Architecture & Interiors India November 2017

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Inspiration and insight for architects and interior designers

Vol 9 | Issue 8 | November 2017 | `50

Published by ITP Media (India)

Doors & windows

Safety meets style

Tall buildings Aiming higher

GBC 2017

Jaipur turns green

EXCHANGE OF

WOWS

W GOA IS A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE OF DESIGN WITH THE BEST OF LUXURY AND ITS ANIMATED AVATARS OF FASHION, MUSIC AND ART

+91-8448397973

Ghaziabad - Mob No: +91-9540220666

Surat - Mob No: +91-8466607404

Vijaywada - Mob No: +91-8448397973

EDITOR’S LETTER

4

THE WOW FACTOR

LYING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CHAPORA FORT, W GOA IS INTERTWINED WITH THE EVERLASTING MYSTIQUE OF THE TOURIST HUB

One look at our cover, and the word that will inevitably spring to mind is: Wow! It’s an expression of admiration for something that excites wonder. Not many built projects can do that...but then again, not many are located on a sensational site like the W Goa is – lying in the shadow of the Chapora fort and its history that’s intertwined with the everlasting mystique of the tourist hub. Just try saying that you are going to W Goa, and watch your friends turn green with envy.

When you combine a location with such enthralling sea views and a history so intriguing...of colonial conquerors and hippie invaders with undercurrents of their hoary past of hazy days and wasted nights...you get a potent cocktail of local and international flavours. Add to the mix architecture and interior design firms with excellent reputations and skills, and the result is as intoxicating as it is creative.

Read on to find out what incites us to say Wow when it comes to design.

This issue is filled with reasons to use the W word – beginning, of course, with our cover story. Who would not be captivated by the dramatic design of the structure that houses the arrival zone and public spaces of this paradise? And yet, that is just the beginning when it comes to the sense of wonder that grips your imagination and takes you on a journey down memory lane...churning up the collective consciousness of the variety of strands that weave this fantasyland.

The interior design carries forward the theme of celebration through a carnival-like atmosphere in the Welcome area, the anticipation incited by the Whatever / Whenever desk, the excitement at the WooBar, the hazy and foggy experience of the Wonderful rooms and the Wow villas, the mystery evoked by the W Insider. Capiz shells, beads, ropes strung like garlands, psychedelic colours and shapes, motifs that recall trippy times of Goa’s hippie past...are but a few such elements.

It’s not just hotel and restaurant design that you will find interesting in our November issue, but informative features on tall structures aiming higher than before thanks to the lighter yet stronger materials that can be used to construct or contain them. Our spotlight on doors and windows is a timely one, as Shanghai prepares for Fenestration Bau China and we prepare to visit the country to bring you the best of what this Congress and exhibition has to offer the construction world.

The whole wide world is gearing up for year-end festivity, so we dedicate this issue to the spirit of excellence. As buildings aim higher, we raise our glasses to the heights that design can scale. If you feel that the work you and your team are doing is Wow, don’t hesitate to let the world know about it. The IIID Design Excellence Award 2017 has been announced...and you may well be a winner!

Maria Louis, Editor maria.louis@itp.com

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

CONTENTS

6

NOVEMBER 2017 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 08

36 16

EVENT

Innovation was everywhere at the launch of Goldmedal Electricals’ new product, Air. 22

FEATURE

Developing countries are defining high-rises with their context and socio-cultural norms.

22

34

VIEWPOINT

Architect Sabeena Khanna of Studio KIA shares her insights on tall structures.

36

HOTEL DESIGN

W Goa celebrates the international and local cultures of the tourist destination.

42

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Safety and security features are paramount while choosing doors and windows.

42

56

REVIEW

Green Building Congress 2017 solidified the country’s commitment to a Green future.

60

60

RESTAURANT DESIGN

Gateway Taproom BKC is a haven for lovers of beer in Mumbai.

82 Cover: W Goa by eco.id Consulting and DesignWilkes (pg36); Photograph: Ralf Tooten

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

82

THE BIG PICTURE

Archival Dialogue at Ferreira House in Khotachiwadi, Mumbai, showcases the relationship between heritage and fine art.

8

60-SECOND INTERVIEW

SMITHA MURTHY, CREATIVE & MANAGING DIRECTOR, ANTS

Volume 9 | Issue 08 | November 2017 | `50 ITP Media (India) Pvt Ltd Notan Plaza, 3rd floor, 898 Turner Road Bandra (West), Mumbai – 400050, India T +91 22 6154 6000

Deputy managing director S Saikumar Group publishing director Bibhor Srivastava

EDITORIAL Editor Maria Louis T +91 22 6154 6037 maria.louis@itp.com Contributors Carol Ferrao, Aruna Rathod

When social, economic and political conditions mar a region, is it possible for Â?Žœ’Â?—ȹÂ?Â˜ČąÂ‹ÂŽČąÂŠČąÂŒÂŠÂ?ÂŠÂ•Â˘ÂœÂ?ČąÂ?Â˜Â›ČąÂŒÂ‘ÂŠÂ—Â?ŽǾȹ Â’Â?ÂŽÂœÂ?¢•Žȹ‹›Š—Â?Čą ČąÂ‘Â˜Â™ÂŽÂœČąÂœÂ˜ÇŻČą Â‘Â’ÂœČąÂ˜Ä›ÂœÂ‘Â˜Â˜Â?Čą of ANT (The Action Northeast Trust) of Assam combines contemporary design with indigenous craft. When textile designer Smitha Murthy started working with the women of Northeast, she found that their craft could help counter the negativity around them. Murthy shares with us ANTS’ unique trail to success.

What inspired you to start ANTS? Smitha Murthy: We strongly believe that there is abundance of talent and perseverance by craftspersons. But lack of market linkages and sustained livelihood continues to be a big challenge. We realised the power of design that can contextualise Northeast craft for a more relevant market. And we were inspired to change narratives of current perception of the troubled region by highlighting its rich culture, community values and irreplaceable skills. In 2007, the ANTS Store and CafĂŠ was started in Bengaluru. It is the only store in India focusing and working with Northeast artisans directly. ANTS has been a charitable trust ÂœÂ’Â—ÂŒÂŽČąĹ˜Ĺ–Ĺ–Ĺ&#x;ǰȹ‹žÂ?ČąÂ?Â‘Â’ÂœČąÂ?Â’Â?ČąÂ—Â˜Â?ČąÂ?Â’Â&#x;ÂŽČąÂžÂœČąÂŠÂ—Â˘ČąÂ‹ÂŽÂ—ÂŽÄ™Â?ÇŻČą Â—ČąÂŠČąÂŒÂ˜Â–Â™ÂŠÂ—Â˘ČąÂ•Â’Â”ÂŽČą ǰȹŠ›Â?Â’ÂœÂŠÂ—ÂœČ‚Čą working and living standards should always be the goal that drives the boat ahead. Therefore, in 2014, we became a private limited company.

What does the brand strive to achieve through its work and presence?

Murthy:Čą ‘Žȹ Čą ›ŽÂ?Š’•ȹ ‹›Š—Â?Čą Â’ÂœČą Šȹ ÂŒÂ˜Â—ÂœÂŒÂ’Â˜ÂžÂœČą Žě˜›Â?Čą Â?Â˜Čą Œ›ŽŠÂ?ÂŽČą Š—ȹ Šœ™’›ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂŠÂ•Čą lifestyle brand that combines contemporary design and craft (for) a globallyinclined yet locally-rooted customer. Tribal textiles woven on indigenous loin looms have been converted to vibrant furnishings for urban homes. This also validates the idea of taking these textiles to international markets. We also have a ™›Ž–’ž–ȹ›Š—Â?ÂŽČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ‹Â•ÂŠÂŒÂ”ČąÂ™Â˜Ä´ÂŽÂ›Â˘Ç°Čą ČąÂ?ÂˇÂŒÂ˜Â›ČąÂ™Â›Â˜Â?žŒÂ?ÂœČąÂŠÂ—Â?ČąÂœÂ˜Â?Â?ČąÂ?ž›—’œ‘’—Â?ÂœČąÂ Â‘Â’ÂŒÂ‘Čą highlight our adaptive design approach to traditional material and skills. We ›ŽÂ?ÂŠÂ’Â•ČąÂ™Â›Â˜Â?žŒÂ?ÂœČąÂ•Â’Â”ÂŽČą ÂŠÂžÂ—ÂŠČąÂ‹ÂŠÂœÂ”ÂŽÂ?ÂœÇ°ČąÂ‹Â•ÂŠÂŒÂ”ČąÂ™Â˜Ä´ÂŽÂ›Â˘ČąÂ›ÂŠÂ—Â?ÂŽÇ°ČąÂŒÂžÂœÂ‘Â’Â˜Â—ČąÂŒÂ˜Â&#x;ÂŽÂ›ÂœÇ°ČąÂ›ÂžÂ—Â—ÂŽÂ›ÂœÇ°Čą table mats, ceramicware, lighting, tableware (wood, ceramic, copper and brass), ÂŒÂŽÂ›ÂŠÂ–Â’ÂŒČąÂŠÂ—Â?ČąÂ‹Â›ÂŠÂœÂœČąÄ™Â?ÂžÂ›Â’Â—ÂŽÂœČąÇťÂ?Â˜Â”Â›ÂŠÇźÇ°ČąÂŒÂŠÂ›Â™ÂŽÂ?ÂœČąÂŠÂ—Â?ČąÄšÂ˜Â˜Â›ČąÂŒÂžÂœÂ‘Â’Â˜Â—ÂœÇ°ČąÂ Â’Â—Â?ČąÂŒÂ‘Â’Â–ÂŽÂœČąÂŠÂ—Â?Čą  Š••ȹ‘Š—Â?’—Â?ÂœÇ°ČąÂ‘ÂŠÂ—Â? ˜Â&#x;ÂŽÂ—ČąÄ™Â‹Â›ÂŽČąÂœÂ?Â˜Â˜Â•ÂœČąÂŠÂ—Â?ČąÄšÂ˜Â˜Â›ČąÂŒÂ˜Â&#x;Ž›’—Â?ÂœÇ°ČąÂŽÂ?ÂŒÇŻ How does it impact the art and design segment?

Murthy: Northeast region and its culture is a massive archive of history, arts, textiles, products and techniques. Designers can explore their own design jour—Ž¢ȹÂ?‘›˜žÂ?‘ȹ Š••ȹŠ›Â?Ç°ČąÂ Â˜Â&#x;Ž—ȹÂ?ÂŽÂĄÂ?Â’Â•ÂŽÂœÇ°ČąÂ–ÂŽÂ?ÂŠÂ•Â ÂŠÂ›ÂŽÇ°ČąÂ™Â˜Ä´ÂŽÂ›Â˘ČąÂŠÂ—Â?ČąÂ‹ÂŠÂœÂ”ÂŽÂ?›¢ȹÂ?Â›Â˜Â–ČąÂ?‘Žȹ ›ŽÂ?Â’Â˜Â—Ç°Čą Â?Â˜Čą ™›ŽœŽ—Â?Čą Šȹ —Ž ȹ Â’Â?Â’Â˜Â–Čą Â?Â˜Čą Â’Â?ÂœČą Œ˜—Â?ÂŽÂ–Â™Â˜Â›ÂŠÂ›Â˘Čą ŠžÂ?Â’ÂŽÂ—ÂŒÂŽÇŻČą Â?žŒŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂŠÂ•Čą ’—stitutions should see this as a big resource for students and faculty to understand, develop their capacity and acquire skills by studying and working with craftspersons, material and techniques. The larger art and design market should support authentic products that don’t just talk about craft story, but also about sustainability that has a local and global relevance.

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

ADVERTISING Director Indrajeet Saoji T +91 93202 85997 indrajeet.saoji@itp.com South India Director Sanjay Bhan T +91 98457 22377 sanjay.bhan@itp.com

STUDIO Head of design Milind Patil Senior designer Vinod Shinde Contributor Sanjay Bandre

PRODUCTION Deputy production manager Ramesh Kumar

CIRCULATION Distribution manager James D’Souza T +91 22 61546006 james.dsouza@itp.com

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Printed and Published by Sai Kumar Shanmugam, Flat no 903, Building 47, NRI Colony, Phase – 2, Part -1, Sector 54, 56, 58, Nerul, Navi Mumbai 400706, on behalf of ITP Media (India) Pvt Ltd, printed at Indigo Press India Pvt. Ltd., Plot No. 1C / 716, Off Dadoji Konddeo Cross Road, Between Sussex and Retiwala Ind. Estate, Byculla (East), Mumbai-400 027, India, and published at ITP Media (India), Notan Plaza, 3rd Floor, 898, Turner Road, Bandra (West), Mumbai - 400050, India Editor: Maria Louis

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NEWS BITES

10

INDUSTRY DATA UltraTech Cement Limited (UTCL) was recognised at the Confederation of Indian Industry’s National Awards for Excellence in Water Management 2017. Vikram Cement Works, an integrated cement manufacturing unit of UTCL, won the award in the ‘Outside the Fence’ category — a recognition of the CSR project undertaken by the unit. The project covered 18 villages in Neemuch district, Madhya Pradesh, and was launched in partnership with Integrated Watershed Mission, Government of Madhya Pradesh. It restored the ecological balance in the watershed area by conserving and developing degraded natural resources; introduced diverse agro-based activities to improve soil fertility and helped provide sustainable livelihoods to local farmers.

NOTIONS’ newest range of timber cladding provides building facades with an 100% natural exterior and an added advantage of insulation and aesthetics. Akash Saini, director – Sales, Notion, explains, “Our collection is well suited for outdoor use and protects walls from extreme cold to hot and dry to humid weather conditions.” All panels are fixed by an omega shaped stainless steel clip; and the boards are manufactured with a double groove profile and don’t need to be drilled. A safer and smooth uniform surface, which remains untouched, minimise the risk of splinter and fissure forming.

FCML Home presents four electronic WCs for savvy bathrooms, combining design and technology effortlessly. Each toilet has a sensor that activates the flushing mechanism without touching any knob or button, thus preventing transfer of germs. In case of a clogged toilet, the Smart WC identifies it and stops the flushing mechanism. This keeps water levels in the bowl low. It also comes equipped with features such as massaging bidet wash, air dryer, heated seating, remote control, self-cleaning features, built-in sensors that alert possible tank leaks, self-deodoriser, and emergency flushing system during power outages.

SUNTECK REALTY is taking luxury to new heights with its project Signature Island — located in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai. It was adjudged Ultra Luxury – Lifestyle Project of the Year at the Realty Plus Excellence Awards 2017. Kamal Khetan, chairman, Sunteck Realty, said, “This is testimony that Sunteck Realty continues to redefine uber luxury with its benchmark projects.” The company also bagged another award for its project Sunteck City in Goregaon, under the Innovative Marketing Campaign Idea category for the integrated campaign ‘Offer of De Century’.

AEDAS received the Honor Award for the Sandcrawler building under the Open International category (outside of the USA) at the 2017 American Institute of Architects (AIA) International Region Design Awards. Designed by Andrew Bromberg, the office building’s horseshoe form arose as a logical outcome of the masterplanning restrictions which dictated the roof height and slope as well as the amount of required elevation on each face. These requirements were overlaid with the client’s needs, including lifting the building off the ground to afford some privacy and security.

NORITAKE, the Japanese tableware brand, launched its first flagship showroom in New Delhi along with Ekaani, their Northwest and East India brand partners. The 1,000sq-ft store offers the finest tabletop range; and an exclusive line of new designs called the Heart Collection was also launched in both white porcelain and bone china. Kozo Kato Noritake, senior managing executive officer (president of Tabletop Division), shared, “Our tableware is the symbol of the happy family, so we would like to see many Indians use them at home. We are planning to develop designs suitable for Indians. ”

PLY MAHAL’s Ory Wooden Series of Laminates fuses the warm patterns of wood with embossed metallic prints. Made of polystyrene material in wooden shade, the collection has a wide range of patterns and colour options ranging from copper, rose gold, bronze and gold to silver. Pankaj Kumar, director of Ply Mahal, said, “These laminated panels are not just beautiful, but are also purposeful. They can be used to cover many types of surfaces and offer numerous advantages like easy installation, fire resistance, dimensional stability — despite temperature variations, and absolute hygienic properties.”

OTIS Elevators unveiled two new aesthetic design themes for their elevators, each reflecting India’s warm culture as well as the new age of modern India. Named Aura and Atmos, the themes will be available on a select range of Gen2 elevators manufactured at the Otis factory in Bengaluru. “These new aesthetic packages will enhance our ability to support building designers and owners in providing a stylish and contemporary environment for passengers,” shared Sebi Joseph, president, Otis India. Each theme consists of a set of colours, materials and finishes conceptualised by a team of industrial designers incorporating feedback from architects, real estate developers as well as end-users/passengers.

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

NEWS & PEOPLE

12

Samsung’s digital ‘canvas’ combines art with TV

Samsung India is transforming television into a work of art with its innovative lifestyle TV — The Frame. A CES 2017 Best of Innovations Award recipient, it offers UHD picture quality and, when powered off, becomes a customisable ‘framed’ piece of art. Through its Art Mode feature, The Frame can display artwork or precious family photos — controlled via a mobile device application. With Samsung Collection, users can choose from more than 100 exclusive works of art

by renowned global artists that have been commissioned and handpicked by Samsung. Users can add additional art to their collections with The Frame’s Art Store. By signing up for the monthly subscription service at Rs.500, consumers can access additional curated art. Piyush Kunnapallil, GM, Samsung India, shared, “We collaborated with renowned designer, Yves Behar, to create The Frame. By pairing revolutionary picture quality and an elevated design, The Frame provides consumers with the most personalised experience.” Currently available in 55-inch and 65-inch, the TV has customisable frame options including walnut, beige wood and white. The Frame is also outfitted with Samsung’s No Gap Wall-mount, which brings the TV flush against the wall, allowing it to hang like a real picture frame. Additionally, the TV boasts Samsung’s Invisible Connection, which eliminates any messy cables or wires with one single, transparent optical cable.

Art for a Cause Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) is back with the 13th edition of its annual art exhibition and sale of paintings, Colours of Life.

This year, works of over 70 senior, contemporary and emerging artists from all over India will be instrumental in generating funds for underprivileged children suffering from cancer. The collection boasts different genres of work, media, styles, sizes and price range. Seasonal art collectors will have the opportunity to buy works by eminent Indian masters for their collection; the curator even noted that the current contemporary artists, although young, have also become collection worthy. Their prices have a scope of appreciation, and that makes their works attractive for buyers too. The exhibition will also bring together first-time buyers who are

Technology should not be the only agenda while designing a smart city...it has to be culturally specific too.”

RAHUL MEHROTRA, PRINCIPAL, RMA

CMC’s nostalgic new collection

Reminiscing an old style deco, Classic Marble Company (CMC) introduced a new product line in its large size porcelain tiles segment —Techlam. Inspired from wood grain and composed in a rich fusion of shapes and colours, the Village collection brings back the quirky charm of the countryside. This versatile tile can be used in interior and exterior floors as well as for walls and countertops. Resistant to fire, heat and scratches, the tiles are available in the standard format of 3000×1000mm with a thickness of only 3mm.

Excellence Calleth Gear up to celebrate outstanding design achievments in DESIGN the country at EXCELLENCE the upcoming AWARDS 20th cycle of IIID Design Excellence Awards presented by Anchor by Panasonic.

An exceptional jury comprising eminent architects, interior designers, design consultants, academia, artists and editors will holistically review and critique the designs that are shaping our cities and towns. Winners will be chosen at the Zonal and National levels. Hurry up, submit your entries by November 30, and be a part of the celebration of excellence!

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looking for affordable art and up-and-coming artists as well as artists who have not had the privilege of showing their works in Mumbai.

“I always try to get such artists and highlight their talent and encourage first-time buyers to buy their works,” shared Piali Syam, curator of the exhibition. Colours of Life will be held at The Viewing Room, Colaba (Mumbai) from December 7-15 from 11am-7pm.

While technology has transformed the cultural realm around the world, we use it in measured fashion to adapt to the Indian context.”

ABHISHEK RAY, PRINCIPAL, MATRIKA DESIGN COLLABORATIVE

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

You can build the most elitist buildings in the city, but you have to be a barefoot architect as well.”

DR BRINDA SOMAYA, PRINCIPAL, SOMAYA & KALAPPA CONSULTANTS

NEWS & PEOPLE

14

Häfele wins Innovation and Leadership award

MokshaShots is back!

Häfele India has been transforming the design scene in the country since its foray here, and this recognisable achievement hasn’t gone unnoticed. Frost & Sullivan honoured them with ‘India Small and Kitchen Appliances Competitive Strategy Innovation and Leadership’ Award at its 2017 India BestPractices Awards Banquet held at ITC Maratha, Mumbai. Jurgen Wolf (managing director), Sudhir Patil (business head, Appliances), Taniya Bose (product manager, Appliances) and Aditya Jalgaonkar (senior executive digital marketing) received the Award. The key criteria of evaluation was market performance, product portfolio, technology differentiation, competitive differentiation and marketing and communication. Häfele has essentially been operating on three aspects: functionality, innovation and quality. This has been the underlying thought behind its Nagold home appliances range – where innovative designs and features, coupled with superior quality and unmatched functionality has paved the way for a successful foray into the Indian Appliances

Jenny Bhatt, an award-winning contemporary Indian artist, is preparing to exhibit her next solo project – episode 18 of her ongoing series MokshaShots titled ‘Swimming in the Subconscious’.

Bhatt came up with the concept MokshaShots (Moksha meaning salvation) through which her series of work has become “a taste of the sublime”. Everyone can make their own MokshaShot out of anything they find fulfilling...art, chocolate, vacation, smile, Ferrari or tequila shot, the artist interprets.

The exhibition will be held between December 5-11 at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, where the first MokshaShots Comic Book will also be released.

market. Wolf expressed, “The objective behind launching the Nagold range was to vacuum the gap and bring in a range that offers superior quality appliances, but at approachable prices.

The Nagold Appliances range has been put together taking into consideration the specific needs of the Indian customer and building in such configurations that meet the uniqueness of what the Indian customer really wants.

Until then, none of the European players that existed in the appliances segment in India had really customised their range to suit Indian requirements – they brought in appliances with European features which may or may not have worked for all the customers.”

Cera gets affordable

CSMVS shares stories etched in art and history Don’t miss one of the country’s most ambitious exhibitions — India and the World: A History in Nine Stories — at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya this month.

It’s a collaborative effort between CSMVS (formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India), the British Museum in London and the National Museum, New Delhi, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Tata Trusts and the Getty Foundation. The project is planned to coincide with the celebrations of 70 years of

The elitism of the average architect has led to the robotisation of skilled labour. Their capacity for ingenuity is not addressed, leave alone integrated.”

REVATHI KAMATH, PRINCIPAL, KAMATH DESIGN STUDIO

India’s Independence.

The first section of the exhibition — Shared Beginnings — talks of early man and his cultural evolution, 1.5 million years ago. First Cities travels back to 2,500 BCE when man settled down in urban dwellings. The Quest for Freedom focuses on the struggles of colonial oppression with Time Unbound, bringing the exhibition to a close as it offers different perspectives on time and our relationships with the past. The exhibition will open on November 11.

For us, architecture falls at the intersection of informed decisions and speculative hypothesis.”

MUJIB AHMED, PARTNER, COLLABORATIVE ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

Aiming at the fastest-growing affordable segment, Cera launched its new brand of sanitaryware — Jeet; unveiled by Deepshikha Khaitan in Ahmedabad. “Jeet will capitalise on the growing need for an affordable range in sanitaryware,” said Atul Sanghvi, executive director, Cera. It will consist of basic sanitaryware such as EWCs, Orissa pans, wash basins and urinals. While Cera is well-placed in the mid and premium segments, it already has Italian luxury designer sanitaryware Isvea for the luxury segment. With the launch of Jeet for the mass segment, Cera now has something to satisfy all segments.

Architecture has a role to play (in affordable housing) to bring dignity back to people’s lives.

Isn’t that the real agency of design?”

PINKISH SHAH, FOUNDER, S+PS ARCHITECTS

EVENT GOLDMEDAL

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AIR OF CELEBRATION 1

TO LAUNCH ITS INNOVATIVE PRODUCT RANGE, AIR, GOLDMEDAL BROUGHT TOGETHER STALWARTS FROM IIID AND PEATA

A

t a grand launch event and amidst much fanfare, Goldmedal Electricals Private Limited gathered the who’s who of the construction and design industry to celebrate innovation and technology. Not only was it a perfect platform to unveil its newest product range, Air Modular, but it also proved to be a great opportunity to felicitate noteworthy architects, designers and engineers from partner organisations IIID (Institute of Indian Interior Designers) and PEATA (Practising Engineers Architects and Town planners Association) for their contributions. Held at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai, on October 31, the evening was filled with creative performances and an enlightening panel discussion - both exemplifying the power of innovation.

Kishan Jain, director, Goldmedal presented Air as a “new beginning in the world of standard modular fittings, with its slim profile and clean, sleek lines.” He added: “Targeted at the value-conscious customer, Air delivers international-quality switches at an affordable price point. The Air range is a brand new story that will appeal to everyone.”

1. The panelists unveil the new product – Air, along with Goldmedal’s directors.

2. Ketan Vaidya, Kishan Jain, Shirish Sukhatme and Reza Kabul light the lamp at the beginning of the event.

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ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

“The company already offers premium modular products through its GIFA, Nixon and Curve product ranges. With Air, Goldmedal fills the gap in its portfolio of a modular range that appeals to the value-conscious customer,” informed Chandresh Trivedi, VP-Sales, Goldmedal.

The event began with the auspicious lamp lighting by chief guest Pratap Jadhav, president, IIID; guest of honour Reza Kabul, principal, ARK (Architect Reza Kabul); and Shirish Sukhatme, past president, PEATA; along with the Goldmedal team and in the presence of the past presidents of IIID and PEATA. A brief audio-visual presentation on the new product ranges gave a glimpse of its distinct design features and set the tone for the evening.

In his welcome address, Ketan Vaidya, chairman-IIID, MRC ( Mumbai) and principal at Ketan Vaidya & Associates, recognised what made this event special. “For the first time, two professional bodies – PEATA and IIID – are under the same roof, sharing a common platform. Though the aims and objectives of both the organisations are different, over a period we have come together for the common cause of Makaan,” Vaidya mentioned as he welcomed everyone.

Sukhatme then took over the stage and gave an introduction to PEATA – a 50-year-old organisation with more than 3,000 members. He explained how PEATA plays a crucial role as spokesperson of construction and urban design in the country, and that their inputs matter in the wider context of regulations and development. In the face of new laws, PEATA conducts seminars for government officials and facilitates better assimilation of developmental norms.

Talking about a new regulations being drafted - one in particular will automatically regularise certain illegal structures, he stated, “PEATA was the main body representing architects to municipal corporations for designing and finalising these rules.” The role of PEATA in the building industry,

EVENT GOLDMEDAL 3

4

thus, becomes that of a mediator between professionals and government officials. Sukhatme also took the opportunity to comment on the “path breaking” new launch by Goldmedal, and added how “aesthetics has been brought beyond the function” in this instance.

Continuing the innovation theme of the evening, popular dance group Illuminati (of India’s Got Talent fame) enthralled the audience with two spectacular routines that innovatively choreographed LED technology with human ingenuity.

PANEL DISCUSSION After the entertainment portion of the evening, the audience were treated to a positive and stimulating conversation on ‘Innovation and Technology’. Moderated by architect Alan Abraham, it dealt with topics such as what is innovation, inspirations leading to it, its implementation in the larger context of urban design, and how clients can be catalysts to innovative work. The eight member panel didn’t disappoint, as they shared their personal quests and successes as they attempt to be truly innovative flag bearers of change through their work.

One of the first to chip in, architect Prem Nath referred to innovation with the Hindi term navneet - something characteristically new and different. It is curiosity paired with common sense that leads to innovation or sparks an attempt towards it, he expressed. In the end, innovative design – that must attract the common man – should have three simple things: visual appeal; drama – in the form, structure; and, most importantly, simplicity of function – “if that doesn’t happen, innovation fails.”

Architect Reza Kabul shared how being innovative means keeping up with the times, and not resisting it. His firm had to transition from manual drawing methods to computer aided design (CAD) software, which helped them “to get updated and move with technology and innovation.” But he observed how his fellow architects refused to do so and stayed stuck to their older methods and practices.

“History is being resisted,” proclaimed Sukhatme, implying how innovative thoughts are always considered unpopular first. “When it was said the earth is round, people resisted it.

When Jyotiba Phule said women must learn, widows must marry, it was resisted. When mobiles came, some people said: I don’t want to be slave of these gadgets, and those people have four mobiles today.” In the same manner, advocates of manual sketching and drawing should realise that “refusal of technology doesn’t mean creativity.”

He further added that when a new product is designed, it has to challenge the basic function of the product itself. If it is unable to authentically challenge it, the result will be a superficial – cosmetic design without real substance. “Actual innovation, new idea, should attack the basic function of it why should there be a switch at all?” Sukhatme challenged.

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PANEL OF EXPERTS Alan Abraham, joint principal architect, Abraham John Architects (moderator) Pratap Jadhav, president, IIID Reza Kabul, principal, ARK Shirish Sukhatme, ex-president, PEATA Preeti Hapdi-Valanju, associate architect, Kadri Consultants Prem Nath, past president – IIID, principal – Prem Nath Associates Nitin Killawala, past president – IIID, principal – Group 7 Architects Khozema Chitalwala, principal architect, Designers Group Talking about how interior design as a field has evolved and gone beyond cosmetic treatments, Jadhav observed that detailed and technological specifications are taking precedence today; and the quality of air, natural light, and such parameters are challenging the way spaces are designed.

How do fees affect innovation, quizzed Abraham. “It’s more to do with time being invested. The moment we talk about innovation, the number of man hours involved is far higher,” explained Khozema Chitalwala. So while it doesn’t necessarily imply that budget-friendly projects will not get innovative streaks, there is a certain requirement to achieve a truly innovative result.

“We inherently want to innovate with every project as architects,” stated Preeti Hapdi-Valanju, “as you follow the (design) process, innovation just flows.” While the benchmarks of ‘innovative’ design might vary, it still has to stand and have its own identity – and mainly people should be able to connect to it. “Being innovative doesn’t necessarily mean having only iconic buildings,” she warned, explaining how applying age-old sustainable concepts to, say, modern vertical gardens are the kind of thoughts that are key to innovation.

Abraham then broadened the topic and asked Nitin Killawala about the impact of innovation in the urban fabric for,

3. Kishan Jain, director, Goldmedal.

4. (L-R) Alan Abraham, Khozema Chitalwala, Shirish Sukhatme and Pratap Jadhav.

5. (L-R): Preeti Hapdi-Valanju, Prem Nath, Reza Kabul and Nitin Killawala.

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EVENT GOLDMEDAL

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PRODUCT LAUNCH

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6. It was an honourable moment when Atul Desai, past president of IIID, was felicitated.

7-9. Panelists Preeti HapdiValanju, Nitin Killawala and Alan Abraham being felicitated by directors of Goldmedal, Kishan Jain, Praveen Jain and Bishan Jain.

in his opinion, “at the city level, there is a distinct failure.”

Killawala drew a distinction saying, what has been discussed so far has more to do with invention. “Innovation actually has something to do with revolutionising thoughts, you are transforming generations actually. And that is where we get the benefits of innovation, otherwise it is our duty as architects to do our best – that’s not innovation,” he said.

Innovative design should be able to answer the questions – ‘does it really help the city on a larger scale, has it improved the quality of life?’ But this dearth in innovative solutions at the city level, according to Killawala, is because “we lack basic common sense. As Mumbaikars, 90% of the general population has so many other priorities, stresses of life that we somehow don’t care about many routine things that we ought to enjoy.”

Things aren’t as grim, assured Jadhav, who detailed the positive work undertaken by IIID through their ‘Design for the Masses’ initiative. Around 45-odd projects are being executed in 45 different cities through IIID’s design intervention, with the aim of changing the lives of the common people. “That’s innovativeness of an organisation to approach society with a social cause,” he said, “If every individual could put 10% of their creativity to a social cause with an innovative approach, I think we will able to achieve what Killawala is trying to say at a larger scale by addressing the issues [relevant] for the masses.”

Agreeing with both Killawala and Jadhav, Kabul, opined, “The government also has to support us. You see the roads of

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

Mumbai today, that is something the authorities have to do.”

While individual responsibility can drive change, the major impetus lies with the government bodies.

Jadhav responded, “In three cities, we are changing a stretch of roads with designs given by us. We have given these solutions to the government and they have accepted it, and now they are under tendering. I believe persuasion is what one needs to do. Persuade these authorities. Together with IIID and PEATA, we will certainly be able to bring about a change.”

Killawala agreed with this view, adding, “Sometimes, innovation could also be jugaad – how you push through things.

Innovation is something ingrained, it’s a constant process.”

As the topic revolved around urban issues, Sukhatme offered a differing view on some problems faced in the city. Whether it is resolving the hawker issue, especially around railway stations, innovatively within the urban fabric or looking at a holistic slum rehabilitation project. Citing one of his research projects, he commented, “SRA scheme is not at all an innovative idea to deal with the slum issue, it is a spoon-fed solution. Finding innovative solutions to these issues can make our cities better.”

Challenging the norms helps in the innovation process, found Hapdi-Valanju. “We successfully designed a classroom without any tubelight and electricity. It is completely lit by north light. We thought it was very hypothetical, textbook stuff, but we actually built it and the students love the place.”

Arriving at such designs meant changing their design process a bit. “We realised our process was lacking, we were not doing design appraisal… [We should] get to the crux (of the client’s needs) and then design something, not hastily rush in to a design solution,” she explained.

The panel discussion was followed by the felicitation by Goldmedal of past presidents of IIID and PEATA – it was one of those rare moments where all of them were gathered together under one roof. Vaidya said, “Over the years, both the organisations have grown not only in number – but also in stature. And the credit goes to our past presidents, our leaders who have shown us the path to take the organisation to the pinnacle. Their leadership has inspired us to dream more, to learn more, do more and be more.” A&I

GLOCAL ELEVATION

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TALL STRUCTURES ARE NOW ICONS CELEBRATING THE POWER OF DEVELOPING ECONOMIES

BY CAROL FERRAO

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all buildings have been the purview of developed nations for a long time. These building have become an icon of ‘development’ – whether it was through reaching record new heights, or promulgating advancement in design and technology. The tide has been shifting, and more tall buildings are being conceived in developing nations today.

And with this trend, we see how local context and aspirations are shaping the skyscrapers of the new millennium.

“Developing economies have a huge impact on the current trend of tall building construction. Whereas the skyscraper historically was limited to North America, today it is a truly international typology, with the highest levels of construction in Asia. If we look at Mumbai, in particular, it currently has 42 towers of 150m or taller;

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FEATURE TALL BUILDINGS 2

yet there are more than double this [number] either proposed or under construction (another 57 to be precise),” shares Dr.Philip Oldfield, senior lecturer in High Performance Architecture, UNSW Built Environment (Australia), and former research coordinator at CTBUH (Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat), Chicago.

Many see these numbers gradually increasing, as states look at increasing their urban footprint. “Given the focus of the Government of India for the Smart Cities project, it is projected that by 2050, India will add 404 million urban dwellers (Source: United Nations Report). To accommodate the number of new residents, the rise of vertical constructions will increase considerably,” states Gangaprasad G, head - Commercial Building Services, Grundfos Pumps India.

Even in existing cities, tall buildings are considered a defining solution to urban woes. “Unlike other economies in which the development has happened in a holistic manner, India’s development has been in clusters – which has made already densely developed metros ever more gasping for space.

Hence, tall buildings hold the key,” expresses Partha Banik, president, Indiabulls LED Business.

Architect Sabeena Khanna, founding principal, Studio KIA, also believes that India is making its mark in the field of tall structures in the residential, office, hospitality and mixeduse domains. “Advancement in engineering solutions combined with out-of-the-box creative design ideas, cutting-edge technologies, new material inventions and even high-speed elevators are changing the dynamics of the game.”

And when development takes more contextual root, the definition of tall buildings will vary from city to city. “There is no set definition of a tall building, and it varies with context in different cities; so, what may be considered a tall building in

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a tier-2 city may not be considered tall in a dense metropolis such as Mumbai,” explains architect Reza Kabul, principal, ARK. Each individual city will, however, still see these highrise investments as representation of their economic power and a sign of advantage to the country.

Architect Yatin Patel, founder director, DSP Associates, believes that building tall can be aptly considered as a response to needs and aspirations of the end consumer, but its adoption is subjected to individual city regulations. He notes, “The trend is skewed towards development of tall structures as much as possible. Tall structures have also been a growing trend in other metro cities in the country, primarily due to the location being sought-after or relaxation of FAR (floor-area ratio) rules for select areas where the Government has come out with new rules where they allow more FAR on the same plot, like the TOD (transit-oriented development) policy.”

But there have been significant changes for the better in the way tall buildings are being built in the country, as per Leslie

1. Torre Reforma in Mexico City provides a contextual approach to building high-rises.

2&3. A new tower in the Philippines is being designed centred on the socio-cultural aspect of the region.

www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | NOVEMBER 2017 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

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TALL SOLUTIONS Rising 133m high, Oberoi Commerz is being developed as Mumbai’s new landmark business centre and is all set to be India’s first tallest, fully-glazed commercial structure. It is the first composite 32-storey mixed-use commercial tower at Goregaon (East). This recent landmark in Mumbai’s skyline also indicates the emerging trend of the shift of commercial offices towards suburban Mumbai. Given the height, the major challenge was pumping water to 133m, which required an efficient pump system to supply water effortlessly to the highest point in the building. This challenge was addressed by installing Grundfos’ Hydro MPC, to boost the water pressure up to 133m high. Four models of the Hydro MPC pumps were installed, to meet the demand at any given time and maintain the constant water pressure during the changing flow. Alternatively, Grundfos also provides HVAC pump solutions.

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4&7. Mahindra Luminaire, designed by Morphogensis, inteprets the indooroutdoor living experiences offered in traditional houses in a vertical format with deep, generous verandahs.

5. Sonali Rastogi, founder partner, Morphogenesis.

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E Robertson Associates. “The tall building market in India is improving at breakneck speed due to the high price of land in Mumbai and the demand for breathtaking views,” points out Nayan Trivedi, partner and director, LERA Mumbai. LERA has been working in India since 2005, and they believe that things are moving in the right direction and are anticipating an increase in high-rises in other parts of India as well.

More available resources and expertise are also helping in this segment. “The tall building market in India has noticeably changed in recent years, partly due to the developing economy, with a shift towards utilising structural steel and/or high-strength concrete and rebar composites instead of solely conventional concrete construction. The wider availability and decreasing price of steel locally has helped to spark this trend,” explains Trivedi.

DEVELOPING ECONOMIES 6. Gangaprasad G, headCommercial Building Services, Grundfos Pumps.

It is recognised that urban populations are growing and will continue to grow throughout the world. “The largest changes are happening and will continue to happen in areas with

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

emerging economies, where there will be considerably more numbers of people migrating from rural areas to urban areas,” shares architect Aaron B Schwarz FAIA, founding principal, Plan A. Accommodating this growth of cities by way of designing and constructing tall buildings is more sustainable with less impact on the earth and with the ability to facilitate sharing infrastructure resources, he adds.

What is most significant in the current run to build tall is how individual countries can shape the future of skyscrapers by their contextual interpretation. It will have to be more than a cosmetic or aesthetic angle that will redefine these buildings. Responsiveness to local climate, social well-being of occupants and sustainability need to be the benchmarks of tall buildings, and not just a successful reinterpretation of similar structures from the West.

We can take a cue from developing economies like ours, and see how they interpret tall design into their surrounding context. Torre Reforma is part of the cultural, historical and financial district of Mexico City, and its solid concrete structural and architectural façades are influenced by pre-Hispanic and colonial Mexican architecture which displays a predominance of solid materials (concrete or stone). This vertical urban growth of 57 storeys, distinguished by its triangular form, is composed of two 246m-high exposed concrete walls, resembling the form of an open book.

According to the Mexican norm, an imaginary line is traced at 1.80m in height from the opposite side of Paseo de la Reforma (a landmark avenue), passing through the highest point of the façade. The potential height of the building is the limit of the imaginary line. In a city with high seismic activity, the concrete walls were designed to bend due to its openings, repeated every cluster along the tower, providing natural light to interior triple-height gardens. These gardens are an extension from the horizontal public space at street level to a vertical axis, creating indoor micro spaces.

In the Philippines, an iconic tower rising at 308m will redefine the skyline of Bonifacio as a global city, and of Manila.

“We aimed to create a design that will be the benchmark of how a high-rise can give back. The project is characterised by a high degree of responsibility, in relation to not only materials and production – but also regarding positive, social spaces encouraging intimacy and community,” says Claude Bøjer Godefroy, partner and design director in Henning Larsen’s Hong Kong office – the firm that was commissioned the project after winning a design competition.

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The plaza around the tower will feature a dense canopy of tall trees, designed in alignment with the local climate to provide both shade and shelter. The canopy of trees filters the views to the surrounding buildings and mimics the shade and ambience of a Filipino tropical forest. Filipino culture emphasises a strong penchant for gatherings and celebrations, traditionally enjoyed in public spaces. Hence, the plaza will offer a protected space for such popular activities and social gatherings to create life in the heart of the city.

In the Indian context, indoor-outdoor living is deeply culturally embedded in our lifestyles, points out Sonali Rastogi, founder partner at Morphogenesis. “There is a new culture that tall buildings bring – that is, of the ground plane versus the vertical. This stacking of function or services along with architectural briefs must still augment and align with the socio-cultural lifestyle of its users. Also, an increased distance from the ground plane should not have to imply a proportionate disconnect from the outside environment. The concept of piling volumetric functions one on top of the other could give rise to a number of elevated flat planes. These planes could be designed so as to create new ground that enhances the indooroutdoor experience of the building’s inhabitants.”

Morphogenesis’ thoughtful design sensibility can be seen in the residential development Mahindra Luminare in Gurgaon.

The three towers are oriented to promote the movement of monsoon winds and substantially blocks harsh summer winds. “In an ongoing attempt to understand the transition of a predominantly low-rise bungalow living population of this region to high-rise living, a lot of room for translation of lifestyles was created,” Rastogi explains. Each tower is designed as a composition of four L-shaped corner units that have wrap-around verandahs. The building’s split-core system and private lobbies are carefully designed to address the individual house and arrival sensibility.

To counteract the effect of high wind pressures at these heights, the central courtyard uses stack effect to create a suction inside. This works in two ways: when there is no wind. it induces the wind from the apartment; and when there is high wind, it shuts off and creates pressure equalisation, so the residents are always able to open their apartment windows.

Morphogenesis takes the indoor-outdoor living experiences offered in traditional houses and transposes the design on to a vertical format with deep, generous verandahs. These elevated wrap-around spaces provide rain protection along with shading, tempering the outdoor environment in such a way as to make it usable for a far greater part of the year.

FINDING EFFICIENT TEAMWORK

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ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

To develop such rich, culturally-relevant tall buildings, the onus is not on architects and developers alone. While designing a tall building, there are several consultants on board – viz, engineers and mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) consultants, high-rise traffic consultants, disaster management consultants, high-rise façade consultants, environmental consultants, as well as high-rise liaison agents. Access to the best experts and consultants then becomes crucial.

“Engineers and architects have their own separate roles to play and, yes, it is predominantly an outsourced service and there is nothing wrong with that. We live in an era of hyperspecialisation, which I see as critical in being able to dig deep and to develop innovation in that specific field,” maintains Rastogi. “It is a collaborative profession, and that’s a good thing! Hyper-specialisation and collaboration seem, to me, to be here to stay in today’s professional world.”

But is such expertise available readily in the country? “All

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URBAN (HIGH-RISE) FOREST In its design and execution, tall buildings have mostly adhered to a universal, global context – irrespective of the region. But in Sao Paolo an upcoming project will reverse the trend and see how local context can influence the future of tall structures. Built out of Brazilian wood that’s 100% certified both in its origin and trajectory, the Amata Building is poised to make its mark as a wooden tall building, going 13 storeys high with a total area of 4,700sq-m. Based on a mixed-use concept, the project will allow for different functional uses such as co-working and co-living. It is an initiative from Brazilian forest management company Amata, and is designed by Sao Paolo-based Triptyque Architecture. “Wooden framed buildings are an efficient solution...as we replace nonrenewable resources with natural raw materials, we help create a cleaner chain of production and add value to certified forests,” explains Dario Guarita Neto, co-founder and CEO at Amata. The building will be made of CLT, a high-tech product made of multiple layers of massive wood laid down in two different directions. Once put together, they function as panels that can be used as structural elements for high-rises, with the full use of the wood’s structural properties. As for the design, the architects see it as a metaphor for an urban habitable forest – through the visible and the invisible wood, the use of vegetation as well as the landscape.

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8. Transcon Triumph designed by ARK 9. Reza Kabul, principal, ARK. 10. Dr.Philip Oldfield, senior lecturer in High Performance Architecture, UNSW Built Environment (Australia).

buildings have challenges of collaboration and, in the case of tall buildings, the only difference is that the number of teams collaborating increase – but the issues to be solved remain relatively similar. Since only Mumbai has had tall buildings in India, the expertise was missing in other cities. Also, within Mumbai, the adoption of new technologies has garnered momentum in the last decade,” feels Patel. There has been a trend where experienced designers and engineers of Indian origin who have been contributing to developed economies are now returning and augmenting the professional space.

However, outsourcing such consultancy services still remains prevalent, given the perception that foreign firms alone have the best to offer. But the trend is changing as more people realise that it is the skill and not the origin that makes the difference. “We are seeing beautiful tall buildings being designed by Indian firms that compete on a global level with any other international designers,” Patel shares, adding that it is the build-ability and affordability in the execution of such buildings where the product starts to differentiate from the global benchmark. “The final product is subject to a lot of value engineering process and, somewhere down the line, the quality is also compromised.”

We are witnessing a merger of West and East as international specialist practices are setting up offices right here and building the best global team. “Take our firm, for example.

Our particular tall building expertise, structural engineering, resides in our Mumbai office. While our various international offices work together on many of our projects around the world, we do not outsource our work to find expertise.

Expertise resides in each office,” shares Trivedi. LERA is the structural engineer for Lodha Place, a mixed-use development in Mumbai, as well as the 120-storey Lodha World One. Trivedi also mentions the first ‘mega-structure’ being designed in India. The tower’s super-structure will be made up of high-strength concrete and supported by large reinforced concrete mats. The tower is expected to use over 2,50,000 cubic meters of concrete, 35,000 metric tons of steel rebar and 40,000sq-m of glass, and will contain over five acres of land-

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

scaped area for residents. Designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, the tower will incorporate 100% water recycling and rainwater harvesting.

GOING MODULAR Most tall buildings follow a uniform structure, and can be constructed using pre-fabricated shells of each floor above a robust foundation of the building. “The pre-fabrication industry has developed by leaps and bounds in the recent years, delivering products and finishes that are convenient and at par to be created on-site. Semi-pre-fabricated construction methods do offer certain benefits over conventional methods with regard to three major constraints: time, space and money,” shares Kabul. But he also quickly notes that the use and demand of pre-fabricated interior solutions is extensive in the hospitality design segment; the demand is yet to be seen in the Indian tall buildings scenario.

Grundfos has been bridging this gap with their specialised solutions, as Gangaprasad states, “Pre-fabricated solutions are nowadays used widely in tall structures because of the improved quality and delivery. Prefabricated pumping stations from Grundfos are built up from a sturdy and well-designed pump pit [that is] sized to suit requirements, with up to three wastewater pumps easily installed on auto couplings. This is an innovative and intelligent solution that simplifies pump pit management and reduces costs, eliminating the need for most service calls and reducing installation and commissioning costs substantially. All necessary components such as piping and valves are built in or placed in a separate valve chamber.”

As for pre-fabrication in steel structures, Patel points out that it is yet to gain momentum in the Indian construction industry. “Prefabricated buildings are much superior in quality, as the product is made under observable controlled conditions and tested – before it is shipped out of the manufacturing facility, also influencing a surge in quality perception in general. However, trained/skilled labour continues to remain a challenge.”

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AN HONEST VIEW Vertical Transportation: Many elevators in high-rise buildings in India have long waiting periods. Poor planning of the vertical transportation will have a serious impact.

Building Skins: High-rise buildings in India mimic other high-rise structures by utilising curtainwall skins. While there are significant improvements in thermal properties of curtainwall systems, they are not always used...and less expensive alternatives are employed. This results in significant energy costs and/or poor internal conditions. In addition, appropriate cleaning apparatus and cleaning programs are not put in place.

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FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS

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11. A proposed high-rise structure by DSP. 12. Yatin Patel, founder director, DSP Associates.

13. Omkar 1973 (DSP is its resident architects) in Mumbai will scale 76, 77 and 65-storeys respectively.

While building tall might have significant merits, a blind approach may not be beneficial for cities in general. There have been cases when surrounding existing structures have seen upcoming tall buildings as annoyance and not a development icon. The rights of light and air of any development needs to be carefully considered in the planning of tall buildings. “Concerns are rising all around the world, from New York to Nanjing; there have been cases of concern and even legal action against tall building developers who have been deemed to block light from surrounding neighbours.

Cities need to identify which sites and areas make sense for high-rise development, and which do not. A robust and strategic tall building plan at the city level is an excellent solution to ensure that future tall building development evolves harmoniously with the city, urbanistically and environmentally,” advises Oldfield.

As a former-expat who has resided in the country, Schwarz is in a unique position to evaluate our contribution in the tall building segment. “Thus far, most tall build-

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

Design/Construction: Many components in high-rise construction in the West are produced in factories and installed on site. This system enables less reliance on handmade parts.

Conversely, the Indian economy is based on utilising in field labour. The slick aesthetics of the Western high-rise is not in synch with the construction techniques employed in the East.

This mismatch results in opportunities for both industry and job creation for more prefabricated construction products or a different contextual aesthetic in line with local construction technique.

High-rise Housing: The most successful developments will be mixed-use developments as opposed to solely residential developments. Successful developments will include full complements of retail, entertainment, workplace, schools, healthcare and all of the elements comprising a small town. These building types require significant planning. Affordable high-rise residential construction will be inevitably required, but this building type has not yet been successfully created anywhere. Far more attention needs to be paid to this building type – or we will simply create vertical slums, which will be far worse environments compared to their low-rise predecessors.

Inputs from Aaron B Schwarz FAIA, founding principal, PLAN A

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14. An elevated atrium at Torre Reforma shows the building’s structural ingenuity.

15. Nayan Trivedi, partner and director, LERA Mumbai.

16. Indian practice Studio KIA is defining city skylines with projects like Neptune.

ings in India have been designed based on the aesthetics of other high-rise buildings around the world. However, many important factors have not been properly addressed, resulting in poor performance,” he notes. “Many high-rise buildings in India have not properly designed the type and number of elevators. There are long waiting periods for passengers that would not meet standards in most other countries. Elevator shafts take up saleable/rentable area and are expensive, and real estate developers are trying to save money – but in the end, poor planning of the vertical transportation systems will have a serious impact.”

Patel believes that special consideration must be given to safety of the occupants beyond any other features of a tall building. “This aspect cannot be compromised. It is to be

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

noted that many projects are comparable to their European or American counterparts at the conception stage. However, unfortunately, there are not many examples where these ethos are kept alive till the execution and quality is compromised in a lot of value engineering exercises that these projects are put through.”

The arterial city of Mumbai is witnessing a boom in tall buildings, with several older properties being redeveloped to accommodate more people and a better standard of living.

But Kabul warns that this development is haphazard and the plan does not extend beyond the plot to bring about a social upliftment. “The onus of this does not lie on any single entity; it needs to be a collaborative effort between the government, local authorities and developers. Given the chance, my dream project shall be to re-design all of Mumbai, with well-organised infrastructure, efficient reuse of existing landmass, and provisions for future expansions. Other than the art-deco precinct of South Mumbai, the city lacks a distinctive skyline of its own,” he states.

Going forward, Gangaprasad feels that there should be more emphasis laid on sustainability of the systems and technology. He adds, “Cutting-edge technology, intelligent solutions and asset management is what is going to drive the occupancy of tall buildings, since there is a rise in the trend of customers looking for environment-friendly and sustainable solutions.”

The sustainability aspect is being introduced, points out Khanna, with the inclusion of vertical gardens, passive systems of heating and cooling, biophillic and biomimicry designing, eco towers, skywalks, high atriums, usable terraces at multi levels, indoor tropical gardens, etc.

Rastogi holds a similar viewpoint as she mentions, “While we import from the developed world, the tall building trend and its associated construction technologies, bringing in our passive and contextual design techniques from our past, will ensure that the solution is not only practical – but also deeply socio-culturally rooted, and hence completely ‘right’ for a sustainable future.” A&I

AN INITIATIVE 2017- 18

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VIEWPOINT

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RISING VIEWS

TALL BUILDINGS ARE REACHING NEW HEIGHTS BECAUSE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY 1

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1. The Grand: An upcoming project by Studio KIA in Gurgaon.

2. Sabeena Khanna, founding principal, Studio KIA.

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ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǯȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ Tall buildings, today, have come to be the undeniable ¡ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱĚ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǯȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱȮȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȮȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱŗşth ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ę Ȭ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ¢ǰȱ ę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱĚ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ǯȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢Ȭ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ

BY SABEENA KHANNA ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ǰȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȮȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱȁ Ȃȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ ę ȱ ǰȱĚ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱę ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱę ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ǰȱ ȱ Ȭ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ³ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ěȬ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ¢ǯȱ ȱę Ȭ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ǰȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ³ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱę ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ Ȭ Ȭ Ȭ ȱ ȱ ȱř ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ȱ ĜȬ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱř ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱę ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱę ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱř ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱȮȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ A&I

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ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

HOTEL DESIGN W GOA

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL W GOA FUSES HISTORY WITH NATURAL BEAUTY, ADDING UP TO AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE WITH A GOAN TWIST

BY MARIA LOUIS

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ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

PHOTOGRAPHS: RALF TOOTEN

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HOTEL DESIGN W GOA

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is a letter that’s as all-embracing as the hospitality of W Goa, we find out the moment we land at Dabolim airport in South Goa. The sun comes out to greet us warmly, offering a welcome respite from the stormy monsoon tantrums that characterise mid-September. The coconut palm fronds nod approvingly as our chauffeur-driven luxury sedan hugs the curves on the road to Vagator in the north. There, overlooking the historic five-century-old Chapora fort, stands W at its dramatic best, the gold of the majestic mosaic-inlaid letter of the alphabet glinting in the afternoon sunlight. Â?Č ÂœČąÂ•Â˜Â&#x;ŽȹŠÂ?ČąÄ™Â›ÂœÂ?ČąÂœÂ’Â?‘Â?ȹ ‘Ž—ȹ ŽȹŽ—Â?Ž›ȹÂ?‘›˜žÂ?‘ȹÂ?‘Žȹ‘žÂ?ÂŽÇ°Čą unframed doors sporting the work of Goa-based artist Subodh Kerkar, representing the moon’s lunar phases – an artful hint at Goa’s round-the-clock party scene. Kerkar’s installations pop up all over the property, blending elements of the beach destination’s Portuguese heritage with Œ˜—Â?ÂŽÂ–Â™Â˜Â›ÂŠÂ›Â˘ČąÄšÂŠÂ’Â›ČąÂ’Â—ČąÂœÂ˘Â—ÂŒČąÂ Â’Â?‘ȹÂ?‘ŽȹÂ?Žœ’Â?Â—ČąÂŠÂŽÂœÂ?‘ŽÂ?Â’ÂŒČąÂ˜Â?Čą W properties across the world. Strolling past the Whatever/Whenever desk that stands in place of the standard concierge, we step into the welcoming Living Room that replaces an imposing lobby. Our eyes moisten at the sight of the wet deck, but are riveted by the sea view.

Wow is a short word that sums up our sweet experience on arrival. The days of discovery that follow are Wonderful, just like our room category. Feted for being the beachside haunt of the rich and famous as well as global nomads in search of enlightenment and adventure, the call of Goa is unique to both the well-heeled and Â?‘Žȹ‘’™™’ŽȹÂ?›ŠÂ&#x;Ž••Ž›ǯȹ ‘Žȹ‘Ž¢Â?ÂŠÂ˘ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ•ÂŠÄ´ÂŽÂ›ČąÂ ÂŠÂœČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ?‘Žȹ 70s‌and Vagator, where W has found a home, was their playground. Indeed, the dramatic architecture by eco.id Consulting and kaleidoscopic interiors by DesignWilkes ÂŒÂ˜Â–Â‹Â’Â—ÂŽČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂŒÂ›ÂŽÂŠÂ?ŽȹŠȹęĴ’—Â?ČąÂ?›’‹žÂ?ÂŽČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ?Â‘Â’ÂœČąÂžÂ—Â’ÂšÂžÂŽČąÂ™ÂŠÂœÂ?ÇŻ The rustic landscape of Goa is infused with the exuberant spirit of W Hotels, as we witness in the demarcation of space and the bright and beautiful decor. Just steps away from the grand entrance door, behind the reception pods adorned with white capiz shells, is a massive street art mural by Indian artist M Narayan featuring gutsy, raw imagery that celebrates the melting pot culture of Goa, in the spectrum of colour that is usually visible through divine meditation. ‘Ž—ȹ Žě›Ž¢ȹ Â’Â•Â”ÂŽÂœÇ°ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ™Â›Â’Â—ÂŒÂ’Â™ÂŠÂ•ČąÂ˜Â?Čą Žœ’Â?— Â’Â•Â”ÂŽÂœÇ°Čą ꛜÂ?ČąÂœÂŠÂ ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂœÂ’Â?ÂŽÇ°ČąÂ‘ÂŽČąÂ ÂŠÂœČąÂ—ÂŠÂ?ÂžÂ›ÂŠÂ•Â•Â˘ČąÂ’Â–Â™Â›ÂŽÂœÂœÂŽÂ?ÇŻČąČƒ Â?ČąÂ ÂŠÂœČą Â?ÂŠÂ‹ÂžÂ•Â˜ÂžÂœÇˇČ„ČąÂ‘ÂŽČąÂ›ÂŽÂŒÂŠÂ•Â•ÂœÇŻČąČƒ Â˜ÂžČąÂŠÂ›Â›Â’Â&#x;Žȹ ’Â?Â‘ČąÂŒÂ˜Â–Â–ÂŠÂ—Â?’—Â?Čą views...and then it unfolds as you work your way down towards the beach. Being in the shadow of a centuries-old fort adds to the mystique.â€? The brief was that this is W, he tells us, and it was up to the design team to arrive at ÂŠČąÂœÂžÂ’Â?Š‹•Žȹ—Š››ŠÂ?Â’Â&#x;ÂŽÇŻČąČƒ ÂŽČąÂœÂ?žÂ?Â’ÂŽÂ?ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂŠÂ›ÂŽÂŠÇ°ČąÂœÂ’Â?ŽȹŠ—Â?ČąÂ•Â˜ÂŒÂŠÂ•Čą history...and Goa being a place of many celebrations, both historically and currently, we arrived at our narrative.â€?

The edge of celebration, is the narrative expressed in Â?‘ŽȹŽÂ?Â?¢ȹÂ?Žœ’Â?Â—ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?Â‘Â’ÂœČąÂŽÂœÂŒÂŠÂ™ÂŽÇŻČąČƒ Â‘ÂŽČąÂŠÂ›ÂŒÂ‘Â’Â?ÂŽÂŒÂ?ȹǝ ’–ȹ Â˜Â˜Â—Čą Š—Â?Ç°ČąÂŽÂŒÂ˜ÇŻÂ’Â?Ç°Čą ’—Â?ÂŠÂ™Â˜Â›ÂŽÇźČąÂ‘ÂŠÂ?ȹŠ•›ŽŠÂ?¢ȹÂ?Â˜Â—ÂŽČąÂŠČąÂ?ÂŠÂ’Â›ČąÂŠÂ–Â˜ÂžÂ—Â?Čą of work, and envisioned it as a village in the shadows of the fort...set up to celebrate. That continued,â€? discloses Wilkes. Celebration is evident in the art and accessories Â?Â˜Â˜ČąČŽČąÂ•Â’Â”ÂŽČąÂ?‘ŽȹÂ?›ŠĜÂ?’ȏ•’”Žȹ Š••ȹ–ž›Š•ȹ’—ȹÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ›ÂŽÂŒÂŽÂ™Â?Â’Â˜Â—Čą ÇťÂŒÂŠÂ•Â•ÂŽÂ?Čą ÂŽÂ•ÂŒÂ˜Â–ÂŽÇźÇŻČąČƒ Â‘ÂŽČąÂŒÂŠÂ™Â’ÂŁČąÂœÂ‘ÂŽÂ•Â•ČŹÂŒÂ•ÂŠÂ?ČąÂ›ÂŽÂŒÂŽÂ™Â?Â’Â˜Â—ČąÂ™Â˜Â?ÂœČą pay homage to the capiz shells lamps of the hippies, while –ž•Â?’ȏ‘žŽÂ?ČąÂ?Â•ÂŠÂœÂœČąÂŠÂ›Â?ÂŽÂ?ŠŒÂ?ÂœÇ°ČąÂ?ÂŽÂ—Â’ÂŽČąÂ‹Â˜Ä´Â•ÂŽÂœČąÂŠÂ—Â?ČąÂ“ÂŠÂ›ÂœČąÂŒÂŠÂ?ÂŒÂ‘ČąÂ?‘Žȹ

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ABOUT THE INTERIOR DESIGNERS 'HVLJQ:LONHV LV D ERXWLTXH LQWHULRU GHVLJQ ÀUP IRXQGHG LQ $SULO ZLWK URRWV GDWLQJ EDFN WR 7KH ÀUP¡V RULJLQV LQ 6RXWK East Asia have enabled them to extend to China, India, Japan, the Middle Ast, Europe and North America.

Jeffrey A Wilkes, the principal, is recognised for his ability to EOHQG FRVPRSROLWDQ LQà XHQFHV ZLWK WUDGLWLRQ 7KH GHVLJQ ÀUP KDV FRQWULEXWHG WR WKH LQWHULRU GHVLJQ RI VRPH RI WKH ZRUOG¡V EHVW known hotels, including The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok; The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai; The Oberoi Udaivilas and The Leela Palace, Udaipur; apart from the recent W Goa, The Conrad in Bengaluru and a Ritz Carlton Reserve in Ubud. Diversity continues to be an HVVHQWLDO NH\ FKDOOHQJLQJ WKHLU FUHDWLYH LQWHUSUHWDWLRQV WR UHà HFW WKHLU FOLHQW¡V DVSLUDWLRQV

1. The Living Room replaces the imposing lobby format.

2. The grand entrance space welcomes the guest. Unframed doors showcase the work of artist Subodh Kerkar.

3. A mural by another artist, M Narayan, highlights the melting pot culture of Goa.

www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | NOVEMBER 2017 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

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HOTEL DESIGN W GOA

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4. Dripping ice chandelier fashioned by local craftspersons hangs over the popular WooBar.

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5. Fiery red and dull gold tones uplift the gourmet Pan Asian Spice Traders restaurant.

6. Rock Pool is poised to become the next big party destination in Goa. 7. Beads inspired from the earliest form of trade and arches resembling the local church add character to the Kitchen Table.

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

sun’s rays and remind us of the flower power youth culture that has swept Goa over the years,” explains Wilkes.

We notice that the design celebrates both the local and international cultures of Goa, incorporating rich colours and fabrics. Each guestroom is drenched in a psychedelic look with trippy hues of purple and blue creating a kaleidoscopic fusion of colour. Our room features a chandelier that looks as though the lights are melting from the ceiling, and the bathroom mirror is adorned with a Bodhi leaf motif, often associated with enlightenment.

The foggy metal closet doors as well as the “beaten”

HOTEL DESIGN W GOA

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS Situated between the verdant jungle and the stunning coastline of Vagator Beach, W Goa features 160 vibrant guestrooms, including villas, chalets, a Marvelous Suite and an Extreme Wow Villa (the brand’s take on the Presidential Suite). This W Escape overlooks the Arabian Sea and spans 25 acres of exotic sandy beach set against the backdrop of a 500-year-old Portuguese Fort.

Arrival: A glamorous, oversized mirrored W stands at the property’s entrance, giving guests a grand Bollywood-style arrival.

Alongside this magnificent installation are grand entrance doors that open up to transport you from the main entrance into the world of W. The artwork on the door portrays the ‘many phases of the moon’ and is created by a well-known Indian artist from Goa – Subodh Kerkar. Wall art murals behind the Welcome Desk displays designs that are symbolic of a ‘melting pot’. Street art, Goan folk art and bright colours signifying the vibrant culture and carnival celebrations are artfully embedded into the mural’s design.

W Living Room/WooBar: The design of the Living Room is inspired by the traditional carnival spirit and vibrant celebrations that the city thrives on. Rope garlands adorn the tented ceiling in a manner that exudes an authentic tent feel amidst village-like celebrations. The W Living Room extends to WooBar – crafted out of metal studs, each of which has been laid in careful symmetry by local artisans to create a textured pattern. Above WooBar, a dripillusion inspired chandelier lights the space and sways in the ocean breeze. It is designed to look like dripping candles.

Spice Traders: Spice Traders aesthetically represents a lux beach hut that showcases sumptuous sea views, with a top floor bar, lounge, an alfresco terrace and romantic settings that suit every mood and occasion.

Kitchen Table: With the rhythm of the architectural columns and installation of arches, the hotel pays homage to Chapora fort as well as the local church architecture. Drawing inspiration from the vintage tradition of beads being a form of trade amongst the hippie tribes, the interiors are decorated with different avatars of beads from floor to ceiling. The venue showcases colourful beads suspended from the ceiling that form arches complemented by ball lamps at the centre. The flooring is raised, with backlit images of spheres designed to represent beads as well.

Spa by Clarins: The Spa by Clarins is designed to feel like the great baths of Pompeii with a majestic underground pool amidst a labyrinth of corridors and rooms. Guests are transported away from the happenings around and enter a space of Zen. The spa reflects the imaginary ruins found near the Chapora fort and has become the foundation of the hotel above.

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metal drawers in the bathroom are quite trippy too, ensuring that we cannot clearly see ourselves...but rather, just our shapes and movements. Wilkes explains the reason behind the hazy look. “In the rooms, it was the illusion, the fog, the post-party haze…surfaces are reflective, but not clear...there is space, there is urban culture, there are nods to the Portuguese architecture [a remnant of Goa’s colonisation]…there’s a tiny chandelier, sweet and elegant, but with a memory far grander than itself.”

The Kitchen Table, the 24-hour restaurant and coffee shop, is a blend of Goa’s local and international influences. “It’s a salute to the bead culture [of the hippies], while simultaneously following a fortress style, with big arched ceilings – some in plaster, some in beads,” points out Wilkes, who informs us that the owner was on board

8. Spa by Clarins offers 14,000sq-ft of total relaxation.

9. Fit, the gym at W Goa.

www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | NOVEMBER 2017 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

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HOTEL DESIGN W GOA

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ABOUT THE ARCHITECTS

10. Luxury of space, views and material can be experienced at the lavish Wow Villa.

11. The green, green grass of a home away from home.

12. Often associated with enlightenment, the Bodhi leaf is used as a motif to decorate the bathroom.

The premise of eco.id, a multidisciplinary practice founded in 1996, is a modern and progressive approach to design. The firm’s name derives from the union of two concepts: “eco” and “id”. The former relates to a keen understanding of a project’s context, and a desire to create a high standard of living. The latter seeks to infuse the projects with individual identities that stem from abstract concepts or physical attributes on-site, with regard to climate, location and topography.

Since the establishment of eco.id Consulting Ltd – a corporate vehicle for projects beyond Singapore – in 1997, the firm’s footprint has extended across the globe to Brunei, China, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, the UAE and Zanzibar.

Their range of projects in varied geographical and cultural settings is a testament to their design capabilities and ability to see through project executions in non-familiar settings.

The firm’s holistic, 360-degree perspective has resulted in numerous wins at prestigious international award ceremonies. At the 2015 World Architecture Festival, the Ivy Bound International School in Bangkok received the Highly Commended Award, while the Naumi Hotel in Singapore received the President’s Design Award 2008/2009.

An ISO 9001-compliant firm since 2001, eco.id Consulting now counts more than 70 employees across its three offices in Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai. with everything the design team aimed to accomplish.

It’s always a challenge to work with Goa’s local building codes and the height restrictions imposed... but since this project is on a slope, instead of reducing

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

PROJECT DETAILS Name of the project: W Goa Resort The client: Amit Bhosale The architect: Boon Sim, eco.id Consulting Ltd, Singapore The interior designer: Jeffrey A Wilkes, DesignWilkes, Malaysia Lighting consultants: Light Vision Pvt Ltd, Satish Rana Location: Vagator Beach, North Goa Duration of project: 2010-2016 Date of completion: November 2016

ceiling heights on lower levels, they remained. The lobby became a temporary tent, which allowed the designers to push the “parameters” of ceiling heights. “It suited the narrative perfectly,” Wilkes tells us happily. “You arrive at a carnival of sorts…colours are mixed, not specific... garlands made from marine rope sweep the ceiling…furniture is mixed, it’s resort and living room and WooBar all in one, but divided into zones to create intimacy and areas that offer more privacy.”

The carnival theme that hits you as you enter the Welcome space, continues right through...not just in the rooms, but in the restaurants and spa as well. But it is the Rock Pool that’s poised to become the tourist haven’s next big party destination. Set high upon a cliff with the ocean waves crashing below, it’s the place to be if you enjoy Bohemian rhapsody blended with your sundowner.

This W is a place where you can let your hair down while the rhythm of the sea plays on. Welcome to Goa! A&I

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT DOORS & WINDOWS

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STYLE MEETS SECURITY 1

DOORS AND WINDOWS NOW EFFORTLESSLY COMBINE SAFETY WITH AESTHETICS, THANKS TO NEWER MATERIALS AND HARDWARE

BY ARUNA RATHOD

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1. Saint Gobain’s specialised glass range for windows suits the residential segment.

oors, windows and skylights play an important role in maintaining the design integrity of a structure. A good solution will effectively keep heat outside during summers and retain the indoor warmth during winters. Wear and tear and outdated materials fail to create the thermal envelope during winter. Some of the latest introductions in the doors and windows segment are energy-efficient replacement windows, doors and skylights with double panes, and insulation in a variety of styles – which not only look sleek, but also lower the energy bills.

Windows and doors are currently highly engineered in order to optimise energy performances. Doors and windows must be able to achieve ventilation, insulation from heat and cold, sound insulation, and weather-proof function as effectively as possible. In case of extreme weather conditions and wind pressure, they play an important role in safety.

Windows and doors are the core products connecting the exterior with the interior of a home or an office. Currently, when high-rises are the way forward with growing urban population, there is a need for architects to choose wisely considering factors like quality, safety and environment.

Kushal K Bajaj, executive director, Geeta Alsysco, states,

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

“Be it aluminium, steel or any other material, the most important factor these days is to meet modern architectural requirements by maintaining safety measures.” The market has various choices in multipoint locking systems that prevent thefts, along with insulated glasses which keep outdoor noises at bay and reduce energy costs in terms of air conditioning and daylight transmission.

Choices in windows depend on the projects too. “In addition to uPVC systems, aluminium system windows and special wood material is trending in the premium segment; whereas in the mass residential projects, uPVC and aluminium dominates,” explains Rajesh Chawla, director, Veka India. Here, uPVC and aluminium are both at par, but in terms of durability and high insulation against sound and heat/cold, uPVC reigns, according to Chawla.

However, if projects need slimmer sight lines and wider colour options, aluminium comes handy. Being a soft metal, lightweight, durable and 100% recyclable, it can easily incorporate safety features. “There are multiple pre-engineered options available with aluminium, considering weather conditions and security,” adds Bajaj.

In case of doors, there is a significant change in the consumer’s mindset in India. “Customers now prefer ready-

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT DOORS & WINDOWS

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ROLE OF GLASS IN WINDOWS

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2. Function reigns supreme with Thermal Break openable windows from Geeta Series.

3&4. Geeta Series elevates this luxury boat in Kerala.

5. Geeta Series 50mm large window openings enable spectacular outdoor views.

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ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

Toned glass – or ‘tinted’ glass, as it’s commonly called – restricts the entry of heat energy from the sun into a building. This is achieved because the raw glass includes metal oxides, which restrict solar radiation. As an added bonus, when the glass heats up, most of the heat it generates is released outside the building – not inside. So, the interiors stay cooler, and there’s also less glare inside. Toned glass is especially suited to homes in warmer climates where you want to keep the heat out.

Windows designed with low-E glass have a very thin layer of metal or metal oxide coating on the surface. Low-E stands for low emissivity, which implies minimal heat transfer. It is particularly suitable for locations where heat gain and loss are equally concerning challenges.

Commonly known as double-glazed windows, IGUs (Insulated Glass Units) have two or more panes of glass that are sealed with an air space between each layer. This space and the additional pane of glass provide insulation against heat transfer. Ideally, IGU windows should use toned or low-E glass to make them even more energy-efficient. The best IGU windows also have argon gas between each pane, rather than just regular air. Because it keeps heat in and out, IGUs are ideal for warm climates, cool climates as well as mixed climates.

Thermal breaks and IGUs take the benefits of energy-efficient windows to the next level. In these windows, the aluminium frame is separated by a less heat-conductive material, such as polyamide. This ‘thermal break’ reduces the heat transfer through the aluminium frame. An IGU window with a thermal break is also most effective when it uses toned or low-E glass, and has argon gas in the space between each glass pane.

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CASE STUDY: VEKA INDIA 6

6. Veka’s uPVC windows adorn the new residential project – Happy Home Jade Ganesha.

7. Quality glass and profiles provide aesthetically superior fenestration to high-rises.

8. Modular doors by Century Ply are gaining momentum.

made finished doors. Instead of hiring a carpenter and incurring huge outgoings, they prefer panel doors which assure good finishing, quality timber and hassle-free installation,” says Nikita Bansal, director, Doors, CenturyPly. Moreover, like many other building materials, doors are also being seen as a branded category. People now prefer strong, durable and branded doors.

Readymade designer doors, made out of wood frame, MDF or particle board fillers, are popular. One can choose decorative finishes from an array of options – viz, PVC membrane, Recon veneer or natural veneer, paint, laminate and much more. “Manufacturers are meeting the demands of clients with fixed sizes and thicknesses of doors and frames. The finishing is standardised with machine finishes,” adds Bansal.

Security is one of the foremost concerns with doors and windows, and so is application. Certain regions require termite-proof or water-proof doors. Rajeev Antony, MD, Schüco India, states that architects today are looking at security as one of the key attributes when choosing doors.

“Doors made from wood and aluminium are quite popular.

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ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

At the on-going residential project Happy Home Jade Ganesha in Matunga East (Mumbai), Veka offered uPVC window solutions to best meet the design requirements. The project involves a combination of sliding and openable windows with ‘multipoint locking’ hardware for better security. The living room comes with a bay window with huge sliding panels in the middle, and openable panels on either sides, connected with a Special Corner Coupling that ensures complete sealing at the corners. All sliding windows are provided with stainless steel fly mesh. In the kitchen area, special uPVC louvers are provided for better aesthetics.

The sit-out area has a sliding door with unique low aluminium threshold, which gives obstacle-free access to the area. Veka’s multi-chambered uPVC profile system, with wall thickness 2.5 to 2.8mm, is used for all windows. For better safety and performance, laminated glass of 12.14mm (6mm toughened + 1.14PVB + 5mm toughened) thickness is employed.

Aesthetics is important, and so is insulation. Aluminium systems score over other materials due to durability,” maintains Antony. In commercial spaces, integration of doors and windows with the building envelope and other systems is essential, along with ease of operation, maintenance and cost. It is also crucial to provide hazard and fire-resistant

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NEW PRODUCTS

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9&10. Whether made from aluminium or uPVC, coloured and sleek profiles are trending.

doors wherever required. When it comes to residential spaces, aesthetics, security, performance and automation are the determining factors.

Schüco’s latest 360 degree campaign in Germany is centered around security within windows and doors. Statistics show that in over 90% of cases, the perpetrators/thieves break in through poorly protected windows, entrance doors and sliding doors – making safety and security a top concern for doors and windows in homes.

Bansal reiterates the importance of doors in residences, because it forms the first impression of the house – so while security is of prime importance, one should keep in mind the importance of aesthetics. “Any door which is used on the external façade should ideally be boiling water proof to take on the ravages of weather over time,” says Bansal. Interiors like bathrooms need moisture-resistant flush doors, with minimum design crevices and plain surfaces – so that the water can flow off easily. “Commercial spaces typically use

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

Geeta Alsysco’s High performance Geeta Series Thermal Break Windows meet energy efficiency standards thanks to the polyamide strip and DG (double glazed) glass – both providing optimised thermal insulation. Glazing choice ranges from 8mm to 24mm (triple glazing option is also available) with multi-point locking possibility. The Geeta Series 50mm Sliding System Windows (for large openings) provide shutters that go up to 12ft or more. It comes in multiple glazing options up to 30mm, and small face width interlocking as small as 35mm.

CenturyPly Doors has introduced new-age products like cement fibre boards and planks under the brand Zykron, and PVC sheets under the brand Starke. In the decorative section, Century Venlam imparts the strength and versatility of laminates into veneers. Venlam is a boiling water resistant product, and is termite and borer resistant too.

Saint Gobain product ranges Evo, EvoLite and EvoPlus meet the Green requirements of modern buildings, and can be considered as all-season products. These glasses have the advantage of a lower solar factor and lower U-value, which is necessary for a country like India. Its subtle appearance and range of colour options makes it resonate with the residential segment.

Veka is offering diverse solutions based on new demands and criteria. Its AD 70 casement provides the highest degree of sound and heat insulation – an extremely desirable feature for fenestration in India. Special Sliding System is ideal for big size windows, and suitable for high-rises in the cities. Special modules like slide & open, and various colours in acrylic COEX profiles are some of Veka’s other offerings. a lot of glass for increased visibility and in order to lend an open look,” she adds.

Most clients are also aware of the importance of fenestration, which includes windows, doors, louvers, vents, wall panels, skylights, storefronts, curtainwalls, and slope glazed

@gbci_India gbci.org/India

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT DOORS & WINDOWS

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ROLE OF HARDWARE

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systems. Chawla says, “Doors and windows should meet both the functional and aesthetic criteria in commercial and residential spaces. The points to keep in mind are...level of heat and sound insulation, system safety and reliability, and functional life of the modules being chosen.”

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

11. High-end, secure door solution by Schüco for a commercial space.

12. Windows by Schüco add to the facade’s aesthetics.

13. Schüco Tilt & Turn windows have a high quality finish.

With rising power prices and an increased awareness about the environmental impact of generating electricity, consumers are investing in energy-efficient windows and doors.

Windows play a key role in heat loss and gain of a built space. When selecting them, it’s important to consider the design, glass type, glazing and seals. Chawla states, “Where proper sealing is not feasible, leakages happen – thus making the modules inefficient in terms of energy saving. For instance, MS windows that still dot our buildings in India (many buildings in CP, New Delhi area). If the windows and doors are made with the right material and system, like uPVC or thermally broken aluminium system, a high degree of energy saving is achieved.”

Most modern hotels in India choose uPVC system windows for their energy efficiency. The advantage with uPVC is that the material being a bad conductor of heat and sound, it’s naturally a better performer in terms of heat and sound insulation. “uPVC goes further on energy savings, which is one of the most important criteria in LEED ratings,” adds Chawla.

As for wooden doors, some experts like to exercise caution. Bansal states, “Wooden or cheap flush door have problems of warping and bending, which creates easy movement of air inside and outside.” This reduces the efficiency of the cooling or heating system being used inside, and leads

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

The aesthetics of window and door hardware are equally important to the function. Hardware is often one of the defining features of windows and doors. The form and function of handles and latches can considerably enhance appearance and usability.

“Hardware is a very important component. Actually, the profile systems and fittings go hand-in-hand and complement each other. The ease of moving sashes (shutters), proper closure and smooth opening of modules, etc, all depends on the fittings, its specifications and quality. Hardware for modules like lift & slide doors, slide & fold doors, big size slider windows, and various combination modules like window with a casement door with heavy glass weight, etc, are very much in demand these days,” adds Rajesh Chawla of Veka India.

Kushal K Bajaj of Geeta Alsysco says, “Good quality hardware is a good and useful investment. With the right hardware, one can ensure easy installation of the windows, besides security. Quality hardware gives a final touch to the interiors.” In case one uses good toughened glass and hardware, one doesn’t need to have MS Grills, which become an obstacle during emergency exits. to higher power consumption. But good quality fenestration ensures an air-tight area, leading to increased efficiency of the cooling or heating systems.

Besides heat gain, there is also air infiltration and leakage which needs to be managed. All this contributes to a rise in energy costs. Hence, it is imperative to use a good solution to help regulate the climate inside the house. “Schüco systems have high quality gaskets, and designed door mullion profiles to be thermally-insulated, allowing for excellent temperature regulation at any time of the year. This reduces energy costs to cool/warm the indoor temperature and, hence, aids in energy efficiency,” explains Antony.

One of the biggest challenges is air conditioning, as it is fast replacing fans. “Choosing the right windows is crucial to spaces, be it residential or commercial,” says Bajaj. “We, at Geeta Aluminium, design our windows to be completely air-tight, designed as multi-chambered profiles properly insulated with gaskets, avoiding direct transfer of heat or cold air to impact the inside conditions. We also offer Thermal Break windows which cater to extreme climates.” A&I

Project : GODREJ ONE, Mumbai Architect : Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, New York Facade Consultant : ALT Cladding, Manillas

INDIA AWARDS 2014

INDIA AWARDS 2017

Project : OMKAR 1973, Mumbai Architect : Foster+Partners, London Facade Consultant : BES Consultants

INDIA AWARDS 2015

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT DOORS & WINDOWS

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INDUSTRY SPECIALISTS OFFER IMPORTANT INSIGHTS INTO THE DOORS & WINDOWS SEGMENT Are inbuilt safety features for doors and windows becoming popular in India?

Kushal K Bajaj: The acceptance of windows with safety features is less due to lack of awareness with the common people. With continuous efforts, we are educating and upgrading the fenestration [range] in India.

Nikita Bansal: As of now, it is not popular in India. Few builders have started using these features as value added service. Maybe when bodies like CREDAI (The Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India) or RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) come up with some rules [and regulations], it will become popular.

Rajeev Antony: It is gradually picking up, and clients are realising the importance of automation and safety in their doors and windows. The Schüco Door Control System (DCS) is a unique modular door management system for door communication and access control, adding security to the entrance. DCS combines comfort and security with the latest technology and sophisticated design. Schüco also offers windows, doors and sliding systems which are tested and certified for safety (burglar resistance RC3).

Rajesh Chawla: Systems are now available where you can build in the safety features like access entries, burglar alarm systems, burglar-proof locking systems and glass, MS grills (though not recommended), fire-retardant material, etc.

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Is there a satisfactory range of fire-proof and smoke-proof windows in the market?

Bajaj: The melting point for aluminium is above 600°Celsius, which is less in comparison to the melting of steel – but better than wood and plastic. Therefore, there are contradictions on the products – like windows giving wide opening or needing fire insulation. Well, currently the need of the hour is to make wide opening (windows) to rescue more people during emergency situations, which is made possible today with aluminium windows. The biggest challenge is fixed steel grills that are installed outside the windows, which have been the key cause of endangering life and resulting in delays in rescue operations. Therefore, we recommend providing large openable (windows) with no obstacles like grills or walls, which might lead to no escape.

Bansal: The fire-proof door market is at a nascent stage.

Although few companies have started selling fire-proof doors, the demand is very limited.

Chawla: Normally, windows are not required to be fire or smoke proof – the reason being, the window openings are not the path of fire spread in any building.

1. Kushal K Bajaj.

2. Nikita Bansal.

3. Rajeev Antony.

4. Rajesh Chawla.

Do the options in the doors and windows segment satisfy the needs of tall buildings?

Bajaj: Numerous options are available to serve the requirements of high-rises and tall buildings. Basic necessities which are to be considered, are extreme weather conditions and drainage system which doesn’t allow exterior water to gush back in extreme conditions.

The system should be designed to accommodate build-

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

PANEL OF EXPERTS Kushal K Bajaj, executive director, Geeta Alsysco Nikita Bansal, director, Doors, CenturyPly Rajeev Antony, MD, Schüco India Rajesh Chawla, director, Veka India ing movements, deflection, expansion and tolerances.

Another challenge with high-rises is the extreme wind pressure; to handle such wind pressure, special systems are required which deflect the pressure falling on the centre of the structure.

For high-rises, aluminium has always been the first choice with architects and developers – since it is a lighter material, (which helps) to reduce the structural load on a building. Its properties of being stronger and flexible, can be customised as per the architect’s intent on a lower cost – (and it also helps tall buildings). It offers most options (with respect to) colours and techniques such as powder coating, anodising and PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride).

On a global level, aluminium windows are catering from the extreme luxury range to the most economical range – sufficing all sections of society with durability and low maintenance as compared to other materials.

Bansal: Properties of doors are not related to the height of the building. We have a complete range of door products, and those are suitable for all types of buildings irrespective of their height.

Chawla: Yes, today the options available in India are at par with what is available internationally – but few people use the right quality and specifications. For safety, the windows must be able to withstand heavy wind and rain conditions. For high degree of sound insulation, the same must be able to accommodate higher thickness of insulating glass.

Are the installation techniques for doors and windows standardised now?

Bajaj: Standardising installation techniques is not feasible, as every need is diverse. Installation principles/methods are identical for all market segments – except that the building details may vary. Our support system offers on-site inspection during installation in terms of having perfectly installed windows. Post installation, on-site inspection is provided to certify the windows by our technical department. More than 2,000 fabricators are being trained till date under the Geeta Support System initiative.

Bansal: It is not standardised yet, and it is completely carpenter dependent. We, as a company, train carpenters to standardise the installation across India.

Antony: Schüco works with only chosen fabricators; and the fabrication and installation techniques are as per our global standards, which are the industry benchmark.

Chawla: No. This is where the big challenge is, and the industry needs to focus on organising the practice. A&I

To visit register online!

India’s only exhibition covering the entire value chain of the LED industry 30 Nov – 2 Dec 2017 Pragati Maidan, New Delhi www.ledexpo-delhi.com

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2017 Attractions • 15,000 sqm of gross exhibition space • 250+ Exhibitors • 12 participating countries viz. China, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, UAE and USA • Future Zone! Visit to experience the “next gen technology” in the LED industry

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PREVIEW FBC 2017

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SHANGHAI CALLING

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FENESTRATION BAU CHINA WILL BE HELD FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THIS ORGANISATIONAL FORM IN SHANGHAI

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1&2. Last year, FBC had more than 4,500 Congress participants and 71 accompanying exhibitors.

enestration BAU China (FBC) is Asia’s largest and the world’s second largest gathering in the fenestration industry, consisting of an exhibition, conferences and concurrent events.

The event (November 7-10) focuses on products, technologies and solutions in the fenestration industry as well as innovation of business models, serving as a platform for business cooperation and information exchanges.

The good infrastructure at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) fairgrounds will provide exhibitors ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ products for the Chinese construction industry.

As usual, halls N3 to N5 and halls E5 to E7 will display solutions for windows, doors and façades. In halls N1 and N2, visitors will have an opportunity to learn about the newlyadded segments of building automation, building technology as well as BAU IT. ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ high-end solutions for building systems in Asia. With main topics such as ‘Tomorrow’s Urban Design’, ‘Future Building Systems’ and ‘Projects for China’, the Congress complements the exhibition portfolio and focuses on practical solutions that have been tailored to the special needs of the Chinese construction industry. ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ will act as a communications and information platform. It will facilitate discussions between manufacturers and project developers, architects, planners and distributors.

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ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ with BAU Congress China since 2014. The objective of FBC ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȃ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ BAU’s brand recognition there. When it was last held in July 2016, FBC had more than 4,500 Congress participants and 71 accompanying exhibitors.

Fenestration BAU China is held each year on a rotating basis between Shanghai and Beijing. The annual cycle has been deliberately chosen as a way of continuously and seamlessly presenting solutions in the world’s largest construc ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ¢ȱ Ĝ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ modernisation of buildings and entire city districts. A&I

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GREEN DAYS WITH A PINK HAZE THE CII-IGBC GREEN BUILDING CONGRESS, HELD IN JAIPUR LAST MONTH, WAS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

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1. A special session was held for Green Building Consultants with the World GBC chair and CEO. 2. CII-IGBC also hosted the World GBC’s annual members meet in Jaipur.

his October, the ever-popular Pink City was hit by the Green wave when architects and related professionals gathered to renew their commitment to sustainability at the 15th edition of the CII-IGBC’s Green Building Congress (GBC 2017). Over 2,000 delegates and 4,000 visitors in total were present at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur to witness the impact of the Green building movement in the country and its promising future. Participants received a special welcome by Rajpal Singh Shekhawat, Minister for Industry, NRI & Govt Enterprise, Government of Rajasthan; and Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Minister for Forest, Environment, ˜žÂ?‘ȹ Ä›ÂŠÂ’Â›ÂœČąÇ­Čą ™˜›Â?ÂœÇ°Čą ˜Â&#x;Ž›—–Ž—Â?ČąÂ˜Â?Čą Š“ŠœÂ?‘Š—ȹŠÂ?ČąÂ?‘Žȹ inauguration of the three-day conference and exhibition.

CII-IGBC also had the honour of hosting the World GBC’s annual members meet at the event, where Tai Lee Siang, chair, World GBC, and Terri Wills, CEO, World GBC, along with CEOs and experts from over 30 Green Building Councils were present. On the occasion, architect and urban planner Siang highlighted the three Es of Green building – engagement, excitement and encouragement. Through engagement, ČąÂ Â˜ÂžÂ•Â?ȹ‹›’—Â?ČąÂ?˜Â?ÂŽÂ?Â‘ÂŽÂ›ČąÂ–ÂŽÂ–Â‹ÂŽÂ›ÂœČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?’쎛Ž—Â?ČąÂŒÂ˜ÂžÂ—Â?Â›Â’ÂŽÂœČąÂ?Â˜Čą carry on the spirit of sustainable development; excitement will be generated upon hearing their success stories. He further added that the member councils will be encouraged in knowing that they are not alone in the run for a Green planet.

Shedding light on the accomplishments of the World Green Building Council, Wills said that Green building policies have had around 60% impact. She explained how the council is

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ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

GREEN CHAMPIONS World Green Building Council Chairman’s Award 2017 Romilly Madew, CEO, Green Building Council, Australia Green Championship Award Indian Railways, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, SBI, Reliance Industries Limited, ICICI, Carrier- United Technologies, Agarwal & Agarwal Interior Designer, RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, Godrej Green Building Consultancy Services, Thomas Associates Architects, and Orbit Group Special Recognition Awards 2017 Infosys, ITC, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Wipro Green Your School Contest 2017 Innovation Category: Kendriya Vidyalaya; IIT Kanpur Education and Awareness Category: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Public School, Hyderabad %HQHĂ€WV WR 6FKRRO DQG 6RFLHW\ &DWHJRU\ PSBB Senior Secondary School, Chennai IGBC Green Design Competition 2017 First prize (joint winners): Rishabh Jain, MNIT, Jaipur; and Shivjeet Potdar, RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru Third prize: Akhil Akash and Mrinal Kumar Das, School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Vijayawada changing the way buildings are being constructed, their critiÂŒÂŠÂ•ČąÂ›Â˜Â•ÂŽČąÂŠÂ?ČąÂ?‘Žȹ —’Â?ÂŽÂ?Čą ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂœÇ°ČąÂŠÂ—Â?ČąÂ‘Â˜Â ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽÂ˘ČąÂŠÂŒÂ?ČąÂŠÂœČąÂŠČąÂœÂ’Â?—’ęcant contributor towards addressing climate change. Wills

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user-friendly features, and its incorporation of sustainable features such as energy consumption, water use and waste management.

The event was also marked by the launch of India’s first rating system for existing cities — IGBC Green Cities Rating (for Existing Cities). The rating system for Green Affordable Housing, Green New Building (Version 3.0) and Green Interiors Rating System were also launched.

Over the three days, the Congress showcased Green materials, technologies that have been transforming the country, and how traditional practices are also being upgraded to stay true to the Green cause. Parasu Raman R, chairmanGreen Products & Services Council, & founding chairman, IGBC, pointed out how the Indian ready mix concrete industry is embracing Green concepts. Their attempts are expected to reduce Green House Gas emissions by 1.5 lakh tons per year. He added that CII, along with Ready Mix Concrete Manufacturing Association, Quality Council of India and International Finance Corporation, is developing GreenPro Certification for ready mix concrete.

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SUSTAINABLE RAJASTHAN

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3. Winners of the Green Your School Contest 2017.

4. The new IGBC Healthy Building for Occupants Rating System was launched at the Congress.

5. Romilly Madew (centre) being awarded the World Green Building Council Chairman’s Award 2017

by Terri Wills and Tai Lee Siang.

6. Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Minister for Forest, Environment, Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Rajasthan, at the inaugral session.

also added, “The Asia Pacific region, which includes India, is one of the fastest-growing regions in the Green building space. World GBC is driving the mission of ensuring Green building for ‘everyone – everywhere’. India, one of the first founding members of WGBC, has been playing a vital role in accelerating the global Green building movement.”

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS To make sure this Green acceleration is not confined to cities, GBC 2017 put forward an inclusive and contextual vision. V Suresh, chairman, Policy & Advocacy Committee, IGBC, pointed out, “The Green building movement should not just be urban centric, it should reach villages and rural parts of India. With these objectives, IGBC (on one hand) has been driving initiatives to introduce various rating systems customised to meet the requirements of different types of built environment – including IGBC Green Building Village rating system. At the same time, our effort has been to create opportunities for market transformation and make Green building affordable to ensure greater participation.” A session titled ‘Eco Village: A Standing example of low carbon future’ by Gauranga Das, director, Govardhan Eco Village, showed the true potential of rural areas in the creation of a sustainable country.

A new rating program, IGBC Healthy Building for Occupants Rating System, was also launched to broaden the Green impact and ensure healthy buildings for occupants.

The program evaluates buildings based on the design’s

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

As the host, Rajasthan shared some of its extraordinary and positive adoptions of Green principles in the state. Elaborating on its energy-saving initiatives, Rajasthan Chief Secretary, Ashok Jain said that the State has installed LED lights in 158 cities, from among the 191 cities in its care. He added that it is the number one in the country in terms of switching to energy-efficient lights. The state is also producing 2,000 MWs of solar energy, which is the second largest in the country, and soon hopes to lead in this segment.

Inviting investment in Green projects in the State, Jain assured that the large national and international participation indicates awareness and interest towards creating a sustainable built environment. The thrust areas for investment are mostly manufacturing, real estate, tourism, IT and services — he pointed out.

In its commitment to sustainability, future development plays a crucial role, as Shekhawat expressed. “The Government is offering 5% additional FAR (floor area ratio) for projects under JDA (Jaipur Development Authority).

Rajasthan has 83 IGBC registered projects with a footprint of 103 million sq-ft of Green buildings – making it a role model for other states. Awareness of the Green building concept is very important to further this growth.”

What stood out among its achievements is the appreciation for tradition and the willingness to use technology to enhance it. Sriram Vedire, chairperson, Rajasthan River Basin and Water Resources Planning Authority, spoke about their successful water management – which employs Rajasthan’s unique solutions in conjunction with modern technology and with the help of the local people.

They have revived the traditional storing mechanisms by incorporating technologies like geo-tagging, mobile applications and geo-synchronisation. This has resulted in successful construction of one lakh water harvesting structures in 3,700 villages, making them self-reliant in terms of water.

This is a reflection of the participatory and mass movement approach adopted by the State of Rajasthan, Vedire stated. A&I

RESTAURANT DESIGN GATEWAY TAPROOM BKC

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TAP DANCE

DESIGNED BY WAD IN THE INDUSTRIAL VINTAGE STYLE, GATEWAY TAPROOM BKC PROVIDES A VIBRANT VENUE FOR SOCIAL GATHERINGS

BY MARIA LOUIS

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1. Comfort and timeless trendiness were primary aims in the design of the flagship outlet of Gateway Brewing Company.

tepping past the inviting glass doors lit with the familiar logo of Gateway Brewing Company, we enter a grey, white and brown space enlivened by green foliage that lends an element of freshness to the subdued colour palette. The Gateway Taproom at BKC exudes an ambience that’s instantly relaxing.

Predominantly done in wood, from the bar set-up to the tables that are spread across, there’s enough room for up to 100 people. The walls are kept simple with white exposed brick and a strip of orange with a touch of signature graffiti to bring in a sense of balance, blending in with the wood seamlessly and simultaneously reflecting the brand colours. The ceiling is also simple and exposed, to a large extent, complemented by high-bay pendant lighting and a perfect balance of daylight.

This basic look of comfort and timeless trendiness is what the people behind the Gateway Taproom were aiming for, at their flagship outlet. “The client wanted to create an absolutely simple space without any overbearing or OTT (over the top) design elements, a space which would render itself well for corporate lunches, daily/weekly get-togethers and casual walk-in guests alike,” discloses Jatin Hukkeri, principal of WAD, adding that the first impression that he got when he saw the site, was of a clean, rectangular space with a fairly

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

THE DESIGN CONCEPT Gateway Brewing Co. is not new to the people of the city. Their beers have been available at popular bars and restaurants across Mumbai and Pune since 2014. Thanks to this venture, now there’s a space dedicated solely to Gateway craft beer and wholesome food.

The Gateway Taproom at BKC is spread across 2,000sq-ft, and the space has been designed by Bengaluru-based Jatin Hukkeri of WAD Design in the industrial vintage style.

A unique feature of the Gateway Taproom is its communal style seating that has been inspired by beer gardens in Germany to encourage socialisation and interaction. Long tables with cushioned high chairs as well as low-slung bench seating options make the Gateway Taproom a space where you can come to chill over some craft beer with friends, hash out a business deal with colleagues or celebrate with friends or family over a pint. well-placed ceiling height – which, he observes, is a rarity across the majority of spaces in Mumbai. He recalls that “it was an exciting space with the given height, more than anything else. We did, at once, want to create multi-layers

RESTAURANT DESIGN GATEWAY TAPROOM BKC 2

(levels) within this space and place the bar counter along with taps either right in front next to the glazing or at the far end attached to the kitchen, which would also have a great visual for those who walk in.”

The design team promptly went to work on the clearly defined brief, creating just what was desired according to the client’s vision for the space and their parent brand which is represented through this space. They also kept in mind the pre-existing brand guidelines while planning the furniture layout, choosing the materials and, finally, the lighting in a manner that would be in sync with the brand’s philosophy.

The space has been divided into the levels currently visible on site for two reasons – the primary one being that the prominence that the bar counter deserves would have been extremely common to achieve on the same floor level. Second, to give flexibility to all users to use in a manner necessary as per occasions, viz. group meetings, office get-togethers, parties and occasions of all kinds. “It is always important to bifurcate spaces smartly – so that while one part of the space is occupied by a certain group/party, the other part still remains open to the other guests/walk-ins/another party,” points out Hukkeri; Timber is used as the primary material for all the fixed and loose furniture, and mirror forms an integral part of the bar.

Off-whites for the walls with a brick-red accent, greys for the floors with timber accents, black enamel for the partitions and charcoal grey plastic emulsion for the ceiling – the subdued colour palette is rendered refreshingly vibrant with green foliage at intervals. Wood is used in plenty, but glass and aluminium were rejected in order to avoid audio echo and its alien nature to a place primarily associated with beer.

Whatever materials were chosen, were purely based on the design brief and the brand’s vision for the space, insists Hukkeri, who explains the colour and material choices, saying: “Places that primarily serve beer and food are usually

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ABOUT THE DESIGNERS Workroom for Architecture+Design (WAD) specialises in creating spaces that are sensitive to context. From an architectural or interior design perspective and through their design, they believe in responding to the surroundings of a site. WAD began to take on a range of projects in 2010 and is headed by principal architect Jatin Hukkeri, who was once an integral member of the core design team at Khosla Associates, of architect Sandeep Khosla fame, in Bengaluru. He moved on to be a part of the team at Anil Dube Architects. The desire to spread his wings independently resulted in the genesis of WAD. Today, Hukkeri inspires his colleagues at WAD to create context-sensitive spaces. With an affinity for architecture, the organisation creates residential spaces, offices, F&B outlets and retail units. The company also takes on interior design for retail and office spaces.

For more information on WAD, please visit www.wadesign.in

2. Daylight is perfectly balanced with the high-bay pendant lighting.

3&4. Communal style seating inspired by beer gardens in Germany encourages interaction.

5. Jatin Hukkeri of WAD.

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RESTAURANT DESIGN GATEWAY TAPROOM BKC

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PROJECT DETAILS The project: Gateway Taproom BKC The client: Gateway Taprooms LLP The designers: WAD [Jatin Hukkeri (principal), Tanya Chowhan & Monica Taparia], Bengaluru HVAC consultants: WAD, Bengaluru Lighting consultants: WAD, Bengaluru, & Anand Mittal (promoter).

Plumbing & Electrical consultants: Prism Consultants, Bengaluru Fit-out contractor: Mihir Mistry Area: 2,200sq-ft Location: Ground Floor, Jet Airways-Godrej BKC Building, BKC, Mumbai Duration of project: 120 days.

Date of completion: August 2017

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MATERIALS & SUPPLIERS

6. The design palette is intentionally restrictive to maintain the perfect ambience for craft beers.

7. The subdued colour palette is rendered refreshingly vibrant with green foliage at intervals.

Flooring: Full body vitrified tile and timber flooring Stone: Used for bar counter-top Ceiling: Painted in plastic emulsion Lighting/light fixtures: Custom-made with Osram luminaires Wall partitions: Custom-made in MS and timber Wall textures: Plastic emulsion applied over brickwork cladding Dado: 300x300mm ceramic tiles used only on the inner sides of bar counter and all walls of the kitchen Paint: Plastic emulsion and enamel Tables and chairs: Custom-made in timber Sofas/soft seating: Cushioned and draped in leatherette, custom-made Other loose furniture: Sideboard made-to-order on site Sanitary fittings: Not applicable (part of the building) Hardware: Hettich/Ebco and Ozone Air-conditioning/HVAC system: Blue Star

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

composed of this palette. Not only is it easy on the mind/eye, it makes for an easy conversation starter or an engaging space with people in it – so that one can enjoy the space along with its F&B, and not get carried away or bogged down by OTT interiors or choice of materials itself.”

While the design team found working with the clients fun, they would come up with designs which they thought were simple and aligned to the brief/brand ideology – but to their surprise, they would be asked to be simplify their simple designs even further! Maintaining that there weren’t any obstacles to surmount, as this was a happy space with happy clients, Hukkeri points to one over-riding challenge: the limitations imposed by the building authorities in terms of what could be designed, how and where, signages included.

Art plays an important role in design, he believes. “It is absolutely essential. Art adds soul to a project,” says the designer, who has used photographic art for the modern taproom. Like any creative soul, he thinks there is always room for improvement, and wishes that we had “better men and materials/technology in India to do a true polished concrete floor, with the aid of which we wouldn’t have compromised the flooring to be in vitrified tile.” Well, tile or no tile, Gateway Taproom BKC gives us one more reason to smile. Cheers! A&I

INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY MORAH PHOTOGRAPHS:COURTESY NAVIGATE DESIGN

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DRESSED IN SOFT SHADES

CANADIAN STUDIO NAVIGATE DESIGN COMPLETES MORAH, THE 149-COVER RESTAURANT AT THE WORLD’S TALLEST HOTEL 1

1. Soft colours and design elements define Morah at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai.

2. The peach-hued reception is complemented by greenery.

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hen the team behind Toronto’s and Miami’s Byblos restaurant decided to bring their Eastern Mediterranean concept to the UAE, they commissioned a Toronto-based studio Navigate Design to create Morah, a 149-seat restaurant located on the 71st and 72nd floors of the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. The team, which previously delivered interiors for the Weslodge Saloon in the same hotel, approached the design specifically catering to the Middle East market, especially the Dubai dining crowd.

“ICON Legacy Hospitality, a full-service hospitality management company aimed for a progressive design,” explains Ken Lam, principal at Navigate Design.

While the design team set out to monopolise the 270-degree unblocked view of Dubai’s skyline, they also faced several challenges working with the specific architecture, which resembles a sheriff star with hard converging angles at all corners.

“To balance such overpowering architecture, we had to soften the space in order to work with Morah’s feminine brand,” shares Lam. Guests arrive at the 72nd floor via a private elevator into

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INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY MORAH 3

an intimate peach-hued reception filled with greenery and candle-lit lanterns. A pair of resin oil paintings set the tone for what’s to come, with colours and subtle gold leaf accent resonating with the interior palette.

Further in, the dining room opens up into an airy space with the panoramic views of the skyline. A sculptural spiral staircase ties the two-floor restaurant together as it unwinds around a cascading chandelier down at the 71st floor.

The concentric design is also reflected in the ceiling, where wooden flower petals are staggered inside a circular light cove.

Commenting on the overall feminine colour palette, Lam says that the warm and neutral shades, along with a prominent curve detailing, were incorporated to soften the otherwise angular architecture.

“On the 71st floor, hues of peach, salmon, mint-green and turquoise were used throughout,” he says. “Antiqued mirrors, weathered planters, softly lit palm trees, eclectic lanterns and sea creatures in solid brass are placed throughout, to create the cosy and warm ambience.”

One of the focal points in the restaurant is the 10m-long bar with hand-carved wood scalloping detail, which spans across the entire bar front, complete with satin lacquer finish.

Suspending brass shelving above filled with gold and glass

3. A centre booth anchors itself at the bottom of the stairs.

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INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY MORAH

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4. Hues of peach, salmon and turquoise were used throughout the venue.

5. A prominent curve detailing was incorporated to soften the angular architecture.

6. A spiral staircase acts as a statement feature.

decanters along with the old-world back bar cabinetry lined with antiqued mirror all help in reflecting the views.

The lower dining area carries a similar feminine palette.

Another focal point coming down the spiral staircase is the centre booth that seats six and anchors itself at the bottom of the stairway – one of Lam’s favourite design features.

According to the team, this area is envisioned as the ultimate ‘be seen’ VIP experience for guests.

Additionally, an extravagant mezze bar anchors one side of the dining room, and a large mermaid mirror wall defines the other. Art and graphics play a significant role in all of Navigate Design’s creations – starting from the entry resin painting and the large mirror wall with the digitally-printed mermaid tails to the hand-applied gold leafing by the design crew on site.

“There are also 39 frames of jellyfish photography in the two restroom corridors, again with hand-painted gold accent and leafing done on every single piece before they were hung,” adds Lam.

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The crew also designed four custom oval rugs, with mermaid motif in coral colour over peach undertone – each defining different dining zones. Morah is bold enough to show off strong femininity, but all the details are subtle.

“Whether it is that perfect curve wood archway, the offset stair balustrades, or that splash of gold underneath the resin coating, there is always more to discover,” concludes Lam. A&I

PORTFOLIO HASHIM SARKIS

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FROM LEBANON TO USA AND BACK LEBANESE ARCHITECT HASHIM SARKIS’ WORK INFLUENCES REGIONS ACROSS THE GLOBE

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1. Byblos Town Hall is clad with sandstone, the ‘official stone’ of the city.

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ith dozens of projects and publications under his belt, it would seem that Lebanese architect Hashim Sarkis, founder of Hashim Sarkis Studios, would be ready to slow down – even if just by a small bit. Rather, he seems as busy as ever, with his work taking him to seemingly opposing places, like the coast of Byblos and the outskirts of Boston. Though he’s worked in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), Asia and Canada, it’s Sarkis’ contribution to the development and reconstruction of Lebanon – from Beirut’s downtown to the country’s fishing village of Tyre – that stands out so prominently.

“Beirut is happening,” Sarkis says, wittingly. “It’s on the international design scene. A lot is happening here, and there’s a lot of young talent. There’s also a lot of interaction between the art and architecture cultures, so I think there’s a lot of innovative work going on here. I’m always happy to see what Lebanese artists are doing.”

According to Sarkis, he knew he wanted to be an architect by the age of three. “Before I even knew what architecture was,” he adds. Growing up in a house designed by Polish architect Karol Schayer and Lebanese architect Watheq Adib – friends of his father – he was bound to an artistic environment from an early age.

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

“It was a beautiful, small, modern house with colourful walls, open spaces and a little courtyard. People would always come and admire the house. I wanted to be like Schayer and Adib, and that feeling never left me,” he discloses.

Though he started his studies at the American University of Beirut, the outburst of the Civil War triggered his movement to the Unites States, where he continued his education first at Rhode Island School of Design and then at Harvard.

“I aspire to think of the world as one,” shares Sarkis. “There are universal values and cultures that can be expressed and strengthened. Of course, we need to look at local conditions and the circumstances that make a project happen, from the client to the material constraints to the site and environmental conditions. I start every project that way. I look at the contingencies of the place and culture, and then imagine it in the bigger world and try to express its connection.”

Launched in 1998, Hashim Sarkis Studios’ portfolio is extensive, from residential towers to urban masterplanning.

And his work is as varied as his style, with developments including the contemporary and nearly monumental Town Hall of Byblos and the multi-building complex in Tyre that follows a colourful Mediterranean palette. With more than 30 projects to date, Sarkis’ architecture is able to speak different languages and provoke different experiences.

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Perhaps one of his more well-known projects is the Souks in Beirut’s downtown. The reconstruction effort was led by Spanish architect Rafaelo Moneo and Sarkis was involved as a representative, coordinating between Moneo and local Lebanese architects.

“The Souks could have benefited from a more imaginative way of bringing their spatial and mercantile character to bear on the kind of retail they housed,” Sarkis opines, when confronted by criticism shared by the public regarding the project’s design. “Instead, they were lazily turned into a mall, but I hope that, with time, they will evolve into something more unique, and in sync with the architectural and urban layout. Regardless, working on a project that was attempting to move the city’s history forward was a great experience,” he says.

In addition to his architectural accomplishments, Sarkis taught Architecture and Urban Design at Harvard for nearly 20 years before becoming the first Aga Khan Professor of Landscape Design and Urbanism. More than two years ago, though, he transferred to MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge) to be the dean of the School of Architecture. “It’s been an exhilarating experience,” he tells us.

“And a very beautiful adventure.”

Adding that MIT is truly about the future, Sarkis says, “I’ve been able to spend time with amazing people, imagining what

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2. The Amchit Court Towers, built just outside of Beirut.

3. The ramps leading up to the Balloon landing park.

4. Master plan of Byblos.

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5. Inside the Byblos Townhall.

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PORTFOLIO HASHIM SARKIS

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6. Inside Tyre’s village by Sarkis.

7. The Amchit Court Towers.

8. An aerial view of the development Sarkis built for Tyre, a Lebanese fishing village.

the future might become and addressing it. MIT is also very much about how to mobilise the best technologies in order to solve complex social problems. I arrived at a time when there was a lot of dependence and the belief in the fact that there are many challenges that cannot be solved by one individual, but by a group of people who have to come together. So, MIT is very much a culture that’s based on collaboration and interdisciplinary work.”

At the moment, Hashim Sarkis Studios is working on a few buildings in the Boston area set on the edges of the city.

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

Looking forward, the project allows Sarkis to imagine what kind of new environments will emerge on the outskirts of such a compact area. The team is also working on the master plan of Byblos, in coordination with the municipality, which involves developing the city’s waterfront, public spaces and infrastructure (the studio recently completed housing projects in Byblos last year). There’s also a residential project in Mount Liban.

“The project that’s currently on the table is usually the one that gives you the most headaches, but it also draws the most passion from you,” Sarkis says. “But there’s also something very beautiful about the projects that you leave behind. You can revisit them again and again to see how they’re doing.” A&I

CONSUMER CONNECT

Lighting it right

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-LITE Industries, an ISO manufacturer of indoor and outdoor luminaries, launched a new series of LED Architectural Lighting. Through its innovative outlook, the company has showcased an all-new product portfolio inspired by the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The application includes facade lighting, pathway lighting, inground luminaries, up lighting, up-down lighting, billboard lighting, vertical light bars, wall washers, area lighting poles and sleek polar lighting solutions.

The LEDs comply with LM 80 testing requirements and are derivatives of globally reputed makes such as Nichia and CREE. The luminaries are RoHS, LM 79 and CE-certification compliant.

Each of them have an efficacy (lumens/ per watt) that is much above 100. Varied optical options for lighting distribution and correlated colour temperature (CCT) for cool white, neutral white or warm white are available to suit context-specific requirements.

K-LITE’s surface mounted polar lighting pole, integrated with LED, is an exclusive choice among designers for use in city beautification blended with architectural appeal. It is designed for a complete range of contemporary designs with single arm, double arm, L-arm, V-Arm, Square arm and Parallel arm. The pole is engineered

to deal with adverse conditions and the sections are duly welded using special grooving techniques and high end MIG/ TIG welding process. The control box is integral and in-built with service door, locking arrangement and safety chain.

The solutions are backed by the organisation’s extensive understanding of illumination in urban spaces and the expertise gained over a period of three decades. The fixtures are designed to provide value technology, ideally suited to Indian conditions.

K-Lite is also part of a major lighting exhibition under the banner Light India International 2018 (Lii 2018) that’s being held in Mumbai at the Bombay Exhibition Centre from January 19-21, 2018.

This mega event, organised by Indian Society of Lighting Engineers (ISLE), an association headed by Dilip Kumbat, intends to highlight the latest lighting fixtures and present futuristic trends in all lighting segments. India’s US$2 billion lighting industry is witnessing doubledigit growth with new LED technology, owing to the emphasis on infrastructure development by the central and state governments.

For enquiries and detailed information, visit www.klite.in or contact sales@klite.in.

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1. Trisha Down Lighter.

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2. Dilip Kumbat, president, ISLE.

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PROJECTS

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FOSTER RENOVATES HISTORIC OLYMPIC VENUE SWISS PAVILION IS DESIGNED TO HOLD SUMMER FESTIVALS AND WINTER SPORTS

A 1. Curving roofs provide protection and shelter while maximising views.

2&4. The restaurant and exhibition space.

historic building in Switzerland, which was a key venue for the Winter Olympics in both 1928 and 1948, but was later left derelict, has been brought back to life by Foster + Partners.

The Kulm Eispavillon in St Moritz is a regeneration project to reinstate Kulm Park as the social focus of the ski resort.

The new scheme brings the building back to its original state with an ice skating rink at the centre, while also introducing a new club restaurant and sun terrace for both visitors and the local Alpine valley community.

To expand its capacity to host events, a new multipurpose pavilion has been incorporated with links to the historic structure. Located on the northern edge of the Davos Plaun, which forms an ice rink in the winter and a wide lawn in the summer, it is designed to accommodate seasonal sports and festivals.

Lord Norman Foster, founder, Foster + Partners, owns an apartment in St Moritz, and takes part in cross-country skiing events in the locality.

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PROJECTS 3

I APPROACHED THIS PROJECT NOT ONLY AS AN ARCHITECT, BUT AS A SYMPATHETIC RESIDENT OF ST MORITZ – LORD NORMAN FOSTER

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He says, “I approached this project not only as an architect, but as a sympathetic resident of St Moritz. To me, it was all about bringing the historic structure and the Davos Plaun back to life, to recreate a space for the local community.”

The design features a cantilevering canopy that extends from the street edge to form a partially covered space, sheltered from rain and snow.

The canopy is made of horizontal wooden slats which allow for views through to street level. The structure extends into a wall that curves around the northern corner of the site, terminating in a smaller sun canopy at the other end. This offers views towards the skating rink and the surrounding mountains from the street, while protecting the site from the cold winds that blow into the valley.

There is a new restaurant and exhibition area on the first level, showcasing various memorabilia that evoke the Alpine tradition of the valley – so it is also a museum. A&I

3. The new development includes facilities for winter and summer sports/activities, as well as an exhibition space and a restaurant specialising in local cuisine.

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INSIGHT RESIDENCE

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WIND TOWER

A NEW HOUSING PROJECT BY AGI ARCHITECTS IN KUWAIT REINTERPRETS SINGLE-FAMILY LIVING

L 1. Wind Tower is a residential complex that’s located in Kuwait.

2&4. Interior courtyards funnel light and air.

aunched by Wafra Real Estate and designed by AGi Architects, the new Kuwait housing complex Wind Tower introduces a contemporary solution for residential projects in the country’s increasingly dense urban landscape.

The architects aimed to reinterpret the local building techniques in their design – the services core was placed in the building’s southern wing to minimise sun exposure and reduce energy consumption, while minimum openings were placed on the façades. Opened to the north, facing the Arabian Gulf, the design allows for natural light and cross ventilation, both of which get funnelled through to the pool area via the internal courtyard.

“The starting point was the increasing demand for land in the city,” recalls Nasser Abulhasan, principal and cofounder of AGi. “Our inspiration was based on the transformation of the single family dwelling typologies into a new vertical development in which tenants can enjoy privacy, as well as benefit from vertical solution amenities and a prime location.”

Applying granite stone to the façade, Wind Tower evokes a monolithic structure carved by the wind – a contrast to the smooth surfaces of its interior courtyard, rendered in white plaster.

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Raised on a plinth that comprises two levels, where public spaces like the pool and gym are located, the tower rises up organically. Each of the 12 duplex apartments face the courtyard – which allows them to benefit from natural light and ventilation, while a penthouse apartment crowns the tower.

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The spaces also have private terraces, perceived by different openings in the façade.

“That’s the new interpretation and evolution of the garden or courtyard of single-family houses,” points out Joaquin Perez-Goicoechea, co-founder and principal. “These terraces guarantee the desired privacy that tenants demand due to each floor having only one.”

Wind Towers was originally launched in 2014 and was only recently completed. At 6,500sqm, the housing development sits in Salmiya, a suburb of Kuwait that’s expected to house a number of upcoming contemporary projects, like the Twins Apartment by fellow Kuwait firm Studio Toggle. A&I

3&5. The exterior has minimal but frequent openings.

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FACETS OF HISTORY

NEW DESIGN THE PALESTINIAN MUSEUM

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BUILT BY HENEGHAN PENG, BIRZEIT’S PALESTINIAN MUSEUM REFERENCES THE TRADITIONAL TERRACED LANDSCAPE IN ITS FORM

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eneghan Peng, an architect firm based between Dublin and Berlin, has just completed The Palestinian Museum in the city of Birzeit, located in the West Bank, near Ramallah. The new museum, which will house cultural exhibitions that link the present day with local history, features a geometric stone exterior emerging from perfectly landscaped land.

The museum building has been set on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea – a prime piece of real estate that was offered on a long term release by the neighbouring Birzeit University.

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

The winners of the its design competition from 2011, Heneghan Peng sought to highlight the context of the building by referencing the traditional terraced landscapes, which span the West Bank, in the structure’s form.

“Every element of the landscape of Palestine tells a story of intervention, production, culture, environment and commerce,” read a statement released by the architects. “Embedded in its terraces is this rich and very particular history. The design approach to The Palestinian Museum was to draw on this history, placing the building into its immediate site, yet drawing from this site to tell a larger story of a highly diverse culture.”

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1&3. The masterplan uses a series of stone-walled terraces that trail the sloping topography of the site.

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The masterplan uses a series of stone-walled terraces that trail the sloping topography of the site, creating a homogenous structure that emerges from the hilltop, which seamlessly blends into its surroundings.

Slanted glass windows are set into the exteriors, and framed by rows of black wings used for shading. The monolithic structure also features limestone slabs that cover all of the building’s façades as well as its roof. Local trees and flowers have been used as part of the landscaping, in addition to imported species.“ The site is formed through a series of cascading terraces, created by field stone walls, which trace the agricultural terraces of the area,” the architects said.

The theme of the landscape, from the cultural to the native landscape, unfolds across the terraces with the more cultured and domesticated terraces close to the building. The planting changes gradually as one moves down the terraces to the west. This pattern creates beautiful and distinct layers of varying experiences.

The overall masterplan covers an area of 3,500sq-m, containing exhibition spaces, an open-air amphitheatre, indoor and outdoor cafes, classrooms, offices and storage spaces.

The museum is currently hosting a programme of touring exhibitions, while it works on establishing its own permanent collection. A&I

2. Limestone slabs cover the building’s façades as well as its roof.

4. Slanted glass windows are set into the exteriors, and framed by rows of black wings for shading.

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PRODUCTS

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NEW ON THE MARKET GREEN LUXURY As part of its Green life 2017 Collection, the Italian luxury brand Visionnaire has introduced a stunning range of outdoor furniture.

Renowned designers Roberto Tapinassi and Maurizio Manzoni have crafted the furniture in a fusion of wood and leather. The Green Life Sofa is structured in interlocked solid iroko wood, and greased premium leather – painted with transparent polyurethane waterproof paint. The seats are padded with polyurethane foam in double density; and Memory foam, acrylic layer and lining in water-repellent fabric.

VISIONNAIRE Tel: +39-051-6186322 Email: ipe@ipe.it Website: www.visionnaire-home.com

LEISURE CALLING Sporty and playful, the latest Popcorn chair by IOTA is skilfully crafted with individual hand-woven balls mimicking the popular leisure snack. It is made with environment-friendly outdoor fibres, with the cushions made from reticulated outdoor foam and outdoor Greenguard certified fabric covers. This oversized piece will certainly set the trend of larger-than-life accent chairs in most luxurious homes. Crafted with natural Havana rope, the chair is a Philippine product by reputed brand Locsin International, now available in India.

IOTA Tel: +91-9958492212 Email: ask@iotafurniture.com Website: www.iotafurniture.com

RIVERSIDE SPA Kohler’s newest arrivals bring the beauty of the riverside into the home spa. To replicate the gentle building of a rainstorm, Real Rain shower is designed with a water reservoir that relies on gravity at its core rather than a pressurised spray to mimic rainfall. The Kankara bathroom sink draws its inspiration from a pebble sitting on a river bed, which has developed a smooth surface over time; while the Ribana is inspired by ripples in water. The luxurious 6mm thin-edged Mica is almost a piece of art. Don’t let its thin appearance deceive its rock-like strength. Its super ceramic material makes it extremely durable, while the stainresistant coating keeps it shiny and lustrous.

KOHLER Tel: 1800-103-2244 Website: www.kohler.co.in

OF SMALL STEPS AND GIANT LEAPS Revolutionising the way staircases are built, H&R Johnson has introduced the ready-to-install Johnson Endura Step Stones. The embossed tread lines and unique full bullnose edges not only end the cumbersome task of cutting and finishing on-site, but also adds extra grip and makes the staircases extremely safe to use. They are also impervious to weather and wear-and-tear damage as well as stain resistant, due to the low-absorption nature of the tiles.

H&R JOHNSON Contact person: Ketan Trivedi Tel: 1800-22-7484 Website: www.hrjohnsonindia.com ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

PRODUCTS

GOING FOLKSY Revive the folk arts and bring in Indian ethnicity to home decor with Asian Paints’ wall art concept, Folk in Vogue. The variety of designs, inspired from Gondh, Kalamkari, Madhubani, Pattachitra and Warli art, can transform walls as well as furniture — all hand-painted by skilled artisans from the birthplaces of these art forms. One of the signature looks from the collection is The Warli Folk Tales that has been designed in collaboration with Baro India and The Purple Turtles. It speaks of a refreshing move from everyday minimalism and gives an alternative take to the traditional form. Baro India also designed the Ethnic Escape in collaboration with CuroCarte that is inspired by the renowned Madhubani art.

ASIAN PAINTS Tel: +91-22-26431074, +91-11-41501676 Email: colour@asianpaints.com Website: www.colourstore.asianpaints.com

‘MAD’ LIGHTS Conceptual light fixtures inspired by Nikola Tesla or from 20th century Italian design make for an interesting collection by Timothy Oulton, the British furniture and interiors company.

The Tesla pendant celebrates the bold world of experimentation, invention and discovery as embodied by the famous 19th century inventor and the archetypal ‘mad professor’. It’s a hand-blown lamp in clear or amber glass with matt brass hardware and steel hanging wire. And if it’s Italian design you’re after, the Crossglass pendant light features sweeping arcs of crystal clear glass overlapped on an octagonal base. The curved shapes are achieved by extruding the glass through a hollow die.

TIMOTHY OULTON Contact person: Dipankar Mukherjee Tel: +91-9990784848 Email: timothyoulton@vadehra.com Website: www.timothyoulton.com

ESSENTIAL LIVING In developing +Stage, Poggenpohl deliberately focused on contemporary living, concentrating on all that is essential and valuable within home life. The highly functional theme units are equipped with slide-in hinged doors, designated as ‘pocket doors’. +Stage can be easily integrated into a tall unit line and, thus, blend harmoniously into both kitchen and living areas.

It may be visually accentuated as a stand-alone unit, and also blends perfectly into existing architecture through a standard depth, four possible heights and a choice of all available fronts.

PLÜSCH Tel: +91- 22-24467750, +91-08025504444 Email: mumbai@pluschliving.com Website: www.pluschliving.com

DOWNTON HOME Evoking grace and elegance in a manner that can take you back to your favourite period drama or literature, the Vintage Bloom collection by Zynna promises calm and soft interiors inspired by nature and the English garden. This adorable range of floral printed curtains, cushions and upholstery give an appealing touch and feel to the abode. Choose from calming, soft tones of pink, lavender, berry, beige, red and pastel, or from bold red and black that can create statement interiors. Each design brings vintage charm in full bloom in this collection.

ZYNNA Tel: +91-8800361361 Email: info@zynna.in Website: www.zynna.in www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | NOVEMBER 2017 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

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INDUSTRIALLY CHIC Italian brand Ritmonio has extended two of its tap collections, the Haptic and Diametro 35, to include new black and white finishes. Essential lines, clean geometries and minimal aesthetics, combined with matte texture, are the elements that characterise the new range.

Moving away from the conventional chrome, the Black and White version is an opulent and more luxurious take on industrial chic designs.

RITMONIO Tel: +39-163-560000 Email: info@ritmonio.it Website: www.ritmonio.it

WRAPPED IN COMFORT

GREEN MISMATCH

Nora, the furniture collection designed by Michael Schmidt for Bross, comprises an armchair and a lounge chair. The shell provides a discrete and sheltered space as well as a comfortable support, while the rear chair legs extend to define the lower profile of the body – serving both a decorative and a functional purpose. The wood veins are seemingly following the structural configuration of the pieces. Nora is available in natural or stained ash with a choice of fabric and leather upholstery.

Estiluz presents Pila, a hanging lamp designed by Barcelonabased Francesc Crous and Alessandro Calogero. The lamp is conceived from the idea of stacking different elements that enable multiple combinations of materials and colours. In its first version, Pila combines a spun aluminium body and a cork – a natural and organic material that meets the criteria of ecology and sustainability.

The company is introducing cork in its new products and manufacturing processes.

Pila is also equipped with LED technology, where its illumination can be adjusted.

BROSS Tel: +39-432-731920 Email: info@bross-italy.com Website: www.bross-italy.com

ESTILUZ Tel: +34-972720125 Email: estiluz@estiluz.com Website: www.estiluz.com

GREEK THRONE The Shadov chair takes the silhouette of the famous Versace Medusa and places it in the heart of the home. The Medusa’s outline is moulded to form the seat of this modern, versatile and elegant chair by Versace Home. The chair is available in wood as well as in a variety of leather finishes and colours, including red, armée green, cool grey and cloud – held on powder-coated metal legs.

VERSACE HOME Tel: +39-2-00620850 Email: info.interiordesign@versace.it Website: www.versacehome.it ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

PRODUCTS

RECLAIMED DESIGN Benjamin Hubert’s studio Layer has collaborated with British furniture brand Allermuir to create a new range of sustainable furniture. The Axyl collection was launched during this year’s London Design Festival and comprises pieces made entirely from reclaimed materials. Recycled aluminium forms the frames of a chair, stool and table, while the shells, seats, and tabletops are available in recycled wood fibre, timber or nylon.

According to Hubert, the recycled aluminium in the Y-frame of the chairs uses just 5% of the energy required to create new aluminium.

LAYER Tel: +44-20-77299876 Email: enquiries@layerdesign.com Website: www.layerdesign.com

LET THE LIGHT SHINE Sometimes the simplest things are the most difficult to find. Japanese designer Ryu Kozeki presented Xtal cordless lights at Spazio Rossana Orlandi in Milan.

Xtal is a small lamp that resembles a tea light in a holder, and it dramatically throws patterns of light across the table top.

RYU KOZEKI Website: www.ryukozeki.com

MEANINGFUL DESIGN Tripolino tables for Editions Milano are not only furniture, but elements of a philosophy that places imagination, quality and splendour at its core. It is designed by Cristina Celestino, whose work is based on observation and research – plumbing the potential of the shapes, functions and going beyond the traditional relations between fashion, art and design. She embeds in her projects a passionate interest for the old and the new. Common features to all projects are defined geometry and rigorous research, combined with a subtle play on the impact of traditional forms. Through variations of scale and small inventions, the objects are able to convey new messages and different meanings.

EDITIONS MILANO Website: www.editionsmilano.com Website: www.cristinacelestino.com www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | NOVEMBER 2017 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

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THE BIG PICTURE ARCHIVAL DIALOGUE

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1. Untitled by Dinar Sultana, 2016; natural pigments, clay, cotton, and human hair on paper, size 24x30”.

2. Earth by Dinar Sultana, 2017; vegetable dye, paper pulp, cloth, seed & flower pulp, size 108x60”.

3. Curator Pronoy Chakraborty.

4. Gallerist Priyasri Patodia.

5. Designer James Ferreira’s studio at Khotachiwadi.

6. No Urdu on Dilli’s Walls Miyan

by Priyanka D’souza, 2016; watercolour on paper and burnt matchstick, size 8x8” & 8x5”.

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YOUNG AT ART

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erreira House at Khotachiwadi, the heritage home of fashion designer James Ferreira and a largely unseen remnant of Mumbai’s Portuguese architecture, has been a very appropriate venue for previews of artist Paul Bhonsle’s Christian art exhibitions since more than a decade ago. For those unaware about this hidden treasure, it harks back to the port city’s colonisation. Over five generations of the East Indian Catholic community have lived in this wadi (hamlet) that gets its name from the Khot who sold plots of land to their ancestors.

Gallerist Priyasri Patodia now homes in to the same quaint cottage for her Priyasri Art Gallery’s latest exhibition called Archival Dialogue, which showcases the work of young artists from the MSU (Maharaja Sayajirao University) Baroda: Avni Bansal, Dinar Sultana, Mithra Kamalam, Priyanka D’Souza, Sarasija Subramaniam and Shreya Shukla. Curated by Pronoy Chakraborty, the exhibition “proposes to primarily foreground dialogue between the archival trending contemporary art... and a largely forgotten fragment of colonial history trapped in this hamlet at the very heart of urban South Mumbai.”

Chakraborty, a recent graduate who is presently pursuing his Master’s in the MSU’s Department of Art History and Aesthetics, Faculty of Fine Arts, discloses that the selection of artists is “based on the notion of an archival perfomative approach adopted by them to different ends to produce artworks for aesthetic consumption. For each of these artists, the relationship between ‘fine-art’ and craftsmanship becomes extremely important in understanding their diverse methods to a quasi-scientific museum display.”

Explaining the choice of location, the curator adds, “In a post-modern rhizomatic, the multiplicities of re-interpretation,

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | NOVEMBER 2017 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

ABOUT THE CURATOR Pronoy Chakraborty’s academic concern focuses on Tantric Buddhist studies and the wider spectrum of Indian philosophy, including Sufism, Shaivism and related living traditions of mystics such as the Bauls – minstrels from Bengal. As a practising artist, his work is largely informed by historical investigations that, in turn, stem from a personal calling towards the occult.

Chakraborty has written papers for the departmental journal Insignia, mainly focusing on the metaphysical aspects in the tradition of Indian miniature painting – iconological insight into the yoginis of Deccan miniatures, illustrations of the Gita-Govinda; Sringararasa and the non-dual embodiment of Sri Chaitanya in the Journal of Women’s Studies and Research Centre, Baroda. His pre-dissertation on contemporary art titled ‘In Retrospect: Valsan Koorma Kolleri’ documents the senior sculptor’s work since his college days – locating critical works in extant theoretical discourses. re-iteration and re-presentation are sought to be explored in a dialectical engagement with the bungalow’s ornate interiors and the private collection of curios, thereby re-addressing the community’s long historical presence in a cosmopolitan locale.” Hopefully, this dialogue will engage more audiences and speak volumes about India’s contemporary art. A&I

By Maria Louis Note: Archival Dialogue is on at Khotachiwadi, Mumbai, till November 10. It moves to Priyasri Art Gallery on January 18, 2018.

Email: priyasriartgallery@gmail.com