the indian review of world furniture, interiors and design
62
volume 12 . issue 03 . may - june 2015
“Lighting technology is a ‘luminous language,’ able to combine innovation and sensibility, a means to influence and condition not only perception but feeling.”
ROBERTA VITADELLO
focus : multiplexes transformations : het arresthuis hotel, netherlands industry forum : product designers online tech + design : lighting
wanderlust
AR. REZA KABUL
Windcatcher (Badgir), Iran This is a traditional Persian architectural element used to create natural ventilation in buildings. The entire working of the windcatcher leaves me speechless considering the result and effect it has in arid and dry climate of the desert. Constructed in the age of no air conditioning, they are still present in some of the towns of Iran and function with great efficiency.
The Gherkin, London, UK Standing tall in the heart of London’s financial centre is a bold, unique, energy efficient design which has rightly received various awards. The cigar shaped steel structure stands beautiful and acts as a catalyst for the growing clusters of high rises in the city.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, UAE Inspired by the striking wave like design, its blend into its surrounding beach is a beautiful amalgam between land and sea.
architects do the talking, as they wander through the world, pointing to architectural and design features they have loved along the way
Ar. Reza Kabul, Principal Architect, Architect Reza Kabul
The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France This puddled iron structure was built in 1889! Considering the technology, building materials and machinery required for such a structure that is still one of the tallest structures speaks volumes about the engineers and planners and their knowledge. Wind effect and safety precautions on this structure were considered and calculated as well.
The Taj Mahal, Agra, India The marble dome that surmounts the tomb is one of the most spectacular features of this 35m tall structure constructed in 1632 and is indeed a magnificent beauty! The planning of the structure and arranging for the materials from all over Asia considering the era of its construction and available resources and technology, Shahjahan’s men went on to build a structure that not only withstood time but added to the beauty and grace eventually turning it into a heritage structure. Keeping in mind the importance and sacredness of the tomb, the minarets were constructed slightly outside of the plinth so that, in the event of collapse (a typical occurrence with many tall constructions of the period), the material from the towers would tend to fall away from the tomb.
Bombay High Court, Mumbai, India The cantilever steps of this heritage structure which are made of a single stone piece is mesmerizing with the load carrying surviving the onslaught of people over 150 years.