any designer to understand is the integral relationship between man, architecture and the environment.

Projects that became a partnership between the local people and the architects are within this segment.

Indian Architect & Builder - October 2015

46

Indian Architect & Builder - October 2015

in conversation

DIMENSIONS OF DESIGN

47

skill | theory | community | context

In conversation with IA&B, Finnish legend Juhani Pallasmaa talks about the journey of his architectural career and how he developed the concerns towards materiality of the built and phenomenology of experience.

Images: courtesy Juhani Pallasmaa, Adolfo Vera and Rauno Traskelin.

Juhani Pallasmaa is a Finnish architect and former professor of architecture and dean at the Helsinki University of Technology. A member of the Pritzker Prize Jury, his work ranges across several built projects and he has also authored a vast number of academic works. His theoretical writings continue to inspire architects young and old, while his built work is a resonant environment for these theories.

IA&B: Your practice is widely multidisciplinary; can you tell us a little about your academic journey towards the establishment of your practice?

JP: In my country, Finland, it has been customary for students of architecture to work in architecture offices during their studies, usually from the second year onwards. I entered the Helsinki University of Technology (currently the Aalto University) in the fall of 1957. A year later, I was fortunate enough to be invited to work at the Museum of Finnish Architecture, established a year earlier, as an exhibition assistant. The Museum eventually became my real university, and also gave me the opportunity to travel the world designing exhibitions of Finnish architecture in thirty cities around the world.

In those years the Museum was the meeting point of some of the leading architectural thinkers in our country, who were members of the Le Carré Bleu Journal, founded in 1957, which focused on theoretical and philosophical issues in architecture and was published in the French language. As a young student I had the opportunity of participating in the conversations of some of the best read and philosophically oriented minds in Finnish architecture. Through this group, I became also closely related with Professor Aulis Blomstedt, the counter pole of Alvar Aalto in the Finnish architectural discourse. He was deeply engaged in studies of proportional harmony in architecture, and his influence guided me to thinking about architecture beyond the practicalities and aesthetics of professional practice. I also compiled and designed two exhibitions of his Studies in Harmony, and one of them was even shown at the Le Corbusier Foundation in Paris, and later in Tokyo.

I also collaborated with a number of gifted friends of mine, Kirmo Mikkola, Erkki Kairamo and Erkki Juutilainen, and a bit later with Kristian Gullichsen. We worked on a variety of projects from summer houses and small residencies to industrial housing systems and urban design projects. I finally established my own office in 1983 and worked on all kinds of design tasks. At the largest, my office employed over forty person. I have always been interested in the entire field of design from graphic, product and exhibition design to architecture and urban design. I have also had various administrative jobs, such as Rector of the Institute of Design, Head of Exhibition Department

and Director of the Museum of Architecture, and professor and dean at the Helsinki University of Technology. I have also had a number of visiting professorships abroad. Since the late 1970s writing, lecturing, teaching and travelling have taken an ever larger role in my work.

IA&B: Your approach to design can be viewed as an amalgam of philosophy influencing contemporary architecture and a field of academic research of the sensory experience of the built environment. What role does your identity as a Phenomenologist have to play in developing this point of view?

JP: I spent the decisive years between the ages of 4 and 9 during the World War II at my farmer grandfather’s humble farm in Central ClaudioBonicco Finland. As I was the only boy within kilometres, my © childhood days were filled with boredom, but I learned to make observations, of people and their work, but also of animals and their constructions in the forests, fields and rivers. Twenty years ago I even made an exhibition and book on animal architecture.

In retrospect I can say that I became a ”phenomenologist” as a child, much before I could even pronounce the word ”philosophy”, not to speak of what it might mean. Since my childhood I have had an intellectual and analytic interest in the essences of things. In my second year of studies, I edited the journal of the students of technology, and turned it into a serious cultural journal with some of the most brilliant thinkers, writers, poets, composers, artists and architects as contributors. That early experience in 1959 familiarised me with editing and publishing work.

IA&B: You have written about haptic devices that can direct how one can think or experience architecture. Can you elaborate on the importance of this approach?

JP: in my early childhood I participated in the daily work at my grandfather’s farm, and later during my high school years, I worked in a furniture factory and various construction sites. Working with my body and hands has always been important for me. When I began to study seriously the human senses in the late 1980s, I gradually realised the importance of tactility and touch. Later, I have regarded touch as the integrating sense, that fuses various sense impressions

To read more: http://www.magzter.com/IN/Jasubhai-Media-Pvt.-Ltd./Indian-Architect-&-Builder/Art/ Indian Architect & Builder - October 2015

90

Indian Architect & Builder - October 2015

focus

91

SELF CRAFTING ARCHITECTURE POWER OF THE HAND | VOLUME I |SECTION II I would like my architecture to inspire people to use their own resources, to move into the future.

- Tadao Ando

A

genre of communal architecture is realised when architect’s collaborate with the people to innovate inexpensive approaches to create comfortable spaces for the occupants. The uniqueness of such a process lies in its involvement to incorporate local people, materials as well as methods used by the residents to build an architecture beneficial to all.

Architect Anna Heringer stresses the importance of imbibing a culture of this nature to sustain our cultural identities. She emphasises on the power of using local materials towards producing authentic architecture rather than something based on computer softwares. These buildings have a soul and are much more humane than the others.

This section of Indian Architect and Builder pays tribute to the architects and people who innovate and execute for the betterment of the society through collaborative means. By establishing modules of easy replication, an architecture of this nature aims to broadcast the ability to learn from and derive inspiration from indigenous techniques, creating a harmonious community of the people and the place.

To read more: http://www.magzter.com/IN/Jasubhai-Media-Pvt.-Ltd./Indian-Architect-&-Builder/Art/ Indian Architect & Builder - October 2015

92

FOR THE PEOPLE,

BY THE PEOPLE SELF CRAFTED ENDEMIC EDIFICE HANDCRAFTING STRUCTURES

Anna Heringer talks about architects, materials and building technologies contributing towards shaping a better society.

SKILL

TECHNOLOGY

Constantly adapting to the upcoming Projects that technological demonstrate developments, innovative these projects approaches display a high level towards the of compliance with development advance methods of a skill set. of construction.

By pushing the Through the envelope of adoption of practice these upcoming projects highlight technologies and the power of the creation of the hand by linked design tools, exhibiting novel the abilities of techniques in the the architect are way architects extended. build.

Indian Architect & Builder - October 2015

Torsten Kremser, a young visionary, builds Africa’s first carbon-neutral Dome house to support 200 children.

Honouring the philosophy of learning with joy, the METI school

by Anna Heringer and Eike Roswag is a key example of an architectural masterpiece that empowers the local potential and strengthens the regional identity of Bangladesh.

REPRESENTATION

From sketching to model making to digital renders, the design evolution of an architectural marvel sees various stages of representation. These projects highlight the importance of applying the correct tool of representation to aid the design process.

THEORY Architectural theory as a theory of design aims to support the individual development of an approach to design by learning from history and others.

Architectural practices rediscover its principles appropriate to time and place.

ALTERING THE FAMILIAR Alberto Kalach adapts the techniques of age old construction methods to create architectural details that are region specific responding to the local weather and its people.

CRAFTS

An artists’ hand is his tool and his tool an extension of his hand?

Today artists are side tracked and the value of artists must be rejuvenated.

Showcasing the work of architects who collaborate with craftsmen, local people and strive towards rejuvenation of lost arts.

CONSTRUCTION Advancements in the disciplines of building construction techniques, civil, urban and environmental engineering, and other fields involved in the production of the built environment. These projects display robust construction details and smart interaction of building systems.

COMMUNITY

Advancing the collective realm, these endeavours encourage participation of the community. These projects are a simultaneous process of realising a design, as well as creating a space that addresses the need of the people and community.

power of the hand

93

CRAFTSMANSHIP AND THE DIGITAL REALM Meghal Arya discusses the importance of visualising possibilities for the digital world and the crafts to be integrated to allow both to evolve.

COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING

COHESIVE DEVELOPMENT FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Edifice Consultants researches about a constructive and productive engagement of the community within their own environment in order to achieve economic and social self-sufficiency to focus on capacity building for local populations.

DIGITAL

MATERIAL

Of the many methods of construction and representation, digital technologies are gaining rapid popularity.

Computer technology has given architects the tools to analyse and simulate the complexity observed in nature and apply it to structural building shapes and urban organisational patterns.

These projects display efficient use of construction materials.

Highlighting the impact of the material selection and its efficient application, these buildings influence the design philosophy, giving rise to innovative applications of materials.

TYIN Tegnestue Architects collaborate with locals to build private, light and buoyant homes for orphan children.

MASTERY OF ORNAMENTATION An interesting photo essay by Dr Deepak Mathew that captures the intricacies and finesse in crafting traditional ornaments of Jaipur and Bikaner.

CONTEXT With an in depth understanding of existing contextual conditions, these projects respond to the natural and built environment.

Showcasing architectural quality and aesthetic impact specifically concerned with space and spatial sequences.

CULTURE

SUSTAINABLE

The interdependent nature of self and community is directed by a focus on cultural evolution. Projects that have the ability to derive inspiration from existing cultural backgrounds thus creating spaces for the community.

Often shadowed by multiple interpretations, the subject of sustainable design is treated highly superficially. The practices that aim at sustainability embrace the preservation of the environment as well as efficient use of resources.

INNOVATION

Addressing the patterns of design and creating a new character through projects should be an intuitive response.

Innovation comes through the unison of ideas, vision, character and the appropriate design tools.

COLLABORATION An important aspect for any designer to understand is the integral relationship between man, architecture and the environment.

Projects that became a partnership between the local people and the architects are within this segment.

Indian Architect & Builder - October 2015

94

HANDCRAFTING STRUCTURES In conversation with IA&B, Anna Heringer talks about architects, materials and building technologies contributing towards shaping a better society.

Text and Images: courtesy Studio Anna Heringer

Anna Heringer is the principal architect at Studio Anna Heringer, Germany. In 2005, she with a team of Bangladeshi and German craftsmen realised the METI School in Rudrapur, Bangladesh that won several international awards. Ever since she has accomplished numerous projects and also teaches in universities across the globe. She has received a number of honours such as the Hunter Douglas Archiprix (world best graduation projects in architecture, urban design and landscape architecture), the AR Emerging Architecture Awards, and the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture.

Indian Architect & Builder - October 2015

in conversation

95

community | material | sustainability | collaborative

↑

Working model for Teaching Centre, Morocco.

IA&B: You believe, “Architecture is a tool to improve lives. “ Tell us about the origins and core design philosophies of Studio Anna Heringer.

AH: Architecture is a very powerful tool. I believe that the choice of the material and the technology ultimately defines who is profited from the architecture that we design. For example if I decide to build a house or a school, with bamboo, it would require many craftsmen and unique skills. So a majority of the money remains with the people.

Whereas if its cement, then the cement company gets the profit and not the people. In that way we have a very powerful tool. It gives architects a lot of choices towards working for the environment. We can really shape our society with architecture. We not only design buildings, but we also design our society by the way we plan and in the way we construct.

freedom of using their creativity. It was an exchange of roles where alternatively, I took the lead. It was a very participative approach in the sense that the design came up by actually building the mock ups.

A lot of things needed a peasant for construction. So we just went up to the market for a talent hunt and included the potential craftsmen in our projects. This construction process was more satisfying than giving a readymade design and then trying to control it. This design was based on mutual trust. The creativity and skills of the workers were great. It was like picking up the components that were already there and then composing them together. The process is as important as the outcome. As you are building up a structure, you are building a community, you are building a trust, you are building up individual self-confidence and the know-how not only towards material but also directly towards the environment.

IA&B: The METI school, The DESI Centre and most of your projects desire to involve the social aspects for the larger good of the community, how would you describe the incorporation of these into the design process?

AH: The DESI Centre building was my favourite. It was not designed in an office or somewhere distant, but it was designed on site. I knew a lot of craftsmen and workers who worked for the METI School. It was an opportunity where I stepped back as an architect and gave them the

IA&B: Your firm has won many awards including the Aga Khan Award, Archiprix International - Hunter Douglas Award and Global Award for Sustainable Architecture, how would you explain your journey, from the establishment of the studio till today; its progression, hurdles and achievements?

AH: My approach was always about two things, development and architecture. 19 years ago I had no idea how I would combine the two. For the first time, my attempt achieved success on completion

To read more: http://www.magzter.com/IN/Jasubhai-Media-Pvt.-Ltd./Indian-Architect-&-Builder/Art/ Indian Architect & Builder - October 2015

Architecture | Interior Design Product/Industrial Design | Urban Intervention Landscape Presenter by:

Deadline: 25th Dec, 2015

For further information log on to: www.iabforum.com

EXPLORE

VOL 29 (2) | OCTOBER 2015 | www.iabforum.com RNI REGISTRATION NO. 46976/87, ISSN 0971-5509 INDIAN ARCHITECT AND BUILDER

Chairman: Jasu Shah Printer, Publisher & Editor: Maulik Jasubhai Shah Chief Executive Officer: Hemant Shetty

42

IN CONVERSATION

Structure, The Spirit of Architecture In conversation with IA&B, Mahesh Tandon discusses the complexity of projects, global market scenarios and the importance of the freedom of thought.

50

46

Imagining between Digital and Physical In Conversation with IA&B, Architect Carlo Ratti discusses about how we must constantly challenge what exists today, introduce new and alternate possibilities, and ultimately pave the way towards a desirable future.

FOCUS Decoding the Digital This section of Indian Architects and Builders throws light on the digital architecture that grows independently towards futuristic spaces and designs.

56

ARCHITECTURE

Experimentation and Invention Towards an Innovative Future Carlo Ratti Associati designs a digital pavilion in collaboration with a supermarket chain COOP Italia to discover new ways towards the everyday interaction and our relationship with food.

62

The Double ‘Skin’ Terminal Studio Fuksas designs Shenzhen’s largest single public building, the new Terminal 3, inspired by the organic form of a manta ray fish. It follows a vigorous process of formal exploration and model making.

70

INSTALLATION

Façades Stimulated ‘Cellular Morphology Façade’ by Rat [LAB] is a building skin system that aspires to explore the environmental potentials of façade systems.

74

CAMPAIGN

Digital Practices 2.0 Kayzad Shroff discusses the use of digital processes to physically manifest design compared to nonchalant ways of form making.

78

ACADEMIA

The Terminator Complex Through the film industry and its reconfiguration, Rohan Shivkumar discusses the production of architecture and digitisation.

82

SPACE FRAMES

Technology - a ‘tool’ as an extension of the hand This photo essay by Dr Deepak Mathew aims to portray that the Power of the Hand empowers instruments that have shaped the way we function.

Cover Image: Images from various projects

Editorial: Meghna Mehta, Lavina Bulchandani, Saylee Soundalgekar Email: iabedt@jasubhai.com Design Team: Mansi Chikani, Prasenjit Bhowmick, Kenneth Menezes Subscription: Dilip Parab, Prakash Powar Production Team: V Raj Misquitta (Head), Prakash Nerkar, Arun Madye Head Office: JMPL, Taj Building, 3rd Floor, 210, Dr D N Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400 001.

Tel: + 91-22-4037 3636, Fax: +91-22-4037 3635 SALES Brand Manager: Sudhanshu Nagar Email: sudhanshu_nagar@jasubhai.com MARKETING TEAM & OFFICES Mumbai Parvez Memon Taj Building, 3rd Floor, 210, Dr D N Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001.

Tel: + 91-22-4037 3636, Fax: +91-22-4037 3635 Email: parvez_memon@jasubhai.com Delhi: Suman Kumar 803, Chiranjeev Tower, No 43, Nehru Place, New Delhi – 110 019 Tel: +91 11 2623 5332, Fax: 011 2642 7404 Email: suman_kumar@jasubhai.com Bengaluru / Hyderabad / Gujarat: Sudhanshu Nagar Mobile: +91 9833104834, Email: sudhanshu_nagar@jasubhai.com Chennai / Coimbatore: Princebel M Mobile: +91 9444728035, +91 9823410712, Email: princebel_m@jasubhai.com Kolkata: Sudhanshu Nagar Mobile: +91 9833104834, Email: sudhanshu_nagar@jasubhai.com Pune: Parvez Memon Mobile: +91 9769758712, Email: parvez_memon@jasubhai.com

Printed & Published by Maulik Jasubhai Shah on behalf of Jasubhai Media Pvt Ltd (JMPL), 26, Maker Chamber VI, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021.

Printed at The Great Art Printers, 25, S A Brelvi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001 and Published from Mumbai - 3rd Floor, Taj Building, 210, Dr D N Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001.

Editor: Maulik Jasubhai Shah, 26, Maker Chamber VI, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021.

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.

48

IMAGINING BETWEEN DIGITAL AND PHYSICAL In Conversation with IA&B, Architect Carlo Ratti discusses about how we must constantly challenge what exists today, introduce new and alternate possibilities, and ultimately pave the way towards a desirable future.

SKILL

TECHNOLOGY

Constantly adapting to the upcoming Projects that technological demonstrate developments, innovative these projects approaches display a high level towards the of compliance with development advance methods of a skill set. of construction.

By pushing the Through the envelope of adoption of practice these upcoming projects highlight technologies and the power of the creation of the hand by linked design tools, exhibiting novel the abilities of techniques in the the architect are way architects extended. build.

EXPERIMENTATION AND INVENTION TOWARDS AN INNOVATIVE FUTURE Carlo Ratti Associati designs a digital pavilion in collaboration with a supermarket chain COOP Italia to discover new ways towards the everyday interaction and our relationship with food.

REPRESENTATION

From sketching to model making to digital renders, the design evolution of an architectural marvel sees various stages of representation. These projects highlight the importance of applying the correct tool of representation to aid the design process.

Supplement with Indian Architect & Builder | Digitising Design - October 2015

THEORY Architectural theory as a theory of design aims to support the individual development of an approach to design by learning from history and others.

Architectural practices rediscover its principles appropriate to time and place.

CRAFTS

An artists’ hand is his tool and his tool an extension of his hand?

Today artists are side tracked and the value of artists must be rejuvenated.

Showcasing the work of architects who collaborate with craftsmen, local people and strive towards rejuvenation of lost arts.

THE DOUBLE ‘SKIN’ TERMINAL Studio Fuksas designs Shenzhen’s largest single public building, the new Terminal 3, inspired by the organic form of a manta ray fish. Following a vigorous process of formal exploration and model making, this project pays homage to the ideals of the foundation of Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas.

CONSTRUCTION Advancements in the disciplines of building construction techniques, civil, urban and environmental engineering, and other fields involved in the production of the built environment. These projects display robust construction details and smart interaction of building systems.

COMMUNITY

Advancing the collective realm, these endeavours encourage participation of the community. These projects are a simultaneous process of realising a design, as well as creating a space that addresses the need of the people and community.

power of the hand

49

FAÇADES STIMULATED ‘Cellular Morphology Façade’

by Rat [LAB] is a building skin system that aspires to explore the environmental potentials of façade systems by adapting to various climatic contexts and building typologies.

DIGITAL

MATERIAL

Of the many methods of construction and representation, digital technologies are gaining rapid popularity.

Computer technology has given architects the tools to analyse and simulate the complexity observed in nature and apply it to structural building shapes and urban organisational patterns.

These projects display efficient use of construction materials.

Highlighting the impact of the material selection and its efficient application, these buildings influence the design philosophy, giving rise to innovative applications of materials.

THE TERMINATOR COMPLEX Through the film industry and its reconfiguration in the terrain of the city of Mumbai, Rohan Shivkumar discusses the production of architecture and digitisation becoming the tool through which we can survive and express ourselves in the world.

CONTEXT With an in depth understanding of existing contextual conditions, these projects respond to the natural and built environment.

Showcasing architectural quality and aesthetic impact specifically concerned with space and spatial sequences.

CULTURE

DIGITAL PRACTICES 2.0 Kayzad Shroff discusses the use of digital processes to physically manifest design compared to nonchalant ways of form making.

SUSTAINABLE

The interdependent nature of self and community is directed by a focus on cultural evolution. Projects that have the ability to derive inspiration from existing cultural backgrounds thus creating spaces for the community.

Often shadowed by multiple interpretations, the subject of sustainable design is treated highly superficially. The practices that aim at sustainability embrace the preservation of the environment as well as efficient use of resources.

TECHNOLOGY - A ‘TOOL’ AS AN EXTENSION OF THE HAND Through this photo essay Dr Deepak Mathew aims to portray that the Power of the Hand in turn empowers instruments that have shaped the way we function in our current day methods.

INNOVATION

Addressing the patterns of design and creating a new character through projects should be an intuitive response.

Innovation comes through the unison of ideas, vision, character and the appropriate design tools.

COLLABORATION An important aspect for any designer to understand is the integral relationship between man, architecture and the environment.

Projects that became a partnership between the local people and the architects are within this segment.

Supplement with Indian Architect & Builder | Digitising Design - October 2015

46

Š Carlo Ratti Associati Supplement Indian Architect with&Indian Builder Architect - October & Builder 2015 | Digitising Design - October 2015

focus

47

DECODING THE DIGITAL POWER OF THE HAND | VOLUME II “Reconstruct how architecture finds itself in its current situation, and speculate on its future.”

- Rem Koolhaas

S

ince the industrial revolution, technology has become a factor of civilisation with unmatched acceleration and perfection. Technological innovations have empowered the architects to express the concept of “living architecture” that has evolved through fantasy projects like Cedric Price’s Fun Palace and Archigram of the 1960’s. Giving expression to the value of ‘less is more’, modern architecture foresees itself growing on the grounds of rapid construction, the superior strength of materials and finest engineering skills.

“We can foresee that the objectively animate character of an architecture is nothing compared to the animism that we can activate”, says architect Mark Goulthorpe. The period of sensorial and perceptual architecture could perhaps be seen as the outcome of dynamic building surfaces interacting with users and art interacting with architecture leading to the formation of sensitive ‘universes’.

This section of Indian Architects and Builders throws light on the digitisation of processes in architecture that has its roots deep embedded in the society, culture and people, yet is seen as that which grows independently towards futuristic spaces and designs. Carlo Ratti discusses the ‘Senseable’ City Lab and the smart cities that form the driving forces towards speculating the future. Through various projects and theories, the idea of digital designing is explored in this issue through a blend of technological advancements in mutative façades, personal well-being, cinema culture and public spaces.

To read more: http://www.magzter.com/IN/Jasubhai-Media-Pvt.-Ltd./Indian-Architect-&-Builder/Art/ Supplement with Indian Architect & Builder | Digitising Design - October 2015

50

IMAGINING BETWEEN DIGITAL AND PHYSICAL In Conversation with IA&B, Architect Carlo Ratti discusses about how we must constantly challenge what exists today, introduce new and alternate possibilities, and ultimately pave the way towards a desirable future.

Text: courtesy Carlo Ratti Associati

© Carlo Ratti Associati Supplement Indian Architect with&Indian Builder Architect - October & Builder 2015 | Digitising Design - October 2015

An architect and engineer by training, Carlo practices in Italy and teaches at MIT, where he directs the Senseable City Lab. He graduated from the Politecnico di Torino and the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in Paris, later earning his MPhil and PhD at the University of Cambridge, UK. Carlo presents around the world on the theme of Smart Cities, including TED 2011, and his work has been showcased in leading publications and exhibitions globally. In 2011, Fast Company named him as one of the “50 Most Influential Designers in America” and Wired Magazine featured him in their “Smart List 2012: 50 people who will change the world”.

in conversation

51

digital | innovation | representation | technology

© ClaudioBonicco ↑

Digital Water Pavilion, a project by Carlo Ratti Associati.

IA&B: Tell us about the origins and core design philosophies of the MIT Senseable City Lab and your firm Carlo Ratti Associati.

CR: The Senseable City Lab started at MIT around 10 years ago. At the time, new technologies were promising exciting transformations in communication, transportation and fabrication. We tried to imagine how these developments could impact urban studies and how the interaction between the digital and physical world would affect the way we understand, design and ultimately live in cities. In other terms we decided to explore “Smart Cities” ante-litteram. However, the term Senseable has a double implication, in means sensible and “able to sense”. Compared with “smart” I think that it is a better way of explaining our vision - which is focused more on people than on technology.

At Carlo Ratti Associati, our design office, we focus on very similar issues when they need to be turned into the design of a city, a building or an object. The space between digital and physical offers a lot of possibilities to architects and designers. Architecture has always been concerned with designing interfaces between people and their environment. When we lived in the grotto this environment was made of atoms; today is a hybrid space made of bits and atoms. The definition of architecture has not changed, but architects must face a new reality.

IA&B: Your work revolves around digital design and incorporating innovative technology into urban studies to ultimately impact the way we live, interacting between the physical and the digital. Can you elaborate?

CR: There is an easy analogy to explain what is happening in our cities.

What is happening at an urban scale today is similar to what happened two decades ago in Formula One auto racing. Up to that point, success on the circuit was primarily credited to a car’s mechanics and the driver’s capabilities. But then telemetry technology blossomed. The car was transformed into a computer that was monitored in real time by thousands of sensors, becoming “intelligent” and better able to respond to the conditions of the race.

In a similar way, over the past decade digital technologies have begun to blanket our cities, forming the backbone of a large, intelligent infrastructure. Broadband fiber-optic and wireless telecommunications grids are supporting mobile phones, smartphones and tablets that are increasingly affordable. At the same time, open databases—especially from the government—that people can read and add to are revealing all kinds of information, and public kiosks and displays are helping literate and illiterate people access it. Add to

To read more: http://www.magzter.com/IN/Jasubhai-Media-Pvt.-Ltd./Indian-Architect-&-Builder/Art/ Supplement with Indian Architect & Builder | Digitising Design - October 2015

Architecture And The City ARCHITECTURE | URBANISM | SUSTAINABILITY

ICON LECTURERS 2016

TOYO ITO, Japan Pritzker 2013 Laureate

SIR PETER COOK, UK Royal Gold Medal of the RIBA

17TH, 18TH FEBRUARY, 2016 | NEHRU CENTRE, MUMBAI Presented by

For more details log onto www.361degrees.net.in