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Inspiration and insight for architects and interior designers

Vol 9 | Issue 12 | March 2018 | `50

THE SON HAS RISEN

WITH DIKSHU KUKREJA AT THE HELM, CPKA, FOUNDED BY HIS FATHER, MAINTAINS ITS POSITION AMONG THE TOP 100 ARCHITECTURE FIRMS IN THE WORLD...AND CONTINUES TO BE UPWARDLY MOBILE

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EDITOR’S LETTER

MILESTONE MUSINGS

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

Architects & Interiors

225 x 300 mm

Maria Louis, Editor maria.louis@itp.com

bleed: 3 mm

DIKSHU KUKREJA, WHO COMPLETED 25 YEARS OF PRACTICE IN THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE IN JANUARY, IS THE MOST RECENT MEMBER OF OUR SILVER CLUB

When I think of milestones, I am transported back to the past…to road trips and journeys into the unknown, even if the final destination is clearly defined. You may veer off the beaten track, but the milestones would indicate how far you had wandered…and then you could choose another path that looks more inviting. Professional journeys marked by the same sense of adventure and uncertainty are inevitably the most interesting and inspiring, which is why we recount them. There are always lessons to be learnt from those who have gone before us. Dikshu Kukreja, the man of the moment who has completed 25 years of practice in the field of architecture in January, is the most recent member of our Silver Club. While he has drawn inspiration from his father CP Kukreja, founder of CPKA – the firm he heads, the journey of Kukreja junior is equally inspiring. He may have been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but that did not deter him from making his own hands-on way towards his goal before taking on the role of CPKA’s leader. Today, while he is a mentor to students, young architects and designers at his firm, he acknowledges the seniors of the community who have illuminated his path. Beginning his day with the youngest members in his office keeps him charged with energy and enthusiasm, as he finds their curiosity and creativity infectious. New ideas, new designs, what’s current…these are the things they bring to the table – rendering the projects they are working on more innovative. Listening to Kukreja speak about all these experiences is an inspiration in itself, and checking out the projects he and the firm are working on is even more so. While I urge you to read our exclusive and extensive Silver Club profile, I must also draw attention to another milestone this month – the monograph on Brinda Somaya and her work. Being an architect in India is not easy, but being a woman architect in India for the past four decades undoubtedly called for a monumental effort. Read about her journey and her work in the long-awaited and recentlylaunched Brinda Somaya - Works & Continuities, a comprehensive monograph that chronicles the personal and professional journey of this accomplished Indian architect and urban conservationist from 1975 to the present. We celebrate women this month, and the best way we can do that is to celebrate women like Somaya from the field of architecture in India. Our wish this month is that we soon see more monographs of women architects whose journey and work could inspire the next generation. Happy International Women’s Day!

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FOREWORD

PROUD TO PRESENT DIKSHU KUKREJA It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Architect and Interiors India’s special issue on Dikshu Kukreja, who has reached a milestone in his awardstudded career with the completion of 25 years as an architect. The extensive and exclusive profile on Kukreja is a celebration of his professional journey and the significant projects that are a part of that journey. At Jaquar Group, we are obsessed with quality and have always believed in upholding the highest standards. As part of our mission and vision, we support endeavours by the industry to showcase and recognise quality. Not surprisingly, we take great pride in partnering with India’s number one B2B magazine for the architecture and interiors industry...and present the Silver Club issue, which pays tribute to an architect who we have admired and are proud to be associated with. Jaquar Group, which was conceived way back in 1960, is itself a success story. Over the years, it has not only emerged as a market leader in the bath fittings category in India and evolved as a Complete Bathing & Lighting Solutions provider – but, with a fast-growing global presence in 45+ Rajesh Mehra Director & Promoter, Jaquar Group

countries across Europe, Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the SAARC region, Jaquar Group is now a global leader for inspired living. Like the achiever profiled in this issue, Jaquar Group has firmly established its position in the industry as India’s most trusted bath fittings brand and bagged many distinctions. The company’s approach to aesthetic design has won it accolades like IF Awards (Germany), Plus X (Germany), Good Design (US & Japan) and Indian Design Mark, among others. It has also been awarded the Superbrand status six times consecutively and has even been given the Business Superbrand recognition for the year 2008. What’s more, SUPERBRAND, KIWA, SASO, WRAS, ISO, BIS, TISI, SON, BMARK and PZH have also globally certified the group in quality. That Jaquar Group is India’s most searched bath brand on Google is further proof that it is the preferred bathroom and fittings brand in India and a leader. Jaquar Group, like Dikshu Kukreja, is continuously striving to create value and exceeding expectations in quality. We would like to offer our heartiest congratulations to the new member of Architect and Interiors India’s prestigious Silver Club. We salute his spirit of leadership, applaud his quest for quality and pay tribute to his pursuit of excellence.

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

CONTENTS

MARCH 2018 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 12

21 21

SILVER CLUB

Dikshu Kukreja, who has just completed 25 years of practice, leads his firm CPKA on the award-studded path to greater heights. 40

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

HVAC systems are integral to achieving highperformance Green structures.

CASE STUDY

House of Hiranandani Devanahalli exemplifies an elegant and relaxed living environment.

NEW DESIGN

The Quarter at The Royal Opera House in Mumbai is a high-on-energy multi-use space. 60

DESTINATION

Contemporary and traditional elements harmoniously co-habit the art-laden Mandarin Oriental Pudong in Shanghai. 68

PROJECTS

ZHA’s design for KAPSARC, Riyadh, is based on a cellular and partially modular system. 70

Cover: Dikshu Kukreja, principal architect, CPKA (pg21); Photograph: Frozenpic

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY

Binchy and Binchy Architecture’s geometryinspired design for Dubai’s Menagerie. 82

THE BIG PICTURE

Late Hema Upadhyay’s installation, 8’x12’.

60-SECOND INTERVIEW

SAVIO LOBO, PRINCIPAL, SAVIO LOBO ARCHITECT Volume 9 | Issue 12 | March 2018 | `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

Witness the architectural history of South Mumbai in the new book Mumbai by Hand, a compilation of ink sketches by architect and Mumbai-local Savio Lobo. It captures SoBo’s many private and public structures and speaks of its distinct architecture. This is Lobo’s second book – the first being Bandra by Hand (2014) – that will be published as a series of 100-page titles, each dedicated to areas like Oval Maidan, Ballard Estate, Fort, Colaba and Marine Drive. The first series covers Churchgate, Oval Maidan and Cooperage. Lobo speaks to us about this book and his upcoming project. What can we learn from these series of sketches? Savio Lobo: We live in a digital world where all information and everything else is available at the click of a button. This is truly amazing. But, on the other hand, we seem to have almost lost our ability to coordinate the brilliant faculties and senses of the human body. To sketch is a quick but rather painstaking ability that helps assert our own emotive sensibilities in a concise manner. How did this exercise impact your own perception of the city? Lobo: Our city, like most other places on earth, has a character like no other. Early portraits show how it was built by sheer foresight and planning. Today the scenario seems to be entirely different.

T +91 22 6154 6037 maria.louis@itp.com Contributors Carol Ferrao, Aruna Rathod, Rupali Sebastian

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 Saili Bandre

PRODUCTION Deputy production manager Ramesh Kumar

CIRCULATION

What are you working on next? Lobo: Much of our culturally rich artistic and architectural and natural/unbuilt heritage is being lost for many reasons. Nobody seems to care about our common future and what will be left for the next generations. Hopefully, with the help and assistance of concerned individuals and corporations, we can reverse this trend and proudly make accessible what was such a glorious past. [I am working on] an archival project that is based upon a multiplicity of factors. It is designed to be truly experiential and out of the box, maybe even disruptive. Depending on the space and finances required, we will scale-up or scale-down its content, because it will be modular in concept. For any further enquiries relating to this, kindly email slarchitect@gmail.com.

FORM IV (Statement about ownership and other particulars about the newspaper/magazine ARCHITECT AND INTERIORS INDIA to be published in the first issue every year after the last day of February) Name of the Publication: ARCHITECT AND INTERIORS INDIA Periodicity of the publication/ Language: Monthly/English Printer’s Name: Saikumar Shanmugam Nationality: Indian (i) Whether Citizen of India: Yes (ii) If a foreigner, country of origin: Not applicable Address: Notan Plaza, 3rd Floor, 898, Turner Road, Bandra (W), Mumbai- 400 050, Maharashtra Publisher’s Name: Saikumar Shanmugam Nationality: Indian (i) Whether Citizen of India: Yes (ii) If a foreigner, country of origin: Not applicable

Address: Notan Plaza, 3rd Floor, 898, Turner Road, Bandra (W), Mumbai- 400 050, Maharashtra. Editor’s Name: Maria Louis Nationality: Indian (i) Whether Citizen of India: Yes (ii) If a foreigner, country of origin: Not applicable Address: Notan Plaza, 3rd Floor, 898, Turner Road, Bandra (W), Mumbai- 400 050, Maharashtra. Name and address of the individuals who own the newspaper/magazine and partners or shareholders holding more than one percent of the total capital. ITP Media (India) Pvt Ltd., ITP Holdings Inc, PO Box 500024, Dubai, U.A.E.

Date: February 28, 2018

Saikumar Shanmugam

I, Saikumar Shanmugam, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Signature of the publisher

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

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

The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review.

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

To subscribe, please visit www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

NEWS BITES

INDUSTRY DATA HONEYWELL announced that the Honeywell Vector Occupant App has new capabilities that give occupants more control over their experiences within a building. The most significant new feature is indoor navigation, which uses GPS-like technology to help users find their way around complex buildings that are difficult to navigate without directions. It offers accurate indoor location, mapping, routing, presence, proximity notifications and analytics — all embedded into an integrated platform. The benefits of the feature were successfully demonstrated in the Minneapolis Skyway System.

H&R JOHNSON has introduced a ground-breaking Virtual Reality (VR) Platform at their House of Johnson Experience Centers in Chennai, Kolkata and Guwahati. Customers can visualise a much larger range of products than what they see on actual display in a very realistic looking virtual environment. Ketan Trivedi, senior general manager, Marketing, H&R Johnson India, added, “This new VR App will definitely modernise the way in which point-of-sale and point-ofpurchase touchpoints have been perceived.” This technology will progressively be introduced at the brand’s other stores. SAFFRONART inaugurated its new gallery at The Oberoi, New Delhi, with a preview of its Evening Sale live auction. Over 60 works by leading modern and contemporary artists were displayed at banquet hall The Aravalli and in the new gallery space. CEO Hugo Weihe commented, “Saffronart’s long association with The Oberoi, New Delhi, has witnessed the sale of several important works of art in the capital. We are thrilled to return to its stunningly redesigned premises, to welcome our clients there anew...” The preview coincided with the opening of the 10th edition of India Art Fair. GREEN BUSINESS Certification Institute (GBCI), US Green Building Council and Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL) unveiled a report titled ‘Future at work - Wellness in the built environment’ at the Greenbuild India 2017 Conference & Expo. Mili Majumdar, MD, GBCI and senior VP - USGBC, shared, “LEED has always been rooted in human health, and LEED-certified buildings are beneficial to the health and well-being of their occupants - as they contribute to reduced sickness and disease, faster healing, and greater productivity.” The report highlights the significance of circadin lighting, indoor air quality, nature, sleep patterns, as well as working patterns on employee well-being. PICHVAI TRADITION & Beyond, the third edition of the Pichvai revival series by art patron Pooja Singhal is slated to open on April 5 at Famous Studios in Mumbai. This follows the first exhibit in New Delhi in 2015 and special presentation at Kochi Muziris Biennale 2016-2017. Singhal, a Delhi-based art enthusiast and designer, initiated this series as a way to revive, preserve and sustain the Indian art tradition of Pichvai painting dating back to the 17th century. She works with artists to further develop this art form in a contemporary context. This project has also trained a fresh group of artists with this ancient skill.

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

INTERTEXTILE SHANGHAI Home Textiles — Spring Edition, being held from March 14-16, is expected to boost China’s home textile market and unveil new, interesting product ranges. The show will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in China, with over 200 exhibitors showing a wide range of products including bedding & towelling, carpets & rugs, table & kitchen linen, machinery & technology, design & styling, and more. One of the highlights will be Bemberg, the eco-friendly fibre made from cotton linter — to be featured in Asahi Kasei Corporation’s booth. To find out more about this fair, visit: www.intertextilehome.com. MAHATTA ART is making classic art accessible in the form of digital prints. Their new collection of Cubism Art Paintings reconciles modernity with classicism. Dushyant Mehta, director of Mahatta Art, said, “Cubism art is one of the best expressive art that shows you many views of a subject at one time...” These digital quality aesthetic reproductions have been made with advanced technology, providing sharper images. Perfect for an office or home, you can choose from artworks by Umberto Boccioni, Juan Gris, Filla Emil, and Paul Klee, spanning the 1911-1920 period. ROCA has introduced a premium solution for bathrooms inspired by the ‘highest sense of tranquility’. The Alba Bathroom Collection consists of a smart toilet, bathtub, basin and furniture, all crafted to be elegant. MD of Roca Bathrooms, KE Ranganathan disclosed, “Alba products go beyond functionality and offer the finest designs combined with the most advanced technology available in the segment.” The most premium offering in the series is Alba Air & Water Whirlpool, that combines water and air massage functions to create a calming experience in the bath space. The range is available across all Roca dealer outlets in India.

NEWS & PEOPLE

The monograph we have all been waiting for!

Architecture enthusiasts would often be so intrigued by architect Brinda Somaya’s presentations and lectures that they would enquire if there were books exploring her works. Turns out there was none — until now. Brinda Somaya - Works & Continuities is the monograph the architecture and design community has been

waiting for. This comprehensive monograph chronicles the personal and professional journey of the Indian architect and urban conservationist from 1975 to the present. It is also the first Indian woman architect’s monograph to be published. The book explores a cross-section of Somaya’s diverse typology of projects, including housing, institutions, conservation, urban design, social design and industrial works that represent a unique ‘non-stylistic’ grammar that has a sense of ‘order and appropriateness’. Belonging to the ‘Bridge Generation’, her work transcends stylistic vocabulary and draws its inspiration from Indian culture, the landscape of the subcontinent and principles of sustainable design and intervention. Situating her work in a broader context, the essays in the volume offer multiple perspectives on Somaya’s accomplishments, while the dialogues outline the concerns central to her work. Readers can find essays by Jon Lang, Porus Olpadwala, Mary Norman Woods and Ruturaj Parikh, and dialogues with Arun Shourie, Kamu Iyer and Saryu Doshi.

Mumbai sees its first kinetic ceiling done in wood Social media has been abuzz since the launch of PaPaYa at Bandra Kurla Complex (Mumbai) – and it’s not just good food driving the footfalls to this trendy new restaurant. The new PaPaYa boasts a kinetic ceiling over the bar, the first motion-active ceiling in the city in woodwork. Crafted with a combination of elegance and grandeur, the outlet has its own special flavour – even spatially. Zorawar Kalra, founder & managing director, Massive Restaurants, said, “PaPaYa is a high-energy dining concept that encapsulates all the five senses into the dining experience. The philosophy is simple: present Asian food and drink with a twist. This is done through a mix of cutting-edge cooking techniques such as molecular gastronomy and mixology, which have been used throughout the menu wherever it genuinely adds value, in a sense, for it to be a combination of art and science.” This

Ultimately, the designer’s creative process, restraint and ability to question…captures that elusive moment when one arrives at good design.” AATIRA L ZACHARIAS, PRINCIPAL, 1LEAPINGFROG

A revival is in the making... The travelling exhibition Death of Architecture: Circa 2000 (DOA) has completed its first successful leg in Mumbai (February 23 - March 4, Nehru Science (L-R): Aniket Bhagwat, Samira Rathod and Centre). Organised Gaurav Malhotra, MD, Hansgrohe India. in partnership with Hansgrohe India, it was initiated by 13 of India’s well-known firms — including Anthill Design Studio, The Busride, Vastu Shilpa Foundation and Prabhakar Bhagwat Associates (PBA). The exhibition will now travel across India to present “evidence that will allow discussions about our present, and yet at the same time is embedded with clues and signs that can help effect meaningful dialogues about the future,” mentioned landscape architect Aniket Bhagwat of PBA.

Exchange of culture via art

Bahraini artist Lulwa Al Khalifa at the India Art Fair in Delhi.

modern Asian bistro that is best described as a ‘chic, modern and radical’, is revamping the PanAsian dining experience through the assimilation of various cooking techniques and cultures found across the Asian continent. Designed keeping the brand embodiment of comfort and luxury in mind, the restaurant is marked with grand lighting and impressive interiors in warm tones of brown leather, beige and wood.

Innovation in design is what changes you accept with time, that lead to growth and differentiation.”

ANUSHKA CONTRACTOR, PRINCIPAL DESIGNER, ANUSHKA CONTRACTOR

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

Visitors of India Art Fair 2018 were treated to a unique showcase of artworks by renowned Bahraini artists Balqees Fakhro, Hamed Al Bosta, Lulwa Al Khalifa, Mayasa Al Sowaidi and Omar Al Rashid. These artists came to Delhi under the initiative of ArtBAB (Art Bahrain Across Borders) — Kingdom of Bahrain’s premier contemporary art fair and curated artists programme. From impressionist approach to colours and textures inspired by the heritage of Bahrain, the artists enthralled art aficionados with their abstract artworks.

The culture of ‘starchitecture’ has its place. But the time has come to make stars out of practices that address critical issues like water conservation.”

PRATHIMA MANOHAR, FOUNDER, THE URBAN VISION

NEWS & PEOPLE

Japan’s Master Builder Sou Fujimoto visits India

Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, brought to Delhi by Toto last month, spoke about his inspirations, his influences and his work. It’s not often that you get to meet architects of international acclaim like Sou Fujimoto – and when you do, it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Indian architects,

designers and media persons were given just that opportunity at an exclusive event organised by leading producer of quality sanitaryware Toto. In his talk called ‘Between Nature and Architecture’, he spoke about his design inspirations, influences and work methodology, besides highlighting how for him architectural design does not “intervene” but rather respects and works with what already exists. This thought is evident in his most famous works that include Naoshima Pavillion (Kagawa, Japan); The Miami Design District Palm Courtyard; Serpentine Gallery Summer Pavilion 2013 (London); House NA (Toyko, Japan); Musashino Art University Museum & Library (Tokyo, Japan); and Children’s Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation (Hokkaido, Japan), his first project and one that catapulted him into the limelight. Wall Street Journal’s ‘Architecture Innovator of the Year’ for 2014, Fujimoto was awarded for his impeccable work on the renovation and extension of I’Institut Francais Du Japon in Tokyo.

Della Store makes its debut at Rustomjee Elements An elite guest list comprising celebrities and designers were invited to experience the upcoming luxury gated community, Rustomjee Elements in Mumbai, located just off Juhu Circle and spread over three acres. Guests were given an exclusive walk-through of the bespoke show flat designed by Jimmy Mistry, chairman and MD, Della Group. Speaking about his approach, Mistry elaborated, “I was given a free hand to deliver distinctly elegant opulence, styled to every single inch with my own designs as well as the best from other leading thinkers of the design industry. The entire home...is remarkable also for the sheer technological prowess installed in it, which is at par with the best homes in the world.” The show flat is a debut project for the soon-to-belaunched Della Store. Regarding their association with Della and Mistry, Boman R Irani, chairman & MD, Rustomjee Group, said, “When we visited Della Resorts and experienced the Della

As architects we must also look beyond our practices; we now have an opportunity to shape (the future of India).” TALLULAH D’SILVA, PRINCIPAL, ARCHITECTURE T

Bengaluru icon wins award

The Möbitorium, which was recently honoured as the ‘Most Well Designed Convention Facility’, is a new concept in the realm of auditorium design in India and will be part of an upcoming state government-commisioned convention centre in Bengaluru. The seamlessness of a Möbius strip is translated into an architecturally planned auditorium, creating interesting interlinked volumes to naturally create self-shading surfaces. Design partners of the project, DSP Design Associates share, “The proposal is made with a vision that this building becomes an icon which goes beyond function and becomes a sculptural element contributing to the...city of Bengaluru.”

Meet the Buddhist female deity

Store concept for ourselves, we invited Jimmy to design a show flat at Rustomjee Elements. We felt that there was an immediate sync of thought… Rustomjee Elements is intended to be a fabulously distinct living space, remarkable not just for its design, construction, aesthetics and styling, but also for the cutting-edge technical sophistication of all its amenities.” The evening also saw an auction of an Anish Kapoor artwork, the proceeds of which went to the Times Foundation.

As architects we are at best catalysts with effort and grace achieving some alchemy with the conditions presented to us.”

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

AMRITHA BALLAL, PARTNER, SPACEMATTERS

From March 15 to 25, The Tasting Room, Mumbai, will be paying homage to Tara, the leading female deity of Buddhism through the exhibition ‘Tara: 21 avatars of the Goddess’. Curators Arjun Sawhney and Tania Le Fabvre will take art patrons through 23 canvases, created in the true form of Thangka art by master Buddhist artist Zeiko. The exhibit — co-presented by Simran Lal, CEO, Good Earth, and Sussanne Khan — is explicitly religious, wherein all symbols and allusions are in accordance with strict guidelines laid out in Buddhist scripture.

If we get stuck in signature style - which is often desired as a point of recognition - it means we’ve stopped innovating.”

FARAH AHMED MATHIAS, PARTNER, FADD STUDIO

PRESENTS

LU B

5 2

S ILV E R C

THE LIFE AND WORK OF ARCHITECT DIKSHU KUKREJA, PRINCIPAL OF CPKA, WHO HAS COMPLETED 25 YEARS IN HIS PROFESSION AND MADE A SEMINAL CONTRIBUTION TO HIS FIELD POWERED BY

SILVER CLUB DIKSHU KUKREJA

SHINING STAR

DIKSHU KUKREJA OF CPKA, RANKED AMONG THE TOP 100 ARCHITECTURE FIRMS IN THE WORLD, IS THE FACE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD IN INDIAN ARCHITECTURE TODAY BY MARIA LOUIS

PHOTOGRAPH: FROZENPIC

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

of extraordinarily talented students was unforgettable and a lifetime experience for me.” As a young architect, his yearning to live in Europe drove him to work in Paris. Surviving on an incredibly frugal budget there kept him grounded, and his appetite for learning was satiated by both the city life and the French countryside. “When I took up a job in Paris, I was offered hardly any money, but the architect promised to make it a lifetime experience – and it was precisely so,” recalls Kukreja. “I got the opportunity to travel across the country and got to learn and experience so much – the historical architecture, the landscape from the Alps to the French Riviera to the plains; the villages, the cities. I was able to imbibe so much, that no amount of ‘salary’ would have done that.” Returning to the USA and working in a corporate architectural set-up of the legendary architect Kevin Roche taught him various aspects of how a globally successful architectural practice is run. Enriched by these experiences, he returned to India to work, for the first time, at CPKA. The two initial projects he handled at the firm were the renovation of the prestigious Delhi Gymkhana Club and the restoration as well as addition to the iconic Oberoi Hotel property in Srinagar which was taken over by the Lalit Hotel Group. Each project taught him different things, he reflects: “Delhi Gymkhana Club exposed me to dealing with the client, which comprised former bureaucrats and armed forces officers. The challenge of meeting the expectations of varied and highly opinionated clients was a new experience. The site itself has strong historical context, and the current context of adjoining the Prime Minister’s residence was both exciting and challenging. Working on the Lalit Hotel, Srinagar, in a climate which witnesses snowfall and making site visits when the atmosphere was politically charged (one could hear gun shots at night), was again a new experience. These two projects brought new learnings beyond just architecture, in dealing with clients, both private and government.” Today, after working on a number of significant projects for CPKA and experiencing so many heritage and contemporary spaces in different parts of the world, the Louvre in Paris still draws him time and again for its fascinating play of history and modernity. “I find it inspiring to see how an extremely

SILVER CLUB DIKSHU KUKREJA

hen an established architect like Dikshu Kukreja describes working on a new project as “falling in love for the first time – yet again,” it is evident that the spark that ignited his passion is still burning bright. “When I start designing, I feel like a child with a new toy – my excitement knows no bounds,” says the principal architect of CP Kukreja Architects (CPKA), who completed 25 years of practice this January. Holding the founder of CPKA, his father CP Kukreja, as responsible for his interest in this field, he muses, “Ironically, his determined efforts to challenge my choice…led to my further determination to only become an architect.” Kukreja’s father has always been an inspirational figure for his commitment to design. At a time when terms like ‘sustainability’ and ‘environment-friendly architecture’ were yet to be coined, he emphasised the need for architecture that responded to the site and climate. The entire Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus was built on undulating, rugged terrain, and the design reflected this in its planning and choice of materials. His book Tropical Architecture is studied in universities like Harvard and MIT. A visionary and a man ahead of his time, his contribution to architecture has motivated many youngsters. While he has been impressed by many architectural legends over the past three decades, Kukreja’s idol remains his father. “His passionate and determined commitment towards his work, his compassion towards the less privileged in society, his humility at his own success, and his sacrifice for others are qualities that I not only admire – but strive to emulate,” says Kukreja, who is as deeply inspired by the Louvre in Paris and Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur (both for their sensitive response to history and context as well as the impressive technology that creates an iconic outcome) as he is by Fatehpur Sikri – for its marvellous built and unbuilt space as well as climate and culture-responsive architectural expression. As a student in school, Kukreja had spent a considerable amount of time learning Italian as a step towards his dream of studying architecture in Italy. But when opportunity knocked in the form of the Taliesin Fellowship which was created by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, he did not hesitate to answer. At Taliesin in Arizona, the experience of having to build your own shelter was an “eye opener” that taught him the importance and seriousness of being able to design a project keeping in mind its constructability. “It’s one thing to draw a line on paper, quite another to get it built. This has remained etched in my mind,” he says. There were other life lessons he learnt during his academic journey. “Following Wright’s mantra of ‘Learning by Doing’ helped shape my personality and give a new dimension to my architectural thinking,” he recalls. At Harvard, he was impressed by the diversity of students from across the world (22 nationalities amongst 26 students in the programme), their “sheer brilliance” as creative talent, and camaraderie rather than competitive spirit. “Being the youngest in this group taught me more than any conventional degree programme would,” he maintains. Kukreja believes that the decision of also studying at the Harvard Business School expanded his thinking beyond that of an architect – to understand how the mind of a typical ‘business client’ works. “I realised that a successful design often needs to acknowledge, if not conform to, business diktats as well,” he discloses. “The radical shift from the wild west of Taliesin to the hallowed corridors of Harvard University was like walking on another planet. Studying in the midst

DK AND CPKA IN A NUTSHELL Dikshu Kukreja completed his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture (Honours) as a Gold Medalist at the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) in New Delhi, before moving to the United States to pursue his Master’s in Urban Design at Harvard University. He also attended the Taliesin Fellowship at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, where he was exposed to some of the most unorthodox, yet profound teaching methods. “I have vivid recollections of my time here, including being left in the Arizona desert to create a shelter using whatever we could find and undertaking construction works. The objective was to strip architecture and living to its bare basics, and this lesson is something I continue to cherish even today.” CP Kukreja Architects (CPKA) was started in 1969, nearly 50 years ago - and shot into prominence on winning the national design competition for Jawaharlal Nehru University. Since then, the firm has grown from strength to strength, and now offers a range of multi-disciplinary services. “Through these years, it has been our commitment to build meaningful spaces. From creating landmarks in architecture to being touted one of the top 100 architectural firms in the world, the journey has been nothing short of incredible.”

www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | MARCH 2018 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

SILVER CLUB DIKSHU KUKREJA

FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE?

1. The 10,000-capacity Convention Centre at Dwarka will be ‘crowned’ by an LED Video Wall - the largest LED façade built. The project also boasts of a 20,000-seater indoor arena with a retractable roof, a first for India. 2. Havells corporate office’s distinct curved form is a stark juxtaposition to the orthogonal glass box typology of the surrounding commercial development. One of its most notable features is the grand sixstoreyed entrance lobby.

simple gesture of introducing an incredibly simple, literally transparent form of a pyramid into a historical overpowering context, can create an architecture which blends so well with each other and appears that there could simply be no other solution,” he explains. The strong relationship with nature and sustainability, fostered by his father, continues to influence Kukreja. “I believe, in today’s time, we are yearning for nature to be brought back,” he says. “Our actions of the past have taken nature away further and faster from us than one could have ever imagined. As a result, we have reached a point where Sustainability, Ecology and Environment are the need of the hour. Secondly, in our present times, we are in search of an identity in a world where homogeneity is the norm, where it is very hard to reason why certain buildings look the same whether they are in Japan, China, Nigeria or Brazil…or closer home in Jodhpur, Delhi, Guwahati or Chennai.” Kukreja is sure that the next generation can reverse the irresponsible development of architecture, “provided we learn to come together, and value each other’s contribution.” And his advice to senior architects who are bemoaning some of today’s built spaces, is to take the responsibility of mentoring and guiding the younger generation rather than only choosing to be critical spectators. A mentor to students, young architects and designers

Change is a constant, but Dikshu Kukreja thinks we can make it work. “There have been meaningful as well as detrimental changes I have witnessed in the profession. The positives are the easy availability of technology and materials from anywhere in the world at our fingertips, giving architects complete freedom to unleash their creativity. Another positive change is the increasing sensitivity towards ‘environmentally responsible architecture’. “What is of serious concern is the dwindling importance being given to the profession by the Government and private sector. The procedures of selecting architects by asking them ‘to perform’ - to make design presentations for free or, at times, choosing on a lowest fee basis - is throttling creativity. “The latest trend of undertaking large projects on an ‘EPC’ mode - where an architect has to simply do the concept design and loses control on the quality of the project thereafter to the contractor, who prepares the construction drawings - is a disastrous trend. The contractor’s interest is only to save costs, find shortcuts and maybe not even engage well-qualified architects for the trend. Unfortunately, no one (including the architectural fraternity) is recognising the consequences of this move. I believe that it is of utmost importance that we architects cast aside the cynicism or helplessness and put our heads together to drive a positive change. We should celebrate the immense opportunities we have in a fast developing country with an enormous appetite to transform our built environment.” himself, Kukreja insists that it’s the responsibility of each one who has spent time in the profession to nurture the next generation. “After all, I owe a lot to my seniors in the profession – Prof. Ram Sharma, Ajoy Chowdhury, Ranjit Sabikhi, Uttam Jain, Prof. MM Rana, Kevin Roche, Peter Rowe, Olivier Vidal and many more,” he acknowledges. “Also, I enjoy meeting young architects ; their curiosity, naivety, enthusiasm and creativity are infectious.” Kukreja’s daily routine consists of, first thing in the morning, spending time with the youngest members of the office

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SILVER CLUB DIKSHU KUKREJA

IN HIS OWN WORDS On the importance of the utilitarian purpose of architecture: Certainly, architecture cannot escape its functional role. However, it should not be bound/imprisoned by utility alone. Serving a utilitarian purpose is only one aspect of architecture. It is also a medium of representing the values of society, marking the moment of a civilization, fostering a thought process, shaping lifestyles, and much more. Architecture should be allowed to play all these roles. Otherwise, tell me why a Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower or a Qutab Minar was built. On a new-age building material, technology or innovation that you consider a great discovery: I think ‘glass’ in its continuously new ‘avatars’ has been one material which has been a significant game changer in the design world. With constant advancement in the glazing industry, this continues to offer to architects new opportunities of creating spaces, engaging the outside with the inside, as well as imagining built-form. On the aspects of his learning that are represented by his work: I have been greatly influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s principle of ‘Learning by Doing’. I believe, a responsible architect is one who designs what ‘can’ be built. I like to be thoroughly informed about every aspect of my building and, so, I like to understand structures, electrical, mechanical aspects of the buildings I design and not just in a superficial way.

3. The two-storey resort complex of The Lalit Golf & Spa Resort, Goa, nestles amidst the expanses of the golf greens. The rooms are organised in blocks around large courtyards, each with different types of gardens such that each room is oriented towards the Arabian Sea. 4. Aligned to the client’s vision of bringing back the old-world charm of institutional buildings, the architectural vocabulary of DPS International School, Gurgaon, embodies an expression of timelessness through classical orders and proportions. 5. The design of the Eldeco Ananda (Noida) housing complex has resulted in terrace gardens that not only address its skyline, but also help in creating a green space on the roofs which acts as an additional lung for the residents.

and discussing new ideas, new designs, what’s going on in the world. “This allows me to remain charged and enthusiastic about my work,” he maintains. “We are also, through the CPKA Foundation for Design Excellence, conducting knowledge-based programmes and competitions, to recognise young design talent and offer them a platform.” Happiness, for Kukreja, is a state of mind which lies within and, therefore, the spaces that he creates reflect that. “Spaces should be airy, well lit, with adequate volume, flow into one another – thereby conversing with each other. As you experience these spaces, there should be an emotion of celebration,” he insists. “My temperament is of being a strong disciplinarian. I like to work as if there is no tomorrow. I believe in delivering to clients within a disciplined timeline and not hesitating to say no where I don’t agree with them. My colleagues in the office have to put up with this, but I am grateful that we all share similar values.” It is astonishing to learn that Kukreja still dreams every night about his buildings – those that have been built, are under way or even yet to come. “Sometimes, I am so over-

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

whelmed with my dreams, that I wake up in the middle of the night and in pitch darkness scribble my ideas on a paper – lest I lose them the next morning,” discloses the architect who would like to be remembered as “an architect who was not confined to shaping a built environment, but also shaped us into a meaningful, purposeful and thoughtful society. I would feel satisfied in not just accomplishing more and more projects, but in truly contributing towards the betterment and advancement in the state of our profession in our country.” After the many mega landmark projects he has handled, he is on the brink of more defining ones – the redevelopment of the iconic Pragati Maidan; a 26,000 crore project of IICC; East Delhi Hub, a 1.5crore sq-ft first TOD project of India; a 1.2crore sq-ft multi-modal transport hub at Surat; and many others that are the first in their category by an Indian. Kukreja’s reaction is commendable: “It is a mixed emotion of gratitude and responsibility at this unique opportunity. We feel scale as never seen before in the history of this country. Everyone in our office is so charged up at this emerging, perhaps once in a lifetime, opportunity.” Agreeing that architecture and design is a balance between Science and Art, he qualifies, “Science, because it is incomplete without technology; and Art because, without it, a building has no soul.” Kukreja’s work, as seen in the significant projects of the firm in the following pages, certainly has soul.

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SILVER CLUB DIKSHU KUKREJA

PATHWAYS WORLD SCHOOL Pathways World School is the first Platinum-rated institutional project in India. It is situated on a rocky, hilly site in the Aravali hills. It was designed with special care to the fragile ecosystem of the area, and with careful consideration to the natural topography of the site. A lake has been created in a major natural depression, becoming the central focus of the campus. It collects all the water run-off and, therefore, serves as a water resource in case of fire – since the site is in a remote location. All the buildings are configured in a circular manner around this reservoir, and are strung together by a colonnade, which is the circulation spine. The extensive use of locally-sourced stone, engaging villagers to create a magnificent pattern of broken ceramic tiles on the lake bed – like a ‘rangoli’ and extensive proliferation of art and sculptures across the campus – define a

OMAXE FOREST ‘The Forest’ was conceived to revolutionise luxury apartment living in India. The project is an ideal example, where the developer and architect worked closely right from the conception of the idea to create an iconic housing project. The Forest is iconic in its architectural form, materiality and quality of living. Abutting over 300 acres of lush green reserves, the project is planned with seven towers strung like a necklace within the site. The architectural expression is contemporary and futuristic to reflect the character of its inhabitants – young, modern families with a taste for the best. The project creates an urban gesture of mystery and invitation. As one drives along the Noida–Greater Noida expressway, the dramatic roofscape of the complex catches one’s attention and arouses curiosity. The smooth, curvilinear form

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: Gurgaon, Haryana Client: Sarla Holdings Architects: CP Kukreja Architects HVAC, Lighting, Structure & MEP Consultant: CP Kukreja Architects Site area: 40 acres Cost: Rs.50 crore Year of commencement: 2001 Year of completion: 2002 new paradigm for education. This unique path-breaking design approach led the project to be awarded as the ‘Most Innovative Institutional Design’ in the world in New York.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: New Delhi Client: Omaxe Ltd Architects: CP Kukreja Architects HVAC, Lighting, Structure & MEP Consultant: CP Kukreja Architects Site area: 10 acres Built-up area: 6 lakh sq-ft Cost: Rs.200 crore Year of commencement: 2006 Year of completion: 2008 with sweeping profile of the balconies punctuated by crisp reflective glazing makes a bold design statement. The architectural expression is strong and clear. Each tower has a magnificent entrance lobby, a wellequipped business lounge as well as a recreation centre on the ground floor. The glass elevators offer panoramic views as they whisk you to the upper floors. There are only two apartments planned on every floor, which allows each apartment to ‘breathe’ on three sides. A charming rivulet winds through the landscape connecting all the towers. It is not only cleverly used as a landscape feature to provide privacy to the apartments on the ground floor, but is also environment-friendly and cools the micro climate. The Forest, as an architectural project, has been about dealing with contradictions. Contradictions about creating apartment living for those who can afford (in conventional thinking) better housing alternatives such as villas or bungalows. Contradictions about an idyllic locale (forest) in an otherwise urban setting. Contradictions about a ‘commercial material vocabulary’ of metal and glass in a residential project.

SILVER CLUB DIKSHU KUKREJA

GAUTAM BUDDHA UNIVERSITY The university underlines the importance of a harmonious coexistence between man and his natural surroundings. Believing this relationship to be the key to fostering intellect, creativity and the dissemination of ideas, the aim was to create a ‘Centre of Learning’ that embraces Mother Nature. The very understanding and realisation of ‘Enlightenment’ propagated by Gautam Buddha, the ‘Enlightened One’, and Buddhist teachings such as the Middle Path stress the importance of a marriage between binaries like Dhatu (matter/solid) and Shunya (antimatter/void); existence and non-existence; Bhog (consumption) and Tyag (detachment) to maintain a balance that keeps the wheel of life turning. In order to successfully implement such a balance, a harmony of proportions was introduced in the conceptual planning of the site layout. The ratio and proportions of the image of the ‘Buddha in meditation’ were considered in order to derive a rhythmically knitted pattern with strong connectivity,

JW MARRIOTT, AEROCITY, DELHI JW Marriott is a luxurious 550-room 5-star hotel located within a modern hospitality district also referred to as Aerocity, which has also been master-planned by the same architects. The project has a high-end retail facility spread across 1 lakh sq-ft along with a convention centre. The JW Marriott project follows the urban design guidelines of the district. The juxtaposition of polished stainless steel shading devices in the façade set against the ruggedness of sandstone merges the contemporary with the past. An exquisitely landscaped courtyard with a generous water feature is a surprise

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: Greater Noida, UP Client: Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority Architects: CP Kukreja Architects HVAC, Lighting, Structure & MEP Consultant: CP Kukreja Architects Site area: 511 acres Built-up area: 80 lakh sq-ft Cost: Rs.1,700 crore Year of commencement: 2008 Year of completion: March 2012 network and space organisation for the master plan of the over 500-acre campus. Gautam Buddha University is designed to reflect the ethos of Indian Buddhist architecture in contemporary times. From the planning to the architectural vocabulary, the campus has been consciously designed not to blindly ape or mimic forms from a bygone era or further the current trend of glass and concrete boxes, but to sensibly imbibe the essence of local tradition with the present global outlook. Vernacular planning and local materials come together with modern technology such as central air conditioning and Wi-Fi enabled classrooms. The result is an interesting amalgamation of two different architectural styles, creating forms that resonate with both the “Indian” and “global” communities. Gautam Buddha University was bestowed with the title of “Best Sustainable Campus” by BUILD 2016 Architecture Awards, London.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: Aerocity, Delhi Client: Aria Hotel and Consultancy Services Pvt Ltd Architects: CP Kukreja Architects HVAC, Lighting, Structure & MEP Consultant: CP Kukreja Architects Site area: 5 acres Built-up area: 10 lakh sq-ft Cost: Rs.500 crore Year of commencement: 2011 Year of completion: 2013 element in an otherwise urban district. Spread over an area of 65 acres, Aerocity is designed as a one-of-its-kind integrated hospitality district with hotels ranging from 7-star super deluxe properties to budget options. The total project has 5,000 rooms besides retail outlets, a convention centre, etc. A unique feature is a pedestrian promenade running through the district, which brings together the retail and F&B elements of individual properties as a shared resource – creating a vibrant public experience, a departure from the usual inward-looking, individualistic approach of a hotel property.

SILVER CLUB DIKSHU KUKREJA

PERTO INDUSTRIAL FACILITY Perto is a leading Brazilian Multinational Corporation. In a project that relies heavily on ergonomics and functionality, the aim was to create an industrial architecture that elevates the architectural quality to an attractive ensemble of built-forms rather than unimaginative industrial boxes. The design vision was fuelled by the ardent belief that aesthetics and functionality go hand in hand, and that it is possible to achieve one without compromising on the other. With the use of low maintenance, sleek finishes; bold, contrasting colours; and a strictly functional cubic form, the building’s simplicity and grace speak for themselves. This industrial facility is one-of-a-kind, as it is the first project in India which is entirely galvanized – from the boundary fence to purlins to nuts and bolts – rather than painted for a superior, sleek finish. This unique specification was prescribed to create a facility which required to be world-class in both functionality and aesthetics. The structures in Perto facility are Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB) that use built-up sections instead of rolled sections for added strength. Steel’s versatility, ease of use, durability and aesthetic appeal make it a popular building

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan Client: Perto India Pvt Ltd Architects: CP Kukreja Architects HVAC, Lighting, Structure & MEP Consultant: CP Kukreja Architects Site area: 18 acres Built-up area: 6 lakh sq-ft Cost: Rs.50 crore Year of commencement: 2012 Year of completion: 2016 material. Not only is it elegant, its tensile strength and long life make it the go-to option for any industrial venture that requires such long spans. The bold red colour set against the steel grey buildings brings a vibrancy to an otherwise disciplined disposition of the different built components. The play of light and shadow is delightful, whether in the intimately-sized courtyards, pergolas or the rhythmically-arranged slender columns – all in response to the hot and dry desert climate of Jaipur.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: Karkardooma, New Delhi Client: Delhi Development Authority Architects: CP Kukreja Architects HVAC, Lighting, Structure & MEP Consultant: CP Kukreja Architects Site area: 75 acres Built-up area: 15 million sq-ft Cost: Rs.10,000 crore Year of commencement: 2017 Year of completion: Ongoing

EAST DELHI HUB East Delhi Hub is conceptualised to be a new Transit Oriented Development (TOD) that embraces the core values of a sustainable ‘Smart City’. Delhi Development Authority (DDA) conceived East Delhi Hub in the year 2013. As a pilot project that experiments with the new TOD policy drafted by DDA, the approach is to incorporate ‘organic density’. ‘This is achieved through massing, distributed at different vertical levels, allowing myriad public activities to take place at each level, thereby activating the site throughout the day. The squares and plazas are lined with commercial development to ensure ‘Eyes on the Streets’, rendering the public areas safe for everyone. In an attempt to bring landscape to the upper floors, vertical gardens and green terraces are also proposed to provide “Green for All.”

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

The project envisages creation of 15 million sq-ft of built-up area including commercial, residential, educational, medical and recreational facilities, and residential units in various configurations. The project incorporates an iconic 100-storey skyscraper comprising offices, retail, hotel and service apartments. This contemporary ‘light house’ stands tall in the skyline of the city, and is a symbol of a new approach to our built environment – where high density and mixed-use character shall become the emerging order of our urban centres. East Delhi Hub is spread on a site of 74 acres. There are two metro lines crossing through the site, with the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) and Anand Vihar Railway Station in close proximity. This project is an ideal example for Transit Oriented Development – which promotes use of public transportation, reducing dependency on private vehicles and thereby reducing pollution. With a proposed 10,000 residential units to be built in this project along with a variety of other facilities, East Delhi Hub is a microcosm of a city within a city and one that shall surely transform our urban habitat.

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SILVER CLUB DIKSHU KUKREJA

VALLABH BHAWAN Vallabh Bhawan is the State Secretariat of Madhya Pradesh, located atop the Arera Hill in Bhopal. Flanked by a large lake on one side of the hill and a green expanse on the other, the site enjoys views of the natural, scenic beauty of its vicinity. These views are framed by an apparent visual axis created by the Vindhyanchal Bhawan and Satpura Bhawan on either side, with an exquisitely landscaped belt acting as the foreground. The existing context reflects an amalgamation of modern architecture in the buildings and traditional chaarbagh-style landscaped gardens commonly seen during the time of the Nawabs of Madhya Pradesh. Situated at such a strategic location, which can be seen from various points within the city, Vallabh Bhawan was imagined to be the ‘crowning jewel’ of Arera Hill, offering magnificent views to and from Bhopal. Traditional architectural elements like chhatris, jaalis and colonnades have been given a contemporary flavour by using restraint and keeping the forms simple, so that the basic form may express itself. The sweeping form of the turrets, popularly referred to as the ‘Beacons of Democracy’, are prominently visible from around the city, reaffirming confidence in a strong, vibrant democratic nation. In addition to this, modern elements such as fins, pergolas and solar panels keep

HAMIDIA MEDICITY Hospitals and other healthcare facilities should be re-thought in terms of their design, so that they also serve as urban units that would continually and spontaneously maintain healthy conditions within the city. Hamidia Hospital employs the use of passive design in designing the new architecture of the complex, so that minimum air-conditioning and other artificial mechanical controls are required which often creates ‘Sick-building syndrome’. Hamidia Hospital is part of the rich history of the city of Bhopal. It is one of the oldest hospitals in the country which dates back to the British Raj. The hospital began in the colonial

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Client: Government of Madhya Pradesh Architects: CP Kukreja Architects HVAC, Lighting, Structure & MEP Consultant: CP Kukreja Architects Site area: 25 acres Built-up area: 10 lakh sq-ft Cost: Rs.350 crore Year of commencement: 2013 Year of completion: 2018 (expected) the structure protected from the harsh sunlight. Landscape strategies involve the use of evergreen trees to obstruct solar access and indigenous plants that require little water and a zero discharge rainwater system for maximum water conservation on site. The design of Vallabh Bhawan aims to translate the rich cultural fabric of the state and bring it to the global stage using contemporary styles through architecture. This amalgamation of architectural vocabularies binds the glory of the past with the aspirations of a forward-looking community to create a unique identity that embodies the spirit of Madhya Pradesh.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Client: Madhya Pradesh Public Works Department Architects: CP Kukreja Architects HVAC, Lighting, Structure & MEP Consultant: CP Kukreja Architects Site area: 50 acres Built-up area: 17 lakh sq-ft Cost: Rs.600 crore (phase I) Year of commencement: 2017 Year of completion: 2019 (expected) era, when it was called the King Edwards Memorial Hospital for men. It was started as a small 25-bed hospital. Multiple expansion plans over the years have raised the bed count to 525. Hamidia Hospital played a crucial role in providing healthcare to the people of the city, especially during turbulent times like the Bhopal gas tragedy. The latest expansion plan aims to create a state-of-the-art multi-specialty ‘Smart Medi-City’ with 2,000 beds, a medical college (strength of 250), nursing institute and residential accommodation for the staff. It has been designed as a LEED Platinum-rated complex. It overlooks the magnificent Grand Lake and has been designed around several notable historical and religious buildings within this precinct, all of which are integral to the urban fabric of the area.

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

SILVER CLUB DIKSHU KUKREJA

RE-DEVELOPMENT OF PRAGATI MAIDAN Pragati Maidan has been an icon for the capital [as also for the country] for more than 50 years, and has played host to innumerable exhibitions and conventions, besides the world-famous India International Trade Fair held every November. Over the years, the need for expansion of the facility and its modernisation has been felt and, accordingly the Government of India, Ministry of Commerce has decided to redevelop the facility into a global-level iconic integrated exhibition cum convention centre. Pragati Maidan is prominently located with the Purana Quila on one side and the Supreme Court on the other. The Pragati Maidan Convention Centre is designed for a capacity of 7,000 people, and is proposed to be a world-class state-of-the-art iconic building deriving its architectural form from the rich architectural heritage of Lutyens’ New Delhi. The entire facility is planned for universal access for the physi-

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: New Delhi Client: Government of India, Ministry of Commerce Architects: CP Kukreja Architects HVAC, Lighting, Structure & MEP Consultant: CP Kukreja Architects Site area: 125 acres Built-up area: 1 crore sq-ft Cost: Rs. 3000 crore Year of commencement: 2017 Year of completion: 2019 (expected) cally challenged. The convention centre has a unique, curved and sloping form in glass and GRC cladding with enormous cantilevers. The construction of the centre is under way and is planned to be completed within 16 months. The building is expected to enjoy a distinct place in the skyline of the capital — especially at night, owing to the surreal floating effect. The project also includes, in the first phase, over 35 lakh sq-ft of world-class exhibition facilities to meet the needs of industry exhibitions, trade shows, product demonstrations, corporate events and related activities at national and international levels. Spread over 125 acres, the complex is expected to become a landmark for its international-level facilities and features in line with the world’s state-of-the-art convention centres.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka Client: Krrish Transworks Colombo Pvt Ltd Architects: CP Kukreja Architects HVAC, Lighting, Structure & MEP Consultant: CP Kukreja Architects Built-up area: 50 lakh sq-ft Cost: Rs.7,000 crore Year of commencement: 2016 Year of completion: 2020 TRANSWORKS TOWERS Transworks Towers is a prestigious project, which is envisioned to be among the highest towers in South Asia. This project demonstrates the new kind of built typology being introduced to the Indian sub-continent – an ultra-high-rise and high-density development. This mixed-use development is planned on a site of only seven acres with a built-up area of 50 lakh sq-ft with high-end residential apartments, offices, retail and a 7-star hotel. Such a development throws up various design challenges of segregating the diverse functions, their circulation, security, etc, yet retaining a successful mixed-use pattern. The design is an ensemble of skyscrapers which come together and, rather than amplifying their individual identities, create a unified urban form. The design also reflects the aspirations of a society which wants to project to the world a modern futuristic impression where tradition and technology can coexist. A&I

CONSUMER CONNECT

Where art meets devotion

very artist needs a canvas. For Greenlam, every home is one. Present across more than 100 countries, Greenlam is India’s No. 1, Asia’s largest and among the Top 3 surfacing solutions brand in the world. Since its inception, Greenlam has focused on developing quality products with great passion for innovation. It offers endto-end surfacing solutions across laminates, compacts, veneers, engineered wooden floors and engineered wooden doors to choose from. With two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the country, it is the first choice of home owners, architects and interior designers when it comes to transforming living spaces. Greenlam works in harmony with the environment. The company thinks and acts to save and preserve nature in its pristine form by ethical sourcing of raw materials from the world over. Coupled with this, the products are Greenguard Certified and Anti-bacterial, thereby ensuring they are environment-friendly and safe to use. With a robust team of over 12,000-plus distributors and dealers along with 500-plus sales professionals, Greenlam is just a call away to give your spaces a new look.

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Product offerings: Greenlam currently stands as a market leader owing to its guiding philosophy – innovative technologies and creative philosophy. Greenlam products are a result of extensive research in the international market and, not to forget, the latest trends in the industry. Greenlam Laminates and New Mika: Greenlam Laminates is the flagship brand for Greenlam Industries Ltd., and will complete 25 years this year. The brand offers the latest designs and surfacing solutions to consumers. New Mika is another one of the brands under which laminates are available. Laminates are durable, low-maintenance and easy-to-apply surface products. They can be used on both vertical and horizontal surfaces. Laminates are multifunctional and can be applied in both residential and commercial settings. They not only appeal to the aesthetics but also provide long term durability and easy maintenance. A perfect combination of technology and creativity, Greenlam laminates enjoy a strong brand value.

CONSUMER CONNECT Greenlam Clads The brand Greenlam Clads offers revolutionary cladding solutions for exterior and interior surfacing panel. Designed to withstand harsh conditions with as little maintenance as possible, Greenlam Clads are manufactured with unmatched GLE technology that makes them fade-resistant, weather-proof and fire-resistant. Greenlam Sturdo Greenlam Sturdo offers a wide range of products including lockers, restroom privy divider panels used in commercial restrooms and high-quality hand-holds for the physically disabled. Built with cutting-edge technology as per Indian climatic conditions, Greenlam Sturdo performs exceptionally well in areas with heavy traffic, high moisture and high humidity. Decowood Decowood from the house of Greenlam Industries Ltd. has a wide and beautiful range of offering of decorative veneers. Decowood currently has the largest capacity in decorative veneer of 4.2 million m2. The company has recently added its new herringbone collection to its already massive portfolio of products. Decowoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premium range of natural decorative veneers are sourced from across the globe with over 200 species.

Mikasa Engineered Wood Flooring Mikasa offers unparalleled flooring solutions with their premium engineered wood flooring. Greenlam is the first company in the country to manufacture and launch engineered wood flooring. With the current capacity of 1 million m2, Mikasa Floors currently has the largest capacity in India. Offering new collections every year, Mikasa offers products in a wide range of wood species giving their customers plenty of choice to choose from. Offering ease-of-installation with their patented PlankLoc technology, Mikasa wooden flooring is also stable in every climatic condition. The product is carefully treated and engineered with locks for proper installations and the right expansion gaps that do not get damaged during weather changes. Furthermore, Mikasa products come with a warranty of up to 30 years. Mikasa Engineered Doors & Frames Greenlam has become the first company to manufacture engineered door solutions under the Mikasa brand. These factory-finished doors and frames are manufactured in the state-of-the-art facility at Behror with a capacity of about 120,000 doors and frames every year. For more information, please visit us at: www.greenlamindustries.com

www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | MARCH 2018 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT HVAC SYSTEMS

COLD COMFORT PRESENTS

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO HVAC DESIGN CAN IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF A BUILDING BY ARUNA RATHOD

1. The split air-conditioner merges with the colour scheme of this bedroom.

eating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems account for 39% of the energy used in commercial buildings in the United States of America. According to the US Energy Information Administration, in residential buildings, space cooling alone makes up 9% of a home’s total energy consumption. Although HVAC systems offer many opportunities for recovery and re-use of thermal energy, the objective is to

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

use less energy in the first place – which can be achieved by more energy-efficient buildings, systems and equipment and through improved operating and maintenance procedures. Proper maintenance of air-conditioners can go a long way in helping to increase the efficiency of HVAC equipment during its lifetime.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT HVAC SYSTEM Safety factors for HVAC systems allow for uncertainties in the

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT HVAC SYSTEMS

2. Outdoor units assembled on the terrace of a building. 3. Water-cooled Screw Chillers by Blue Star. 4. Group controllers, such as this one from Blue Star, give the user greater control over air-conditioning systems.

final design, construction and use of the building, but should be used reasonably. Greatly oversized equipment operates less efficiently and costs more than ideal sized equipment. For example, oversized cooling systems may not dehumidify the air properly, resulting in cool but ‘clammy’ spaces. The purpose of use/application, usage pattern, location of the site and budget fundamentally determine the choice of HVAC system. While Sunil Khatwani, vice president & business head, System Air-Conditioning Division, LG Electronics, enumerates capacity, water availability throughout the life of the system, availability of space for the equipment, criticality of usage and façade of the building as additional determining factors; Senthil Thangam, senior general manager, Packaged & Central Air conditioning Products, Blue Star Limited, directs our attention to energy efficiency, ecofriendliness of the system, advanced sophisticated controllers, choice of the end user, service friendliness of the system and proximity to the service centres. Additionally, if a multi-storeyed building is designed for a different user on each floor, the developer may prefer an independent VRF system. “The advantages will be independent power metering and maintenance, staggered installation depending upon occupation, energy efficiency, variety of indoor units, better aesthetics with a single outdoor unit, no water requirement and simplicity of operation, among others,” explains Khatwani. Energy-efficient, climate responsive construction requires a whole building perspective that integrates architectural and engineering concerns early in the design process. For example, the evaluation of a building envelope design must consider its effect on cooling loads and daylighting. Architect Bedanta Saikia, vertical head, Edifice Consultants, states that comfort, operational cost (energy efficiency), space availability, availability of water, specific requirements, if any, based on function of the space should be evaluated before choosing the HVAC system.

LOCATIONAL FACTORS AND HVAC 3

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

The site of a building greatly impacts the viability of choice, where HVAC systems are concerned. It determines where

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT HVAC SYSTEMS

NEW ON THE BLOCK

LG ELECTRONICS In 2018, LG embarked on the journey of ‘Greenovation’ – green, innovative products in the commercial air conditioning space. • High energy-efficiency VRF systems, one of the most energy-efficient VRF systems in the industry. • Inverter ducted units (high static) of 5.5 to 11.0TR, the most energy-efficient ducted split system in India with low noise levels and R410A gas (the eco-friendly option to the ozone-depleting R22 gas). • Inverter ducted units (low static) with lowest height of only 190mm; up to 2.0TR with low noise levels and R410A gas. • Inverter cassette units, Inverter floor-standing units and Inverter rooftop units with R410A gas. • Magnetic bearing centrifugal chillers (oil free) with capacities ranging from 260TR to 2200TR. World-class energy efficiency (COP up to 7.0) with lower footprint, lower noise levels and consistent performance over time. • Air bearing centrifugal chillers (oil free) of 100TR to 300TR. A technological innovation by LG, these have coefficient of performance of up to 6.4 with lower footprint, lower noise levels and consistent performance over time. • Inverter scroll chillers (air cooled) with capacities between 20TR to 180TR with R410A gas. BLUE STAR Blue Star has introduced the 5th Generation VRF System, which is the latest in the air conditioning field. The range is available from 7 HP to 28 HP in a single module. Blue Star can also club a maximum of 4 modules, taking it to 112 HP that is one of the highest levels in the industry. Being an Indian manufacturer, this product has been developed by Blue Star keeping in mind the typical Indian climatic conditions and varied challenges. The company’s VRF product offerings exhibit high efficiency in extreme ambient conditions. They have been designed to deliver full capacity at 430C and are capable of handling a wide volume of fluctuations. Another offering introduced by Blue Star to meet the challenges of high cost of power, is the Inverter Ducted System that is available from 6.25 HP to 24 HP. As compared to the conventional ducted systems, these machines have the capability to offer power savings of up to 25%. Blue Star has also introduced the Configured Series of Screw Chillers that offers a wide range of benefits to the customers in terms of selecting the equipment to match their exact requirements, including energy efficiency criteria.

5. Multi V VRF System by LG Electronics. A VRF system allows, among other things, independent power metering and maintenance. 6. LG Electronics’ Hydro Kit takes waste heat from the Multi V VRF system and provides hot water for a variety of uses.

the system can be installed, and what type of system one can opt for. “If a building is located close to another building, the outdoor units will have to be located on the terrace. If noise is a constraint during late operation periods, the user may opt for water-cooled systems or acoustic barriers for air-cooled systems,” advises Khatwani. Thangam sheds light on the impact of Indian temperatures on the working of these systems, and how this influences selection. “Most air conditioning systems available today are designed for ARI conditions – which is 35oC. However, India being a tropical country, the ambient temperatures in most parts of the country are in excess of 40oC,” he says. “The urban heat effect prevalent in the metro cities will increase the working condition of the air conditioning

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GODREJ Godrej Appliances has launched India’s most power saving air conditioner with the highest ISEER rating of 6.15. The AC incorporates Godrej’s unique Green Inverter Technology, a smart combination of Inverter Technology and Green Balance Technology which helps in achieving high energy efficiency in an eco-friendly way, by using the world’s greenest refrigerant R290 that has zero ozone depleting potential and minimum global warming potential. It also incorporates another key feature, Eco Mode which, when activated, results in 25% less power consumption. The new Godrej NXW air conditioner with 6.15 ISEER also incorporates other advanced cooling features like 3X BLDC (brush less DC) technology, Intelligent Air Throw and User Defined Air Throw Technology – making it another thoughtfully made appliance with innovations that are relevant to its customers. It offers substantial reduction in power consumption as compared to any other AC in the market, beating its own record of last year.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT HVAC SYSTEMS

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systems by 3 to 4oC above the ambient temperature. This, in turn, will result in a drop in the actual capacity delivered by around 15% to 20%. We have to consider either the drop in the capacity while designing the system or go with the system which is designed to deliver full capacity at 43oC.” Compared to air-cooled systems, he points out, water-cooled systems offer better efficiency at higher ambient conditions. However, this option is viable only if adequate quantity of good quality water is available.

tectural and engineering components. High-performance design also takes into account the energy and environmental performance of the building during its complete life cycle, including site selection, construction, operations and maintenance, renovations, demolition and replacement. Highly energy-efficient green buildings have lower operating costs than conventionally designed buildings. Secondly, sustainable design helps to minimise broad environmental impacts, such as water usage, ozone layer depletion and raw materials usage. Finally, staff members in a well-lit, safe, comfortable environment are productive and happy – which leads to increased productivity. As natural resources rapidly deplete around the world, the need for green or environment-friendly building practices are becoming the need of the hour. ‘Green buildings’ are constructed or renovated under sustainable development, a design process that reduces the harmful impact on natural resources and looks at the life-cycle costs of the facility. By following green design practices, building owners and developers only stand to benefit – cost wise, environmentally and socially. But when can you truly term an HVAC system green? “The main criteria of equipment selection for Green buildings must be based on energy efficiency, the system must be with eco-friendly refrigerants and the system designed must use lower quantity of refrigerants,” reveals Thangam. “We can term the HVAC as eco-friendly only when it meets all the above parameters.”

BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND HVAC GREEN HVAC SYSTEMS High-performance green design is a common sense approach to building design. Within its scope, a building is seen as a single system made up of interdependent archi-

More attention should be paid to the thermal characteristics of building and strategies for minimising internal loads, examining in detail the opportunities for natural ventilation and daylighting, and exploring ways to reduce the energy

CASE STUDY: HEADQUARTERS FOR MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA AT CHAKAN, MAHARASHTRA

7. Air-conditioning ducts along the ceiling.

envelope of the three prongs are two internal landscaped courtyards which serve to regulate the internal climate of the building. A floor plate width of 18m ensures adequate daylight penetration. Glare-free natural light is drawn from the north and south. For the East wing, natural light is drawn from the east and west. A connecting corridor on every floor on the western side helps to cut down glare and shade the office spaces. The western sun is further controlled by a pergola with greenery on it. This makes the shading strategy very natural and mimics that of a tree. The architectural internal climate-centric strategies were bolstered by selecting an HVAC system that uses radiant cooling. The architects arrived at this type after studying campuses of Infosys at Pune, Bengaluru and Pocharam which have made satisfactory use of this type. Once this was finalised, the architects looked at options available within it – and selected the one involving pipes embedded in the slab and ceiling. The Architects: Edifice Consultants, Mumbai advantages of radiant cooling, eludicates Saikia, revolve around bringing Team: Bedanta Saikia, Saju Anthoney, Vidya Narayanan, Dhruv Prajapati, down operational cost and saving space. Where the first is concerned, the Shashikant Telsang, Ridhi Gupta, and Kirtiman Sinha temperature of the supplied and return chilled water for radiant cooling As one of India’s oldest automotive brands, Mahindra & Mahindra has in is 16 and 20 degrees respectively, as against 6.5 and 12.5 degrees of that the past decade reinvented its positioning in the burgeoning new economy in conventional cooling. This amounts to an energy saving of almost 30%. with bold new designs, active social initiatives and eco-friendly ventures. With this system, the architects could achieve 600sft/tr of conditioning. The new headquarters building for Mahindra & Mahindra at Chakan is Secondly, as radiant cooling takes care of all the sensible cooling load, the designed as an embodiment of this core ethos. Raised above the ground, architects needed only a few TFA (Treated Fresh Air) units to take care of the the three ‘prongs’ or wings of the new workplace float over a wide public latent load. This negated the need for AHU rooms at every floor – which, in concourse which serves to extend the public realm. Enclosed within the turn, helped them save almost 10 to 15% of floor space.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT HVAC SYSTEMS

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8. A living room with concealed air-condition ducting. 9. Blue Star installations at GITAM University in Visakhapatnam: VRF systems and packaged and ducted systems with an installed capacity of 2000HP and 1500TR, respectively.

requirements of HVAC. For example, the use of high-performance glazing, insulation, and effective sun control can substantially reduce cooling and heating loads and the size of HVAC systems and components required to meet these loads. The ultimate objective is to minimise refrigeration requirements, or do away with refrigeration altogether, and to make use of renewable energy resources. The use of high performance HVAC equipment could result in considerable energy, emissions and cost savings (10%-40%). Whole building design coupled with an ‘extended comfort zone’ can produce much greater savings (40%-70%). Extended comfort includes employing concepts such as providing warmer, but drier air using desiccant

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

dehumidification in summer, or cooler air with warmer windows and warmer walls in winter. Most of the products introduced by Blue Star have the option of integrating the air conditioning systems with third party BMS. Thangam explains, “The BMS integrates the air conditioning systems with other building services such as fire, security and electrical systems. The equipment offered comes with the option of BMS output in Modbus protocol (a reliable protocol widely used in BMS and industrial automation systems). Choices are also available if the customer requirement is with other protocols.” However, if the customer wants to exclusively control the air conditioning systems alone, there are plenty of sophisticated controllers available in VRF systems. There are options such as group controller, centralised controller, wireless controllers, PC monitoring systems and mobile apps. The benefit that you can get from these controllers is that the entire air conditioning system of the building can be monitored and controlled at one point. Blue Star also offers remote monitoring service which connects the remote sites with the service centre of Blue Star. The faults in the systems are triggered with error codes which enable the local team to respond immediately and attend to the exact nature of problem. The quality of service is enhanced with this unique feature. Chiller Plant Managers are generally used in applications where there are more than three chillers. This, in addition to optimising the running of each chiller, will also integrate with other system accesses like cooling towers, pumps and AHUs. The returns on investment of a wholistic approach to HVAC systems are immense. An HVAC system, selected in tandem with the envelope design and the other building management systems, will, in the long run, pay through reduced operational costs, increased energy efficiency, a higher Green value, and happier occupants. A&I

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT HVAC SYSTEMS

PRESENTS

KINGS OF COOL

SPECIALISTS DEALING IN HVAC SYSTEMS AND DESIGN SHARE THEIR OPINIONS ABOUT THIS SEGMENT

Is there enough awareness in India about variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology? Senthil Thangam: This system is gaining rapid acceptance in the Indian market and is growing at the rate of 15 to 20% every year. The VRF technology is the latest development in the air-conditioning field which integrates the air conditioning system through highly sophisticated electronics, offering precise control of temperature and high power savings to the customer. Blue Star offers a comprehensive range of VRF systems, starting from as low as 4 HP to as high as 112 HP. The VRF system offers a wide choice of indoor units for the customers/architects to suit their interior design requirements. They are also very compact and easy to install. To cater to the growing tier 3 and tier 4 markets, Blue Star has introduced a pre-piped VRF system that is easy to install. This will enable the system integrators to offer the VRF technology even in smaller towns. We believe this product can further penetrate VRF technology across the country. Sunil Khatwani: The VRF industry has been steadily growing in India due to increased awareness. Segments like residential, hospitality, healthcare and offices are contributing to this growth. VRF systems are quite energy efficient and, hence, preferred by architects, HVAC consultants and end users. A wide variety of indoor units – wall-mounted, cassette, fan-coil, ducted, AHUs, etc – can be connected to the outdoor unit. Large piping distances between indoor and outdoor units also make them suitable for modern buildings with glass façades. The total piping length can be as high as 1000m. VRF systems have replaced split ACs in smaller applications, and even chillers for applications with a capacity requirement of about 1000 TR. We have a wide range of VRF systems: top discharge and side discharge VRF systems have high-energy efficiency along

1. Senthil Thangam. 2. Sunil Khatwani. 3. Bedanta Saikia. 4. Blue Star’s VRF V Plus system comes with a highly efficient inverter compressor.

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

PANEL OF EXPERTS Senthil Thangam, senior general manager, Packaged & Central Air conditioning Products, Blue Star Limited Sunil Khatwani, vice president & business head, System AirConditioning Division, LG Electronics Bedanta Saikia, vertical head, Edifice Consultants Pvt Ltd with high corrosion resistance with two coatings on the fins viz. corrosion resistant ‘Ocean Black Fin’ and Hydrophilic coating; water-cooled VRF systems with shell and coil heat exchangers especially designed for India; and Hydro Kit, which has hot water generation along with VRF systems for up to 80oC. Bedanta Saikia: It’s an energy efficient system. I believe, at least in the sectors I am involved in, there is good awareness… but there can be more. What advice would you offer about installation or modernisation of an HVAC system to retrofit old buildings? Thangam: Most of the air conditioning systems offered 15 years back were not energy efficient, neither eco-friendly and were least sophisticated in terms of controls. While offering retrofit solutions, the architect must consider these factors: the need for an eco-friendly system; energy efficiency requirements based on the usage pattern; flexibility of the systems required; minimal alterations to the existing set-up; the expected life of the new systems; and new regulations and statutory norms such as the ECBC and Green Building norms. Khatwani: Selecting a new HVAC system or retrofitting one in an old building are largely governed by the same factors. In fact, whether the installation is being carried out in an occupied building, is itself one factor. One needs to consider the capacity required; water availability for 15 years; the usage pattern; the purpose of use; façade of the building; the energy-efficiency of the new equipment; criticality of usage; whether a Green building certification is required; noise levels; regulations; availability of space and power; and availability of space to manoeuvre the equipment inside and on top of the building. Saikia: We need to first question the need of the HVAC. Design strategies such as adding shading devices; adding wall and ceiling/floor insulation to reduce the need of HVAC; and looking at improving natural ventilation, will ensure use of direct cooling only when essential. We also need to select a system that is energy efficient and easy to maintain. A&I

CONSUMER CONNECT

Cool Ideas Blue Star Limited has an advanced range of solutions on offer to fulfil requirements of residential, corporate as well as commercial customers.

lue Star is Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading air conditioning and commercial refrigeration company with over seven decades of experience in providing expert cooling solutions. It fulfills the cooling requirements of a large number of corporate, commercial as well as residential customers, as well as offers products such as water purifiers, air purifiers and air coolers. It also provides expertise in allied contracting activities such as electrical, plumbing and fire-fighting services, in order to provide turnkey solutions, apart from execution of specialised

industrial projects. Blue Star has joint ventures in Qatar, Malaysia and Oman which undertake MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) projects for residential, commercial and infrastructure buildings, and exports a range of products to the Middle East, Africa, SAARC and ASEAN regions. Blue Starâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other businesses include marketing and maintenance of imported professional electronic equipment and services, as well as industrial products and systems, which is handled by Blue Star Engineering & Electronics, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | MARCH 2018 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

CASE STUDY HOUSE OF HIRANANDANI DEVANAHALLI

BEST IN CLASS

HIGH LIVING IS POISED TO TAKE OFF A STONE’S THROW AWAY FROM THE AIRPORT, AT HOUSE OF HIRANANDANI DEVANAHALLI BY MARIA LOUIS

PHOTOGRAPHS: WILFRED LOUIS

he fine life is set to take centrestage at House of Hiranandani, Devanahalli — a township in Bengaluru with a strong design ethos. Conveniently located in proximity to the airport, it seeks to reinvent everyday living experiences with a stylish setting that offers all the comforts and conveniences of luxury living. While the apartments boast space and light with the latest amenities, the villas offer expansive and uncluttered rooms with thoughtful details in addition to state-of-the-art technology. Voluminous 2, 2.5, 3 and 4BHK villas and cottages are marked by neo-classical architecture and influences that permeate the design and almost transport one to Spain and other parts of Europe. The urban, eclectic aesthetic of the township is characterised by careful planning and picturesque landscaping. It is an amalgam of traditional and contemporary design; an ecosystem that caters to the tastes of today’s home buyer. The design brief given to the architects – to respect land character, blend the flora and fauna with the landscaping, be eco-sensitive and create world class living – was adhered to with sensitivity. When they first saw it, a mud road was the only access to the barren and undulated site, which was full of dry and thorny vegetation. Now, an abundance of greenery allows for easy moments of solitude; each home has its own private herbal park or garden both in the front and at the back. Other challenges were encountered, too – like black cotton soil in the foundation which was causing the footpaths to crack, the unavailability of river sand, open

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

wells on the site which were historically used for agriculture, and the need to mobilise labour for such a large project. To counter these issues, structural design suiting the soil condition was employed, keeping the costing under check. The usage of M-Sand bedding for the granite in the footpath helped to stop the black cotton soil expansion and contraction, thereby preventing cracks. Instead of river sand, mix designs were made with M-Sand for construction activities. Permanent labour hutment with facilities were provided by the contractors in order to retain the labourers at site. All the open wells were renovated, retained and converted to recharge pits. The frame design was also replaced with flat slab which has a reduced slab cycle and allows for minimum usage of timber. In fact, House of Hiranandani has the distinction of being the first company to have introduced flat slab in the residential sector in Bengaluru. A strong urban design, including consistent and appropriate placement of dwellings, streets, trees, site furnishings and pavements form a picturesque setting for an integrated community. However, it is the landscaping that is the unique unifying element for the entire township. “The design concept was the outcome of an optimal integration of a township at a macro level, and villas and cottages at the micro level,” explains Surendra Hiranandani, CMD, House of Hiranandani. “From the outset, we had decided that there should not be any hard division of spaces. The objective was to give it the feel of an integrated community.” The design elements are fluid, with an influence of neoclassical detail that fits a typical Spanish-type villa. Certain

the landscape while capturing an incredible amount of daylight. The detailing and open spaces in the cottages are well balanced, giving every room a cosy, welcoming vibe. Minimalism in grandeur is a phrase that perfectly describes it. “The juxtaposition of current fashion trends, like minimalism and abstract elements, with optimum spatial needs has resulted in this particular style that not only holds appeal – but offers freedom to personalise it,” Hiranandani adds. There is also something for those who prefer apartments. The towers offer the same sense of spaciousness with large

PROJECT DETAILS Name of the project: House of Hiranandani, Devanahalli Location: Devanahalli, Bengaluru Area: 78 acres Configuration: Apartments, villas and cottages Architects: Alay Design (Bengaluru) Interior designers: HOH Design Centre, Zarir Mullan Architects (Clubhouse) Landscaping: CPG Peridian (Singapore)

1. Surendra Hiranandani, CMD, House of Hiranandani.

CASE STUDY HOUSE OF HIRANANDANI DEVANAHALLI

elements are from the Renaissance period that have been modified to suit the construction methodology. The luxury villas are surrounded by diversified greenery. The interior design captures as much daylight as possible. The openings have been optimised to suit the design and façade details. The tropical vernacular architecture has been designed to adapt to the particular environmental settings and, in short, to let the outdoors in. Simple but interesting architectural features like sweeping sloping roofs with Mangalore tiles, sprawling sit-outs, interesting outdoor-indoor spaces and deep overhangs create a spectacularly charming ambience. The architecture springs from the ground, and merges with

2. House of Hiranandani, Devanahalli: a township that seeks to reinvent everyday living experiences with a stylish setting. 3. With large apartments and lush grrenery, the apartment towers offer the same sense of spaciousness as the villas. 4. Simple but interesting architectural features and outdoor-indoor connections add up to a charming ambience.

www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | MARCH 2018 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

CASE STUDY HOUSE OF HIRANANDANI DEVANAHALLI

SUSTAINABLE FEATURES • Fly ash - one of the byproducts of pulverized coal in electric power generating plants, which has been used to replace cement in concrete mixes, thereby reducing cement consumption. • Gunny bags - used to make sure the curing of the concrete is done properly, thereby minimising the wastage of water. • GVP - used as plastering by eliminating the regular usage of river sand, which is a major quantity for internal cement plaster. • Concrete hollow blocks - specially designed for thermal insulation. • Gypsum board - for all false ceiling work. • Polyurethane and acrylic-based chemical admixtures. • Tiles made from eco-friendly material. • Polymerized waterproofing compound. • Ready mix concrete with modern plasticizers. • Laminated wooden flooring. • Aluminium windows. • CPUC piping for long-lasting plumbing. • Recycle and re-use of water - all waste water generated in the project is treated in STP and reused as secondary flushing, irrigation, pavement cleaning, etc, which ensures that no waste water is discharged into the municipal drain. • Pre-cast manhole covers. • STP, WTP, RWP. • RWH - ensuring rain water harvesting system in the projects, which increases the ground water table. Also, the terrace rain water runoff is collected in UGT and supplied to the residents as domestic water with due filtration. This method minimises municipal/underground water usage. • CFLs and LED bulbs for higher output and reduced energy consumption. • Solar energy - providing solar water heaters, which negate the need for electric water heaters. • DG sets. • Sprinklers - sprinklers and drip irrigation are used for landscape irrigation purposes to reduce consumption of water. • FTTH (Fibre to the home) - to minimise copper usage.

5. The design elements are fluid, with an influence of neo-classical detail that fits a typical Spanish-type villa. 6-8. Drenched in daylight: The interior design captures as much natural light as possible. The detailing is well balanced, giving every room a welcoming vibe.

apartments in addition to luxurious amenities like a wellappointed club house, herbal park and lush greenery. While he is satisfied with the way the project has turned out, Hiranandani maintains that it is a constant learning process. “A dynamic project must understand the diversity and needs of the market. Hence, from 2BHK unit to 4BHK unit – our integrated township has something to offer for everyone as per their tastes and preferences. We have built apartments, villas and cottages – interwoven in the design

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

with gardens that soothe one’s sensibilities as the focal point and an emphasis on semi-outdoor spaces. “ At the neighbourhood level, each structure – from the cottages and villas to the apartment towers – contributes to cluster activity and promotes interaction among residents. Nature trails and parks are an added bonus. House of Hiranandani is strategically located in close proximity to some important commercial and business destinations, ensuring that a busy, buzzy pace can be complemented with leisurely living – an important consideration when the project is located a distance away from downtown attractions. A&I

INDIA AWARDS 2017

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE FACADE INDUSTRY

INDIA AWARDS 2015

INDIA AWARDS 2014

NEW DESIGN

STAYING ALIVE

THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, BROUGHT TO LIFE BY ABHA NARAIN LAMBAH, IS BUZZING THANKS TO THE QUARTER BY MARIA LOUIS

Q 1. Live at The Quarter. 2. Dine at The Quarter.

uarter for me! That would be the response of any environment-loving citizen of Mumbai – thanks to Sundaze at The Quarter, the vibrant new space at The Royal Opera House. Held once every month, it’s the place to be if you want to have a field day – at The Farmer’s Market on the lawns, alongside the beer garden and hot dog, taco or pizza stands. You could even shop for solar panels and potted micro greens while listening to music. Each of the four distinctive spaces at The Quarter offers something different. At the launch of this event, the Live space showcased a documentary called Dispossessed, followed by a Q&A with the film-maker. Visitors learnt how to do their bit for the planet through workshops and talks

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

NEW DESIGN

THE DESIGN CONCEPT

Restoration architect Abha Narain Lambah, principal architect at ANL Associates, throws light on The Quarter

3. Cafe at The Quarter. 4. Drink at The Quarter.

on sustainability, kitchen farming and waste management. But what made it a truly Green Day, was that all the waste generated through the festival will be turned into compost that The Quarter will use to fertilise the gardens of The Royal Opera house. Evocative of a 1950s art deco jazz bar, Live at The Quarter hosts performances every night, each of them curated by music industry veterans and The Quarter co-founders, Ranjit Barot and Ashu Phatak. From special one-night-only sets by the best live acts from across India and around the globe to tributes to jazz legends with a special Quarter twist to masterclasses, Live at The Quarter gives music fans a reason to make a gig at The Quarter a daily ritual. A music venue that puts the music first, Live at The Quarter boasts state-of-theart acoustics that were evident at the screening of West Side Story, part of the programming of Quarter Reels. Soul food meets jazz sounds at the alfresco Dine at the Quarter, which serves a unique Louisiana Creole cuisineinspired menu, the first of its kind in Mumbai. Designed by restaurateur and The Quarter co-founder Nico Goghavala, the menu, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and greens, herbs and edible flowers grown on the in-house walled vertical garden, features classic dishes such as jambalaya and southern fried chicken. With upright chandeliers and bevelled mirrors, Drink at

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

“After having worked on the restoration of Opera House as a high octave baroque interior resplendent in its glory, The Quarter was conceived as a homage to Mumbai’s cultural scene depicted through concepts set in celebrating the city’s transition from Neo-classical to Victorian Gothic to, finally, the Jazz age — which has been woven into the design depicted in each of the four venues. “The Cafe reflects a Parisian vibe with distressed-finish long picture window tables and community tables in sync with today’s trend, acting as a social lubricant. Drink at The Quarter, reminiscent of Opera House crush rooms or saloons around the world, provides an ideal reprieve during and after shows with its moulded ceiling, vintage flooring, soothing pastel colour palette, plush seating and ambient lighting. “The design theme at Live echoes the bygone era of the Jazz age – from the brass mouldings on the entrance door and sun motif door handles to the art deco-inspired wall lights, integrated with state-ofthe-art acoustics, FOH and audio arrangement. The piano keys-like mirror-clad walls not only enhance the volume of the cosy space, but also allow for staggered surfaces required for acoustic purposes. “Dine reflects a Victorian conservatory feel through the restaurant with free-standing partly glazed and panelled doors interspersed with antique mirror-panelled arches, vintage chandeliers, hanging plants and vines twining along the cast-iron bracket. Eclectic themed cast-iron frame tables and marble-top tables with distressed teakwood finish chairs add to the old-world charm of this space.” The Quarter exudes the grandeur and elegance of another era. Filled with natural light from the large bay windows, the bright and warm all-day Café at the Quarter is where you go when you are looking for a spot for quiet contemplation in the morning, want to catch up with friends for lunch during the afternoon, or would like to get a quick bite before a show in the evening. The menu features fresh, local produce, and comprises a carefully curated selection of single-estate coffees, artisanal sandwiches, seasonal salads and house-made pastas served in a shabby chic setting. A&I

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DESTINATION MANDARIN ORIENTAL PUDONG

1. Miao Tongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s large-scale artwork, depicting an ancient forest scene through colourful mosaic glass tiles, stretches across the entire lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Pudong.

ART OF LUXURY

CONTEMPORARY ALLURE MEETS TRADITIONAL CHARM AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL PUDONG IN SHANGHAI BY MARIA LOUIS

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

DESTINATION MANDARIN ORIENTAL PUDONG 2

s I enter the expansive lobby, the first thing that catches my eye is local artist Miao Tong’s unique colossal masterpiece of multicoloured mosaic glass tiles that depicts an ancient forest scene. Sculptural reception and concierge desks appear to be carved from large blocks of beautifully patterned marble and, along with bespoke modern screens and warm colour tones, seem to be inspired by sunsets on the water. Art is not merely decorative at the Mandarin Oriental Pudong, it forms its soul and identity.

Inspired by oriental culture, the property’s 4,000 original artworks dot all the public spaces and rooms, making up what is believed to be the most extensive hotel collection of Chinese contemporary art in Shanghai. Also home to the most sumptuous Presidential Suite in town, the design landmark features extensive outdoor landscaped areas and stands out among skyscrapers in Harbour City, facing the banks of the Huangpu River and offering direct access to the Huangpu riverside promenade. In the Riviera lobby lounge, lush seating overlooks the promenade and the hotel’s outdoor terrace and gardens. Contemporary Chinese paintings are integrated into each column here, while abstract steel plinths make for interesting platforms for sculptural pieces. The hotel’s 318 spacious guestrooms and 44 suites designed by world-renowned architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica feature more original artworks, user-friendly technology and extensive views over the Huangpu River, the Bund and the Shanghai skyline. The interior design of the hotel’s major public areas employs a minimalist aesthetic, natural hues and contemporary materials to create a distinguishing ambience. Locally-inspired design motifs reflect the Huangpu River, Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, carved Chinese window frames and the silhouettes of Shanghai’s plane trees. Semi-opaque materials and a soft palette enhance the sense of spaciousness and stillness, and the soft taupe furnishing on guest room floors feature indigo and lotus-green accents along with abstract ink paintings of traditional Chinese garden landscapes. Around every corner, a haven of calm envelopes you like a much-needed breath of fresh air amid a bustling commercial hub. Chinese artist Lai De Quan, a master artist whose works have been presented to numerous world dignitaries, has created 44 porcelain artworks exclusively for the hotel, using a new technique of glaze painting directly on to traditional Jingdezhen porcelain, which he invented for his panel collection, Scenes of Jiangnan, which is on display in corridors and in the

2. Art on the wall of the dining room of the Oriental Suite.

www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | MARCH 2018 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

DESTINATION MANDARIN ORIENTAL PUDONG

3&4. The Presidential Suite spans 788sq-m and has a sky garden terrace with magnificent river views. 5. The bathroom of the Mandarin Room features a walk-in rainforest shower and a huge cup-shaped bathtub positioned next to the window.

Presidential Suite. One of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world, and the largest hotel suite in Shanghai, the 788sq-m space has played host to big celebrities, including NBA player Yao Ming. The lavish accommodation includes Master Lai’s custom porcelain vases, intricately woven horsehair doors, a Steinway grand piano, and a marble-encased whirlpool overlooking the Oriental Pearl Tower – a city landmark. A master suite with two extra bedrooms, a meeting room, dining room, kitchen, bar, wine cellar, and rooftop gardens, it crafts an unforgettable experience…especially when accompanied by visits to The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai. Designed by BUZ Design from Hong Kong, the renowned destination and undoubtedly the city’s most luxe, comprises an all-suites spa, an advanced beauty centre, a 24hour fitness and wellness centre; a 24-hour indoor swimming pool; thermal bathing facilities, and a spa boutique. What’s more, each of its 13 exclusive single, couple and VIP Spa Suites boasts a private dressing room, en suite, steam shower and a private vitality pool overlooking the garden. Signature journeys here include the Butterfly’s Dream, a two-hour treatment characterised by a bath infused with natural healing herbs of Chinese mulberry and night-blooming jasmine, followed by an elixir of rose body wrap, traditional

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

moxibuxtion and a pressure point massage. The three-and-ahalf-hour Silk Road ritual features an exfoliating body mask with ground lotus seeds, pepper and Chinese dates, a silk cocoon body wrap, hydrating facial, relaxing soak with star anise and sweet orange, and a tailored full-body massage. Wrapped around a private sunken courtyard garden, the relaxing space claims the ethereal butterfly as muse. The symbol of beauty and metamorphosis in Chinese culture is artistically represented throughout every corner of the 2,415sq-m area of The Spa. The 13 suites are, in fact, named ‘butterfly’ in different languages – like Mariposa (Spanish), Kupu-Kupu (Indonesian) and Euthalia (Greek). Materials like natural oak, raw stone and mother of pearl are cleverly complemented by sculptures and ceramic installations by Chinese artists Kang Qin, Shi Hai and Zhou Wu, the combinations of rough and lustrous making for an elegant vibe and rejuvenating ambience. It is here that one can find Beauty by Mandarin Oriental – Shanghai’s top destination for state-of-the-art, non-invasive skincare, anti-aging and slimming therapies. It offers dedicated suites equipped with advanced treatment and diagnostic technology, as well as Shanghai’s first confidential consultation for tailored skincare solutions and progress monitoring.

THE WORLD PREMIERE OF WORK ON VACATION B2B Meetings

wow participants of WOV

SUCCESSFUL WOV DUBAI 2018 W

ith the Premiere of Work on Vacation at Atlantis & Anantara - The Palm, Dubai; we witnessed the evolving business relationships of our participating brands with Architects & Interior Designers from India - Southeast Asia - Middle East.

Our key vision was to ensure Relationship Building was established between all our participants. Hence, we strategized WOV with utmost detailing, ensuring multiple outlets for both formal and informal communications between the talented galore.

We are elated to share the success of WOV Dubai, where each participant has taken the WOV experience with them, from core networking during 8th to 11th February 2018.

We hosted hardcore Business to Business Meetings for our Architects & Interior Designers with Brands at Premium Palm properties, followed by fun-filled Networking Evenings at Anantaraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private beach

WOV Highlights

#wovdubai2018

Winning image of the photography contest

party on day one, Yacht party on day two and Desert Safari on day three. With our Work & Leisure saga, we chose rich hospitality of Dubai, to add to the luxury and the success quotient of WOV platform. Team WOV is happy to share the success of Work On Vacation with all WOV Participants, who believed in our vision and made WOV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A WOW Experience!

DESTINATION MANDARIN ORIENTAL PUDONG

6. The Yong Yi Ting offers exquisite Jiang Nan cuisine. It presents a dazzling contemporary take on traditional oriental design rendered in granite, glass and chrome. 7. Zest, the all-day kitchen, has tall windows welcoming light during the day. 8. The relaxation room at the Spa, which has adopted the butterfly as its muse.

The highlight of The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai, however, is that it is the first luxury spa in Shanghai to fully embrace eco-sustainability. Not only are all spa products certified organic and vegan, environmentfriendly initiatives are also taken in order to limit and conserve water consumption. Non-chemical based laundering practices are employed, while spa uniforms and linens are made by local eco-friendly fashion designers from organic materials, and all-natural cleaning products by Shanghaibased brand Eco & More are used and are available for purchase at the Spa Boutique. The theme of understated luxury continues throughout the hotel, permeating its exquisitely-designed restaurants that are a gastronome’s delight. All of the gourmet spaces, including The Mandarin Cake Shop, are designed by dash design and Brandimage of New York and Hong Kong. Open kitchens allow for interactive dining experiences, while alfresco dining terraces and sunken gardens make the most of the waterfront location. A canopy of white porcelain lanterns makes an impression at the entrance to Yong Yi Ting, which showcases local ‘Jiang Nan’ (south of the Yangtze) cuisine presented by celebrated Shanghainese chef Tony Lu. The signature Chinese restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star by the inaugural Michelin Guide 2017 for Shanghai, the first-ever Michelin Restaurant Guide in mainland China. The cuisines of Shanghai and its neighbouring provinces, Jiangsu and Zhejiang, are known for their tantalising seasonal flavours, to which

Chef Lu adds an inventive modern flair. Inspired by Imperial Chinese culture, the restaurant is bedecked in glass, granite and chrome, and flaunts eight private dining rooms, some of which open directly on to a tropical courtyard. Yong Yi Ting also hosts a chef’s table with a show kitchen for special degustation meals and cooking demonstrations. Its wine cellar offers a global selection of fine wines and a tasting table. One can even choose from 20 premium Chinese teas, including several rare varieties; and indulge in the restaurant’s popular handcrafted Jiang Nan dim sum lunch menu. With deluxe choices at every turn, it could be difficult to leave the property, even if it is to experience the city – but one doesn’t need to wander too far. Although the river separates the hotel from Shanghai’s nightlife, it is quite close to spectacular locations like the Lujiazui Exhibition Center – a former shipyard that has been transformed into a cultural and events space, and the Metropolitan Marina Club – which offers hotel guests unique sunset yacht cruising and catered experiences on the Huangpu River. The hotel has a unique partnership with the adjacent Aurora Museum to bring in-house guests an enriching experience of culture. If you book any suite here, you receive two complimentary admission tickets to the museum and even a drop to the art destination if required...like I did. Evidently, everything here goes one step further – creating a level of comfort that is hard to match. Ingeniously artistic and effortlessly inspiring, Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai is a shining example of artful luxury living. A&I

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

CONSUMER CONNECT

Celebrating Collaboration FunderMax celebrates 10 years in India with Confluence 2018.

onfluence is an annual event organized by FunderMax India to bring its Business Partners together under one single platform and discuss the year gone by and outline the strategy for the way forward. It also gives the dais for FunderMax India to recognize and felicitate the top performing Business Partners and FunderMax India employees. The Confluence has been held every year since 2012 and sees participation from all members of the FunderMax India’s partner network. Confluence 2018 edition witnessed participation of 120 people from Business Partners throughout the country. The event’s theme was “Partnership for Profitable growth” which reiterates the company’s vision for the sustainable and profitable growth of partners as well as the brand. This year’s edition marked “FunderMax India’s 10 Years completion” in India. The event was graced by CIAG board members Dr. Erlfried Taurer and Dr. Johannes Lighting the inaugural lamp. (L-R): Mr. Johannes Liechtenstein, Dr. Erlfried Taurer and Mr. Rene Haberl. Liechtenstein and also, Mr. Rene Haberl, the board member and Managing Director of FunderMax GmbH. A key note address was delivered by Mr. VN Bhattacharya on, “Macroeconomic trends & its impact on Construction and Infrastructure Sectors”. The other highlight of the day was the “FunderMax Product display station” covering offerings like Max Lato Series (Sun Shading Façade), Neon range of decors, Max Resistance2 & Interior Applications. In addition, a wall depicting the “10 year’s journey of FunderMax” in India was created in a unique way to showcase the summary of major events in each year of the journey. The other traction element was “Corporate Social Responsibility” wall which portrayed the noble initiative undertaken by the company for the betterment of the society. The event concluded with an “Excellence Award Ceremony” for the business partners and FunderMax India employees recognizing their success interspersed with Board members of CIAG with Mr. Rene and Dr. Reddy. cultural performances.

www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | MARCH 2018 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

PROJECTS NEW NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE IMAGES: COURTESY SOM

A COHESIVE EXPRESSION EGYPT’S NEW NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE BY SOM REINVENTS THE LARGE MEDICAL CAMPUS BY RIMA ALSAMMARAE

D 1. The design of Egypt’s New National Cancer Institute (NNCI) reinvents the large medical campus and addresses issues like cohesive growth, phasing and programming flexibility, and connectivity in an exciting way. 2&3. NNCI is set to be the largest comprehensive cancer centre in the region.

esigned by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Egypt’s New National Cancer Institute (NNCI) will stretch across a nine million sq-ft campus just outside Cairo. Intended to strengthen the institute’s present position as the largest comprehensive cancer centre across the Middle East, Europe and Africa, the facility will be able to offer medical services to 1.7 million patients per year, as well as serve as an international nexus of cancer research, education and discourse. When complete, the medical campus will consist of a 1000-bed hospital with an extensive out-patient centre. It will also include a specialised nursing institute, hotel and housing, and facilities for research, training, faculty and conferences. To be located on a gently sloping, 35-acre site in Giza’s Sheikh Zayed City, NNCI’s design meets the client’s vision and phasing flexibility, and responds to the regional climate. In achieving this, SOM created a unified system of functional modules that are woven together via ‘circulation spines’ and arranged around landscaped courtyards. “The circulation spines offer patients, visitors and staff

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

access to the various campus programmes, as well as a network of amenities including cafes, lounges, prayer rooms, retail, paediatric activity areas and day care,” says Scott Habjan, associate director at SOM. “The staff spine not only provides an efficient means to traverse the entire length of the campus, it also fosters a sense of community through informal and spontaneous interactions between clinicians, researchers and students.” The use of spines exemplifies the overall organisation sys-

PROJECTS NEW NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE 3

tem’s goal of creating both “authentic cohesion” and orderly separation for the campus. According to the architects, the centrepiece of the new campus is its paired in-patient and out-patient components, which total four million sq-ft. While the in-patient hospital is divided into six modules, the out-patient facility comprises a sequence of four volumes. Both are interspersed with courtyards developed in collaboration with landscape architecture firm Cracknell. “The Grand Courtyard, which resides between the hospital and outpatient centre, will provide patients and visitors with a large, calming and shaded venue within the campus,” reveals Habjan. “Many patients with little means will travel long distances from all corners of Egypt as well as neighbouring countries with their family members in search of critical treatment at NNCI. Many will arrive without an appointment and for them, in particular, this courtyard will serve as a welcome extension of the waiting lounges inside.” According to Habjan, the ‘Open Space Network’, in general, provides a range of landscapes that offer places of respite and contemplation, gathering and interaction, and places that convey the prestige of the medical institution. The courtyard organisation also integrates indoors and outdoors and assists in wayfinding, as the variety of landscaping treatments defines each as a unique marker. Moreover, the entire hospital is situated above a massive support plinth. Taking advantage of the site’s sloping topography and the set of courtyards, the underground areas reach six levels below grade. Stretching across the institute’s entire site, it accommodates auxiliary clinical and research space, general building support, the central plant, and distributed mechanical systems and parking. Although fully integrated, the internal planning of the facility was designed for a three-step phasing strategy to ensure an early start. The architectural language further expresses a conversation between vernacular and modern architecture, asserts Habjan. The functional building modules are clad in stone to convey strength and permanence, and the courtyards throughout the campus allude to the local tradition of connecting occupants to shaded outdoor space. The faceted glass skins of the circulation spines are also meant to represent lightness and modernity, and both glass and stone surfaces feature abstract patterning inspired by Egypt’s his-

tory – from Islamic influence to the ancient hieroglyphics. “The architecture of the campus endeavours to achieve a balance, creating a modern place rooted in local heritage,” says Habjan. “The faceted glass circulation spines with their ceramic frit patterns are very prominent in the image of the campus. In fact, they enclose only a small part of the campus’ interior space. Also, the high efficiency of the more ‘solid’ stone-clad programme modules and the campus support platform combine to create a complex well-tuned to its environment.” He adds, “This design reinvents the large medical campus. [It] addresses critical issues like cohesive growth, phasing and programming flexibility, as well connectivity and community in a new and exciting way.” A&I

4. “The circulation spines offer patients, visitors and staff access to the various campus programmes,” says Scott Habjan of SOM. 5. The spaces are interspersed with courtyards, meant to welcome visitors.

www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | MARCH 2018 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

PROJECTS KAPSARC

GREEN LATTICE A SAUDI RESEARCH CENTRE DESIGNED BY ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS USES HEXAGONAL CELLS TO PROVIDE SHELTER

IMAGES: COURTESY ZHA

1. KAPSARC is composed as an amalgamation of crystalline forms that emerge from the desert landscape and evolve to respond to the environmental conditions.

esigned by Zaha Hadid Architects, the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre (KAPSARC), a non-profit institution for independent energy research in Riyadh, has recently reached completion. KAPSARC develops policies and economic frameworks that reduce the environmental impact and overall costs of energy supply and enable practical technology-based solutions to use energy more efficiently. At 70,000m2, the KAPSARC campus consists of five buildings: the Energy Knowledge Centre, the Energy Computer Centre, a conference centre with an exhibition hall and 300-seat auditorium, a research library with archives for 1,00,000 volumes, and a musalla (open space for praying). Drawing from the five elements of the campus, the centre’s design is organised via a cellular and partially modular system that integrates different departmental buildings as a single ensemble with interconnecting public spaces.

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

The structural system of the hexagonal prismatic honeycomb structures, which use the least material to create a lattice of cells within a given volume, determined KAPSARC’s composition as an amalgamation of crystalline forms that emerge from the desert landscape and evolve to respond to the environmental conditions. The honeycomb grid is compressed towards its central axis as an extension of the natural ‘wadi’ that runs to the west. According to Zaha Hadid Architects, the modular design generates consistent organisational, spatial and structural strategies that drive all elements of the plan. The six sides of the hexagonal cells further offer opportunities for increased connectivity in comparison to rectangular cells. The buildings of the campus surround a large public courtyard that’s shaded by canopies supported by steel columns. Presenting a solid, protective shell from the harsh sunlight from the south, the KAPSARC campus opens to the north and west; encouraging prevailing winds from the north

PROJECTS KAPSARC 2

to cool the courtyard during temperate months and facilitating connections with any future expansion of the campus to the north. It also creates connections with the researchers’ residential community to the west. Each of the buildings within the campus is entered through this central public courtyard that also serves as a meeting space and link between buildings during temperate seasons. An underground link also connects the main buildings on the campus for use at the hottest times of the year. The buildings’ protective shell shields KAPSARC’s porous architecture within from the weather, while specific hexagonal cells that are strategically located within each building are left open to create a series of sheltered courtyards that welcome daylight into the interior of the space. ‘Wind-catchers’ integrated within the roof profiles on the southern sides of each courtyard catch the prevailing winds from the north, cooling each courtyard. “KAPSARC’s architecture promotes transparency and

encourages an active exchange between researchers and visitors,” the architects said. “By strategically offsetting floorplates, spatial layering effects are created throughout the centre to provide views to the floors above and below; offering transparency between floors in public areas designed as collective zones for researchers to meet informally and exchange ideas. Secure areas and rooms requiring privacy are located within areas of each building where floorplates overlap.” KAPSARC is Zaha Hadid Architects’ first project to be awarded LEED Platinum certification by the US Green Building Council, as it was designed in response to the environmental conditions of the Riyadh plateau. A&I

2. Drawing from the five elements of the campus, the centre’s design is organised via a cellular and partially modular system. 3. Hexagonal cells are located within each building and left open to create a series of sheltered courtyards that welcome daylight into the interior of the space.

www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | MARCH 2018 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY MENAGERIE

STRUCTURAL PRECISION

BINCHY AND BINCHY ARCHITECTURE’S DESIGN FOR MENAGERIE RESTAURANT IS INSPIRED BY GEOMETRY BY SHWETA PARIDA

1. The design of Menagerie is inspired by conservatories.

t may sound oversimplistic, but one single word – the restaurant’s name – formed the basis of this project’s entire concept, from food to design to function. Located in Dubai’s Mirdif 35 Mall, Menagerie, which, according to the dictionary definition, means ‘a diverse collection of people or things’, is the brainchild of a young Dubai resident who struggled to find suitable food options while eating out – owing to her food allergies. It led her to envisage a new boutique restaurant concept offering alternative and healthy food choices for specific dietary requirements. Award-winning interior design firm Binchy and Binchy Architecture was commissioned for the project with a design brief, all of one word. Diving deeper into the contextual definition in relation to structural design, Jennie Binchy, design direc-

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

tor of the firm, sought inspiration in geometry. “Traditional menagerie, aviary and conservatory designs are predominantly led by structure, and based around the geometric concepts of single and double cube,” she says, further stating that despite being methodical, these structures are elegant and have a sensorial lightness. “They are extremely detailed to create the right nurturing environment and, at the same time, be a relaxing and enjoyable place to be in,” she continues. The client provided Binchy with an extensive moodboard of around 1,000 images, which she had collected over the years since conceiving the idea for her business. “We distilled these into four images that best summarised the client’s concept, and also incorporated the same geometric ethos we had in mind,” says Binchy.

INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY MENAGERIE 2

2. Linear and horizonal lines reinforce the cubebased theme.

Varying geometric proportions on opposite sides of the kitchen – a pink-coloured single cube structure to house the live kitchen and a green-coloured double-cube frame for prepared dishes – have been highlighted using colours. “We used colours to accentuate the forms and patterns. For example, small coloured bevelled tiles in square format and herringbone patterns draw attention to the structural shapes,” explains Binchy. “The same geometric design extends to the ceilings, which mirror the concept of the vertical structures on the horizontal plane.” Shedding light on the various surface textures she has used throughout the restaurant, Binchy says

that materials and colours can be combined in a harmonious scheme “when the application is considered in terms of threedimensional space rather than just the outer surface.” The designer also took into consideration the colourful and balanced aesthetics of Menagerie’s dishes. “The main colour accents are green, pink and gold, with a base palette of grey in varying textures, such as those seen in the porcelain tiles, water-resistant pitted plaster on the walls and grey bevelled wall tiles,” she says. “We also used oak veneer for the ceiling, which has hints of warm grey, and Calacatta Oro marble for the counters, tying the base palette and accent colours together.”

3. Sculptural shelving draws the eye to the ceiling, making the space appear to be bigger. 4. Materials and textures in muted colours lend a sophisticated vibe. 5. Green and pink colours visually separate the areas.

www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | MARCH 2018 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

INTERNATIONAL CASE STUDY MENAGERIE

6. The service and showcase counter was created from an existing platform. 7. Herringbone and bevelled tiles enhance the textural variety. 8. Sleek, clean-lined furniture was chosen to maintain visual uniformity.

Like any design project, there were challenges. To ensure that the staff connected with diners, the team decided to replace the raised floor at the back of the counter with a serviceable existing precast slab, which allowed staff to interact with guests at an eye level. “This change required additional sign off by a third party. In all, we had a great team of consultants, a great client, a great contractor, and it was a pleasure to work on this project.”

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

Hospitality-related businesses require a great deal of attention to detail, including spatial design and the menu, as well as their dependency on each other. “The creation of the menu and the importance of how this links to the kitchen design was really the key, and also had to be carefully considered for space efficiency – which includes equipment, storage and functionality,” says Binchy. Lighting design plays a crucial role in enhancing the geometric structures. To achieve this, Binchy used a combination of ambient and functional lighting options. “We wanted to create as much flexibility in terms of developing the right ambience in the restaurant as possible. Spotlights with a narrow beam and high colour rendering index were specified to let the food display be the focal point, but without disrupting the diners’ mood,” she says, adding that since it’s an all-day dining venue, the lighting has to make a subtle transition from early morning coffee to cosy dinner timings within the same space. The furniture selection is also as carefully studied as the other fixtures, emphasising the proportions. “We placed great importance on our selection by looking at the chair legs and table bases. The main access to the restaurant is via the mall’s main entrance, making the furniture base and flooring visible from a distance,” she reveals. “It also had to correspond with the structural, looping aesthetic of the main space.” The communal banquette-style seating maximises the available space by placing the table around a lively and vibrant open kitchen, allowing people to sit together and watch the chef prepare their dishes in the pavilion-like kitchen. In addition, the designer added movable furniture that can be taken outdoors during winter, when the glass-fronted restaurant opens up and the tables extend across a tree-lined terrace. During the summer months, the interior planting is arranged to visually extend into the greenery outdoors. A&I

DESIGN NEWS

LOUIS POULSEN’S PH 5 LAMP GETS COLOUR-UPDATED AT 60

anish lighting designer Poul Henningsen’s iconic PH 5 lamp for equally celebrated Danish brand Louis Poulsen celebrated its 60th anniversary last month. To mark this milestone, the company has released the lamp in classic white, modern white and six vibrant colours to match the recently launched collection of PH 5 Minis. The timeless piece still remains one of the best-selling items in the brand’s portfolio – even after six decades. Henningsen designed the PH 5 in 1958 as a follow-up to his acclaimed three-shade system, which was launched in 1926 and established Louis Poulsen as one of the most innovative lighting manufacturers of the time. His original design had been inspired by his mother’s wish for more flattering, softer light in an era when homes were still transitioning to electric lighting and incandescent bulbs, whose effects were more utilitarian than aesthetic. Later, when lightbulbs were standardised, a shift that left Henningsen disappointed, he responded with the fiveshade system to gain complete control over the new type of light. Considered ahead of its time, PH 5’s five-shade system continues to infuse spaces with 100% glare-free, even illumination, with the majority of light shining downwards at the space it is focused on rather than into people’s eyes.

The pendant uses a lightbulb, producing the ideal combination of downward and lateral light to also gently illuminate the fixture itself.

1. The PH 5 is considered one of the most progressive designs of the 20th century.

HEIMTEXTIL REVEALS NEW FURNISHING TRENDS

ith over 3,000 exhibitors and 70,000 trade visitors, Heimtextil, an international trade fair for home and contract textiles, is one of the largest annual furnishings events, held in January in the German city of Frankfurt. This year, a new format for contract industry textiles aimed specifically at interior designers and hoteliers revealed new trends for commercial spaces, displaying everything from acoustic textiles to modular carpets, from special abrasionresistance properties to innovative wall coverings. Continuing with the sustainability zeitgeist, the Remade Materials library showcased some of the most exciting innovations in textile manufacturing to reduce waste. As space limitations engender more-adaptable living spaces, functionality,

longevity and adaptability become more important in interior designs and products. Consumers pare down their environments and declutter their homes to create more flexible spaces and more personal expressions of identity. Another highlight is the increasing collaboration between designers and artisans, in the light of a renewed interest in craftsmanship. A&I

2. Textiles that can be used in flexible spaces. 3. Handcrafted textiles, as shown here by designer Gerard Rubio.

www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | MARCH 2018 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

PURPLE REIGN

DESIGN UPDATE

PANTONE’S PICK OF ULTRA VIOLET AS ITS COLOUR OF THE YEAR MAY BE CONTENTIOUS – BUT CLEARLY, 2018 BELONGS TO VIOLET

1. Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking. 2. Perle Collezione by Mosaico+.

idely regarded as the global authority on colour, New York-based Pantone has turned simple colours into a cultureshifting design phenomenon. Eagerly anticipated each year, Pantone’s Colour of the Year announcement drums up palpable excitement among interior designers. This year’s chosen hue is Ultra Violet, a dark, provocative colour that understandably evokes strong reactions. It is, after all, one of the most complex colours, created by combining two opposing colours on the spectrum – red and blue. “It communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “It is found in the cosmos (think of all those swirling purple nebulae), the wellness movement (amethyst crystals), and was a favourite colour of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright – who reportedly used to wear a purple cape when he was trying to be creative.” In a more modern context, late musicians Prince and David Bowie were big fans of purple. After 2016’s more pastel offerings of Rose Quartz and Serenity – essentially pale pink and powder blue – the list

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

was followed up in 2017 with the nature-inspired Greenery, representing hope and vigour. But who decides which shade of blue, green or yellow the world needs now? Is this the work of an intelligent algorithm which randomly throws up a colour each year? Interestingly, there seems to be a whole lot of travel and

DESIGN UPDATE 3

4 6

data science behind the exercise. The experts at Pantone go beyond the colour charts to arrive at the chosen shade by scouring the world to look for signals in such mundane things as food, cars, clothes and houseware, as well as art and pop culture happenings. The colour hunters then bring back huge amounts of data, which are collectively analysed to reveal the colour of the year. Over the years, the news, which was possibly only important to design industry professionals, has now entered

the mainstream consciousness via products such as interior accessories, clothes, cosmetics and automobiles as well as social media platforms. On the back of this annual announcement, colour forecasting has turned into a big creative and commercial opportunity for designers and lifestyle companies alike. This year’s anointed colour, Ultra Violet, has already made its way into interiors in the form of furniture upholstery, soft furnishings, wall paint, surface tiles and accessories. Both designers and brands have been quick to realise the significance of this trend prediction in their business. Bluechip companies such as Apple, have been known to embrace consumer preference for certain colours. Some even go to the extent of trademarking colours associated with their brand identity. Cases in point are Tiffany’s robin’s egg blue and 3M’s canary yellow post-it notes. Experts at Pantone feel that Ultra Violet can either transform any interior space into a bold statement of self-expression, or create a more luxe surrounding when paired with subdued and modern furnishings such as tufted sofas, pieces of art or accent walls. Particularly in areas of hospitality design, rich colours such as purple are being widely used in public areas of hotels by designers who are using colour to create distinct sensory experiences. In addition to Ultra Violet, Pantone’s 2018 interiors colour palette includes Playful, an array of ‘lollipop colours’ that we can expect to see – not only in residential projects, but also in retail and commercial developments. A&I

3. Victoria armchair by Formitalia. 4. Ultra Violet: Pantone’s colour of the year for 2018. 5. Marioni’s Laurence armchair. 6. Alicante swivel chair by Tonino Lamborghini.

www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | MARCH 2018 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

23rd March, 2018 Shangri-Laâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eros Hotel, New Delhi

KNOWLEDGE PARTNER

FURNITURE PARTNER

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EVENT BY

The objective of the 4th Smart Office India Summit, is to get all stakeholders in making and running of an office, from Developers, Project Managers, Architects, Corporate Facility Heads, IT Heads and Administration Heads under one roof, to dialogue and to debate on leveraging and implementing the best practices in office design, build, sustainability and energy efficiency.

SPEAKERS AT THE 4TH SMART OFFICE INDIA SUMMIT

Rajat Malhotra

Neelam Chhabra

Ar. Ninad Tipnis

Deepak Ohlyan

Vibhu Narayan

Deepak Uppal

Capt. Rajesh Sharma

Sameer Saxena

Jagvinder Pinny Mann

Ar. Vistasp Bhagwagar

Sanjeev Sethi

Col. Ashok Prabhakar

Ar. Niramal Mangal

Ar. Sonali Bhagwati

Chief Operating Officer, Integrated Facilities Management, West Asia, JLL

VP and Country Head Corporate Services, Reliance Jio

Founder and MD, Architect Vistasp & Associates

Head Administration at The Boston Consulting Group

President, Vatika Environ

Chief Operating Officer, India, Facilities & Asset Management Services, Knight Frank

For Speaking Opportunities Contact:

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For branding/ exhibiting opportunities please contact:

Bibhor Srivastava Group Publishing Director Email: bibhor@itp.com Cell: +91 98204 39239 Direct: 022-6154 6046

Managing Director (IFM & Asset Services), Cushman & Wakefield

Director â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Global Workspace Solutions, Adobe India and JAPAC, Gurgaon

Sathish Rajendren

Founder JTCPL Designs

VP Commercial Services, NIIT Technologies

Capt. C K Bhandari DVP- Administration, Aviva India

Vice President - Global Facilities, Dell

Bhumesh Gaur

VP â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Global Real Estate, American Express, Gurgaon

Region Manager, Real Estate Services, Mercer

Director of Architecture, M Moser Associates

Karthik Punjabi

Managing Director, VPCPL

Sr Portfolio Manager, Microsoft India

President, DPA

Mili Majumdar

Managing Director of Green Business Certification Institute, India Senior Vice President, USGBC

Meghna Dekhtawala Conference Producer Email: meghna.dekhtawala@itp.com Cell: +91 98197 43776 Direct: 022-6154 6005

Indrajeet Saoji Director Email: indrajeet.saoji@itp.com Cell: +91- 93202 85997 Direct : 022-6154 6024

Movin Menezes Head Events Email: movin.menezes@itp.com Cell: +91 74001 99939 Direct: 022-6154 6010

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ITP Media India Pvt Ltd, Notan Plaza, 3rd Floor, 898 Turner Road, Bandra West, Mumbai 400 050, India, Tel: +91 022 6154 6000, Fax: +91 6154 6018

DYSON FOR CLEAN INDIA

PRODUCT LAUNCH

D 1&5. The Dyson V8 cordfree vacuum cleaner can easily transform between handheld and stick modes. 2. Jake Dyson, chief engineer and member of the Dyson Board. 3&4. The Dyson Pure Cool Link purifier is available in tower and desk variants.

yson, the global technology company and developer of high-performance machines, announced the launch of its latest products in India last month. It also officially opened doors to the country’s first Dyson Demo store in DLF Promenade Mall, New Delhi. Founded by British inventor and entrepreneur, Sir James Dyson OM, Dyson has brought its latest ‘problem solving’ technology to India; including its cord-free vacuum cleaners (Dyson V7 and V8 range) and its range of intelligent air purifiers (Dyson Pure Cool Link). Speaking at the launch, Jake Dyson, chief engineer and member of the Dyson Board, said, “We are pleased to bring our latest technology to India. Dyson engineers have spent time undertaking research in homes across India to understand how our technology can help solve problems. We are launching a range of products, using our patented technology – which, we believe, will bring meaningful benefits.” Dyson puts its technology, products and customers at the core of its business. The Dyson Demo stores are designed to encourage people to pick up, test and understand Dyson technology. Interactive demonstrations bring the science at

the heart of its machines to life; Dyson experts are available to explain products and provide recommendations to best suit customers’ lifestyles. In addition, Dyson will make its machines available through its new Dyson India website www.dyson.in, and has partnered with Amazon India. With its online channels, Dyson will initially cover Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru,

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

PRODUCT LAUNCH 5

and will expand to other metros across the country over the course of the year. In a global first for Dyson, it is launching concierge in-home services in India, which will offer customers the complete experience of Dyson’s revolutionary products in the convenience and comfort of their homes. The service will begin in Delhi and Gurgaon, and expand to the complete Delhi-NCR region, Mumbai and Bengaluru this year.

HIGH PERFORMANCE AND VERSATILITY: DYSON CORDFREE VACUUM CLEANERS Built on 15 years of motor and battery expertise, and over 25 years of expertise in high performance cyclones, the Dyson V8 cord-free vacuum cleaner doesn’t just clean the floor. It quickly transforms between handheld and stick modes to clean down low, up high and everywhere in between: marble floors, carpets, sofas, even the car. 15 cyclones, arranged across two tiers, work in parallel to capture and separate fine dust and debris from the airflow – flinging it into the clear bin. The latest nickel cobalt aluminium batteries, combined with the patented Dyson digital motor which spins at up to 110,000rpm, give Dyson’s cord-free vacuum cleaners their powerful, fadefree suction and versatility.

The cord-free vacuum cleaners are available in three variants – the Dyson V7 Animal, the Dyson V8 Animal+ and the Dyson V8 Absolute+.

INTELLIGENT, CONNECTED PURIFIERS: DYSON PURE COOL LINK AIR PURIFIER (TOWER AND DESK VERSION) Dyson’s intelligent air purifiers, available in tower and desk versions, help combat indoor air pollution and allergies using Dyson’s patented Air Multiplier technology and a 360° Glass HEPA filter. The purifier captures 99.95% of potentially harmful particles as small as 0.1 microns – trapping them in the filter and eradicating them from the air you breathe at home. Sensors inside the machine automatically detect changes in conditions, before adjusting airflow to maintain the target air quality. Available for iOS and Android platforms, the Dyson Link App enables users to remotely monitor the indoor air quality and change the settings. The Pure Cool Link purifiers are available in Iron/Blue and White/Silver colours. A&I Note: The newly-launched Dyson range of products will be available at the Dyson flagship store at Level One, DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi as well as on their website www.dyson.in and Amazon India.

www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | MARCH 2018 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

PRODUCTS

NEW ON THE MARKET COPPER REVIVAL Taj Mahal and its resplendent marble inlay work has inspired many, but Baaya design has taken this inspiration to a new level. Shibani Jain, founder & CEO, Baaya Design, and her team took on the challenge to bring the rich colours seen in the inlay work, into a different and equally rich craft of copper enamelling. A similar artistic process was used to create a stunning range of copper wall plates and lamps. Suited for living rooms, receptions and lobbies, conference rooms, etc, each decor piece is a result of a painstakingly beautiful and intricate process. It’s interesting to note that this new range also helped revive a fading craft form native to Alibaug in Maharashtra.

BAAYA Tel: +91-22-65616632 Email: info@baayadesign.com Website: www.baayadesign.com

ACCENT DOORS PELICAN THRONE The Scoop collection of armchairs is a stylish amalgamation of ergonomics and futuristic design. Inspired by the pelican’s beak, the resulting form makes the piece twice as functional. It draws attention through its unique concept of additional space – a seat combined with a bottom shelf. The pocket available in the lower part can be used to place books, laptop or even a bag. Customisable with a range of solid and multi-coloured fabric, the armchairs come in two base options – round flat base and a fourstar base, as well as with or without armrests. The frame is made of metal tube, and is available in powder coated finish, shiny chrome or satin chrome.

VECTOR PROJECTS Tel: +91-22-66972893/94/95 Email: v@vectorprojectsindia.com Website: www.vectorprojectsindia.com

Designer door panels by Ply Mahal can create an arresting focal point in any living space. These high-pressure decorative laminate panels can be used just about anywhere. One can choose from many options too – beautiful patterns to embellishments like Buttons, Rose, Moorish, Odyssey, Versace, etc. Even metallic textures and colours like copper, rose gold, bronze, gold and silver can be customised to create that perfect door. The luxury panels come in 2400 x 600mm size, 03mm thickness and have a temperature stability up to 60 degree Celsius.

PLY MAHAL Tel: +91-9811195607 Email: plymahal@gmail.com Website: www.plymahal.com

LAMP IT UP From classic looks to bold designs, the new range of floor lamps by The Whiteteak Company has a lot to offer. Lamps with shelves, tripod-style lamps, asymmetrical lamps — each piece is versatile. Shelf Help Floor Lamp is composed in a stunning ivory and ebony combination that adds great visual appeal to the surroundings. The Skyfall Floor Lamp mimics the tripod look, but with three slender black iron verticals and sleek accent of plated gold. Made of ceramic with a nickel chrome finish, the asymmetrical Pebbles Black Cone Floor Lamp is both modern and glamorous. Hidden in the subtle design of The Dark Truth Floor Lamp is a white Italian marble base, glossy ornate ceramic pebbles, complemented with nickel-chrome frame.

THE WHITETEAK COMPANY Tel: +91-9873994497 Email: help@whiteteak.com Website: www.whiteteak.com ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

PRODUCTS

TRAVEL TREASURES Drawing inspiration from travels around the world, Maison has come up with the Soho Collection – an eclectic mix of accent furniture, bedroom pieces and dining room furniture. Available in a variety of finishes, each piece is constructed using luxurious materials such as brass, marble and the finest woods, viz. walnut, maple and rosewood. There are armchairs in solid beech wood, a tufted master sofa finished in high sheen white maple upholstery, a seat sofa crafted in satin grey pearl with maple bird’s eye veneer — each elegant and sleek in form and finish. The Soho Bar Unit is a sophisticated statement piece from this collection, designed in dark rosewood finish. It also features an imperial marble top with a brass base, two drawers with touchlatch system, and five glass shelves.

MAISON Contact person: Aruna Tara Tel: +91-22-49237774 Email: info@ifbrands.in Website: www.ifbrands.in

STYLE STATEMENTS From paisley to zigzag and postmark patterns, the Ravity collection by Ashley Furniture is a fun and lively mix of accent chairs. Each chair has been crafted with tight seat construction, blocked corners, durable frames and polyester fabric cushioned with high-quality foam. Keeping in mind the comfort and aesthetics of a home, the collection is enriched with eclectic colours and sought-after prints. The chairs evoke varied styles: the Taupe accent chair has French script on the upholstery, while the Paisley accent chair transports one to the Mughal era. The Gunmetal accent chair is as dramatic as it is classic, and the Floral accent chair’s intricate motifs add a dash of richness that is highlighted by the neutral base. And for a more magnificent appeal, there is also the regal Sapphire accent chair in a grand royal blue print.

DASH SQUARE Tel: +91-9035419911 Website: www.dashsquare.com

www.architectandinteriorsindia.com | MARCH 2018 | ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA

THE BIG PICTURE HEMA UPADHYAY

1. Installation by Upadhyay, titled: 8’x12’, 2009. 2. Late artist Hema Upadhyay.

SLUM’S THE WORD

iran Nadar Museum of Art displayed a single installation by the late artist Hema Upadhyay (1972-2015), as part of a special presentation at India Art Fair 2018 in Delhi. Since 2002, Hema Upadhyay worked on thought-provoking installations engaging with Dharavi, Mumbai – the second-largest slum in the continent of Asia and the third-largest slum in the world. At times, Upadhyay simply observes the overwhelming sprawl and, at other times, she inserts herself into the complexity of the scape, commenting on the stark contrast between the harsh reality of urban life and its eerie beauty. 8’x12’ (2009) is an early installation by the artist that directly addresses the vulnerability of urban life in the third-world. The meditative work focuses on Mumbai’s shanty towns, which appear here upside down and protruding – like a canopy over a decorated montage. Standing at an impressive 8ft by 12ft (dimensions based on the size of an average slum house), the piece invites the audience to literally enter a marked interior space. The walls and ceiling of the construction present an aerial slum view, so the viewer is at once intimately within and yet detached from the space. Upadhyay’s photography and sculptural installations explore notions of personal identity, dislocation, nostalgia and gender. She often draws on the theme of migration and human displacement across Asia. The artist’s own personal and family history of migration is often evidenced in the works, referencing the repercussions and socio-economic inequalities that emerge as a hidden consequence of the relentless tide of urban development in the city. Made using maquettes of tin houses created from

ARCHITECT and INTERIORS INDIA | MARCH 2018 | www.architectandinteriorsindia.com

ABOUT THE ARTIST Hema Upadhyay was born in Baroda, Gujarat, in 1972. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Painting (1995) and Master’s degree in Printmaking (1997) from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Baroda. She has exhibited widely in India and abroad, and some of her recent solo exhibitions include ‘Where the Bees Suck, There Suck I’, Studio la Città, Verona (2010) and MACRO, Museo d’Arte Contemporanea di Roma, Roma (2009); ‘Yours Sincerely’, Nature Morte, New Delhi (2008). The artist passed away in 2015 in tragic circumstances. aluminium sheets, car scraps, enamel paint, tarpaulin, pieces of metal, and other found objects collected from Dharavi, the work is a study in contrasts: great and yet minute scale; while physicality and strong, deliberate emotions evoked in the viewer are juxtaposed with a solemn invitation for calm and rumination. As one becomes accustomed to the initial discomfort, a concealed beauty and details emerge...slowly but surely: temples and mosques, a few high-rise towers amid a swarm of tiny dwellings, an intricate wired mesh of street lamps and TV antennas. With this presentation, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art furthers its mission to activate visual and intellectual dialogue and arts appreciation across the country, with a focus on bridging the gap between art and the public, offering new ways for audiences to engage with both traditional and contemporary art in South Asia. A&I By Maria Louis