Commercial Design November 2017

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Latest innovations in lighting industry;A look into the new-age office of the Dalmia Bharat Group; Feng Shui tips for commercial interiors The definitive guide to successful commercial spaces and facilities management

Total pages 52 Volume 5 | Issue 3 | November 2017 | `50

BUILDING ON AMBITIONS ONE-OF-A-KIND WORKSPACE DISTRICT IN INDIA, AGASTYA CORPORATE PARK, PROVIDES SPACES THAT ARE CONDUCIVE TO CREATIVITY, EFFICIENCY, LEISURE AND FUN – ALL IN ONE GO

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You appreciate perfection. We deliver it.

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Editor’s note

Designing change Since architecture is pluralistic, design practices in India can now begin to focus on various aspects such as energy-conscious building, conservation, interior architecture, etc. This is partly due to technological advances with accruing sophistication and partly due to the evolving trend of specialisation and team-work approach, needed for complex and large-scale projects. However, international trends are rampantly visible in our malls, multiplexes and endless number of glass-box offices everywhere. International architecture is forging a new vision in the minds of young architects as well as their clients, without considering the relation of a structure to its context. Today, everybody demands well-detailed, well-managed, glitzy landmark architecture.

A global wave has taken our labourers to places far and wide – from Dubai to Singapore to Kuala Lumpur – and bestowed them with a keen eye and exceptional knowledge. We can now begin to expect buildings programmed by clients, conceived by young architects and delivered on site by the contractor with his enthusiastic labour force. We have young minds, who have courage to tread into the unknown, enlightened clients and a booming economy to propel us into the forefronts of contemporary architectural history. If only we can avoid imitation for easy recognition, we are sure to make a difference.

November 2017 | VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 3 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 Rashmi Naicker T +91 22 6154 6041 rashmi.naicker@itp.com Contributors Anamika Butalia, Shristi Nangalia ADVERTISING Director Indrajeet Saoji T +91 22 6154 6024 indrajeet.saoji@itp.com Executive-Advertising Sales Roopal Mishra T +91 22 6154 6021 roopal.mishra@itp.com STUDIO Head of design Milind Patil Senior designer Vinod Shinde Contributor Sanjay Bandre PRODUCTION Deputy production manager Ramesh Kumar CIRCULATION Distribution manager James D’Souza T +91 22 6154 6006 james.dsouza@itp.com

Rashmi Naicker Editor rashmi.naicker@itp.com

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4 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

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Contents

NOVEMBER 2017 Volume 5

Issue 3

18 10 BULLETIN

A roundup of the latest industry news from across the country.

18 COVER STORY

One-of-a-kind workspace district in India, Agastya Corporate Park, provides spaces that are conducive to creativity, efficiency, leisure and fun.

26 FOCUS

The lighting industry is continually striving to achieve good design – one that equals a comprehensive solution for all needs.

30 TRENDS

26

Regina Santos, associate, Lighting Designer, Godwin Austen Johnson, takes us through the top lighting trends of the year.

34 COLUMN

Susanne Schutz of Suzhong Consulting Limited, a Feng Shui master and consultant, shares tips for commercial interiors.

CASE STUDY 36 Natural light, colours and graphics play a strategic role in

the people-centric design of Dalmia Bharat’s office in New Delhi.

40 The parallelogram-shaped headquarters for Abu Dhabi

National Oil Company is designed by HOK to respond to the path of the sun for passive cooling.

44 HBA completes interiors for the recreational centre designed by Ettore Sottsass in China’s iconic Sifang Collective Complex.

34 6 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

50 OPINION

How technology can impact real estate.

ADVISORY BOARD Our distinguished advisory board has been assembled to help guide Commercial Design to become even more representative of its community.

Members have been invited from the highest levels of the industry to ensure that the magazine continues on its path of success.

Jagvinder Pinny Mann Sr Portfolio Manager, Microsoft India

Bhupesh Pathak Director, IFM & Asset Services, Cushman & Wakefield

Ajay Bhatt Assistant VP and head, Facilities and Estate, Godrej Industries

Joanna Gomes Proprietor, Designers’ Guild

Ar. Reza Kabul Principal, Architect Reza Kabul

Rajat Malhotra Sr vice-president, IFM, Jones Lang LaSalle India

George Mckay South Asia director, Office and Integrated Services, Colliers International

Deben Moza Joint CEO, Knight Frank Property Services Private Limited

Ar. Swapnil Sawant Director and co-founder, Worksphere Architects

Sameer Saxena Group manager, Property Administration, Mercer

Ar. Ninad Tipnis Principal, JTCPL Designs

Deepak Uppal President,Vatika Enviro

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8 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

Bulletin

WAT’s architectural tour headed for Mayan Mexico

W

orld Architecture Travel (WAT), an international network for architectural tours, is curating a unique travel experience to Mexico from October 28 to November 10.

The tour will be interspersed with explorations, interactions, lectures, and a peek into lesser-

known places, including architectural marvels such as Chichen Itza, Cuernavaca, Merida, Puebla and Tulum Ruins.

Also included is a visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teotihuacan, a city believed to have been established around since 100 BC. It will

highlight the architectural and anthropological significance of the complex city that once housed multi-floor residential compounds, pyramids, shrines and a population of 1,25,000 or more of multi-ethnic groups. Besides historic sites, the tour will also travel to Mexico City, within 40km from the ruins of Teotihuacan, and showcase the city’s transformation as well as learn about Me-Mo, short for Mexican Moment – a term invented by local architects.

Following the footsteps of Modernist creatives’ Luis Barragan, Felix Candela, Pedro Ramirez Vasquez, Mario Pani and others, local architectural firms such as Jose Castillo’s Arquitectura911sc and Productora along with young and brilliant architects and designers such as Frida Escobedo, Tatiana Bilbao, Fernando Romero, Alberto Kalach, Enrique Norten and Issac Broid are creating a new Mexico. The programme is open for registration on www. worldarchitecturetravel.com, supported by The World Architecture Festival (WAF), an annual festival and awards ceremony that celebrates the architecture and design industry.

H&R Johnson launches revolutionary campaign for visually disabled

Greenlam Laminates unveils 58 new designs

I

T

ndia is not the easiest place to live in if you are differently-abled. There are not enough ramps for wheelchairs, the pavements are not user-friendly, public transport does not come with special facilities, etc. This made H&R Johnson (India) launch the second phase of their Red Ramp Project to spread awareness to make India accessible for the visually impaired with the use of tactiles in public spaces.

This campaign is the second initiative of the Red Ramp Project, which was executed in 2015 by Johnson Tiles. It is conceptualised by Soho Square and features Adwait Marathe, a visually challenged actor, singer and theatre personality, who portrays how tactiles help him commute independently in his daily life.

The campaign intends to instill self-confidence among the visually challenged to move around independently across the country, with the support of better infrastructure. It includes the installation of Johnson Endura Tac Tiles, an innovation from H&R Johnson’s portfolio, in public places to provide information to help the visually challenged commute.

It’s already deployed at major railway stations in Mumbai (Bandra and Mumbai Central railway stations), Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kochi Rail Metro projects to name a few.

10 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

he latest offering from Greenlam Industries’ flagship brand Greenlam Laminates is a range of new designs for 58 laminates and three textures to their growing collection.

“We believe that it is important to make design selections easier for our customers. So, we’ve developed a new collection of elegant designs to the Indian market,” says Saurabh Mittal, MD and CEO of Greenlam Industries.

The latest collection features textures ranging from natural textures like wood, stone and fabric to abstract ones like stucco, which add a certain appeal and ruggedness. Parul Mittal, director of Marketing and Design, adds, “This collection is inspired from the look and feel of the most aesthetic natural and abstract looks and the latest design trends.”

The new Greenlam range features 12 collections — HD Gloss, Synchro, Designer Collection, Super Gloss, Olmo, Wood Horizontal, Nuovo Smoked, Woodgrain, Naturalle, Stucco, Stone Collection, Textile and Pearlescent.

Bulletin

Häfele opens new SoBo store with live display

A

t its newly opened, 10,000sq-ft showroom in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai, Häfele is all set to cater to the interior sensibilities and design expectations of Mumbai’s citizens. The space unites globally-acclaimed interior trends with innovative functionality through interactive and functional display settings. It is the company’s second internationally designed retail facility in Mumbai, the very first in the southern part of the city and was inauguration by Dr Jürgen Morhard, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Jürgen Wolf, MD, Häfele South Asia, says, “Stylish hardware fittings that give you the best functionality for your business or residence, are hard to select from a catalogue. This Häfele Design Showroom has been designed to unlock the ideal inspirations through live displays. Häfele offers a range of the most space-optimising solutions with a continuing promise of ‘more life per sq-m’, which you will experience first-hand when you see the intelligent displays here.”

For the first time, the brand has introduced a

The newest smart LED lighting venture

A

brainchild of the team that pioneered LED lighting in India, iBahn aims to “disrupt” the market with its brand of Smart LED lights called Svarochi. Rajeev Chopra, formerly from Philips, announced the launch of this venture that has been formed along with Arjun Shahani, Kunal Chaudhuri, and Sudeshna Mukhopadhyay. Announcing the launch, Chopra, co-founder & CEO, iBahn Illumination, says, “iBahn offers a range of smart LEDs based on Bluetooth Mesh technology, which will enable users to control the intensity and colour of lights through an easy-to-use smartphone app [available on both, Android and iOs]. We believe the Smart LED market is likely to be a INR 40,000 million market by 2022.” All

12 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

aspects of the product, from software to design and technology, are conceptualised, developed and manufactured in India. Speaking on the market Rajeev Chopra, co-founder scenario, CEO, iBahn Illumination Shahani, the venture’s cofounder & COO, says, “We envision that Smart LED Home Lights in India will replace standard LEDs in the next 10 years.”

dedicated display room. It is a 360-degree Project Services proposition – it promises a spectrum of project solutions, backed by technical support and advisory services, for the entire duration of a project. In this room, you will experience live displays of door hardware catering to different door applications like fire-rated doors, glass doors, residential doors and hotel room doors.

These displays are complemented by hardware products like panic exit devices, patch fittings and one of the widest and technologically superior ranges of digital door solutions.

Monier Roofing introduces Perspective

R

oofing tile company Monier Roofing launched a tile named Perspective, manufactured in Bengaluru, based on research and development efforts.

Perspective has a modern geometrical shape that is dimensionally consistent and lends a sleek new look to roofs.

This elegant concrete roof tile is strong and features a smooth finish (a glossy coating). With its low water absorption, the tile delays moss and fungi formation, improving its efficiency and durability. The roof tile is available in a variety of colours.

Consumer Connect

Fulfilling the electrical needs of every modern lifestyle!

T

here are so many electrical products that we use in our home or office that it seems impossible that one brand would make them all.

Rarely does one come across a company that offers such a vast range of products. The few companies that manage to achieve it with consistent quality, stand head and shoulders above the rest. One company that does so in the electrical fittings industry is Goldmedal. With Goldmedal expanding its product range year after year, and its marketing footsteps reaching across the nation, this company is poised to be a leader in the space.

When you look at the company’s product portfolio, it is almost as if someone made a wish-list of everything they wanted in their home or office and handed it over to the company. Goldmedal started as a company that manufactured switches and wires; its product portfolio now includes modular switches, mini modular switches, sockets, dimmers, regulators, drape controllers, led lighting fittings, modular entertainment systems, home automation systems, products for the hospitality industry, security products, door communication products, doorbells, MCBs and DBs,

IDock Player in Glassio Plate.

wires and cables, spike guards and power strips, extension cords, plugs, adaptors, holders and night lamps.

But that’s just a small part of the story.

i-Home Automation.

16 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

Today, Goldmedal is recognised in the industry for its innovative products and the attention it pays to design, aesthetics, and packaging. The company was among the first in India to introduce glass cover plates. It is probably the only company that offers RF-based automation systems in India. Unlike IR-based systems, Goldmedal’s automation solution offers true freedom as the switches can be controlled from anywhere. The RF signals can go across rooms and obstacles so that one needn’t point the remote to the switch to make it work. In addition, Goldmedal offers i-Home

RF Remote System.

Gas Detector and IP Camera are products that provide an extra layer of protection to your loved ones and assets.

Automation which allows users to control their electrical devices from anywhere in the world! And the best part about installing Goldmedal’s i-Home Automation Systems is that they can be done within one’s existing wiring. It completely eliminates the need for re-wiring or drilling any new holes.

The entire set up is easily executed within a day!

The company also has some products that showcase how thoughtful they are about the Indian consumer. So they have USB chargers and gas detectors that can be fixed in a switch plate. How do they work? The USB charger ensures that you don’t have to keep looking for the specific charger of a device.

Simply connect a generic USB cord and you can charge multiple devices with it. Similarly, the gas detector is a life saver. Literally.

It detects a gas leak and can raise an alarm and even shut off the gas

connection. Isn’t that useful. Plus there are emergency lights and the Torcia emergency light. Both of them have LED lights that switch on the moment power goes off.

In addition, the Torcia can also be plucked out safely and used as a torch!

Here’s a quick look at the major category of products they manufacture.

Modular Switches Goldmedal’s products are available within the Curve, Nixon, GIFA and the soon-to-be-launched AIR modular range. The Curve modular range includes over 10 cover panel designs in eight unique finishes, three colour options for inserts, over 80 dazzling colour choices for cover plates and more than 200 modular functions. The contemporary, sleek Nixon range has a minimalistic presence on the walls and offer an equally exhaustive range of options.

Together, these products are designed to meet the functional as well as aesthetic needs of any modern-day office. The GIFA includes the superpremium range of modular products while AIR will address the needs of those who prefer standard modular fittings that are international in styling!

Mini Modular Switches Apart from modular products, Goldmedal also offers Gzifa mini modular products that are a rage in many parts of the country. The Gzifa range of products also offers exciting

Powercube.

possibilities to mix and match cover panels with inserts to achieve the desired look and feel for any interiors.

LED Lighting The LED lighting fittings that Goldmedal offers serves a multitude of purpose. The Emergency Lights switch on automatically when there’s a power failure while the Emergency Torch Lamp pops out to be used as a torch. The Step Markers are eyecatchingly attractive and ensure that nobody misses a step in the dark while the Lighting Fitting devices are equipped with push buttons to allow users to control the intensity of light in the room.

In addition, Goldmedal offers LED lights and luminaires that can meet both indoor as well as outdoor needs.

Entertainment Devices Goldmedal also manufactures modular and non-modular entertainment devices. These include the i-Dock Player, the Bluetooth Player, the Jukebox, the 3 Module FM & Bluetooth Player, the Galaxy RGB LED Speaker and the Audio Hub. All these products are designed to not just fit into your walls but also into your lifestyle by providing a host of exciting features and magical sound.

Hospitality and Security Products These are products that are manufactured to meet specific but critical needs. The Electronic Badge Switch, the Call Indicator, Electronic Key Tag, etc. are simple-to-install and use devices for the hospitality sector. The

Wires and Cables A quality product from Goldmedal, the wires and cables manufactured by Goldmedal can be relied to safeguard precious lives and assets. Awarded the ISO 9000:2008 for their quality systems, Goldmedal wires are available in Fire Resistant, Low Smoke and Halogen Free option.

The types of wires include telephone and switchboard cables, coaxial cables, submersible cables, computer and LAN networking cables, CCTV cables and more.

LED lights.

Accessories The accessories like power strips, extension cords, plugs and adaptors provide real convenience and real freedom by connecting electrical appliances to wherever the user is – whether it’s for work or entertainment. Available in a variety of design options, these accessories are a wonderful to use and a pleasure to behold!

So the next time you want an electrical product for your home and office, do check out the options from Goldmedal. You may be in for a pleasant surprise!

Commercial Design | November 2017 | 17

Cover story

Building on ambitions Agastya Corporate Park by Piramal Realty composed a one-of-a-kind workspace district in India that provides spaces that are conducive to creativity, efficiency, leisure and fun – all in one go

BY RASHMI NAICKER

Commercial Design | November 2017 | 19

Cover story

D

esigning and building a corporate complex that enables its stakeholders to create and reinforce their brand value and equity requires more than just a keen eye for aesthetics and prevailing trends. Making workspaces come alive enough to speak volumes of what ambitions are all about, requires a thorough understanding of evolving work culture, its values, goals, vision, employee dynamics and more. Piramal Realty’s Agastya Corporate Park is one such archetype that highlights the exemplary ideals of a modern workplace district. Sited in the heart of Mumbai’s commercial belt with a footprint of over 16.25 acres, it is the city’s largest non-IT commercial development.

Designed by Seattle-based

ANAND PIRAMAL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PIRAMAL GROUP “Agastya Corporate Park is a representation of the future of Mumbai’s commercial real estate industry. A destination where organisations can thrive amidst the outdoors, Agastya Corporate Park is envisaged to become a workspace of the future. The commercial district is designed to enable companies, employees, and retailers to be part of a truly dynamic and collaborative environment.”

Callison USA, the concept is based on the principle of ‘biophilia’, which seeks to connect human life and nature, integrates natural elements of light and ventilation to create a harmonious work environment that promotes well-being and efficiency within a progressive office campus with timeless architecture. The blend of articulated long elevations, aesthetic terracotta panels and glass is a conscious mix of modern and traditional elements

20 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

Transteel - Yunico - IN Flight AD - Commercial Design.pdf 1 21-Sep-17 9:36:18 PM

Cover story

to create a striking building faรงade and high-performance values. The double-glazed units with acoustic interlayer faรงade provide excellent thermal and noise insulation.

Low-rise buildings framing a large central garden, provide the perfect interplay between work and nature.

The recently completed phase one of the project comprises three independent buildings, connected by meticulously designed landscape, featuring premium multi-format office space, key retail and F&B offerings, plenty of green open spaces, and outdoor terraces for gatherings and events. The commercial development addresses the commitment for creating energy efficient and comfortable indoor environment for its employees, derived from a well-established foundation of programme-driven design.

BuroHappold Engineering managed the structural & MEP design services, while Belt Collins Singapore assisted in planning and design. L&T India and Turner India worked together on the construction, while Lerch Bates oversaw vertical transportation.

22 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

Cover story PROJECT FACT FILE Project: Agastya Corporate Park Location: Kurla, Mumbai Client: Piramal Agastya Pvt Ltd. Architectural and Interior Design: Lead Consultant: Callison (Seattle) Associate/on-ground consultant: SS Architects Project Area: 16.25 acres Civil Contractors: Larsen & Toubro Project Management: Turner India Project Estimate: Phase I is estimated at approximately INR 487 crores Initiation of Project: May 2015; the Ananta building was completed and handed over to Piramal Enterprises in two years

Piramal Enterprises, a branch of the Piramal Group, also anchors its offices at Piramal Ananta in Agastya Corporate Park. The company aims to consolidate over 800 employees and their operations at the commercial hub.

The interiors of the PEL offices were organised around the concept of how we live culturally and how the whole village is organised around a large central square with a well for people to meet. There are also smaller street squares or nodes, where people of different age groups can interact with each other. These are opportunities for people to network and build relationships,

which would lead to greater bonding among people and would help resolve bigger challenges of their daily life.

This metaphor has been captured on every floor, with a large central meeting space and smaller pantry areas scattered along the floor. The privilege of light and ventilation is given to all with meeting rooms distributed to the central core. Since people commute long distances to reach workplaces in Mumbai, enough resting spaces, shower rooms, crèche facilities and food provisions have been addressed at strategic locations. The facility is centrally air-conditioned to allow

24 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

The PEL offices were organised around the concept of how we live culturally and how the whole village is organised around a large central square.

for energy efficiency and to create a more pleasant work atmosphere.

Carefully integrated greenery, colours, art and graphics create a soulful modern workplace.

The creative design of the park, as a whole, has embodied a unique identity for its tenant companies too. It helps enhance the effectiveness of the workplace and also composes itself as a strong marketing and recruiting tool. Consistently resonating with the values of modern and efficient spaces through use of technological advancements and building systems, the project delineates as a modern, responsive and compelling structure.

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Focus

Innovative illuminators The lighting industry is continually striving to achieve good design – one that equals a comprehensive solution satisfying to the architectural design, energy use, budget and security of the structure

BY SHRISTI NANGALIA

26 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

Focus

M

odern lighting design takes a refined

step ahead in enhancing architectural forms and complying with a building’s technical facets, rather than just providing a space with light. The approach also represents an enormous business opportunity in the form of energy savings in new as well as retrofit constructions. Contemporary electric lighting design captures this power-savings opportunity while improving visibility in the built environment.

A lighting designer brings knowledge and expertise of a quickly expanding array of available equipment and technology. Because a designer neither sells nor installs, the chosen design is based on an objective understanding of the project goals and budget. And while electrical engineers can design a lighting system, that design may be based on electrical requirements and code standards but may lack aesthetic sensitivities.

The implementation of Standards on Safety & Performance of LED Bulbs & Control Gears has improved the quality of products in the market. This has increased trust and consumers are now willing to pay a premium price for LEDs compared to conventional light sources. COB (Chips on Board) Technology is popular for its crisp light throw and angle but SMD is still the highest selling technology in office

and residential application due to cost-effectiveness and diffused light output. And now there’s a new entrant – DOB (Driver on Board) – in the LED world but it requires testing in the tier 2 and tier 3 cities where voltage surge is a common occurrence.

“The rules of the old lighting world that worked with CFL are no longer applied to the LEDdriven environment. Globally, lighting is getting smarter and more personal and we plan to be drivers of this change. Moving from technology to a more invested purchase, it’s no longer only about how many wattages and lumens but more about what lighting does for and to you. We consider luminaries and smart home products as the future market drivers. We have designs with good cost-benefit ratio, especially simple mounting, concise designs and long durability,” says Ralph Ludwig, CEO, of LEDVANCE. “India currently ranks fourth in the world, when it comes to primary energy demand. Since our economy has grown rapidly over the past decade, the use of

Ralph Ludwig, LEDVANCE.

Commercial Design | November 2017 | 27

Focus

CASE STUDY: FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, CROATIA Leading Austrian lighting supplier Zumtobel has implemented a comprehensive lighting solution throughout the new Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Josip Juraj Strossmayer University in the Croatian city of Osijek. With other university buildings closely flanking the project on both sides, the biggest challenge was deciding how to bring enough daylight into the new building. The artificial light primarily had the task to extend the fundamental spatial quality into the evening and night. “Light interacts with the various spatial geometries and emphasises their unique character. Only with the right light can individuals truly experience the architecture of the building,” says architect Dinko Peracic.

The lighting solutions specified in the many different areas and rooms optimise the effect of the architecture itself, while also maximising visual comfort for students and employees and meeting stringent demands in terms of energy efficiency.

28 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

energy efficient products like LED has become quite popular. Despite being expensive, it is being looked at for long-term gain,” says Jayanth Jain, CEO of GM Modular. GM’s G2020 is a LED with a wireless detachable driver with a push-in pull-out design. Its strong and sturdy body is made of aluminium and the design delivers high luminous efficacy that converts

Jayanth Jain.

GM Modular.

Focus

Sukanto Aich, Philips.

CASE STUDY: HOTEL SEVEN SEAS, NEW DELHI In the initial phase of the project, a well-thought scheme was devised for Lutron Lighting Control Systems in the public areas of Hotel Seven Seas, a premium luxury banquet hotel in the capital. This was based on public area drawings and control schedules that were sourced from Fab Interiors, the interior architects for the project. “We wanted a system that’s easy to use, and more importantly could handle the huge lighting loads associated with large banquet areas, over a long period of time with reliable performance,” explains principal architect Jaskaran Singh. The result of the system in place is that the intelligent logic for operations automatically lowers the lighting when load is on the generator and brings it back to the last-scene when main power is restored.

energy into light and has a high power factor.

The application of Internet of Things (IoT) allows all devices to communicate with each other from a common connection. This ensures better energy usage and conservation as the systems can be made to ‘sense and feel’ and be more ‘intelligent’. Plus, it also brings down energy costs with smart control over living and working space lighting. Philips’ connected lighting system for offices provides high quality illumination while acting as an information pathway, giving users personal control of lighting and providing insights on building usage for greater efficiency.

Sukanto Aich, senior director, Philips Lighting India Limited, adds, “Connected office lighting

system puts energy efficiency in employees’ hands through smartphone controls. Connected lighting can feed back occupancy data to building-management systems to allow for optimal control of HVAC.” Panasonic’s Projection Lighting Space Player is a solution that offers a maintenancefree projection. It delivers a multi-faceted solution and easily mounts on traditional lighting track. The space player utilises Panasonic’s solid-state laser illumination technology, which allows it to run up to 20,000 hours without a lamp replacement. Plus, it uses a little fraction of the energy consumed by typical projection systems.

India has become an attractive market for both domestic as well as international LED players.

New applications are related to connectivity, better controls, application of sensors and moving towards wireless technology.

For a commercial outlet, the aspects related to energy saving, conservation and cost benefits become supreme. Connectivity and control will help in providing efficient and customised lighting, adding to a healthy bottom line.

Commercial Design | November 2017 | 29

Trends

It’s reigning lights Regina Santos, associate, Lighting Designer, Godwin Austen Johnson, takes us through the top lighting trends of the year

T

his time around, lighting design is one of contrasts. We are starting to see a mix of projects, some focusing on minimalism and others on industrial character. Both residential and commercial spaces are using pendants and statement lamps to set the tone and create an atmosphere. Colour and tuneable white light fixtures will feature heavily in new projects, as will the growth of products on the market to support circadian health.

LED’s versatility LED opens up a world of

options for lighting designers.

In the beginning, LED manufacturers were trying to mimic the incandescent technology. But now, they are designing specifically around LED technology and giving us aesthetic products that are either minimalistic or more elaborate yet highly functional.

While we are seeing significant demand for slimmer profiles, decorative fixtures are still popular – particularly in the interior design space – to create balance and contrast with the use of statement lighting pieces. It’s really all about balancing lighting and the needs of the interiors. A

30 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

Shibari suspension lamp by Bomma.

growing number of LED products allow control of the shade of white light output, so you can have a stark white office space and a lighting fixture that allows users to choose cool white temperatures for daytime but switch to warmer temperatures in the evening.

Colour makeover I believe colour is going to be important, especially when designing spaces for the younger generation, and I believe that we will start to see James Turrelltype lighting installations in

Trends

Golf Clubhouse, UK.

projects, particularly in social spaces such as bars, restaurants and hotels. This lighting offers a seamless blend of the boundaries of the space in question. Turrell uses light and indeterminate space, not objects or images, to extend and enhance perception.

When it comes to installing coloured lighting in commercial and public spaces, it should complement and not take over a space. To achieve a good balance, I believe that RGBW is useful in the use of colour as it adds another dimension, allowing you to tone down the primary colours with a white light and arrive at a range of pastel shades.

Hilton Garden Inn.

lighting control systems and the connectivity that allows people to have access to information and control of their environment, are some of the key trends.

Flexible lighting in the home and at the workplace are becoming the norm as lighting designers embrace the emerging practice of aligning lighting with health and well-being.

There will be a greater emphasis on referencing nature, which has a significant physiological impact on our

Regina Santos.

PHOTO: ITP MEDIA GROUP

Circadian lighting The focus of lighting today is more on health and wellness. The questions being asked are – how are LEDs affecting people, how are/is drivers/power supply being improved to reduce or eliminate flickers that cause headaches, which colour temperature is better for use at night time, etc. We tend to underestimate the importance of light on our well-being and just how much the light/dark cycle, or circadian rhythm, affects our moods. The availability of tune-able white light fixtures, the improvement of

bodies. It’s important to use colour changing fixtures – these mimic the daylight cycle with the use of different colour temperatures during the day and warm, low-level lighting at night to prepare our bodies for sleep. In line with this, I believe we will see a greater reliance on smartphone/tablet apps to control our lit environment in the future to produce comfortable and dynamic lighting schemes for interior and exterior environments.

Commercial Design | November 2017 | 31

Post event

Celebrating excellence A glimpse into the launch of the second edition of iNFHRA FM Excellence Conference & Awards 2017-18

A

s part of the second edition of FM Excellence Conference & Awards 201718, iNFHRA organised the first of its six-city award tour in Bengaluru on October 11, 2017 at The Lalit Ashok. This is the only jury-driven award for the facilities management fraternity and is organised by industry body iNFHRA, a member-based association that represents over 1,500 professionals from facility management and administration,

workplace and infrastructure, corporate travel and hospitality, corporate real estate, safety and security and procurement.

The awards are supported by CBRE South Asia, Cushman & Wakefield and Jones Lang LaSalle.

The ceremony last month saw some of the biggest names in the fraternity and over 200 of the city’s corporate leaders under one roof.

The evening’s chief guest and key note speaker for the conference, Shri Nagaraj Yadav, chairman, Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), shared

32 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

Shri Nagaraj Yadav.

insights on how BMTC is working towards improving the city’s traffic scenario and how corporates can help manage employee travel to facilitate smooth movement traffic as well as provide safe travel to employees. He also spoke about the government’s initiative towards generating employment in the

transport sector.

He said, “It’s time that we start saving Bangalore for the next generation, make it pollution-free, a traffic congestion-free Bangalore, such that the legacy of Bengaluru as a green city and a pensioners’ paradise is back to life.” He gave companies which provide employment to a large number of people a thumbs up and suggested that all companies join hands with the government to improve the city’s infrastructure. He reiterated that all companies make use of the city’s public transport and assured that BMTC would look into any flexibility required to cater to MNCs. The awards were also supported

by Chai Point, CIRIL Real Estate

Post event

WINNERS CORPORATE REAL ESTATE AWARDS POWERED BY BRAWN GLOBUS TURNKEY SOLUTION Winner - Vikas Chawla, SAP Labs India Pvt. Ltd First Runner Up - Cushman & Wakefield Second Runner Up - Kanniappan Subramani, Capgemini Technology Services India Ltd. CORPORATE TRAVEL,TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS AWARDS POWERED BY TREEBO HOTELS AND VIA.COM Winner - Gazala Imam & Gangadhar M.D, Allstate Solutions Pvt. Ltd. First Runner Up - Mehar Fathima, Firstsource Solutions Ltd. Second Runner Up - Vinod Rajeevalochana, CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd. ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS POWERED

BY ARRAYSTORM LIGHTING AND LITHIUM URBAN TECHNOLOGIES Winner - Sasken Technologies Ltd. First Runner Up - Ranganathan N, M/s. Mphasis Ltd. Second Runner Up - Sudarshan Kuskoor, Ascend Telecom Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY AWARDS POWERED

BY VELAN IT SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORTED BY MOVEINSYNC TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS Winner - Marcus Joseph, NetApp India Pvt. Ltd. First Runner Up - Arun Kumar Madhan, Jones Lang LaSalle Second Runner Up - Kumara Shivanna, Citrix R&D India Pvt. Ltd. SAFETY & SECURITY AWARDS POWERED BY INTERNATIONAL HOUSEKEEPING & MAINTENANCE SERVICES AND BETTERPLACE SAFETY SOLUTIONS Winner - Preetha Kumari, Wipro Ltd. First Runner Up - Ganesh Kambar, ADAMAS Builders Pvt. Ltd. Second Runner Up - Narayan Rao, First American (India) Pvt. Ltd. BEST PROJECT - CORPORATE AWARD Winner - J. Palani Velu, Tech Mahindra Ltd. BEST PROJECT - ARCHITECTURE & PMC AWARD Winner - Vestian Global Workplace Services Pvt. Ltd.

Consultants Network, Embassy Services, Featherlite Office Systems, Mahindra & Mahindra, Mystair Hygiene, Pikkol, Sobha Limited Stalwart Security Services, Tata Motors, Zeta, Todays Traveller and Commercial Design magazine.

The itinerary for the rest of the tour is: Pune on November 10,

Gurgaon on December 8, and early in 2018 in Hyderabad on January 24, Mumbai on February 23 and Chennai on March 14.

For more information on the awards and to associate with the same, kindly email on support@infhra.com

Commercial Design | November 2017 | 33

Column

Achieving harmonising interiors Susanne Schutz of Suzhong Consulting Limited, a Feng Shui master and consultant, shares tips for commercial interiors

F

eng Shui has gained more prominence with interior designers and architects in recent years, and some now seek the help of masters when working on designs for commercial space and offices. The complex process of Feng Shui strives to improve the flow of energy, or Qi, throughout a space, in order to deliver a multitude of physical and psychological benefits.

These simple tips can help in any commercial space.

Reception area The reception is probably one of the most important areas to look at. It is the “Qi Mouth” of

a company, where all the energy enters the office. It is important, therefore, that the area is free from clutter and is an open space, lit by natural sunlight, making it inviting and welcoming.

Depending on company-specific requirements, a master might also suggest the placement of a water feature in the space, such as an aquarium or a small fountain. What matters most, however, is that the reception is spacious. It will then form a so-called “bright hall”, one of the most important Feng Shui features, enabling Qi to collect and disseminate around the building. It even has the ability to turn negative incoming Qi into positive and harmonious Qi.

34 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

Logo placement Specific Feng Shui calculations can measure the precise spot in a company’s reception area where a logo should be placed in order to increase the inflow of new clients and repeat customers. This spot, however, might not be the place where it is most visible, so it may be necessary for two logos to be displayed – one in the area of the reception where it is most visible, and one where Feng Shui demands.

Senior management While commercial Feng Shui aims to transform the entire office into a space that contributes to each individual’s well-being and productivity, special attention is paid to the desk locations of

Column

senior management. The belief is that if the CEO or GM is doing well, this will translate into company-wide success. This means not just putting the desk in the right location but also ensuring that there is plenty of natural light. Features outside the CEO/GM’s office that can be seen should be positive too. This means that there should be no sharp corners pointing at him/ her while working, no polluted water in his/her line of vision, and no antennas or pylons visible.

Instead, the CEO should be provided with a view of rolling hills, a park, an open space, or a golf course, ideally incorporating clean, clear water.

Open-plan office This has been the big design feature in recent years and, in terms of Feng Shui, it helps with even distribution of positive Qi throughout the office. This is far more beneficial than tiny office cubicles that are either too cramped or cluttered to allow for beneficial Qi flow. The open office design must still allow privacy for individuals when working, however, so some partitions – especially behind employees’ backs – will enhance their productivity and comfort.

Support your back In Feng Shui, it is ideal to sit with your back against a solid wall. This is thought to offer the necessary support and confidence required to tackle difficult tasks while minimising errors. When designing an office space or a commercial floorplan, therefore, it is best to ensure no member of the staff will be sitting with their back towards a door or corridor. After all, it’s hard to focus on work while a lot of activity is going on right behind you. Not having a wall, a partition, or a window behind can make people feel insecure, so if the layout of a particular office space doesn’t allow for everybody to sit against a solid wall, cabinets, bookshelves, or high pot-plants can be used to create the necessary sense of privacy.

Corners, beams, and staircases Many modern offices feature an industrial design, with exposed beams, air-conditioning ducts, and so on. While this isn’t necessarily bad Feng Shui, it is still not ideal for employees to sit directly under a beam. Structural beams are an integral part of the building’s structure and are designed to endure a tremendous

amount of stress and pressure.

This pressure is thought to extend downwards on the person sitting under the beam, according to Feng Shui, causing them to feel as though a heavy burden rests on their shoulders. Over time, this could lead to an increased sense of stress, and even migraines, or neck and shoulder problems.

Staircases are another key consideration, and desks should never face one. They are “energy exit points” and change the air flow, so facing a staircase when working can redirect attention away from the task at hand and make it difficult to concentrate.

This effect is aggravated when the staircase points downwards.

It is thought that employees’ energy is likely to exit via the staircase, causing them to feel

fatigued and their performance level to drop. Facing a sharp edge is also believed to have negative implications, leading to health concerns. It may even cause an increase in office-related conflicts.

Choosing round pillars rather than square when designing the office space, or obscuring corners with potted plants, are simple but effective ways.

Clear the clutter Always keep the workplace clean and tidy. A cluttered environment with obstructed, narrow walkways does not allow Qi to flow freely, stifling creativity and analytical thinking. An organised and open workspace, on the other hand, enables everyone to focus on challenging issues with a clear mind.

Commercial Design | November 2017 | 35

Case study

Working smarter Natural light, colours and graphics play a strategic role in the peoplecentric design of Dalmia Bharat’s office in New Delhi

BY SHRISTI NANGALIA

Case study

T

o help “unleash the potential of everyone” he comes in contact with is the vision of Ajit Menon, Dalmia Bharat Group’s human resource head. With this vision and the organisation’s function in mind, Design Atelier designed a new-age space conducive to productivity and creativity.

For the newly renovated premises, Dalmia Bharat’s infrastructure and facilities team aspired to stay ahead and bring innovation to the workplace. They insisted on creating a legible, lively and inspiring work environment that incorporates upgraded technology and a modern material palette. To be efficient across the space, the team has taken small yet innovative initiatives. Installing glass tabletops, for example, earned appreciation from management as well as employees as it made housekeeping easier and prompted users to keep their desks clean themselves.

Open spaces with colourful punches invoke a sense of inclusiveness amongst the team. “This concept is inspiring cleanliness, collaboration and encouraging teamwork. It is

Rahul Lal, MRICS, head of the corporate infrastructure & facilities, Dalmia Group.

enabling employees to be a part of cross-functional teams rather than just one’s own,” says Rahul Lal, MRICS, head of the corporate infrastructure & facilities.

The dominant use of glass in the interiors makes the most of the available light and induces collaboration at the same time.

“Glass not only gives employees a greater visibility to the outdoors but also exposes the indoors to bright daylight in the formidable closed door surrounding,” adds Lal. Furthermore, portable glass dividers and tabletops make the workspace appear visually bigger and airy.

“This easy-to-move interior

Commercial Design | November 2017 | 37

Case study

To cater to the growing needs of office area all over the country, glass evolves as a go-to material for small-space living.”

38 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

glass provides the team with the flexibility to reconfigure office spaces faster, to accommodate increased manpower and to relay the office space in a go.

Interior glass is more durable and requires less maintenance than drywall,” shares Lal. It helps the penetration of more natural light deep into the office core, enhancing efficiency.

To cater to the growing needs of office area all over the country, glass evolves as a go-to material for small-space living. In addition to that, at Dalmia Bharat’s office, white has been extensively used to maximise the available area visually and to bestow the sense of openness. The pristine colour allows for the confident use of wall murals at various rooms across the office. In addition to generating high points in the design, the murals aid in uplifting employee morale, which directly boosts productivity and wellbeing.

Consumer Connect

Lighting it right

K

-LITE Industries, an ISO manufacturer of indoor and outdoor luminaries, launched a new series of LED Architectural Lighting.

Through its innovative outlook, the company has showcased an all-new product portfolio inspired by the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The application includes facade lighting, pathway lighting, inground luminaries, up lighting, updown lighting, billboard lighting, vertical light bars, wall washers, area lighting poles and sleek polar lighting solutions.

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

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

Dilip Kumbat, president, ISLE.

K-LITE’s surface mounted polar lighting pole, integrated with LED, is an exclusive choice among designers for use in city beautification blended with architectural appeal. It is designed for a complete range of contemporary designs with single arm, double arm, L-arm, V-Arm, Square arm and Parallel arm. The pole is engineered to deal with adverse conditions and the sections are duly welded using special grooving techniques and high end MIG/ TIG welding process.

The control box is integral and in-built with service door, locking arrangement and safety chain.

Pelican Lighting Pole

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

K-Lite is also part of a major lighting exhibition under the banner Light India International 2018 (Lii 2018) that’s being held in Mumbai at the Bombay Exhibition Centre from January 19-21, 2018. This mega event, organised by Indian Society of Lighting Engineers (ISLE), an association headed by Dilip Kumbat, intends to highlight the latest lighting fixtures and present futuristic trends in all lighting segments. India’s US$2 billion lighting industry is witnessing double-digit growth with new LED technology, owing to the emphasis on infrastructure development by the central and state governments.

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

Commercial Design | November 2017 | 39

Case study

Edgy dynamic The parallelogram-shaped headquarters for Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is designed by HOK to respond to the path of the sun for passive cooling

40 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

Case study

The sides rise to an architrave free of the building mass, creating the image of a monumental arch rising next to the Arabian Gulf.

The tower’s simple, classic form serves as a recognisable focal point for people travelling to and from the city.”

- HOK

C

ontrasting with the many twisting turn-shaped buildings in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s (ADNOC) new headquarters embodies a “less is more” philosophy, say architects HOK. “The sides rise to an architrave free of the building mass, creating the image of a monumental arch rising next to the Arabian Gulf.

The tower’s simple, classic form serves as a recognisable focal point for people travelling to and from the city,” the architects add.The exterior frame of the 75-storeyed tower is clad in granite to convey a sense of permanence to reflect the firm’s ethos.

To provide the best solar orientation, HOK designed the

PROJECT INFORMATION Size: 175,300m2 Height: 75 storeys HOK SERVICES: • Master planning • Architecture • Landscape architecture • Facility programming

headquarters in the shape of a parallelogram. The tower’s north side faces the waterfront and is fully glazed to offer views and take advantage of the limited direct sunlight. The south side, where sunlight is stronger, incorporates finely produced glass with sun shades. Cladding the east and west sides in granite screens the 65-storeyed glass core from harsh sunlight.These strategies, combined with efficient building systems, helped the building achieve LEED Gold certification standards.

The shape of the building’s footprint responds to the path of the sun.The side nearest the Arabian Gulf faces true north, providing for minimal heat gain and unobstructed views of the water through clear glass panels. Columns are located around 6m from the northern perimeter, allowing the structure to be cantilevered from this side and creating a completely unencumbered interior space.The south side is coated in a double wall of insulated and porous glass along with horizontal sun shades that mitigate direct sunlight. An LED lighting system on this exterior enhances the tower’s presence at night.The lighting display can be programmed to change colour, patterns and intensity to mark holidays and special events.

Glass and granite make up the form.

The building is in contrast to the many intricate shapes of the Abu Dhabi skyline.

Commercial Design | November 2017 | 41

Case study

An LED lighting system provides a spectacular night vista.

ADNOC’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY The building’s orientation and highly efficient mechanical systems are designed to consume 24% less energy than the baseline standard set by ASHRAE 90. 1-2004, which regulates building energy use. High-efficiency fixtures and reuse of grey water and HVAC condensation reduce potable water use by 40% compared to conventional designs. Over 4,500 litres of grey water is harvested and recycled for flushing toilets and watering plants per month. The building design is a pilot project for the Pearl Building Rating System, Abu Dhabi’s green building initiative.

The sides of the building facing east and west are sheathed in Bethel White granite for its durability and consistent colour. These sides house service elevators, fire stairs and mechanical rooms. To preserve the architecture’s simple form and clean lines, they are carefully detailed so that access hatches, ventilation louvers and maintenance equipment are hidden from view.

The headquarters, which houses 4,000 ADNOC employees, is

The space is arranged to draw natural light into floor plate.”

42 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

– HOK

Natural light is an emphasis for sustainability.

located on the Corniche, a seaside boardwalk with park areas and beaches that stretches along Abu Dhabi’s west side. The landscape around the building offers public amenities and ties into a planted area to the east, where an underground parking garage is located.

Adjacent to the new building are ADNOC’s earlier headquarters from the 1970s and support buildings, which remained operational through the construction of the new structure.

The north-side building entrance features a large, stainless-steel canopy supported by a single

Case study

A single column supports the entire glass structure.

Surroundings offer public access and amenities.

All offices are laid out in a modular design format.” column. The canopy repeats the triangular and parallelogram shapes of the building in its pattern of aluminium louvers. Complementing the design of this shading device is an angular reflecting pool in front of the entrance. Designed to appear as a seamless glazed facade,

the glass walls behind and above the canopy are supported by a structural steel cable system.

The HOK team shared that the workplace has been designed to inspire creativity, teamwork and critical thinking among ADNOC’s employees. They said: “To provide

– HOK

flexible interior space, offices are laid out in a modular design.

The main floor space is arranged to draw natural north light deep into the floor plate, while private offices are along the east, west and south core corridors. This leaves most of the floor plate for low workstations and creates a sense of a single, unified space with direct views of the sea. Conference rooms located at the southeast and southwest corners offer views over the city. Finally, the top floor has been designed as an executive dining area with an outdoor terrace.”

Commercial Design | November 2017 | 43

Case study

Ode to the master of colour HBA completes interiors for the recreational centre designed by Ettore Sottsass in China’s iconic Sifang Collective Complex 44 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

Case study

The recreational centre is designed by Italian architect Ettore Sottsass.

The design is based on geometrical volumes with touches of yellow.

The designers placed casual seating and hanging bubble swing chair in the reception.

T

he recreational centre within China’s Sifang Collective Complex is one of the last architectural ventures by renowned Italian architect Ettore Sottsass and his practice Sottsass Associati. It is due to open in December to coincide with Sottsass’s 10th death anniversary.

Dubai-based designer and HBA’s partner David T’Kint was tasked with completing the project and

designing the interiors, which celebrates Sottsass’s strong architectural language and embraces natural surroundings.

“Ettore Sottsass’s latest architectural venture is a complex architectural masterpiece connecting and disconnecting volumes,” says T’Kint, “My first challenge was to make this work from an operational point of view as a wellness centre with a few guest rooms, and connect the

David T’Kint.

areas to make this a unified guest experience.”

Sifang is managed by Artyzen Hospitality Group, which operates on the philosophy of embracing “art, culture, and emotional wisdom” — and that’s exactly what echoes throughout the architecture and design of the project. “Sifang is a one-of-a-kind project, unique in so many different ways. It is not just a hotel, it is an experience driven by remarkable architecture that is more than just about good design. All the buildings embrace natural surroundings, and each unit has its own narrative,” says T’Kint.

“While it was an honour to be part of a select group of

Commercial Design | November 2017 | 45

Case study

Everything element in the interioirs are based on geometrical volumes and touches of colour, without being overwhelming.

HBA developed interiors in harmony with Sottsass’s architecture.

designers and architects, part of the challenge was to create a visual identity that didn’t compromise guest experience and expectations.” As T’Kint explains, the building’s interiors celebrate the architectural language without

mimicking it. “Creating interiors when the architectural envelope is so powerful is a real test for a designer,” he adds, “It simply cannot be completely different, as that would not make sense, however, copying was not an option either.”

46 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

Sottsass’s enduring legacy is his industrial design work — the famous Olivetti Valentine Typewriter and the Carlton Bookcase, to name a few. His architecture, like his product design, is instantly recognisable

Case study

The children’s play area features bold colours and patterns.

The balance between hard and soft is studied in every area to avoid the feeling of being in a museum.

The furniture is an eclectic mix of bold contemporary items.

by bold primary colours and prominent geometric structures.

The design team had to analyse Sottsass’s achievements throughout his long career, examining the geometry, shapes, primary colours, black and white that form the main characteristics of his most recognisable work, to create an interior programme that would integrate seamlessly.

Taking all of these items into consideration, HBA developed interiors that married with

Sottsass’s architecture. “Everything is based on geometrical volumes, touches of colour, without being overwhelming, and blending with the softness required to make this space the wellness centre it was intended to be,” he says.

The 1,000sq-m recreation and culture centre features a spa, an indoor pool, a fitness studio, and 22 uniquely designed rooms, ranging from 43sq-m to 79sq-m.

The balance between hard and soft is studied in every area to

avoid the feeling of being in a museum. “The walls, for example, are divided into an irregular gridline of shapes with a warm white stucco texture. The floors are rhythmed by woollen rugs, designed as geometric forms. The furniture is an eclectic mix of bold contemporary items, with the right balance of neutrals and colours. Accessories decorate the spaces and add to the casual feel,” says T’Kint.

Beyond the spa facilities, the centre promotes corporate activities such as arts and crafts, reading and relaxation, with a focus on harmony with nature.

The luxuriant woods and scenery complement one another.

Sifang Collective is part of China International Practical Exhibition of Architecture (CIPEA) in Nanjing, the capital of China’s eastern Jiangsu province. The project is comprised of 22 buildings designed by nearly two dozen of the biggest names in international and Chinese architecture – among them, New York-based architect Steven Holl; dissident artist Ai Wewei; Chinese Pritzker Prize-winner Wang Shu; and UK-based David Adjaye.

Commercial Design | November 2017 | 47

Products

New on the market GOTHIC BEAUTY

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talian Brand Momenti’s Black Attitude collection uses the dark shade along with floral patterns, colourful motifs and detailed imagery over coffee tables and furniture units, resulting in a unique style statement. Momenti is a revolutionary, patented glass fibre that lends itself to multiple surfaces — walls, floors, furniture, fabric, and more. You can even combine the fibre with your own design to create singularly unique products.

Website www.ottimo.in

EUROCLEAN ECOCLEAN

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et rid of the most stubborn of stains as well as hazardous microbes with Eureka Forbes’ EcoClean, a robust cleaning technology that tackles both visible and invisible dust. This handheld steam cleaner is easy to handle and operate. It is powerful, effective and can be used for more than 10 cleaning functions. Fortified with a chemical-free cleaning process with the power of steam, Ecoclean helps deep clean stubborn dirt and dust with 100% accuracy. It instantly produces a powerful steam jet that completely eliminates viruses and bacteria, keeping offices clean and healthy.

Website www.eurekaforbes.com

GORA-V

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dd the chic yet stylish Gora-V armchair by Vector Projects to create an idyllic seating arrangement indoors or outdoors. The elegant seater is crafted with a sturdy metal base and wooden legs with a highlighted stacked-up seat and antislip rubber feet. It can be entirely customised – choose from a variety of patchwork fabric patterns – and is UV rays-repellent and easy to clean, making it the perfect choice to break monotonous spaces.

Website www.vectorprojectsindia.com

48 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

Products

DIAMETRO 35 BLACK&WHITE

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talian brand Ritmonio has extended two of its tap collections, the Haptic and Diametro 35, to include new black and white finishes. Essential lines, clean geometries and minimal aesthetics, combined with matte texture, are the elements that characterise the new range. Moving away from the conventional chrome, the Black&White version is an opulent and more luxurious take on industrial chic designs.

Website www.ritmonio.it

NORA

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

Website www.bross-italy.com

PILA

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stiluz presents Pila, a hanging lamp designed by Barcelonabased Francesc Crous and Alessandro Calogero. The lamp is conceived from the idea of stacking different elements that enable multiple combinations of materials and colours. In its first version, Pila combines a spun aluminium body and a cork one; a natural and organic material that meets the criteria of ecology and sustainability that the company is now introducing in its new products and manufacturing processes. Pila is also equipped with LED technology, and its intensity may be adjusted.

Website www.estiluz.com

Commercial Design | November 2017 | 49

Opinion

How technology can impact real estate

By Ramesh Nair, CEO & Country Head, JLL India

With the grow growing concept of block chains, we will see the evolution of Smart Contracts, which make the execution of real estate transactions much more efficient.”

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eal estate in India may lag behind when it comes to embracing enhanced technology. But, globally, technology has made immense progress and there is definitely much to leverage.

There are at least six technologydriven changes that can potentially transform the sector. Incorporating these evolutionary steps can usher in an era of ‘experiential’ real estate for consumers, developers and consultants – and as a direct consequence, transform the way in which real estate business is done.

Automation: More and more real estate marketing is done via online channels these days, be it online portals or cross-platform mobile applications. Listings and other stock real estate data is dynamic in nature – and with more Indian states making lease data freely available, there is more scope for automation.

Additionally, since it is now mandatory for builders to notify all residential sales and similar projectrelated updates on RERA, quick automation of data like units sold, localities with maximum sales and information on upcoming projects can help close deals faster.

Artificial Intelligence: Currently, real estate information is available in varied forms – lease documents for commercial real estate markets, for example, are often not standardised, presenting a challenge in evaluating one against another.Advanced AI

50 | November 2017 | Commercial Design

techniques will enable machines to comprehend clauses and sub-clauses in such leases. In today’s age, a lot of data is stored physically in the offices of builders and brokers.

These will gradually be digitised.

From a client’s perspective, the emergence of more online portals, showcasing a higher number of properties, will simplify buying, selling or leasing decisions.

business – from small requirements like identifying the need to change a fused bulb to larger issues like managing parking spaces in large office complexes. Retail departments can use display shelves linked to sensors to indicate when products need to be restocked. On a much larger scale, Smart Cities will have digital technology embedded across all city functions.

Drones to highlight property features: Drones are being used effectively in the US and Europe for marketing real estate with compelling and dramatic images to differentiate properties, especially on online portals that are continuously competing for consumer mindshare.

While some form of drone-driven marketing is seen in India, the scope for further expansion is massive.

Drones can highlight features like landscaping, pools, walking paths, backyards, internal spaces, flooring, etc, which cannot be achieved through ground-based photography.

Block chains: Information held on a block chain exists as a network of nodes. It is a shared, continuously reconciled database hosted by millions of computers simultaneously, and its data is accessible to anyone on the Internet. While this is still an evolving concept worldwide, block chains will play an important role in information storage for real estate transactions in the near future. For instance, we will see the evolution of Smart Contracts, which make the execution of real estate transactions much more efficient.

Technology has already made inroads in the world of currencies – previously very much a ‘physical’ concept – as well. Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency which is the raison d’etre for block chain, is finding its way now into the investment world. In fact, it is one of the fastest-appreciating digital currencies. Maybe not anytime soon – and definitely not until justifiably conservative financial regulators such as the RBI become comfortable with such currencies in India. However, given the evolutionary steps taking place on most other fronts, the future of real estate in India may be open to this as well.

Virtual Reality: Virutal reality: A mix of architecture design and gaming software will soon enable consumers in India to get a realtime experience of living in their yet-to-be-constructed homes. Since this is an expensive technology, it is currently being used only in highend property marketing, however, the cost of technology is reducing with faster adoption and mass production.

Internet of Things (IoT): IoT is a giant network of connected factors, including people.The relationship could be people-people, peoplethings and things-things. IoT will become especially useful for the FM