Cover Story
10
TOP
Hospitality Designers With the tide turning for the hospitality industry and more disposable income at the hands of the consumers, there is a new surge of life in the hitherto stalled projects in this sector. Design – both outside and in – is as important for the success as is the experience of the consumer for the popularity of a project. And this holds true for not just restaurants but also hotels. It is increasingly being accepted that form assumes just as much importance as function, if not more – especially in this case – as the actual hospitality experience happens later. Commercial Design profiles India’s Top Ten Designers and Architects in the hospitality segment along with some of their outstanding projects. BY TEAM CD
Reza Kabul
Khozema Chitalwala
Madhav Joshi
Qutub Mandviwala
Gopa Menon, Ajit Jain and Rajiv Majumdar
Siraj and Renu Hasan
Rahul Shankhwalker, Abhishek Mathur
Yeshwant Ramamurthy
Tejal Mathur
Ritu Bhatia Kler
Commercial Design | June 2016 | 27
Focus
ARK, Mumbai Reza Kabul, principal architect
T
he practice follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce a space that fulfils the project goals. A believer of the fact that “innovation changes the face of living�, Kabul keeps the availability of latest materials and technology in mind to define the language of spaces. The firm’s Express Inn project, in Nashik, serves as a textbook example of how state-of-the-art technology can combine with modern architectural principles to create a sustainable, energy efficient structure. The design of this hotel combined with the strategic location of the building rendered it the most popular and sort after destination for not only the regular business traveller but also for families. Similarly, in an attempt to explore the potential of materials, the firm experimented with a complete plastered exterior for Le Meridien, Thimpu. Though plaster is commonly used while bricking to strengthen the structure, it has a great decorative appeal along with the use of POP as it offers an elegant simple clean look. The interiors of the hotel provide the guests with the perfect delight to their artistic sensibilities with the regional art of Bhutan that adorns its walls.
28 | June 2016 | Commercial Design
Express Inn, Nashik.
Le Meridien, Thimpu.