AU cover.qxp
4/1/2015
10:36 AM
Page 1
AU cover.qxp
4/1/2015
10:36 AM
Page 2
03] Encraft India ad.qxp
3/31/2015
4:26 PM
Page 3
04] Editor speaks.qxp
3/31/2015
5:08 PM
Page 4
editorspeaks “Architecture is a thoughtful making of spaces.” - Louise I Khan
Editor Shashikant Hegde Editorial Advisor Dr M S Kapadia Editorial Coordinator Alma Odil Advisors (Technical) Prof. Akhtar Chauhan Principal, Rizvi College of Architecture, Mumbai Ar. Karan Grover Karan Grover & Associates, Vadodara Ar. Manit Rastogi Principal Architect, morphogenesis, New Delhi I Bangalore
Early 20th century paved the way for a new dimension to spatial language. Architectural development had a far-flung reach, balancing the need of the hour and future aspiration. And the advent of urbanization brought a paradigm shift in the architectural perspective. Today we see a multitude of design orchestrating one’s spatial experience. And this is no longer restricted to residential interiors. Spatial articulation has advanced in other architectural typologies: offices, retail, commercial, industry and many more. In this 21st century, designers are constantly challenged to enrich the space for a surprising finesse with an unparallel design idiom with a limited palette of resources. This dialect has transformed the architecture pattern language to a new horizon of design possibilities.
Product Head Pooja Nalawade
From an individual working to group brainstorming, a cubicle design to open-plan design, a formal workstation to playful work environment; the pattern language have metamorphosed the definition of office spaces. This has pepped up productivity, significantly. While in the industrial design, the long span structure and huge volumetric cube design are histories of spatial hindrance, the advancement in the building material and construction have marked for uber crux architectural design. Articulation of spaces, diddling with the volumes, bringing junks into play; have transformed the perception of urban living, and the design is no longer mere a functional aspect. In diverse demographic cities, urban experiences have dictated the architectural design– both exterior and interior. Social hubs– commercial and retail sectors– have acquired greater demand for their diverse outlook. Here, the architecture is not limited to functionality; the experiences and the emotional quotient are the driving force in architectural design. To fathom these ideas and theories, we have culminated a few of the best designs on office, industry and retail. Have a sneak-peek through the pages to get inspired and to innovate.
Sr. Sales Executive Saurabh Singh
Cheers!
Prof. K. Jaisim JAISIM-FOUNTAINHEAD, Bangalore Ar. Dikshu C. Kukreja CP Kukreja Architects, New Delhi Design & Production Art Director Satish Kamath Graphic Designers Madhukar Ingavale Nitin Parkar Rajendra Vichare
Subscription Rosebin Mukadam Head - Circulation Raju Chendavankar Senior Vice President Sanjeev Singh
Printed, published and edited by Shashikant Hegde on behalf of Economic Research India Pvt. Ltd., published at Sterling House, 5/7 Sorabji Santuk Lane, Off Dr. Cawasji Hormasji Lane, Dhobi Talao, Mumbai - 400 002 and printed at Jayant Printery, 352/54, J. S. S. Road, Murlidhar Temple Compound, Near Thakurdwar P. O, Mumbai - 400 002. Editor: Shashikant Hegde
04 Architecture Update April 2015
05] The Supreme Industries ad.qxp
3/31/2015
4:32 PM
Page 5
06] AU Print Line-1.qxp
3/31/2015
5:11 PM
Page 6
INDEX
INDEX OF ADS Page nos. Bonton Technomake Pvt. Ltd. ................................................................... IFC
Architecture Update, India's leading publication on Architecture-Interiors-Landscape, is interested in knowing what its readers feel about their favourite magazine. AU also welcomes opinion on any other topic or issues of concern from its esteemed readers.
Bathroom & Kitchen Expo ...........................................................................49 ENCRAFT India Pvt. Ltd ................................................................................03 Futura Kitchen Sinks (I) Pvt. Ltd. .................................................................19 Futura Kitchen Sinks (I) Pvt. Ltd. .................................................................21 Jupiter Aqua Lines Ltd. ............................................................................... IBC
Just write to Feedback, Architecture Update Economic Research India Pvt Ltd, 5/7 Sterling House, Sorabji Santuk Lane, Off Cawasji Hormasji Street, Dhobi Talao, Mumbai - 400 002 or mail at editor@eril.co.in. You can also call on 022-67121806 or fax on 022-67121827
K Lite Industries ........................................................................................... BC Nicomac Doors Pvt. Ltd. ..............................................................................13 The Supreme Industries ..............................................................................05 Vashi Electricals Pvt. Ltd. ..............................................................................07
RESPONSE
for feedback as against other topics or areas of concern, mail to feedbackau@eril.co.in
for those who want their thesis featured, mail to thesisau@eril.co.in
for queries that needs expertise from a panel of specialists, mail interfaceau@eril.co.in and get answered by legal and academic experts, and CAD specialists
for Connect with just about anybody in the field of Architecture, Engineering & Construction & Building, Development Construction industry, write to platformau@eril.co.in or editor@eril.co.in
06 Architecture Update April 2015
DISCLAIMER This book is for information purposes only. All rights reserved. All copyright in this book and related works is solely and exclusively owned by Economic Research India Pvt. Ltd. While due care has been taken during the compilation to ensure that the information is accurate to the best of Economic Research India Pvt. Ltd.' knowledge and belief, the content is not to be construed in any manner whatsoever as a substitute for professional advice. Economic Research India Pvt. Ltd. neither recommends nor endorse any specific products or services that may have been mentioned in this book and nor do they assume any liability or responsibility for the outcome of decisions taken as a result of any reliance placed on this document. Economic Research India Pvt. Ltd. shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages that may arise due to any act or omission on the part of the user due to any reliance placed or guidance taken from any portion of this book.
07] Vashi Electricals ad.qxp
3/31/2015
4:33 PM
Page 7
08-09] Content Page.qxp
3/31/2015
6:43 PM
Page 8
APRIL 2015
ISSUE 3 VOLUME 09
Contents 8-BIT OFFICE
BOLD & BEAUTIFUL
Mumbai, India Kamat & Rozario Architecture
Glam Salon, Kirti Nagar, Delhi, India 9th Corner Inc.
14 23 25 28 30 34 36 TRIBUTE Pritzker Architecture Prize 2015
EAGLE EYE DBM Geotechnics, Santacruz East, Mumbai, India KNS Architects
SWIRL YOUR MIND Flortex, Hyderabad, India Aamir and Hameeda Interior Designers
COVER STORY Budget 2015-16
ÉLAN VITAL Spaces Architects@ka Office, South extension, New Delhi, India Spaces Architects@ka
08 Architecture Update April 2015
08-09] Content Page.qxp
3/31/2015
6:45 PM
Page 9
DESIGNED FOR THE WAY YOU WORK Jason Heredia, VP, Marketing, Steelcase Asia Pacific
A RADIANTLY LUMINOUS STORE 170 Boulevard Haussman, Paris, France Franรงois Schmidt and Sarah Lavoine
39 42 46 48 50 52
STAY WITH THE FLOW Gitesh Agarwal, D&M Building Products Pvt. Ltd.
VERSATILE IN NATURE Ar. Sheila Sri Prakash, Shilpa Architects
ROBUST-DAIRY Amul Dairy, Mumbai, India HCP Design, Planning and Management Pvt. Ltd.
MARBLE IN ITS PUREST FORM Classic Marble Company, Silvassa, Gujarat, India ZZ Architects
Architecture Update April 2015
09
10] News_brand.qxp
3/31/2015
4:47 PM
Page 10
Pulse brand
Crompton LEDs to Strengthen Power Ministry's Projects rompton has won three prestigious orders from Energy Efficiency Services Ltd. (EESL), a joint venture set up by the Power Ministry comprising of four public sector undertakings - NTPC, PFC, REC and Power Grid, for the implementation of energy efficiency projects in the country. Crompton will supply close to 4 million LED lamps to EESL for its different projects. The first of which was launched in Andhra Pradesh to distribute 7W LED lamps to consumers at an affordable price, followed by the project in Delhi. It’s a part of the government's plan to boost energy efficiency through widespread use of LED leading to high savings on energy bills for the end consumer. This will also help the government to offset the power deficit in the country through energy conservation. LEDs are emerging as the energy-efficient source of lighting as they use onetenth of the energy compared to a normal incandescent bulb and half that of a CFL for the same amount of light. Crompton also offers a range of LED fixtures with unique features and functionalities that are eco-friendly with negligible maintenance and a long life of over 50,000 burning hours. The products offer 50-60% of energy savings and better value for money. With government’s initiatives, the LED market will get a new impetus. These, reinforce Crompton’s position in providing LED solutions through indigenous technology and competitive pricing. Commenting on this win, Avantha Group Company CG’s CEO and MD, Laurent Demortier, said, “We are honored to receive this opportunity from the Power Ministry to partner with EESL and look forward to working with them in driving energy conservation and efficiency in the country. We see ourselves as an active participant in the ‘Make in India’ drive that will foster innovation and new manufacturing processes. We envisage further localization of critical manufacturing in India.”
Otis Introduces Gen2 Infinity Elevator
C
tis Elevator Company (India) Limited announced the opening of its expanded factory in Bengaluru that includes a new state-of-the-art elevator test tower. The company is also announcing the launch of a new Gen2 Infinity product line, developed for the mid-rise residential sector. Otis, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and maintainers of people moving products including elevators and escalators, is a part of UTC Building & Industrial Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. Besides the company’s growth over
O
15 years, the Otis’ R&D centre has significantly expanded its engineering capacity in recent years. The factory’s new test tower, stands at a height of 51.2 meters and has the ability to test up to six elevators at a time. It includes mechanical and electrical test labs, equipped with high-end test equipment staffed by a strong technical team to ensure all new products are tested and qualified to stringent Otis safety, quality and reliability standards.This will enable Otis India to produce a wider range of smart, energyefficient products, localized for the Indian residential and commercial segments. The new Gen2 Infinity elevator, is designed to meet the needs of the Indian market. The passenger elevator operates at a speed of 1.75 meter per second and features a compact machine room making it ideal for mid-rise residential buildings. This latest offering expands the localized Gen2 elevator range beyond its current applications in the commercial sector and contribute to the “Make in India” initiative.
Dr. Fixit presents Waterproof World in Mumbai
MicroStation CONNECT Unveils an Innovative New Workflow
R. Fixit, the waterproofing expert, from the house of Pidilite Industries Ltd, announced the launch of Waterproof World in Mumbai. On the occasion Ashish Prasad, President, Sales & Marketing, Construction Chemicals, Pidilite Industries Ltd., said, “water seepage/ leakage cause immense damage and Dr. Fixit being a leader in waterproofing solutions feels responsible to create awareness about waterproofing and its importance. Waterproof World is an innovative retail concept that will also enable in growth of business.” DR. Fixit is one of the most trusted brands in the Indian construction industry and is known for its innovation and pioneering solutions for waterproofing problems. It is also committed to break common myths and demystify the problems associated with conventional waterproofing practices amongst common people. As an initiative, DR. Fixit’s Waterproof World, is first-of-its-kind retail concept and aims at educating customer through touch and feel. It will offer an experience zone where in a customer can get information regarding importance of waterproofing, concept of waterproof envelope, easy steps to waterproof and areas of application like – External and Internal Walls, Terrace and Bathrooms. This will also provide a platform to engineers, structural consultants and architects to showcase waterproofing solutions to their clients. Waterproof World will be exhibited at 7 key outlets in Mumbai and will be further launched in other centres across the country.
housands of Bentley’s early users of MicroStation CONNECT Edition had an early glimpse of the potential new workflows and productivity enhancements that it delivers.The new release introduces a modern, streamlined user experience highlighted by an updated user interface and other enhancements to make it easier to use, learn, and find help to become productive. In reaction to the many enhancements to the modelling tools in MicroStation, Robert Cervellione, principal at CERVER Design Studio, said, “What I’m really looking forward to in the new version of MicroStation is the new, clean user interface, the improvements in the solids modelling, and the great new constraints and parametric capabilities that can be used to capture design intent and quickly develop reusable model content that is really powerful and versatile.” Building upon its industry-leading hyper-modelling workflows for creating deliverables that are
D
010 Architecture Update April 2015
T
inherently immersed within the context of models, MicroStation CONNECT Edition provides a new set of capabilities to speed the production of intelligent deliverables from BIM models. Most significantly, this new Documentation Centre functionality automates the processes required to produce multi-discipline documentation, including rapid generation of schedules and bills of materials. For information regarding this Advancement Insight, please contact: Christine Byrne, Senior Manager, Christine.Byrne@bently.com
11] News_architects-1.qxp
3/31/2015
4:49 PM
Page 11
Pulse architects Navi Mumbai Municipal CorporationGOLD Certified By IGBC
he new Head Office of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has been awarded the prestigious GOLD certification under LEED India New Construction rating system by Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for its commitment to sustainable development. Green Building Consultancy Services, one of the lines of businesses of Electricals & Electronics Division at Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. was the green building consultant and Hiten Sethi Associates (HSA) was the Architectural Consultant on board for the project. The Head Office of NMMC is located at Belapur, Navi Mumbai, has a total built-up area of 33,258 sq mtrs and houses various administrative, Engineering Departments, Political Head Offices
T
and General Body Hall under one roof. Uniqueness of this project can be defined through various aspects right from location and site character to planning concept, structural system, use of materials, sustainable technologies for essential services and aesthetic approach. The project was completed in 2014 and symbolizes the NMMC’s approach towards an eco-friendly future. This features: efficient building envelope with high performance glazing, efficient lighting system, energy efficient water cooled chiller , variable speed chilled water pumping system, variable frequency drives on Air Handling Units, low-flow plumbing fixtures, water reuse, rain water harvesting, native and adaptive vegetation consuming less water, ample landscape, use of low VOC paints, adhesives and sealants. Apart from the Green Certification the project has a few other achievements in design and construction as well viz. World Record for ‘Longest post tensioned PT beam slab system’, National Record for ‘Largest Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) dome (37.314m diameter & 16.409 m height)’ and National Record for ‘Tallest National Flag at 222 ft’ awarded by Limca Book of Records.
Ar. Samira Rathod Wins Special Mention at Third arcVision Prize he arcVision Prize was announced at i.lab, Italcementi's Research and Innovation Centre in Italy on 06 March 2015. The arcVision Prize aims to promote ideas and projects with a strong focus on innovation and functionality that are both sustainable and socially significant. It puts the accent on the 'female' vision of architecture, to regenerate and design existing and future architecture. The third edition boasted a final nominee list of 21 designers from 16 countries comprising Spain, India, Mexico, Italy, France, Switzerland, Netherlands, USA, Japan, Egypt, South Africa, Thailand, Morocco, Australia, Greece, Jordan. The jury panel included Shaikha Al Maskari (Board Member of the Arab International Women's Forum-AIWF), Vera Baboun (Mayor of Bethlehem), Odile Decq (Owner of the Odile Decq Architecture Firm), Yvonne Farrell (Co-Founder of Grafton Architects) Louisa Hutton (Co-Founder of the Sauerbruch Hutton architectural practice), Suhasini Mani Ratnam (an Indian actress, producer and writer), Samia Nkrumah (President of the Kwame Nkrumah Pan-African Center), Benedetta Tagliabue (Owner of the Miralles Tagliabue EMBT architectural firm), Martha Thorne (Director of the Pritzker Prize, regarded as the 'Nobel Prize' of architecture). Ar. Angela Deuber was chosen winner of the third arcVision Prize, while Ar. Samira Rathod from India won a special mention from the jury along with Kate Otten (South Africa) and Patama Roonrakwit (Thailand). The award provides an opportunity of two-week research project and workshop during Milan Design Week, at i.lab, the Italcementi Group Research & Innovation Centre in Bergamo designed by Richard Meier, which also acts as a centre for the divulgation of innovative technologies and methodologies.
T
The Shepherds Bush PavilionMetamorphosis he Shepherds Bush Pavilion - a Grade II listed building dating from 1923 - was originally constructed as a cinema. Designed by Frank Verity, it won the RIBA London Street Architecture Award for the best London façade. Heavily damaged during World War II, the building was poorly repaired, subsequently converted to a Bingo Hall in 1983 and closed its doors for good in 2001; remaining disused for much of the next decade. In 2009 planning permission was granted for conversion into a four-star, 320room hotel with conference facilities, café, restaurant, bar, retail spaces and a roof-top spa. Drawing on the influence of Art Deco cinema design, the foyer and atrium spaces employ simple curved surfaces in alternating bands of black and gold. The internally illuminated spandrel panels also minimise sound reverberation. At ground floor level, dark- stained, ribbed timber panelling and heavy curtains serve a similar purpose. The honey-coloured limestone floor is inlaid with brass, in two simple decorative elements. In the main reception, brass strips form a series
T
of concentric circles at the centre of the space which are reflected in a ceiling coffer above, while in the atrium, the bands define the circulation route from the reception through to the atrium bar. The primary façades have been retained with modifications to bring natural light into the rooms behind. The building features a new glazed roof which follows the curved profile of the original, bringing daylight into the upper floors of the building. Additional insulation to the brick façades, high performance glazing, solar shading, improved air permeability and new energyefficient plant; contribute to a significantly improved thermal performance. Jason Flanagan, Project Director at Flanagan Lawrence, comments, “Our design has been informed by a detailed understanding of the building’s history and context. Our response complements and refines the original character of the building, protecting this important heritage asset, reactivating the street-scape and providing a new point of focal interest on Shepherds Bush Green.”
WAF 2015 he World Architecture Festival (WAF) is set to make its London debut as part of the capital’s architecture festival in June 2015. The main event will still take place in Singapore (for a fourth time), where it moved to from Barcelona in 2012. WAF – the largest global gathering in the architecture calendar – will run in partnership with the London Festival of Architecture and will host events and a new satellite exhibition. Running from 24 to 27 June 2015,
T
the WAF London exhibition will showcase the projects shortlisted in its annual high-profile awards. The schemes will then go on to be presented in front of the international jury at the festival in Singapore in November. The plans were revealed by Terry Farrell at MIPIM on 10 March 2015. He said: This is a fabulous opportunity to celebrate, educate and extend discourse on global issues as recommended in the Farrell Review.
Architecture Update April 2015
011
12] News_architects-2.qxp
3/31/2015
4:50 PM
Page 12
Pulse architects
Event
‘The Capital’- The Commercial Building Of The Year
he Wadhwa Group, leading developers known for its magnificent creations in Mumbai, have won ‘The Best Commercial Project of the Year’ for ‘The Capital’ at the NDTV Real Estate Awards. ‘The Capital’ is an iconic and architectural marvel making it one of the most desired commercial properties located at Bandra BKC, Mumbai. Designed by the renowned architect, James Law, Hong Kong, l ighting by Bo Steiber, Singapore, Façade
T
Consultants, Meinhardt, Hong Kong, Freidman, Germany, Landscape Consultants, HBO EMTB, International and LEED Certification by Surmount; is the landmark that defines BKC. Equipped with automated car parking, natural light and sober specialty led lighting, high speed intelligent elevator system, eco-friendly offering enabled 35% increased energyefficiency over conventional buildings. The Capital’s architectural positioning and low solar co-efficient double-glazed glass exterior ensures that it gets adequate daylight of 79.2% for regular occupied spaces. The building is fitted with LED Lights, to keep power-consumption to a minimum. The quality of the air in the building is 30% higher than the requirement specified by ASHRAE 62.1
FAKRO Invites for International Design Competition AKRO company, world roof window manufacturer and A10 new European architecture magazine invite architects worldwide to take part in the International Design Competition. “Fakro inspires – space for new visions” The task is to implement the concept – visualization of the architectural design of the new building anywhere. In the proposed building, use a wide range of products offered by Fakro (windows roof, flat roof windows, loft ladders and accessories for windows). The building must be designed to be the possibility of its implementation. It should also be functional, energy-efficient, full of light, user-friendly and the environment. The block should fully blend in with its surroundings. Contest entries will be judged by an international jury and prizes upto € 5000 will be awarded to the winners. Deadline for the contest: 01.02.2015 – 02.06.2015 Detailed information about the competition, please visit www.fakro.com
F
MIDAS Announces Post Graduation Program ARG Institute of Design and Architecture, Swarnabhoomi (MIDAS), a leading architecture college in Chennai today, announced the launch of a PostGraduation (Diploma) program in Habitat Planning & Management- a first of its kind courses in India. This one year program is a specialization in Smart Cities with a focus on Sustainable Architecture and will commence from July 2015 Aligning with the government’s initiative of smart cities in India, the program has been meticulously designed to cover various dimensions such as energy, infrastructure, aesthetics, open
M
012 Architecture Update April 2015
spaces, environment, healthcare in a sustainable manner. The course will also focus on educating the students on key aspects of smart habitations. GRK Reddy, Founder and Promoter, Swarnabhoomi Academic Institutions, said, “India is currently in the significant transformation with new policy and initiatives. Smart cities drive, which is going to play to key role in this transformation, is in need of skilled talents and this motivated us to introduce this course which will help architects to betterment their skills on smart cities and contribute right from the beginning.”
The Chapel, Veitnam- World Building of the Year 2014
WAF: 16-City Design Tour in India G
reenply Industries Limited in collaboration with Hyderabad Design Forum brings the World Architecture Festival (WAF) for the first time in India to showcase the best in global architectural designs The first-ever 16-City Design tour of World Architecture Festival entered its fifth leg with the design tour in Mumbai. After a successful inauguration at Jaipur and gathering accolades in Chandigarh, Indore and Delhi, the Design Tour of WAF was held in Mumbai on 22nd and 23rd March, 2015 at Rizvi Educational Complex. The two-day architecture exhibition gave architects, students of architecture and other visitors an opportunity to witness the best in world architecture. From here the tour will continue its journey across 10 more Indian cities. The WAF Design Tour provided a platform to witness WAF India Tour Plan glimpses of over 350 City Date shortlisted design entries Jaipur 29th – 31st January from across 30 categories Chandigarh 22nd - 23rd February designed by architects from 65 countries of the world, Indore 3rd & 4thMarch which included the World Delhi 9th & 11th March Building of the Year 2014. Mumbai 22nd – 23rd March The event witnessed the Pune 4th & 6th April participation of leading architects viz. Ar. Sanjay Puri, Ahmedabad 11th & 12th April Ar. Anil Salian, Ar. Zahir Bangalore 18th & 20th April Cassum, Ar. Y. Ramamurthy, Chennai 25th April President, Hyderabad Design Trivandrum 29th April Forum along with Rajesh Mittal, Managing Director, Kochi 2nd May Greenply Industries Limited, Hyderabad 8th – 10th May Vinit Kumar Tiwari, Country Vijaywada 16th May Head (Ply & Board), Greenply Bhubaneswar 23rd May Industries Limited and Kamal Kolkata 29th & 30th May K. Mishra, VP and Head, Marketing, Greenply Industries Limited. The assembled speakers deliberated on the topic ‘Is Mumbai poised to lead the growth of futuristic architecture in India?’
13] Nicomac Doors ad.qxp
3/31/2015
4:52 PM
Page 13
14-15] Pritzker_Lifetime achievement.qxp
3/31/2015
4:53 PM
Page 14
Tribute Lifetime achievement
Munich Olympic Park, 1972
Frei Otto
A Man of Many Wonders Text: courtesy, The Pritzker Architecture Prize Photo credits: Atelier Frei Otto Warmbronn
Frei Otto is accoladed with 2015 Pritzker Architecture Prize. His utopian ideas over lightweight structures, inspired by natural phenomena, has bestowed the generations of architects with timeless architecture. nother year in a quest for a visionary architect comes to an end with Frei Otto receiving the 2015 Pritzker Architecture Prize. But the time’s turnabout with the news of his last voyage, on 9 march 2015, fills with dismay. “The news of his passing is very sad, unprecedented in the history of the prize. We are grateful that the jury awarded him the prize while he was alive,” said Tom Pritzker, Chairman and President of The Hyatt Foundation.
A
Frei Otto is the 40th laureate of the Pritzker Prize and the second laureate
014 Architecture Update April 2015
from Germany. The most auspicious award ceremony in the architecture domain, The Pritzker Architecture Prize, will be held in Miami at the New World Center on May 15 and “we will celebrate his life and timeless work,” announced Mr. Pritzker. Following the legacy, the architect will be bestowed with $100,000 grant and a bronze medallion for his utopian ideas and timeless architecture marvels. Frei Otto was a visionary; practiced a holistic and collaborative approach to architecture. Otto pioneered the use of
modern lightweight tent-like structures. And believed in upholding the economical and ecological values through architecture. He is best known for the roofing for the main sports facilities in the Munich Olympic Park for the 1972 Summer Olympics (with Behnisch + Partner and others), for the German pavilion at the 1967 International and Universal Exposition, the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2000 in Hannover, Germany (with Shigeru Ban), a series of tent structures for German Federal Exhibitions in the 1950s, and for his works in the Middle East.
The Pritzker Architecture Prize founded in 1979 by the late Jay A Pritzker and his wife, Cindy, purposed to honor a living architect whose built work demonstrates a combination of qualities: talent, vision and excellence, which has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through architecture. The jury for 2015 Pritzker Laureate consists of its chairman, Lord Palumbo, architectural patron, Chairman Emeritus of the Trustees, Serpentine Galleries,
14-15] Pritzker_Lifetime achievement.qxp
3/31/2015
4:54 PM
Page 15
International and Universal Exposition, 1967
former Chairman of the Arts Council of Great Britain, and former Chairman of the Tate Gallery Foundation; Ar Alejandro Aravena, Executive Director of Elemental in Santiago, Chile; Stephen Breyer, U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Washington, D.C.; Ar Yung Ho Chang, Beijing, The People’s Republic of China; Kristin Feireiss, architecture curator, writer, and editor, Berlin, Germany; Ar Glenn Murcutt, Sydney, Australia;
Ar Richard Rogers, London, United Kingdom; Ar Benedetta Tagliabue, director of EMBT Miralles Tagliabue, Barcelona, Spain; and Ratan N. Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, Mumbai, India. Martha Thorne, Associate Dean for External Relations, IE School of Architecture & Design, Madrid, Spain, is the Executive Director of the Prize.
JURY CITATION Frei Otto has spent his long career researching, experimenting, and developing a most sensitive architecture that has influenced others throughout the world. The lessons of his pioneering work in the field of lightweight structures that are adaptable, changeable and carefully use limited resources are as relevant today as when they were first proposed over 60 years ago. He first became known for his tent structures used as temporary exhibition pavilions. The pre-fabricated cable net structure employed for the German Pavilion at Expo 67 in Montreal, the large-scale roofs (light and strong) designed for the Munich Olympics of 1972, and the architectural landscape of stadium, pool and public spaces: are architectural wonders of timelessness. Otto’s constructions are in harmony with nature and always seek to do more with less. He was inspired by natural phenomena – from birds’ skulls to soap bubbles and spiders’ webs. For his visionary ideas, inquiring mind, belief in freely sharing knowledge and inventions, his collaborative spirit and concern for the careful use of resources, the 2015 Pritzker Architecture Prize is awarded to Frei Otto.
Frei Otto was born in Siegmar, Germany, on 31 May 1925, and grew up in Berlin. His fascination toward glider planes piqued his interest in tensile structure. While in the military service, he became the prisoner of the war in 1945 and worked as camp architect and learned to build many types of structures with minimum materials. After the war, in 1948, he pursued architecture at the Technical University of Berlin. In 1952, Frei Otto founded his own architectural office in Berlin. Later, he earned a doctorate in Civil Engineering at the Technical University of Berlin, in 1954. His first work, Federal Garden Exhibition in Kassel, Germany, gained national recognition.He is honored by several prestigious awards and the 2015 Pritzker Architecture Prize is a crown to its achievements.
Architecture Update April 2015
015
16] Awards_The Unesco Asia Pacific.qxp
3/31/2015
4:55 PM
Page 16
Awards
The UNESCO Asia Pacific Awards, Pune Honour for the ceremony were Girish Prabhune, an eminent social reformer working in Maharashtra for last 35 years and Moe Chiba, Programme Specialist for Culture UNESCO. An exhibition sponsored by Praj Foundation showcasing works of contractors, product dealers and service providers in architectural heritage projects was also inaugurated by Prabhune. The exhibition displayed 20 projects by the Heritage Cell Pune, as well as 13 projects by Kimaya. Plaque and certificate of acknowledgement was awarded by The UNESCO Asia Pacific Awards for Cultural Moe Chiba to Gayatridevi Pantapratinidhi, Dr. Kalidas Heritage Conservation encourages efforts of private Moe Chiba giving award to Dr. Kalidas Ayachit, Savita Kulkarni, Arjun Kulkarni, Mukund individuals and organizations who successfully Ayachit Kulkarni and Shrirang Kulkarni, Babanbhau Bhosale restore or conserve structures, places and & Chatura Bhosale, Sneha Tamhane Bendre, Sonal Chitnis Karanjikar, Anjali properties of heritage value in the region. and Kiran Kalamdani, Anil Javiya of Savani Constructions Pvt Ltd, Mohanlal Jatav Lime stucco craftsman from Bhopal; for their work in the field of The award ceremony was held at the recently completed Jnanajyoti heritage conservation. Savitribai Phule Memorial Complex, on 28 February 2015. Guests of he UNESCO Asia Pacific Awards ceremony was organized in Pune in association with UNESCO Asia Pacific Culture Unit based in Hongkong , the Kulkarni family (descendants of original builders of the temple precinct), ‘Kimaya’ Architects Urban Designers Conservationists Valuers, Interior Designers from Chinchwad and Pune, and the Indian Institute of Architects.
T
016 Architecture Update April 2015
17] Awards_Transperence.qxp
3/31/2015
5:01 PM
Page 17
Awards
Saint-Gobain Glass: Transparence 2014 aint-Gobain Glass's Transparence 2014, the annual design competition for students of Architecture and Design, conducted its 9th edition’s Grand Finale in Chennai on 27th February 2015 at Hindustan University. Transparence 2014 edition required the contestants to create a life around an already busy metro station through architecture design. Regional rounds were conducted in four cities and 2 colleges from each region were selected to compete for the National Trophy.
S
The Grand Finale of this competition was held at the Jubilee Auditorium at the Hindustan University. A panel of eminent architects- Ar. Sanjay Kanvinde, Ar. Sohrab Dalal and Ar. Rohit Saxena judged the competition. SPA Bhopal, comprising of Swadheet Chaturvedi, Vipul Jain and Aditya Singh emerged as the undisputed winners and walked away with a cash prize of INR 75,000. The National Runner Up I was from IPS Academy of Architecture, Indore comprising of Prasanna Purohit, Supriya Dongre and Gaurav Suryavanshi bagged a cash prize of INR 50,000. Vishus Narayan, Fidal Roshi and Varghese M Cherian of SPA, Vijayawada stood third, nationally, with a cash award of INR 25,000. BUET, Bangladesh won the SAARC edition of Transparence.
THE GRAND LAUNCH OF TRANSPARENCE 2015: 10TH EDITION The occasion also saw the launch of 10th edition of Transparence- the 2015th edition by Ar. Ravi Sarangan (Edifice), who consented to be its mentor. Padmashri Ar. C N Raghavendran unveiled the theme for the 2015 edition‘Social Mass Housing’. This is all the more special because the 10th edition will coincide with the 350th anniversary of Saint-Gobain. Theme: Social Housing Social Housing (Affordable housing) is a necessity in India. The Government of India has planned a “Housing for all by 2022” program in addition to 100 new smart cities by 2035. While these smart cities are envisaged to have better facilities, better connectivity and better environment; it will also include a strong focus on Social housing. Thus the theme will be topical and relevant. Mentor: Ar. Ravi Sarangan Ravi Sarangan is the co-founder of EDIFICE. 23 years ago, the firm starting with Corporate and Residential Interiors metamorphosed into a full scale design house being counted today amongst India’s top three design houses. Currently, they are into Urban Planning, Housing, Hospitality, Health Care, Retail, Commercial, Education, Industrial, IT/ ITES.
Saint-Gobain Scholarships Saint-Gobain gave away scholarships worth INR 7,00,000 for students in the field of architecture. 6 students from across India and one Indian national, based out of Greece, received INR 1,00,000 worth scholarships, each, to pursue activities ranging from projects on designing innovative, pragmatic and socially relevant prototypes of cultural material for the disabled, a Disaster Management Strategy in Uttarakhand; to a research based sustainable design for a toilet cum garbage collection unit in urban areas, on integration of urban and peri urban agriculture with climate change action plans. 13 colleges took up the theme of Transparence 2014 as studio projects and were awarded books worth INR 30,000 per college as aid. Reaching out to a larger set of students on the sidelines of the Grand Finale, the day comprised of a workshop on Architecture for Smart Cities conducted by Ar. Oscar, and a Glass Academy certified workshop which was followed by a Panel Discussion. The panel had eminent architects like C N Raghvendran, Ar. Rohit Saxena, Ar. Sanjay Kanvinde, Ar. Ravi Sarangan and Ar. Sohrab Dalal talking about “My Future as an Architect”. The Grand Finale was conducted post lunch followed by the award ceremony. All this was backed by a special announcement- The Saint-Gobain Scholarship Program 2015 of INR 1,00,000 each. Speaking on the occasion, R Subramanian, MD Saint-Gobain India Pvt. Ltd. Glass and Solutions said, “Transparence is Saint-Gobain’s innovative response to the changing times – the use of glass as a sustainable material for design is testimony to this. Transparence has always aimed to inspire and motivate the student community to showcase their talent and this year has been a resounding success and I am sure Transparence 2015 will be bigger than ever as it reaches its 10th edition, coinciding with 350 Years Celebrations of Saint-Gobain.” B Santhanam, President Flat Glass South Asia, Malaysia and Egypt said, “this year too Transparence traveled across Indian borders and was opened to the SAARC countries. It is great to witness the young architects and designers coming out with fresh and innovative ideas for the industry. This is a big opportunity for students to develop their skills. The overwhelming response from India and the SAARC countries has reinforced our belief that creative young minds need a platform like Transparence to showcase their talent and we will continue to provide this kind of encouragement to the student community.”
Architecture Update April 2015
017
18] Product collage_3.qxp
3/31/2015
5:05 PM
Page 18
new launch IDUS Presenting Stylish Coffee Table Collection DUS introduced the stylish and designer range of ‘Coffee Table’ at their Kirti Nagar located store. The new range of coffee table blends seamlessly with other home furnishings. These beautiful coffee tables come in every style and shape imaginable in high quality material. Rectangular, square, spiral, circular and elliptical are the most widely used shapes of these attractive tables. And can achieve a posh appeal with the graceful accent of curved glass or the urban style of straight lines.
I
Product Description: John: The table has a commanding presence with a distinctly shaped table top and an edge that has many layers, along with a foot in stainless steel. Pierrot: A neo-classical model, the table intends to deliver a stunning look to the decor. The vibrant fashion stain is chic and trendy. Zenith: This piece is a profusion of natural and organic elements where each fiber is engrained using well researched design technology. Waffle: It's a unique design, made of pine wood, flowing into welldefined organic lines, arranged to create a different pattern with glass top, where the homogenous geometrical design is the highlighting feature of this collection. The intricate wooden construction, the use of earthy and natural materials, and combining them to give an elegant finish, tell a legendary tale of sophistication. Pebbles: The pebble tables mimics the stepping stones in a river bed, echoing shapes found in nature. Steel legs support a top made of thin veneered metal sheets. Price: On Request Tel: 9810249118
018 Architecture Update April 2015
The Great Eastern Home he right lighting can completely transform the look of your rooms, making them appear larger, smaller, or more sophisticated. The Great Eastern Home introduces its diverse lighting collection of lamps, chandeliers and wall lights. It offers lighting fixtures for both indoor and outdoor. The elegant opal or frosted glass shades give the lights a neat and beautiful appearance that lends a uniform illumination to your room. They are one-of-its-kind and magnificently crafted in brass with gold wash and colored glass. Classical décor styles reworked by contemporary designers to give a cutting edge feel to it, adds a sense of panache and eclecticism that goes wonderfully with upmarket stylish homes. The lights are available in different styles and sizes to suit your need. An intuitive sense of style built through generations of art collection, along with the knowledge, expertise, and his attention to detail in planning and implementation, has led Anurag Kanoria, owner of this store, to create and distribute masterpieces which never go out of style. The overwhelming success of The Great Eastern Home is spread across Delhi, Bangalore, Riyadh, Moscow, London, Tokyo and Paris. The Great Eastern Home is a confluence of ideas, design, and art - a homage to the Art of Fine Living and a celebration of past ages.
T
Indian August’s New Launch ndian August’ has launched its new living collection to give your living space a whole new look with a classic and contemporary collection of Rosewood and Teak chairs, center tables and settee. The furniture would strike a balance with the interior decor and accentuate the decor, creating an aesthetic look. The collection has been crafted essentially for modern living and is best suited for small & medium houses. The wood is chestnut coloured with black marking. The pattern and the colour of this wood make the furniture look chic. The furniture is highly durable and easy to handle. And this Solid Wood furniture is highly long lasting. Therefore these pieces of furniture are regarded as prized possessions for homes.
I
19] Futura Kitchen ad (1).qxp
3/31/2015
5:12 PM
Page 19
20] Product collage_4.qxp
3/31/2015
5:14 PM
Page 20
new launch Tilt N Turn Window
TISVA Launch
he ENCRAFT Tilt N Turn window is designed to provide a European standard window option for fabricators and clients alike. The window is available as part of the EN62 range and was designed to give the discerning end user, a state-of-the-art inward opening fenestration solution. This provides the client maximum design freedom due the large opening sizes that can be achieved and suits any window replacement program or building type in the fast growing construction industry. The system is designed for the production of inward opening windows that provide a tilt option for secure ventilation and hardware designed to European standards: contemporary modern soft line profile appearance, design compatibility with EN casement, box window and sliding range, 9 mm sash overlap for enhanced performance, internal glazing options from 4 mm single to 36 mm triple, latest state-of-the-art- grey concealed glazing and weather seals, concealed heavy duty hinges to enable continuous weather seals, unique and efficient single glazing bead cutting method, multi point perimeter locking device as standard, build in hardware location facility, external sliding fly screen system and secure hardware fitting into steel reinforcements. Price tag: On Request Email: info@encraft.in Tell: 011 23730505
ISVA is an addition to the diversified portfolio of Usha International Limited. True to its name TISVA goes beyond ordinary lighting concepts and brings forth a collection of aesthetic luminaries designed with love to illuminate contemporary homes. The philosophy of beauty behind every piece combines with cutting edge technology to showcase inspirational lighting; where hues and colours can be changed from pure white to warm yellow and brightness modulated according to moods. The brand’s uniquely designed products include LED designer range, chandeliers, wall-lights, ambient lighting, pendants and utility products including CFLs, LED Lamps, T5 Battens and down-lights. Designed with little ones in mind, TISVA has an exciting range of playful lights catering specially to kids. Each piece meets the brand’s high quality standards and at the same time is environment friendly. TISVA’s exclusive showrooms are a tribute to the Art of Illumination, with each store featuring customized experience zones. These zones will enable patrons to see, touch and feel the diverse range of world-class home designer lighting concepts. The distinctive ambience created by every style, colour and tone of light will let a customer choose the best lighting narrative for his or her own home. TISVA’s collections are a peek into the future of lighting, allowing consumers to indulge their emotions and play with light. The product range starts from a price of INR 2,000 and extends up to INR 40,000.
T
020 Architecture Update April 2015
T
Zynna Furnishings Launches ‘Embroidered’ Upholstery and Fabrics ynna Furnishings, the world of exquisite interiors, launched a luxurious range of affluent and diverse embroidered upholstery and fabrics. The embroidered curtain fabric nods to tradition but stays up-to-date with contemporary designs by Zynna Furnishings, that imbibe a myriad of influences and aspirations to every décor. Their exotic fabrics have a soft and smooth look with sheen texture with fan, floral, sumatra and borneo patterns and depth of colors like violet, orange, beige, purple, white, green etc that makes it more gratifying. Among various home décor techniques that work, using embroidered fabric is one of the simplest ways to liven up any room in the house so that it truly reflects personal taste; these fabrics allow to achieve beautiful patterns and textures, along with the necessary softness and comfort that is needed inside a living space. These Embroidery Patterned pillows, furniture upholstery or drapes can be used to create a unified look. The embroidered upholstery and fabrics celebrates material with an abundance of different fabric types and use many refined techniques to delicately embroider, the refined and warm fabrics which are certainly perfect for enhancement of room’s splendor and glory. Zynna Furnishings’ exclusive and inimitable patterns look so much stunning and captivated hanged in whichever style over the window or used as any furniture upholstery that furnish elegant and exceptional look. Price on Request Tel: 8800361361
Z
21] Futura Kitchen ad (2).qxp
3/31/2015
5:16 PM
Page 21
22] Product Collage_5.qxp
3/31/2015
5:24 PM
Page 22
new launch Home Ettu Launches its Magnificent Living Concept
Encraft’s Advanced Windows and Doors System
ome Ettu launches a whole new magnificent living concept which has a two seater sofa with a curved levels coffee table for your abode. The look has been completed with side tables and two lounge high back chairs. The vibrant yet subtle sofa in smoky blue and motifs on the high back chairs gives it a rich look which captures everyone’s eyes. High quality velvet fabric has been used to upholster the sofa & the high back chairs. The curved levels coffee table has a high gloss & silver leafing finish which endows it a unique charm the side tables also have the same finish. The look has been completed with subtle yet characteristic wallpaper and interesting lamps and accessories. This concept is available at the Delhi & Pune outlets. The time line for customized products is usually 4 weeks. The price ranges for this concept is Rs. 4,00,000 upwards .
NCRAFT window & door systems has come with advanced thermal insulation properties ensuring heightened comfort level and lowering electricity cost. ENCARFT uses advanced technology in formulating and extruding various uPVC compounds for specific applications. High precision engineering makes the windows and doors virtually impenetrable meeting top of the industry standards for thermal and sound insulation. Also, they offer effective protection from weather, wind, noise, burglary and UV radiations. Specially developed gaskets are highly effective insulation and weather proofing. Their inherent excellent flexibility and recovery rate plays an important in part in the frame's long term durability. Price: On request.
H
Website: www.homeettu.com Ph: +91 20 67231144, Mob. +91 8552946466; E-mail: pune@homeettu.com
022 Architecture Update April 2015
E
Website: www.encraft.in; e- mail id: info@encraft.in; Contact No: +91-1123730505
RAK Launches Nanopix GVT Collection AK Ceramics presents Nanopix GVT Series that draws inspiration from nature and its very many aspects. Nanopix series in the imposing 1000 x 1000 mm size gives nature-inspired design. RAK Ceramics has launched 16 new designs in polish & satin, which are marble based designs to give natural look to your floors. Every tile in this collection is created using the revolutionary Glazed Vitrification Technology; which means they’re digitally recreated designs which are glazed to nothing short of perfection. Since Nanopix GVT Series are vitrified, they ensure that they stay inspiring forever.
R
VRIETI Launches Seating Solutions he one stop shop destination for Home Decor, VRIETI has introduced stylish recliners. Covered in leather upholstery that looks and feels luxury, the recliner comes with a matching foot stool and has thick, padded cushioning that will fully support your back and legs. Designed to provide versatility in any home, this multi-utility recliner is a perfect addition for living, lounge, informal and bedroom areas. Available in red and chocolate brown VRIETI ensures the durability and quality. Curved lines and soothing tones are used to enhance the contemporary look of any room.
T
Price at Rs 1, 07, 559 Availability: NCPL Web Tower, A-4, Sector-9, Noida Tel: 0120 4311245 / 4787300 Email:info@vrieti.com
23] Article_Buget 2015-16.qxp
3/31/2015
5:25 PM
Page 23
Cover budget Story 2015-16
“Boon or Bane” udget 2015-16 was out after a lot of expectation and speculation. The overall picture of the budget gives some positive vibe for the industrial growth and investment. One of the most talked topic in the recent budget was tax exemption, hike in service-tax and excise duties. The major move by the Finance Minister was to remove the wealth tax and replace it with tax which will be applicable on assets worth above INR 1 crore. The green-field infra projects look good in the budget light but real estate sector seems to have been overlooked.
B
Ar. Prashant Deshmukh
How budget 2015-16 will impact architectural world? What will be the game changer? And what the country’s design fraternity think about the budget? We interacted with eminent personalities of the design fraternity to bring out the essence of the budget. Ar. Prashant Deshmukh of Prashant Deshmukh & Associates (PDA) and Ar. Sheila Sri Prakash of SHILPA Architects, share their insight with Architecture Update on budget 2015-16. .
Ar. Sheila Sri Prakash
Union Budget for fiscal year 2015 brought smile on some lips and for others,grimace on face. Although industrial and infrasector look much greener in budget light, real estate sector look dim and dingy. Every cloud has a silver lining; so does this year’s budget with some sunshine and some rain.
IMPACT ON ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICES According to Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, there is something for everyone in the current budget. “The Budget is exciting, however needs to be studied in depth. A clear strategy and approach for overall growth is seen,” remarks Sheila Sri Prakash. This year, the focus of the budget emphasizes on increasing liquidity, kick-up investment and catalysing growth in various sectors. Prashant Deshmukh comments, “the Finance Minister has done a fine job by prioritizing the wish-list based on the impact on growth and inflation”. He further states that the government aiming at high growth will boost investment especially where infrastructure development like roads and railways sector are concerned. The itinerary of the budget is a two faced coin. However, it is inclined towards positive side of the architectural practises. Sheila states, “the budget seems prudent and progressive for the development, in addition to the profession”. While Deshmukh suggests, “the parameters of affordable housing changes from city-to-city and hence
should be segregated into the State Government Level, for a responsive architecture.”
IMPACT OF HIKE IN SERVICE TAX Service-tax has always been a cold sweat for all. “The increase of nearly 2 per cent in service tax is going to increase the overall costs to home buyers and those availing services from the real estate sector including architects, “acknowledges Sheila. “The hike in the service-tax reflects on the design cost, thus architects should manage the expenditure efficiently. However its less major concerned for architects handling infrastructure projects over the one practising residential, institutional or commercial projects” points Deshmukh.
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT- A GAME CHANGER? The union budget announced plug-and play model for large infrastructure projects, adding tremendous progress to the national growth. INR 70,000 crore push towards infra projects will increase the job openings. Shiela asserts,”although the real estate sector looks grimy, the corrective measures by the government in the form of tax-free government bonds, curbing black money transaction and reduction in wealth tax will revitalize the real-estate industry”. On the other hand, “Public Private Partnership (PPP) will bring opportunities to young minds to contribute to the development of the nation. Incorporating new building technologies like PEB (Pre-Engineering Buildings)along with large scale projects like city development, designing streetscape for effective lighting systems, underground drainage systems, and creating landmarks for the city; is a throttle to the nation’s growth, increasing tourism and furthermore, to the country’s GDP, ”explains Deshmukh.
SMART CITY- A SCOPE FOR INVESTMENTS With new government’s kick-off statement on the proposal of 100 Smart Cities, has called for lots of speculation and curiosity. Will this protocol calls for
higher investments? Or a mere false hope? Deshmukh explains, “Smart Cities would prove expensive in the beginning but in a long run it will have minimum maintenance cost.” And suggests,”besides, aiming at technofriendly city, it is more important to focus on sustainable and efficient design which would preserve the culture, economy and ecology of the city. Requirement of the built-up area and capital expenditures for FDI is to be reduced from 50,000 sqm to 20,000 sqm and from USD 10 million to USD 5 million respectively for the development of Smart Cities. Moreover, the design proposal should cater to the requirement of the city and its people. And the focus should be on the ‘potential’ cities rather than ‘developed’ cities.” While Sheila Sri Prakash pin points on the scope of investment for the smart cities, emphasises for a network of intelligent transport and surveillance systems, fibre optic connectivity for efficient communication services, waste recycling system and adapting renewable energy for sustainable living. With the increasing demand for a better lifestyle, a lot of anticipation and speculation has creped in the minds of the people. In a diverse, chaotic urbanism, an effective and efficient system is the need of the hour. And the ‘budget’ is a means to cater to the necessity of the people within the constraints of national economy. Ar. Prashant Deshmukh, Principal Architect and Founder of Prashant Deshmukh & Associates (PDA), has been associated with exemplary works in architectural editorial from his academic days and has worked with some well-known industry leaders like Taj Group of Hotels, Werner International. And accoladed with many National and International Awards. Ar. Sheila Sri Prakash Principal Architect and Founder of Shilpa Architects, is a first Indian Architect to serve World Economic Forums 2011 Global Agenda Council on Design Innovation. Her meritorious work in art & architecture has earned her boundless awards and recognitions in India and abroad.
Architecture Update April 2015
023
24] Article_Mr G Sathiamoorthy- Black & Veatch India.qxp
3/31/2015
6:11 PM
Page 24
Opinionbudget 2015-16
Infrastructure Propel Growth INFRASTRUCTURE: EPC GETS THE BOOSTER SHOT
Mr G Sathiamoorthy Country Manager & MD, Black & Veatch India
“The increased budgetary allocation of INR. 70,000 crore in addition to the establishment of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) with an annual fiscal support of INR. 20,000 crore comes as a shot in the arm for a sector that has seen longterm underinvestment. The tax pass through proposed for alternative infrastructure focused funds would help solve financial constraints.”
024 Architecture Update April 2015
I’m happy that the budget has taken cognizance of the fact that India’s present infrastructure does not accord with her ambitions of being an economic super power. The increased budgetary allocation of INR. 70,000 crore in addition to the establishment of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) with an annual fiscal support of INR. 20,000 crore comes as a shot in the arm for a sector that has seen long-term underinvestment. What truly makes this budget confidence inducing to EPC players is the revitalizing of the PPP mode of infrastructure development wherein the sovereign would shoulder a major part of the risk. The tax pass through proposed for alternative infrastructure focused funds would help solve financial constraints. Overall, the budget reinforces the economic belief that infrastructure related fiscal stimulus would have a multiplier effect on the economy manifesting in job creation and GDP growth.
SMART CITIES IN THE FINE PRINT It was indeed a surprise for Smart Cities ostensibly not to find a mention in the Union Budget this year. More so because it is one among the several flagship programmes of the ruling dispensation with an allocation of INR. 7060 crore in last year’s interim budget. The main announcements aligned in this regard have been those of the first phase of GIFT (Gujarat International Finance TechCity), which is modelled as a smart city that would compete with Mumbai in becoming a hub for International financial institutions, and INR. 1200 crore is being allocated to projects in the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor. With the Dholera Special Investment Region billed to be the first to be developed as a smart city in this corridor, EPC players see many opportunities for building utility services, desalination and waste water treatment plants, power infrastructure and conduits for creating an Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) network. After all, Smart Cities need smarter utilities with Smart Integrated Infrastructure.
POWER: THE ‘PLUG AND PLAY’ GAME CHANGER The Budget proposal presented by the Finance Minister is set to unlock the true potential of India’s power sector for investments up to INR 1 lakh crore. The plug and play model for the Ultra Mega Power Projects announced implies that such projects would get off the ground sooner, rather than be left stranded for the stipulated clearances and fuel linkages to be agreed. This is what makes it a reformist budget for project developers and EPC companies. On the renewable front, as was expected, the proposal of augmenting the generation target for clean energy installations to 1,75,000 MW by 2022 is envisioned to provide 24X7 electricity to every Indian household and industry. Exempting components used in wind powered electricity generators and solar PV cells from excise duty would encourage the set-up of off-grid renewable energy sources such as Roof top solar power units due to lower installation costs. Though increasing coal cess from INR. 100 to INR. 200 a
tonne would be an added cost for thermal power generators, it will be helpful for sustaining subsidies to clean energy projects.
TELECOM: IMPORTANCE UNDERMINED I believe that telecom connectivity forms the cog in the wheel for any smart city. The proposal linking Jan Dhan Yojana with mobile telephony, facilitating financial inclusion and cashless transfer of subsidies, signifies the crucial role that the sector would play. The success of the government’s flagship Digital India program hinges on the technology and telecommunications infrastructure in the country for citizens to avail broadband connectivity. The proposal to speed up the implementation of the National Optic Fibre Network apart, the imminent auction of spectrum is much needed for telecom service providers to meet the government’s aspirations. However, the increase in service tax to 14 per cent on all services provided by the government such as telecom spectrum will make telecom services dearer to the end users which may influence the progress of a truly Digital India in which half a billion Indians access government services online.
G Sathiamoorthy is the Country Manager and Managing Director of Black & Veatch India. He joined BVCPL in June 2013 and is spearheading the India Growth plan for Black & Veatch in Energy, Water and Telecom Divisions. On acquiring a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from ACCET- Karaikudi (Madurai University) with Honours, he commenced his career with a machine shop in Thane. It was in 1987 when Tecnimont ICB routed his career path. In the span of 26 years, Sathiamoorthy rose quickly in the TICB hierarchy. He headed Piping Department for more than 5 years with successful execution of many projects in India and abroad. Between 2005 and 2008, as Vice President (Plant & System Engineering) managed piping, civil, electrical and instrumentation departments. Later, as a Director (Engineering & Process), he headed the engineering disciplines of the Indian centre, which is one of the cornerstone in the MaireTecnimont Group. Until 06 July 2010, when he was honored with the Managing Director post. Sathiamoorthy is a functional specialist with a vast knowledge domain in the engineering discipline and is recognized as a team player who inspires confidence in his team mates. Under his dynamic leadership, the company had seen a spurt in the acquisition and implementation of lump sum turnkey projects in India. He is also the Vice President of the International Project Management Association, Greater Mumbai Chapter.
25-27] Project_DBM Geotechnics.qxp
3/31/2015
5:31 PM
Page 25
Office Design origamy
Text: courtesy, the architect Photo credits: Sebastian Zachariah
Eagle Eye
KNS Architects from Mumbai, brings a paradigm shift in the office design language for a construction company from a mundane to frisky. The inspirational anecdote DBM Geotechnics, Santacruz East, of a paper origami to the Mumbai, India KNS Architects crude exposure of steel sections of the building constructions, bring a twist in the tale in the interior design of DBM Geotechnics Headquarters in Mumbai.
Architecture Update April 2015
025
25-27] Project_DBM Geotechnics.qxp
3/31/2015
5:33 PM
Page 26
asymmetric collage of forms accentuating reception
D
BM Geotechnics , a well-known company in the construction field, approached KNS Architects for an architectural design for their headquarters in Mumbai. They envisioned the office to foster the values of the company- a smart office space that clearly meant work yet inspiring with a transparent environment. The interior of the office draws inspiration from angular forms and folding panels which flow through the entire office creating an interesting three dimensional effect. These are inspired from the paper folds which manifests them as spatial origami. The design also exploits certain elements, core to the company, dealing in construction activities. Concrete used as wall panelling and interlocking horizontal and vertical bands of pinewood are used as
KNS Architects Private Limited is a multi-disciplinary and international award winning Architecture and Interior design firm based in Mumbai. The Company was formed in 1997 by Ar. Kanhai Gandhi, Ar. Neemesh Shah and Ar. Shresht Kashyap. Since its inception, the company has successfully designed and executed several projects across three verticals: architecture, interior design and retail. Their portfolio ranges from Master planning to multitude of residential and commercial projects to hospitality projects. KNS Architects is honored with several awards- IIID Award, AICA Award, AII Award, All India Achievers Award, Award from the Indian Navy, Excellence Award for Architecture and Design, International Design & Architecture Award, for their innovative designs and ability to adapt to various styles. workstation enhanced by daylighting
026 Architecture Update April 2015
25-27] Project_DBM Geotechnics.qxp
3/31/2015
5:34 PM
Page 27
unfolding three dimensional effect of a column through origamy
highlights treatments.
for
the
partition
fact file: project : location : principal architects :
Headquarters of DBM Geotechnics Mumbai, India Ar. Kanhai Gandhi, Ar. Neemesh Shah, Ar. Shresht Kashyap Ar. Shresht Kashyap, Kedar Dandekar, Kushal Harsoria IIID 8,000 sq ft Sebastian Zachariah
The office space has a non orthogonal boundary. To minimize the negative spaces arising out of design team : such plan, the planning grid was award : rotated at an optimum angle. The built-up area : workstations are placed along the photo credits : glass façade of the building to receive maximum daylight. These are treated as a flexible compound for employee interaction with modular furniture that can be arranged to various permutations. Red, being the company’s colour theme, is infused in translucent acrylic partitions in
the work stations to energize the atmosphere. The office is designed as a transparent work space with a lot of glass being used. At the same time, horizontal wooden fins introduced, follow the same pattern of the partitions in front of the glass to provide privacy.
The conference room offers view of, cold play of steel members of the building structure. Hence a fluid form in the wall panel has been created to balance the harshness of the members with the subtle fluid form.
conference room balances cold play of steel members with a fluid form of wall panels
Architecture Update April 2015
027
28-29] Project_8-Bit Office at Mumbai.qxp
3/31/2015
5:36 PM
Page 28
Office Design 3D Pixels Kamat & Rozario Architecture is a multi-disciplinary, award-winning, design studio founded by Smruti Kamat & Lester Rozario in 2007, offering services in architecture, interior design and furniture design. Lester, an alumnus of MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology is a Gold Medallist in Architecture. His architectural thesis are placed amongst the All India Top 10 at the National Institute for Advanced Studies in Architecture (NIASA). He has been honoured with the MS Ramaiah Founder’s Award and the Pidilite Industries Award for Excellence in Architectural Studies. Lester’s professional career is a constant exploration. He had worked with Ulhas Rane, Nisha Mathew, and Soumitro Ghosh at Bangalore prior to the foundation of his architecture firm. Smruti Kamat did her graduation from the Kamla Raheja Institute for Architecture, Mumbai and Masters from Virginia Tech, USA. Her professional career started with working at Kamu Iyer of Architects’ Combine, Mumbai, where she gained exposure to projects of varied scales. Smruti has worked with Calvert Wright Architecture PC while her stay in New York city and then with Mathew & Ghosh architects, Bangalore. Text & photographs: courtesy, Upasana Jain
8-Bit Office Mumbai, India Kamat & Rozario Architecture
8-Bit office located in Mumbai, designed by Kamat & Rozario Architecture, is all about pixelated graphics, jaggies or old school video game graphics, which inspires to relive a bit of low pixel-depth goodness. The idea of the pixel is incorporated into storage that wraps around the existing columns in the form of brightly coloured 3D pixels.
028 Architecture Update April 2015
28-29] Project_8-Bit Office at Mumbai.qxp
3/31/2015
5:38 PM
Page 29
8
-Bit office located on the 10th floor of a typical commercial building of Mumbai creates a maze of colour and design. The office, designed by Kamat and Rozario, is shielded with a glass façade on two sides which provide a glimpse of Mumbai skyline. The client’s desire was an office design themed on eight bit games of 80’s. In most of the eighties video games like Space Invaders or Tetris, the graphics were heavily pixelated and bright coloured. And this became the inception for the design creation. The interiors are simple and closed spaces are kept as minimum. The workstations were shifted along the periphery and the closed rooms which include director’s cabin, conference hall and meeting room were brought to the centre of the space as one entity. This facilitated natural illumination in the entire office. The functioning of the office required two separate departments. To blur the boundaries of the departments, an interface was introduced as a common breakout space. For storage, the idea of the pixel was translated that wraps around the existing large columns in the form of bright coloured 3D pixels. Surfaces forming the conference block are kept stark, using strips of unfinished ply and white weaving to form an '80s invader'. The ceiling are left bare, which creates a sharp contrast with all the remaining elements which are polished & shiny. For furniture, polished plywood was used as supports for all the tables as a cost cutting measure.
fact file: project
:
8-Bit office
location
:
Mumbai, India
architect
:
Kamat & Rozario Architecture
design team
:
Smruti Kamat, Lester Rozario & Sowmya A S
contractor
:
Shriram Berde, Aakar Interiors
commencement date
:
October 2012
completion date
:
January 2013
area
:
3,200 sq ft
cost
:
INR 38 Lakhs
Architecture Update April 2015
029
30-33] Project_Spaces Architects@ka Office.qxp
3/31/2015
5:45 PM
Page 30
Office Design sporty spaces
An eliciting spatial experience is a gem to architectural design and Ar. Kapil Aggarwal has dexterously achieved this notion in his firm’s design ‘Spaces Architects@ka Office’ at New Delhi. The sober shades of grey and white finishes juxtapose with the dynamic forms of panel- a symphony to the Complex Architecture- lures the aura of an Architect’s Office. While the spaces communicate the ideology of the architect, the forms and materials enhance the playfulness of the space.
Elan Vital Text: courtesy, the architect Photo credits: Bharat Aggarwal
Spaces Architects@ka Office, South Extension, New Delhi, India Spaces Architects@ka
With an inclination towards Fine Arts since childhood, Ar. Kapil AggarwalPrincipal Architect of Spaces Architect’s@ka- completed his B.Arch from MIT, Manipal in 1996. He considers himself as an artist turned architect where his projects are an extension of his art forms. He is been working on projects ranging from furniture designing to corporate buildings, institutions, residences and restoration. The ‘Spaces’ in his firm’s name is a metaphor to his architecture. To him, ‘Spaces’ is an integral part of one’s existence- a sensory quotient with the surroundings- distinct and responsive to one’s emotion. He has won 28 international and national awards and ‘Adharshila Vatika School’ is one of the jewels to its accolades which is recognized with Design Share Award 2008; an only Asian firm to win ‘Innovative Learning Environment’ category. ‘Sachdeva Farmhouse’, being winning entry in the World Architectural Community 18th cycle, became the only Indian project to be selected in voting by the judges. And the Architect’s own Office hit the finalist in the World Inside Festival 2014 in the office category.
030 Architecture Update April 2015
30-33] Project_Spaces Architects@ka Office.qxp
3/31/2015
5:47 PM
Page 31
a pallete of design ideologies
t
he design language, ideologies and the principles profoundly adore the architecture of the workspace. And this is clearly evident in Spaces Architects@ka Office. It’s a 1,500 sq ft of workspace envisaged in a basement with two large openingsstaircase descending from the ground level- at crossways, brings in major daylight into the interiors. The spatial behavior of the office portrays the architect’s vision. While the spaces communicate the ideology of the architect, the forms and materials enhance the playfulness of the space. The office is designed in two levels- the lower being dedicated to workstations. The fixed glass roof at the entrance dramatizes the rhythmic transition of day lighting from outdoor to indoor in contrast to the subdued grey and white hues Architecture Update April 2015
031
30-33] Project_Spaces Architects@ka Office.qxp
3/31/2015
don’t miss out the architect’s thesis model hung from the ceiling
5:49 PM
Page 32
fluid form personifies the open-minded gesture of the firm’s ideology
of the interiors. The wall panel at the reception curls up to form a seating, which further extends over the ceiling in the network of abstract forms- displaying the firm’s pattern language through their projects. While the floor plates host workspaces, the wall galleries the journey of the firm with huge-framed design projects. A profound spatial division is embarked through the austerity of colour play and level difference. The white hue of the workstation on the lower level space as opposed to the grey of the upper level, frames the dexterity of the office space. The cantilever steps with back-lit glass floor panel marks the movement to the workstation; joviality to the work culture. The reception desk is designed in tune with the furniture layout, highlighted by the back-lit glass panel, is at the crossing of the two primary pathways. The hierarchical spatial organization of the office accommodates the principal architect’s cabin at the rear end. This sheer position encourages him to keep tabs on the social activities of the employees, besides maintaining privacy. The wooden partition with veneer cladding sculpted in fluid form demarcates the principal architect’s cabin with the rest open workspace. This monolithic partition stretches over the conference hall ceiling, entwined into an abstract formenriching the space. The spacial expanse and visual connectivity across the architect’s cabin and conference hall are perceived by a slidingfolding glass door, furthermore, achieving a strong sense of connectivity with the senior architects at one’s beck and call.
a breathe-out space for bubbling creativity
032 Architecture Update April 2015
Ar. Kapil Aggarwal strongly believes in working with pleasure. To him, a breathing space for brain storming and social interaction among the employees, increases the productivity exponentially. He has designed informal spaces in chunks across the office space to elevate the employees from a mundane work pattern. An informal conference
30-33] Project_Spaces Architects@ka Office.qxp
3/31/2015
5:52 PM
Page 33
space setup beside the entrance staircase on a raised platform distinguishes the quality of space through level difference. The inclined mesh-kind chairs and a set of crisscrossed steel rods of various diameters holding the glass table top, make a contrasting outlook to its counterparts. The central informal space is the ‘nerve’ of the office adorned with avant-garde furniture over a turf; in a constant venture to evolve with novel ideas and innovations. The book racks are strategically placed in close proximity to the central informal space as a backbone to the novel creations. While the ceiling over this space reflects the elliptical senior’s workstation seating arrangement in abstract form, the ceiling over the reception clings tightly the architect’s thesis project model- a perfect metaphor to the space’s symphony. fact file: project location duration built-up area principal architect design team
: : : : : :
site supervision photo credits
: :
Spaces Architects@ka Office New Delhi, India 3 months 1,500sqft Kapil Aggarwal Kapil Aggarwal, Pawan Sharma, Chander Kaushik, Karan Arora Arvind Pal Singh Bharat Aggarwal
Architecture Update April 2015
033
34-35] Project_Flortex by Aamir and Hameeda Design Studio.qxp
3/31/2015
5:59 PM
Page 34
Retail Design material permutation The spatial experience is of paramount importance in Retail Designing. Judicious and smart use of the resources at hand, outlines the cutting edge design ontology. FLORTEX by Aamir and Hameeda Interior Designers have brilliantly sought out the client’s company products to orchestrate their retail store for the best of spatial experience through material plurality. Text: courtesy, Apoorva Nandish Photo credits: Sameer Chawda
Swirl Your Mind Flortex, Hyderabad, India Aamir and Hameeda Interior Designers
Aamir and Hameeda Interior Designers and Contractors, much better known as AANDH, are the pioneer in the city of Hyderabad to introduce the concept of high end and contemporary designs 10 years back. AANDH, comprised of 18 fractional and technical experts, brings a fresh and innovative approach to the clients with the aim to deliver ubiquitous design service, innovative concepts and userfriendly designs. The team, with healthy interactions with the clients, metamorphose the intangible dreams and visions of the clients into tangible spatial experience. For the uncompromising and ever challenging design ideologies, AANDH has been honored with the National Award.
a
client with limited resources and that with no boundaries, are the toughest clients for any architects. Aamir and Hameeda Interior Designers were bestowed with the challenge to articulate the space of 4,400 sqft to an aesthetically pleasing and functionally sensitive design atmosphere. The retail space was to display the company's various products of blinds, carpets, wooden flooring and artificial grass. These being materials for interior space, the design team brilliantly put them to the use to create a visual and sensory stimulating interior space for Flortex Company. The design upheld the dexterity of branding of the retail space through simple yet striking design elements. The retail outlet accommodates reception area, Managing Director's Cabin, a workstation for their staff and a large display area with informal meeting spaces in chunks, across the galleria. Enriching the retail store with a human touch is as difficult as icing on the cake. But to the
034 Architecture Update April 2015
34-35] Project_Flortex by Aamir and Hameeda Design Studio.qxp
3/31/2015
6:03 PM
Page 35
AANDH Design team, it was a cherry pie. A simple approach of using the company's products as a material medium for the space articulation, and unifying a large spread of display area through a 'contoured' ceiling pattern, ruled out the axiom. The display of the products on a large canvas and exemplifying them as flooring materials in the retail store, creates an intangible aura of physical association for the human comfort. While the products narrate their story to the customer; artificial grass, one of company's products, augments the interior space by swirling over the ceiling in a geographical contoured pattern. These contours cut through the beams and strategically drops down to sculpt a reception desk. While these green artificial grass laid against dark ceiling creates an atmospheric tone of wood, the swanky hanging desk, wooden bench and the 'Tree Rings' wallpapers at the reception area, delineate the company's mĂŠtire. The suspended spot lights dropping down from the ceiling, on the other hand, accentuates the 'retail brand', leaving no stone unturned. fact file: project client location principal architect architect commencing date completion date built-up area photo credits
: : : : : : : : :
Flortex Yousuf Hyderabad, India Aamir Sharma AANDH May 2013 Sept 2013 4,400 sqft Sameer Chawda
Architecture Update April 2015
035
36-38] Project_Glam Salon-9th Corner Inc at Delhi.qxp
3/31/2015
6:15 PM
Page 36
Retail Design salon design
Glam unisex salon in Delhi is a myriad of materials. While designing the salon, 9th Corner Inc., have used bold shades to add drama and beauty to the spatial design. Every nook and corner is smartly designed to accommodate facilities for grooming and other requirements. Red and black is used as base colour which adds boldness to the space, while white shade is used to neutralize and add soothing effect. Text & Photographs: courtesy, the designer
Bold &
Beautiful Glam Salon, Kirti Nagar, Delhi 9th Corner Inc.
036 Architecture Update April 2015
36-38] Project_Glam Salon-9th Corner Inc at Delhi.qxp
3/31/2015
6:16 PM
Page 37
Rahul Gupta, is an Interior Designer and Promoter at 9th Corner Inc., Delhi and an alumnus from a reputed Interior Design Institute in Delhi. His Interior Design Firm, 9th Corner Inc. in New Delhi, provides interior design services across the country. In a short span of time, the firm has more than 200 satisfied clients in its kitty. Rahul has created mesmerizing spaces for residences, offices, showrooms and salons. The firm works to bridge the gap between projects’ full potential and the boundaries imposed by the realities of life and believes that a great design is the culmination of a tri-party relationship between an interior designer, a client and the available space.
g
lam, a unisex salon located in Kirti Nagar, Delhi designed by 9th Corner Inc. came as a challenge for the designer as the client’s desire was to use bold colours with soothing effect and to incorporate various facilities along with separate sections for males and females on a area of 2000 sq ft. Colours for the salon were zeroed down to red and black. In ladies section, all the walls were completed in red as a base colour and to neutralize its boldness, white colour is used on top. For bifurcating men and women sections in the salon, glass partition with frost film is used, and both sections are given completely different look. Salon being in a basement and visible from ground floor, was a slight hitch on the privacy. So designers decided to use a small space on the Architecture Update April 2015
037
36-38] Project_Glam Salon-9th Corner Inc at Delhi.qxp
3/31/2015
6:19 PM
Page 38
ladies’ section adorned by lacquered glass with LED effect by adding hanging lights
ground level as a face of the salon. Wooden planks of random shapes are used to give a unique and trendy look to the reception; adorned with a chamfered egg shaped reception counter. The ceiling is created using lacquered glass with LED effect by adding hanging lights. Beauty and spa rooms were spaciously designed keeping comfort and ease of customers in mind. Every nook and corner was smartly designed to accommodate facilities for grooming and other requirements like pantry, staff room, washrooms etc. As a profound planning, men’s shampoo station was placed smartly under the staircase while bridal room was designed, extensively, keeping in mind the big day of a bride. Sauna was combined with additional feature of jacuzzi and a massage table. The space was illuminated with custom made hanging lights; dramatizing the space. In men’s section, PVC pipes coated with Hi-gloss PU were used generously as hanging lights. While in ladies section,
display of rich coutoure in bridal room
038 Architecture Update April 2015
sauna, jacuzi and massage table for relaxing senses
lights were created using acrylic and red crystals. Human hands carved out of wood with hi-gloss PU coatings was used as towel hangers. All the furniture are of laminates, Corian and Leatherite.The whole beauty and spa area was kept warm with low intensity lights. WPC boards are used in place of wooden boards to increase the life of woodwork and protect it from unprecedented damage. Hi-Gloss PU coatings is used to give the area a neat and shiny look. As an experiment, ladies section POP walls were coated with PU coatings which proved to be successful and looks great. Matt finish porcelain tiles in grey colour are used for flooring and to accentuate the beauty, LED lights in aluminium profiles are used. The staircase descending down to the main parlour is made out of acrylic which is illuminated to dramatize the lower level of the salon. The project uses a myriad of materials to give it a bold and beautiful look.
fact file: project location client interior designer architect commencement date completion date area material used
: : : : : : : : :
cost
:
Glamzo Salon Kirti Nagar, Delhi Mohit Rahul Gupta 9th Corner Inc. 22 August 2014 15 December 2014 2,000 sq ft natural wooden planks and fabric, lacquered glasses,mirrors, wall tiles and wallpapers, laminates, Corian and Leatherite. INR 1 crore
39-41] Project_La Compagnie Francaise de l Orient at Paris.qxp
3/31/2015
6:07 PM
Page 39
Retaildesign Design& décor
text & photographs: courtesy, La Compagnie Française de l’Orient et de la Chine
A Radiantly
The premises of the store ‘La Compagnie Française de l’Orient et de la Chine at 170 Boulevard Haussman, Paris’ were entirely revamped by designers François Schmidt and Sarah Lavoine. They created a spacious, light-flooded, two-level 5,380-sq.ft space whose natural woods and pale colours were inspired by a Japanese, rather than Chinese, aesthetic.
Luminous Store 170 Boulevard Haussman, Paris François Schmidt and Sarah Lavoine
Architecture Update April 2015
039
39-41] Project_La Compagnie Francaise de l Orient at Paris.qxp
3/31/2015
6:08 PM
Page 40
t
he renovation of this emblematic space - ‘La Compagnie Française de l’Orient et de la Chine at 170 Boulevard Haussman, Paris’ has been entirely revamped by designers François Schmidt and Sarah Lavoine, two well-known interior designers, who are accustomed to challenges and who share a common vision. The specifications were simple: create a two-level innovational concept store, comprising a ground floor and a basement, decked out with a cultural space and a restaurant with views over the Rue de Courcelles. Cost of the work: 1.5 million euros.
In 1991, François Schmid, along with Philippe Mamann, created an interior design company, specialized in the renovation of private premises, boutiques, commercial premises, etc. In twenty years, Schmidt & Mamann have completed over 100 projects in France and abroad and have worked with the most prestigious names such as Hermès, Lacoste, the Comité Colbert, Puiforcat etc. After working with François Schmidt, Sarah Lavoine created her own architecture and design agency in 2002, specialized in decorating private and public premises. In 2009, Sarah opened her boutique at 9 Rue Saint Roch in Paris where she showcases colourful and contemporary worlds. In 2010 she launched Black & White as palette of inspirational colours. She also created a collection of decorative accessories for the Redoute mail order house and household linen for Porthault. In 2011, she published her first book, “Sarah Lavoine, Architecture Intérieure” with the La Martinière publishing house, which recounts her career.
040 Architecture Update April 2015
As for the interior design, the designer put the accent on pureness, on a Japanese nuance rather than on a Chinese one, based on highly-sophisticated yet raw materials. They worked from Japanese-inspired mood boards, with natural woods and light colours. The open design allowed as much daylight as possible to flow in.
39-41] Project_La Compagnie Francaise de l Orient at Paris.qxp
As they wished to revive the DNA of the brand that is recognized by the general public and that conjures up travel, savoir-faire and craftsmanship, they worked from Japanese-inspired mood boards, with natural woods and light colours. The premises were entirely revamped. White high walls, three-metre-fifty ceilings, store windows split between the Boulevard Haussmann and the Rue de Courcelles offer maximum visibility, where animations will take place, oak parquet flooring matching the light-wood presentation stands and counters, Japanese paper chandeliers in the form of palanquins designed by Céline Wright… all celebrate the sublimely elegant, highly sedate and luminous ambiance of these 500-sq.m, composed around two staircases. Every existing space was opened (for example, the basement and the store windows, so that as much daylight as possible could flow in).
3/31/2015
6:10 PM
Page 41
The prestigious, eclectic collections include limited series of objects whose worth is related to the potency of their history: tableware and household linen to begin with, designed by Sarah Lavoine and François Schmidt, lights, outdoor furniture, stationery, jewellery, etc. 1,500 references grouped together around different crafts using lacquer, celadon, ceramic from Foshan, porcelain from Jingdezhen, glassware from Toyama, embroidery from Suzhou and so on. After a very luxurious, yet minimalistic makeover by the design stars Sarah Lavoine and François Schmidt, CFOC has reopened at the end of 2012 and is now with cool atmosphere, eclectic choice of products and everything topped with a fancy restaurant called Yoko.
fact file: project location architect the artistic directors commencement date completion date area cost
: : : : : : : :
La Compagnie Française de l’Orient et de la Chine 170 Boulevard Haussman François Schmidt Sarah Lavoine and François Schmidt 2011 2012 515-Sq m 1.5 million euros
Architecture Update April 2015
041
42-43] Project_HCP Design.qxp
3/31/2015
6:23 PM
Page 42
Industrial Design production facility
Text: courtesy, the architect, Photo credits: Dinesh Mehta
ROBUST-Dairy Amul Dairy, Mumbai, India HCP Design, Planning and Management Pvt. Ltd.
Dr. Bimal Patel has over 25 years of professional, research and teaching experience in architecture, urban design and urban planning. He is the President of CEPT University, Ahmedabad. Dr Patel also leads HCP Design Planning and Management Pvt. Ltd., a professional architecture, planning and project management firm. In 1996, Dr Patel founded Environmental Planning Collaborative, a non-profit, planning research and advocacy organization. He obtained his Doctoral degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of California, Berkeley in 1995. His research interests are in Land Use Planning, Real Estate Markets, Building Regulations, Land Management and Urban Planning History.
042 Architecture Update April 2015
42-43] Project_HCP Design.qxp
3/31/2015
6:24 PM
Page 43
Amul Dairy’s production facility in Mumbai, designed by HCP, is a fully automated and robust structure. Spread across 15,000 sq m, the facility is one of its kind, harbouring processing & storage units along-with offices and amenities for its employees. The entire build-up area is designed with the emphasis on lighting and ventilation, and envelops detailed landscape design to give the place a fresh ambiance.
a
mul Dairy, a leading dairy production unit, headquartered in Anand, Gujarat, commissioned HCP to design production facilities for them at Mumbai. The 15,000 sq m unit is a fully automated dairy with a production capacity of 10,00,000 Ltrs of milk per day. Facilities in the dairy include milk processing, ten storage silos and administrative offices. The dairy includes a separate unit for workers’ amenities; designed for an efficient working environment. The entire build-up area is surrounded by proper landscaped lawn and greenery to give the place a fresh feeling. The factory and administrative buildings are planned around a central landscaped courtyard. The entire facility is well lit with natural light from skylights and windows. As a dairy’s main purpose is to make sure that the products retain their freshness, the main structure plan was to make sure that the HVAC is regulated and maintained throughout the
Architecture Update April 2015
043
42-43] Project_HCP Design.qxp
3/31/2015
6:26 PM
Page 44
service lines distinguished with the colour codes run along the ceiling of the corridor
processing unit to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality with proper refrigeration, double glazed windows and doors (use of UPVC), and natural ventilation. Even the Master Plan keeps ventilation as the prime focus and is designed to include both the exchange of air to the outside as well as circulation of air within the building which removes unpleasant smell and excessive moisture. Thus an effective air circulation in interiors prevents stagnation of air. The corridor and functional rooms are also clear of mess and creates a sense of space as the service lines of the facility have been provided on the ceiling with undisturbed connectivity. Each line has a colour allotted to signify its purpose. The ten silos located at the front end of the site apart from storing milk with a tanker bay provides an architectural characteristic and organization to the dairy unit. The entire plan of the dairy unit depicts a sense of organized work cycle from the ’processing’ to ‘packaging’ of the products. The splash of colour on the silos and in the office cubicles with false ceiling and appropriate indirect lighting provides vibrancy to
processing unit workstation
044 Architecture Update April 2015
the place with demur professional look. The area has also been demarcated for future expansion. HCP undertook Architecture Designing, Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Plumbing, HVAC, Landscape Designing and Interior designing to achieve a well-rounded project. fact file: project location client architect
: : : :
commencement date built-up area cost photography email website
: : : : : :
smart workstation
Amul Dairy Mumbai Kaira District Co-operative Milk Producers Union Ltd. Kamlesh Mehta, Rohit Sewani, Rashmin Patel, Gunwant Vadgama 2011 15,000 sq.m. Rs 50 Crores Dinesh Mehta hcpahd@hcp.co.in www.hcp.co.in
45] Project Vendor house ad.qxp
3/31/2015
7:05 PM
Page 45
46-47] Project_Classic Marble Company at Silvassa.qxp
3/31/2015
6:48 PM
Page 46
Industrial Design marble & glass
Classic Marble Company spread over 4,00,000 sq.ft., designed by Ar. Zubin Zainuddin and Ar. Krupa Zubin, is a beauty blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior space. Ample use of glass and stone edifice as façade, blends dramatically with the skyline. The façade has been worked out in detail using a strong material base and incorporating marble effectively. Marble has been used in every possible variation. The material palette for the entire project naturally revolves around the basic elements of marble- used symbolically for its tectonic character as well as to create a sense of space and luxury.
046 Architecture Update April 2015
Marble in its Purest Form Classic Marble Company, Silvassa, Gujarat ZZ Architects
S
ilvassa, a marble processing hub of Gujarat, India homes Classic Marble Company. The factory and office site was developed as an aspirational space for clients, architects and designers who go for sourcing marble for their projects. The constraint before the architects was to create a factory premise unlike any other industries and to incorporate minutest details while designing the plot that sprawled over 4,00,000 sq.ft. that will accommodate various important sections like the factory, office block, dining area, landscape, space for vehicular movements etc. Both architecture and the interior design for the facility was done by ZZA, and special care was taken so that design elements complemented each other which require giving individuality to various sections of the facility as well as weaving them into a cohesive whole. The project being a marble facility, the obvious challenge was to respond to the design brief at hand. The various needs of the organization such as the factory, office building, dining block, landscape features and also the desired vehicular movements was amalgamated on a neatly fragmented plot of land. The office block house the entire marketing team, board of director’s wing, and a state-of-the-art marble showroom. The office and administration building spreads over 15,000 sq.ft, while the factory for the processing and stocking as well as displaying spreads over 3,00,000 sq.ft. Right from the conceptualization of the space sensitivity to the product, the design language of the office was of utmost importance. As a concept, it was decided to use marble in its purest form and strictly adhering to the quality of finishing as it is the unseen details that clearly makes the overall visual impact.
Aspiration changed into conceptualization and the building façade was conceived into a glass and stone edifice. In comparison to other industrial buildings, the façade was worked out in detail, using a strong material base and incorporating marble effectively. Clear blue glass was used as façade to blend with the skyline while reflecting the sunlight, thus forming a picturesque backdrop to reflect the natural landscape around the area. Abundant use of glass helps in blurring the boundaries of the interiors and exteriors. The building is in two levelsground floor which house the reception, workspace for different teams and a display room. The entrance of the office area opens up with an extraordinary display of onyx-lit wall accompanied with marble mass that runs along the height of two floors, right up to the skylight. This wall is sky-lit during the day and back-lit during the night thus creating Onyx-lit wall
46-47] Project_Classic Marble Company at Silvassa.qxp
3/31/2015
marble display room accentuated by suspended eliptical structure
6:49 PM
Page 47
managing director’s cabin
ZZ Architects, considered to be one of the leading contemporary architectural practices led by principal architects Zubin Zainuddin and Krupa Zubin, is a Mumbai based design firm with a wide array of projects across the country. Ar. Zubin is an alumnus of Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Architecture and has been accoladed with prestigious IIID awards in young designer category. His work is a constant pursuit of a visionary aesthetic that encompasses all fields of design. Play of material, the judicious use of technology and a design sensibility that borders on the minimal without being cold; defines the style of Ar. Krupa Zubin. She aims at transforming every site into a stimulating environment, rich in inventive detailing. Her dynamic nature and sparkling persona reflects in her work. Under their guidance, the firm has transformed many value propositions into experiences from commercial and high end residential interiors to large scale architectural projects.
panoramic view of Classic Marble factory and office building
a play of light and shadow. The 30 ft. high waterfall feature adds necessary glamour and soothing sound to the area. Adjacent to the lobby and reception is the display room which exhibits marbles in their varied forms lined along the wall. To add to the aesthetics and to heighten the dimension of the space herein, a free floating suspended elliptical structure was placed in the middle of the room. The seamless floating structure almost seems ethereal and elegantly adds a sense of division without reducing the visible space. The first floor house conference room, dormitory for employees and senior management, recreation room and director’s cabin. The floating dining block is a separate entity. The beauty of the block is that although its completely glazed to blur the boundaries between
interior and exterior space, the harsh sunlight does not penetrate the block because of its tapering form. fact file: project location client architect design project duration project completion area
: : : : : : : :
Classic Marble Company Silvassa Classic Marble Ar. Zubin Zainuddin, Ar. Krupa Zubin ZZ Architects 36 months 2013 Factory shed and site development - 4, 00,000 sq.ft. Office Building - 15,000 sq.ft.
Architecture Update April 2015
047
48] Article_Jason Heredia-Steelcase Asia Pacific.qxp
3/31/2015
6:51 PM
Page 48
Trends workspace of the individual’s role at work. According to Lahade, Indian workers ask themselves three questions in order to establish their place within the organization: “What’s my title?”, “How much will I be paid?” and “Where is my space?” In cities where real estate is a precious commodity, businesses that optimize their space will have a distinct advantage over their competitors. Organizations can’t simply shrink the workplace while ignoring the employees’ well being and productivity. They need to rethink as much as shrink.
Designed for the Way You Work Jason Heredia, Vice President, Marketing, Steelcase Asia Pacific
“Innovation is dependent on human interactions.The crucial success factor of an organization lies in the role of physical spaces. A strategically designed workplace can amplify the performance of individuals, teams and the global enterprise, and lead to sustained innovation.”
“Innovate or die.” In 1997, American Business Writer, Tom Peters coined this famous phrase. It was true then and rings even more true now. For CEOs worldwide it’s obvious: Innovation is critically important to an organization’s success, and it is imperative that it remains a key corporate strategy. The thirst for innovation has never been stronger and organizations everywhere are pursuing every possible way to amplify their innovation quotient. Most organizations unknowingly overlook a crucial success factor- the role of ‘physical space’. Innovation is a physical activity; it’s dependent on human interaction, exploration and experimentation. That means the places that bring people together, physically and virtually, are critical to innovation outcomes. It’s not just about passing work back and forth between time zones to take advantage of time differences and speed up development. Creative collaboration requires trust, which is built by teammates working together in real-time. The challenge is to eliminate “presence disparity”—those moments that occur when communication and collaboration are drastically reduced during conference calls or in poorly designed video conference experiences. In Russia, India and France, the legacy of managerial culture based on control is combined with a blurred work-life boundary. Employees spend all their working hours in the office. However, the extra hours are only occasionally translated into productive output. The work ecosystem fails to mould itself to the individual’s comfort zone and therefore an employee’s full potential remains untapped. A strategically designed workplace can amplify the
048 Architecture Update April 2015
performance of individuals, teams and the global enterprise, and lead to sustained innovation. Demands for creative collaboration and innovation have shown that rigid organizational structures based solely on hierarchy are proving to be less effective than networks. Leading organizations comprise of project teams, committees, communities and individuals, all of which are virtually and physically networked. New places have emerged as alternative workspaces: co working centres, innovation hubs and third places have created a new ‘workplace ecosystem’. These encourage crosspollination; sharing of ideas and making thinking visible across different disciplines. Workplaces lack at flexible infrastructure to adapt to the nature of work of different individuals or to the different devices and methods that they need to use regularly. In China, India, Morocco and Russia- all share a high tolerance for density and are highly hierarchical. Here, the space optimization is only achieved by reducing space for workers. Sudhakar Lahade, a senior researcher at Steelcase WorkSpace Futures, observes that Indian employees see designated space as a representation
Organizations are now looking at innovative work centres to channel such flexibility, offering a palette of places that people can choose from, depending on the type of work they need to do throughout the day. The space tells workers that it is ok to stand, lean, perch, lounge or work in any posture that is comfortable and helps them to stay energized and focused. The environment encourages people to experiment and try new things. A principle that will govern any future evolution of workplaces is that innovation is dependent on human interactions. The physical environment has the power to augment those interactions that are essential for innovation and will be increasingly global as distance gradually evaporates; by leveraging space to provide a palette of presence, the tension in communication caused by physical distance can be mitigated. Organizations that will focus on the ergonomic design of their workplaces will serve as the stage that brings together an organization’s strategy, brand and culture and makes them tangible and actionable for employees. Intentionally designed places can amplify the performance of the individuals, teams and the entire enterprise.
Jason Heredia, VP Marketing, Steelcase, leads the product portfolio, marketing and brand communication in the Asia Pacific region. He joined Steelcase in 1992 as a part of the Steelcase sales team and climbed the success ladder consistently over the years, starting as a Manager Field Research then to Director Product Marketing and Vice President Marketing. He worked for Coalesse, Turnstone and other brands of steelcase and brought a paradigm shift to the company’s growth, defining the brand and directing its culture. He is been quoted as an expert on the workplace and the future of work in leading publications such as The New York Times, Fast Company, Metropolis Magazine and Dwell. He is a native of the United States, earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business from Indiana University and currently lives in Hong Kong.
49] Bathroom & Kitchen Expo ad.qxp
3/31/2015
6:52 PM
Page 49
50-51] Interview_Mr Gitesh Agarwal from D&M.qxp
3/31/2015
6:54 PM
Page 50
Outlook lighting design LATEST TRENDS n the space-age technology, cloud computing has acquired obsessive dimension in shaping today’s work culture. “This has obligated the companies to offer their employees, more flexible and activity-based working arrangements,” remarks Gitesh Agarwal. A high level of sophistication heeds to the human comfort with flexible modulation in the lighting system. “The lighting control systems dominate the flexible workspace through its rocket engineering. The function of the space can now be altered with mere a programmed scenarios for different luminaries’ groups. This advanced technology is crucial for activity-based offices,” he explains. And adds, “the lighting design in the retail sector reflects the crux of ‘The Brand’ and it has to be used as a creative tool to bring inspiring worlds of commerce to life.”
I
LIGHTING FIXTURES “Linear luminaries, either recessed or suspended, running across longer than usual lengths, are the demand of the hour. Different finishes and widths enable creation of unique lighting fixtures.” He further elaborates his viewpoint with an illustration of how his company has brought the change in the prototype, “WALDMANN’s Floor standing and Table mounted luminaries, with direct and indirect lighting, revolutionized the office lighting system to bring in a new dimension to the lighting design.”
Stay With The Flow Lighting Design is an art that marks a new dimension to the space- a distinctive outlook. The advancement in the technology has meliorated the life style toward a healthy environment. With technologies evolving at fast pace, there are incredible materials and styles hitting the market. To elaborate this at lengths, Gitesh Agarwal from D&M, shares his perspective of over 15 years of experience in this field.
050 Architecture Update April 2015
Designing a space in tune with today’s generation’s need, is a greater challenge. “Being raised in the digital age, they are well-informed about the latest trends and branding, and showcase strong preferences towards it. These future consumers will expect new ways of accessing to the retail brands,” annotates Mr Gitesh Agarwal, sharing an insight of one of his company’s products designed for the young generation’s mindset, “for an instance, in Marathon Tunable from Fagerhult, by adjusting the relative intensities of the warm and cool LEDs, changing its colour and temperature, one can arrive at an efficient way to create different light settings in a single luminary.”
ENERGY CONSUMPTION Choosing advance technology and products smartly, leverages the work culture. “Adapting LED based lighting, married to sensors like Motion, Presence and Daylight sensors, and controlled by an intelligent system; we can lead to amazing savings. The smart way to design artificial lighting system is to understand the magnitude of its usage in a particular space, as the absolute uniformity is not a deliberate need anymore,” he emphasizes, “the state-of-the-art wireless module enables luminaries to exchange presence detection information and adjusts the lighting accordingly, providing a secure and pleasant working atmosphere. Thus, enhancing the productivity.”
50-51] Interview_Mr Gitesh Agarwal from D&M.qxp
3/31/2015
ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS An eco-friendly rating is the global concern and its certified products are equally important to that of its branding. “The entire LED range of Fagerhult, Waldmann and LTS are our eco-friendly products,” acclaims his company’s sustainable practices, “at Fagerhult, people and the environmental footprint are our ideology toward new approach and form the basis of the sustainability policy– crystal clear. It combines innovation and know-how with an extensive experience of creating lighting solutions that make people feel good, visually, biologically and emotionally.”
LATEST TECHNOLOGY “With the ozone layer depleting at an alarming rate and energy-saving solutions being a global concern, our approach is to adopt energy
6:54 PM
Page 51
efficient lighting systems. Lately, lighting controls are managing the lighting design, its resultant outputs and behavior. LED is being increasingly researched for higher efficiencies, besides it being already suitable for a wide range of applications,” he expresses.
SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability, a paramount importance, calls for a sensitive approach towards the environment, as the human behavior towards its ecosystem, is a game changer in attaining a sustainable living. He advises, “consume less, produce more. One has to use the resources judiciously. The approach should be to use sustainable means of inputs to manufacture, transport and packaging. And finally, the life of the product has to supremely be efficient and robust, to deliver the best quality.” The advancement in the technology have paved a new dimension in the lighting industry. Beginning with functionality to aesthetic and now, intelligent use of lighting fixtures; has brought a shift in the paradigm of lighting systems- and to the living culture.
Gitesh Agarwal is the Executive Director of D&M Building Products Pvt. Ltd., India, an industry leader in Premium Commercial Interior solutions with products ranging from partition systems, flooring, wall finishes, furniture to lighting. Gitesh studied MBA in International Business from Australia, with an additional qualification in Sales & Marketing. He is a certified & accredited facilitator from various global and domestic training organizations. Over the period of 15 years, he has worked for event management, teaching, the TATA Group at Taj Hotels, as Trade & Investment Advisor for the Australian Government, CEO of a new vertical at D&M and presently the CMO at D&M. Gitesh is an orator, storyteller, mentor and facilitator. Gitesh is a budding author and a member of various social organizations like Round Table of India and Rotary Club. Besides, he has a flair for linguistic adventures and enjoys music, adventure, story-telling, bungee jumping, travel and photography.
Architecture Update April 2015
051
52-53] Interview_Ar Sheila Sri Prakash.qxp
3/31/2015
6:55 PM
Page 52
Let’sarchitect’ talk s note ou are an artist, musician and a dancer. How did these things shape your architecture practice? Our classical arts have the unique distinction of training you to be disciplined and follow an order within certain parameters, while allowing you to be creative and evolve your own style. This is like allowing you to dream and be focused at the same time. These baby steps in the arts were my first learnings towards being an architect. When these learnings are done in the most formative and impressionable years of your life, they become so much a part of the way you think as an adult.This has definitely influenced the way I look at design.
Y
What is your perspective on the recent developments in architecture field in India? I think there is a tremendous need for architects in India. Having said that, I would like to reiterate that architects need to be very responsible professionals. The profession involves the design and creation of environments where individuals, families and communities develop. A developing country constantly requires the design and creation of new built environments to cater to its varied avenues of growth. The non availability of the right quality and quantity of professionals can pose huge challenges in the provision of these built environments, not to mention the haphazard and illdesigned growth of our neighborhoods and towns.
Versatile in Nature Ar Sheila Sri Prakash is among the first women architects in India to have setup her own architecture firm- Shilpa Architects- in 1979. She has hands-on experience in articulating rich coherent spaces across the globe for which, she is a recipient of ‘100 Most Influential Architects’ in the world by Italian Journal of Architecture- II Giornale dell’Architettura. In an intriguing conversation with the AU Team, the architect shares her views on the essence of the architectural design and expresses how an artist grew into an architect.
Mahindra World City ClubHouse
052 Architecture Update April 2015
Having worked over 1200 projects across the globe, in such diverse socio-economic background, what is the design approach/attempt toward shaping a sensitive living culture with its ecosystem? As architects, we design to respond to the needs of the end user, specifically for the location, the people, and the program. My design philosophy is “Reciprocity”. This involves the designer to tune in to the frequency of the project and the program and understand the unique concerns and priorities of the project and program before starting on the design process.The architect must empathize, reciprocate and address these concerns and priorities in order to create a successful design. How challenging is it to conceptualize a built form, sensitive to a particular place (foreign countries)? Designing for alien countries and cultures are definitely more challenging, and requires a deep study of the cultural and lifestyle preferences before starting on the design process. I commence my study with a visit to the country in order to understand their cultural and lifestyle priorities. Only when you understand their value systems and cultural preferences the design can respond positively to them. India’s rich artistry is being overshadowed by the urbanization. So, how according to you, can architects promote these arts through architecture design? I think the entire fraternity of architects in India should understand the
52-53] Interview_Ar Sheila Sri Prakash.qxp
3/31/2015
6:56 PM
Page 53
Luxury Golf Villa
value of Indian arts and crafts. If the entire fraternity starts incorporating them in their design, it will become a part of our unique architectural grammar.
materials; for example use of wood and brick unsustainable.
So, what do you suggest the young architects? As architects it is imperative that we learn to value all that is Indian by respecting the legacy that differentiates us and using them as key differentiators in our contemporary and state-of-the-art design responses.
What is your perspective over the green rating system? Environmental Sustainability, scarce resources, waste management, renewable energy, are issues of great concern today in the world. Historically we come from a civilization that realized the importance of being green. Rating systems have been created in order to address concerns that face the world today. They definitely set benchmarks for us to aspire for, and improve.
How different is Sustainable Architecture to Vernacular Architecture? We must not confuse Sustainable Architecture with Vernacular Architecture. Having said that, vernacular techniques have evolved taking into account its responsiveness to climate and community and is therefore generally sustainable. But sustainability also reckons to the changing priorities and concerns that sometimes make vernacular
Having Civil Engineers pre-dominantly engaged in industrial projects in India, what is the role of architects in Industrial Architecture? I don’t think it is right. I think an architect can design a space to enhance comfort and performance, regardless of the building program. The quality of the space influences performance. An architect can design spaces that stimulate and enhance productivity in an industry as well. What are the current trends in retail design? We are moving fast towards large format stores and mega malls that house varied labels under one roof. This is convenient to the shopper and allows centralizing of infrastructure that is required for efficient functioning of retail. However the experience of shopping, bargaining and feeling triumphant for both the seller and the buyer is lost. That is a special high energy transaction that prevails in our street shopping scenario. Having worked on multitude of projects so far, is there any specific building typology that you wish to take up now? Every project, of varied scale and function, comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities that are special to it. As designers, the approach and the process of design remains the same. I only look at identifying the unique differentiators in each project that can make the process of design- challenging and satisfying. Architecture Update April 2015
053
54-55] Product Design_dØcor.qxp
3/31/2015
6:58 PM
Page 54
DÉCOR & FURNISHING
Colourful Mirage D'Décor is the world's largest producers of woven upholstery and curtain fabrics. From 1999 to 2014, D'Décor has attained exponential growth with an increasing turnover. It exports home fabrics to 65 countries worldwide. D'Décor believes in the continuous pursuit of excellence in performance, quality and innovation that has led them to adopt a radical approach towards change. The product range is designed by topclass in-house and Italian designers, and are also being used by top designers and furnituremakers in both Europe & USA. D'Décor participates in the 5 biggest international trade fairs annually- Moods, Heimtex, Intertex Shanghai Show, Proposte and Evteks. D'Décor's 4 state-of-the-art manufacturing plants are situated at Tarapur, near Mumbai. It’s the first to introduce water-repellent fabric, flameretardant fabrics and also to have the first robotic warehouse in India. D’Décor has recently re-introduced their brand as D'Décor - a premium home furnishings brand in a new avatar. To reach out directly to its customers, it entered into retail sector under the name of 'The D'Décor Store' with its flagship store in Mumbai at Bandra and other stores in Ghatkopar, Andheri and Malad. With the aim of capturing its market pan-India, D'Décor has also come up with its stores in New Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru.
CURTAINS 1.Being amongst the largest manufacturers in the world, D'Décor produces a wide variety of fabrics using new techniques and presenting a unique range to their customers. The in house production helps in combining the techniques and exploring them to take innovation to new standards. a) Embroidery- Sheer and main fabrics are adorned with intricate embroidery along with sequence and Swarovski techniques. The cord embroidery is done in multiple styles to create relief on the surfaces. Appliqué and laser cut techniques charm the customers to give their homes a luxurious appeal. b) Plains and Textures: Fabrics are woven to give a rich look and provide a variety of range and textures to chose from for every lifestyle. c) Sheers: Our range of sheer fabric are woven out of interesting yarns, spun to add character to the fabric. One would get stripes, textures and subtle patterns in this range. c) Jacquard: The jacquard technique is used for translating numerous beautiful bold, floral, classic and damask patterns, motifs and textures to give a unique feel of satin to velvets. e) Digital prints: The technology of printing numerous colours in a jiffy has given the freedom to fill the lives of their customers with an array of colours, making the home a pleasant place to be in. The latest collection in all our categories is available at stores in Bandra West, Ghatkopar- East and Andheri- West.
054 Architecture Update April 2015
54-55] Product Design_dØcor.qxp
3/31/2015
7:01 PM
Page 55
BLINDS D’Décor has recently expanded and developed their range by introducing blinds to their product line. These contemporary window dressings are a perfect blend of style and beauty. The blinds are of the highest quality and can be completely customized as per the customer's demand. From fabrics to installation, D’Décor provide complete solution for managing heat, light and acoustics. The stores showcases different styles of blinds for viewing and selection. D’Décor provide made-to-measure blinds in various categories including Roman, Roller, Duplex, Panels in wood venetians, sheer horizons and aluminium venetians.
UPHOLSTERY The variety produced by D'Décor ranges from heavy tweeds to soft velvet fabrics providing a wide range of feels and textures. These fabrics are available in velvet finish, dry cotton feel, twills and tweeds, jacquard patterns in silks, cottons, linens, velvet and chenille. Leatherette and imported fabrics with suede finish are also available for our customers who want to indulge in luxurious experience. A unique range of outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella are specially coated to with stand varied climate. A large range of geometric patterns and textures are available to fulfil our customers desires.
WALLPAPERS A wide variety of wallpapers showcased in retail stores allows clients to view and choose from the premium range that D’Decor produces. The company has collaborated with some well-known wallpaper companies from Belgium, USA & UK for the wallpapers to bring to the customers the finest and exclusive selections from around the world. The collection offers a wide variety of patterns along with a wide range of protective coating.
Architecture Update April 2015
055
56-57] Product Design_The Yellow Door.qxp
3/31/2015
7:03 PM
Page 56
DÉCOR & FURNISHING
Versha Vohra in 2009, launched ‘The Yellow Door’ to best utilize her attention to detail, ardent passion and expertise as a planner and implementer. Armed with an MBA in marketing she dedicated herself to slowly but surely revolutionizing the home décor segment. Her love for Indian handicrafts, decorating homes and childhood memories of her organic house in a small hill station of north India led Versha on the path of home designing and decorating. Her desire to be a part of the world of décor led her to follow her heart where her creative instincts and talents grew unbound. Her aspirations soon began to take shape in the form of The Yellow Door, which was launched to provide stylized home décor products at affordable prices. The brand has launched theyellowdoorstore.com, an extensive and carefully curated on-line shop for all home décor needs. Apart from this, they have a retail studio in Gurgaon and deliver products pan India.
Easter Surprise Easter always brings to mind the onset of summer, light and of course Easter eggs. From small and minuscule to ginormous chocolate eggs, Easter is not something you can ignore. So, in honour of the festival, we came up with a special range of Products designed especially for Easter. From Egg Holders in bright colours to sleek Cake Platters, there is something to suit everyone. The best part about this range is that its usefulness makes it perfect to for year round usage.
EGG HOLDER This festive occasion, add a stylish touch to your kitchen by storing eggs in this cute Metal Egg Holder. Whether placed in the kitchen or used to serve eggs on the dining table, this bright red egg holder is a fun way to organize your kitchen. (PPrice – INR. 154) Overall Size: 6' x 6'' x 10 H Material: Iron Colour: Ant Red
EGG TRAY Celebrate the spirit of the occasion by placing those beautiful Easter eggs in this appealing Egg Tray Holder. Whether hung in the kitchen or placed on the table, the turquoise coloured egg tray holder is a perfect to accentuate your settings. (PPrice – INR. 560) Overall Size: 12' x 4'' x 12 H Material: Iron Colour: Turquoise
056 Architecture Update April 2015
56-57] Product Design_The Yellow Door.qxp
3/31/2015
7:03 PM
Page 57
BOWL WITH GLASS Created by weaving individual strips of iron, this hand-woven yellow coloured Bowl with Glass is both stylish and durable. Its curved design and spacing between the iron strips ensures that fruits placed in it are properly aired and coral loose. (PPrice – INR. 420) Overall Size: 12' x 12'' x 6 H Material: Iron/Glass Colour: Yellow (Powder Coated)
SQUARE PLATTER Whether it's a party or just tea, this sleek Square Platter is the perfect way to serve up a storm. Its aluminium base gives it a chic look while glass platter makes it a food safe option to serve the snacks. (PPrice – INR. 532) Overall Size: 8' x 8'' x 8 H Material: Aluminium Glass Colour: Nickel/Clear Glass
SILVER CAKE PLATE WITH LID A graceful glass lid over a smart cake platter accented by small twigs graced by dainty leaves; the perfect way to serve cakes and other delicacies. Placed on a dining table it shall adorn it with its grace as much as proving functional for presenting various goodies and adding an elegant touch to your parties. (PPrice –INR. 2,312) Overall Size: 8.5' x 8.5'' x 6 H Material: Glass & Stainless steel Colour: Silver
DESIGNER METAL & CRYSTAL CANDLE HOLDER Shaped by carefully moulding iron into a delicate pattern enhanced by placing clear crystals all around, this elegant designer Metal and Crystal Candle stand is not one to pass on by. The soft flickering light of the candle reflects brilliantly in the crystals, making this a stunning accessory for decorating your home. (PPrice – INR. 840) Overall Size: 5' x 5'' x 7 H Material: Glass Colour: Nickel
Architecture Update April 2015
057
58] Subscription Form.qxp
3/31/2015
58 Architecture Update April 2015
7:06 PM
Page 3
AU cover.qxp
4/1/2015
10:36 AM
Page 3
AU cover.qxp
4/1/2015
10:36 AM
Page 4
Published on 1st of every month W.P.P. Lic No. MR / TECH / WPP-26 / SOUTH / 2014-15 Regd. No. MH / MR / K'devi-58 / 2013-15 Posted at Mumbai Patrika Channel Sorting Office Mumbai - 400 001 on 3rd & 4th of Every Month