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BUILDING MODERN IN DIA
72 Pages
Volume 3 Issue 1 | OCTOBER 2016 | `75
Published and Posted at AHD PSO on 5th of every month URBAN VAASTU (Monthly) Registered R.N.I. No. GUJENG/2014/60431 POSTAL REG. NO. C/46/2015-2018 Valid up to 31-12-2018
2nd Anniversary Issue
GOOD DESIGN is sustainable - responsible FOCUS
Bombardier
OUR RIVERS Brahmaputra
NEW TECHNOLOGIES 3D printing
COVER STORY
GOOD DESIGN IS SUSTAINABLE, RESPONSIBLE Words: Team Urban Vaastu “Good buildings,” explained Stephen Gardiner, a British architect, “come from good people, and all problems are solved by good design.” Today, as cities and towns across India battle problems relating to lack of infrastructure, funding, ugly competition and an overall absence of motivation to put up outstanding buildings, many architects are discovering that there is still a strong and growing demand for quality projects. As companies modernise and there is growing influence from foreign corporates, there is also a corresponding rise in awareness about sensible architecture, the need to balance nature with manmade structures and to ensure structures that are environment-friendly and practical. On the second anniversary of our magazine, we have decided to feature on our cover a story on the evolution of modern Indian architecture. We feature a few prominent architects from across India, eliciting their views on the remarkable developments that are occurring in this field. We also highlight some of their major works.
Says Brinda Somaya, whose Mumbai-based Somaya & Kalappa, a leading architectural firm, also has offices elsewhere in India: “The architect is one of the few professionals who work across so many different spheres and fields. And has an advantage of being in a position where we can make that difference. We have to be a conscience of what we build. But also what is un-built.” Reza Kabul, founder ARK Reza Kabul Architects – the Mumbai-based firm has offices in Pune and San Francisco – says professionals often encourage young talented minds to travel, learn and educate themselves. “There is no point in limiting their knowledge and experiences,” he notes. “Travelling outside India opens their perspective to newer learning avenues, varied audiences, and a larger scope to explore their creativity.” Eventually they do come back to India, and implement what they have learnt, within the Indian context. “Life today is very global,” says Kabul. “It is only sensible that designers be too.”
equally in Ahmedabad and London, describes herself as “more of a brick-mortar concrete person. I have a passion for materials and like to work with them.” The architect lays emphasis on the need for awareness and sensitivity and to avoid shortcuts. “We need strict policing to bring in discipline,” she observes. “We as professionals who can make a difference - it is our duty to do that little bit towards society by planning and executing such that people by default end up doing things in the right manner.” P. Venkat Ramana, whose father, P. Subrahmanyam established the firm, Murty & Manyam way back in the early 1960s, says the firm – which has been in the field for over 50 years - plans to use its expertise and contribute to a sustainable, environment friendly future by endorsing design consciousness and keeping abreast with advancing technology. Indeed, India’s architectural sector is witnessing exciting developments, exposed as it is to the changes that are occurring globally.
Gauri Parikh, who spends times
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INSPIRING QUALITY LIVING THROUGH INNOVATION ARK Reza Kabul Architects Pvt Ltd reflects the intelligence of Reza Kabul and a talented team of individuals with a common vision: to inspire quality living through innovation, sustainable design and holistic design approach.
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stablished in 1988, the company launched its practice at a time of exciting change and urban growth in India. Today, with a strength of over 100 full time employees, the studio has grown dramatically. This rapid growth has also allowed it to address projects on a large-scale, both nationally and internationally.
Reza Kabul
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“Keeping in mind our clientele’s unique background and need profile, we develop innovative approaches to design, access cutting edge
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technologies, and implement advanced management practices to provide optimal solutions with a focus on quality, timeline, and cost economy,” explains Reza Kabul, one of the foremost talents in Indian architecture. Mumbai headquartered ARK Reza Kabul Architects has offices in Pune and San Francisco in the US. It is a full-service architectural, interior, landscape design and planning company with proven expertise in project design and delivery ranging from master plans and townships, to industrial, hospitality, commercial, institutional, educational, and residential segments. One of the foremost talents in the realm of Indian architecture, Reza Kabul’s foray into the industry was a random experience of viewing books on architecture that proved catalyst enough for a switch from engineering to architecture. After a brief stint at a prominent architecture studio in Mumbai, he set up ARK Reza Kabul Architects Pvt. Ltd., India in 1988, and further expanded with ARK Studio Pune and ARK Studio Inc in San Francisco Bay Area, USA.
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Path breaking projects Reza Kabul has envisioned and successfully executed a string of path breaking projects centred on the design philosophy of ‘liberating spaces’. He has handled projects for leading names in the Indian real estate industry, and continues to enjoy the trust and appreciation with projects that set pioneering benchmarks in architectural design. A speaker for ‘Marcus Evans Tall Buildings Conference’ in Seoul, Korea (2008) and a pioneer in tall buildings, Reza Kabul has been listed in the Limca Book of Awards (2003) for Shreepati Arcade, the tallest building in India.
His signature projects are spread globally in the US, India, Mauritius, UAE, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Bhutan, and Kenya. Kabul graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Architecture (1985) from the M.S. University, Baroda. He has accreditation to several professional bodies including the Council of Architecture (COA), Associate, Indian Institute of Architects (AIIA), Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID), the Gujarat International Finance TecCity (GIFT), the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA).
Achievements He and his firm have also won several awards. They include:
2003
India’s Tallest Building : Shreepati Arcade by Limca Book of Records
2004
The Best Architect of the Year by Accommodation Times
2005
‘Gun Gaurav Puraskar’ (Best Performance) by Practicing Engineers, Architects, Town Planners Association (PEATA India)
2008 -
Best Architect Commercial Category by Indian Architecture & Design
2009
Best Corporate Design Excellence by CNBC Awaaz
2010
Best Architect by News Makers Achievers Achievers for Industrial Development by Indian Economic Development & Research Association
2011 -
Citation of Emerging Master by The Indian Institute of Architects Archilights - Certificate of Appreciation by Times Property (Times of India Group) ‘Bharat Gaurav Award’ by All India Achievers Foundation
2012
Award of Excellence by DNA Realty GEN NEXT Highly Commended Best Hotel for Landmark Grand (Dubai, UAE) by International Hotel Award
2014
Award for Excellence in Architecture by Festival of Architecture and Design (FoAID) Certificate of Excellence in Office Space by Smart Office India Summit
2015
Best Upcoming Green Project of the Year for Ekta Tripolis (Mumbai, India) by Construction Times Builders Award Creative Excellence by Johnson - Society Interiors Honours 2015 Best Residential High Rise Development – India; Highly Commended Residential High-rise Architecture – India; Highly Commended Residential Development – India; and Highly Commended Apartment – India for Transcon Triumph (Mumbai, India) by Asia Pacific Property Awards Special Recognition for Outstanding Skill & Innovativeness in High-Rise Design by AceTech Alpha Awards at the hands of Karim Rashid
2016
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‘BUDDING ARCHITECTS HAVE ACCESS TO KNOWLEDGE AND THE ADVANTAGE OF TECHNOLOGY’ ARK Reza Kabul Architects is a full-service, global design studio, offering Architectural, Interior Design, Landscape, and Urban Planning services. An interview with Reza Kabul, the founder of the company. Could you tell us about the exciting new developments that are occurring in the area of architectural planning in Indian cities and the growing exposure of Indian architects to the global architectural community? Architecture is in a constant state of flux, and Indian sensibilities are evolving with results encompassing a myriad of architectural styles and designs. While we started our careers with drawing boards and limited resources, the budding generation has accessibility to knowledge and the advantage of technology. We often encourage young talented minds to travel, learn and educate themselves. There is no point in limiting their knowledge and experiences. Travelling outside India opens their perspective to newer learning avenues, varied audiences, and a larger scope to explore their creativity. Eventually they do come back to India, and implement what they have learnt, within the Indian context. Life today is very global; it is only sensible that designers be too. The advancements in technology have taken drastic leaps since when we started without drafting boards and t-squares. With the assistance of soft-wares such as Autodesk Revit we are able to achieve more dynamic designs, faster time spans, and more imaginative structures. The overall speed of architectural planning has become fast paced with
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like Mumbai could leverage its existing waterways to commute instead of further burdening the existing infrastructure. Other cities could use modes of alternative energies to meet their requirements; provide access to walking and cycling paths across the arterial parts of the city.
instant switch between 2D plans and 3D views allowing us to design more conveniently. The incorporation of services into BIM software has minimised the chances of any unforeseen issues that may arise due to the overlap of several functions that run across the structure and various consultants handling those aspects. Technology has drastically facilitated us to explore newer forms and design more efficiently in a shorter time frame. Are Indian cities able to meet the growing aspiration of architects, planners and even consumers in terms of providing user-friendly architecture? We also have the opportunity to reimagine dead spaces within the city and design adaptive re-use projects. If there is an empty space, it might as well be converted into a valuable public amenity that becomes a convenience for people in the neighbourhood; thus ensuring that they do not have to travel much. Cutting down travel time highly encourages healthy activities such as walking and cycling and decreases the dependency on private and public transport. Efficient re-use of spaces is a step closer towards establishing a more sustainable and green environment around us. In this way we can reduce the urban decay and leverage existing infrastructure to reduce the burden on new developments.
We as architects are working towards achieving this. There is certainly a demand for more holistic living solutions from the consumers across all segments, and the developers are certainly doing their best to cater to these demands. The future of what the country shall be is in what is being designed today. Architecture is about more than just developing a structure; it is about nurturing a society, and in-turn designing a skyline that shall add to the history and heritage of our country. What are the new trends that you are expecting in Indian cities, especially with the government focussing on ‘smart cities?’ Will these changes transform the Indian urban landscape? The concept of a smart city is quite broad and interpreted on several levels by different individuals, companies, and governments. I believe the concept of a smart city is the development of an entire urban eco-system based on institutional, physical, social and economic infrastructure. It is necessary to take into consideration every aspect of the city dweller before planning new infrastructure for a city. In terms of the Indian urban landscape, existing cities could implement convenience services such as a unified transport ticketing system across trains, buses, and metros; provide constant traffic monitoring updates. A coastal city
Please tell us about the new projects being taken up by your firm, both in India and abroad? One of the exciting new developments that is currently under-construction is a 65 acre township along the river Ulhas called ‘Regency Antilia’. The river facing township includes 10 acres of lush landscaped spaces and consists of a school, playground, hospital, temple, commercial mall, offices, theatres and a boutique hotel. The multi-amenity clubhouse features a gymnasium and spa, indoor gaming zone, restaurant, pool, badminton, squash, and a multipurpose hall. Outdoor activities include tennis, basketball, jogging track, musical fountain, cricket, and mini golf. Located in the suburban commercial hub of Andheri, ‘Kanakia WallStreet’ offers 10,00,000 sq ft of office space, the architecture reflects the heavy stone work buildings that lace the kilometre long Wall Street (New York). However, the classical gothic style fades away with the introduction of double glazed glass and aluminium fins on the facade. Creating its own identity, using colour and depth variations of the fins, the facade appears as silhouettes of human figures. The office spaces range from 800 sq ft to 50,000 sq ft, featuring amenities that include an executive lounge, valet and concierge services, and a news room. One of the key design considerations is the emphasis on personal health and well-being of the modern age entrepreneurs and employees. The landscaped terrace gardens and cafes, indoor gaming zone, and library make for ideal breakout spaces. Sleeping pods have been designed owing to those who pull the late nights and all-nighters in the competitive environment.
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rooms, 25 junior suites, 5 executive suites, 17 2BR family suites and 7 3BR family suites. Several lifestyle and fitness amenities are also bundled into the design of the property including a state-of-the-art health club, spa, and a roof-top swimming pool.
Another interesting project that has been awarded the Best Residential High Rise Development – India at the Asia Pacific 2015 Awards by International Property Awards is ‘Transcon Triumph’. The luxury residential project is a 42 storey tower with exclusive two and three bedroom residences, penthouses, an entertainment deck with lavish features, themed landscapes, and a crowning sky deck. The project has also been Highly Commended under the categories: Residential High-rise Architecture – India, Residential Development – India, and Apartment – India. Could you elaborate on your upcoming project Altitude in Sri Lanka and some of the recent projects executed in Dubai and other parts of India and the world? While Sri Lanka conspicuously represents the intersection of global desires and influences, ‘Altitude’ shall inculcate a theme of the rich heritage and its 1996 Cricket World Cup victory that fuses with the contemporary modern design. Right from the vast open landscaped surroundings, to the amenities inside the high-rise structure, Altitude has been designed not just as a mixeduse high-rise development, but as a revenue-generating landmark
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structure that shall identify Sri Lanka. The mixed-use high-rise incorporates various private and public spaces including luxurious apartments and penthouses, retail and commercial spaces, a revolving speciality restaurant, an indoor cricket training facility, and a 360degree observatory. Two of our recently completed projects in the Middle East include the Auris Fakhruddin Hotel Apartments (Dubai) and the Landmark Fujairah (Fujairah). Auris Fakhruddin Hotel Apartments, located in Dubai Sports City, is only a 15 minute drive to new the Al Maktoum International airport. The 304 key property incorporates apartments that are spacious and elegantly furnished, with en-suite bathroom and amenities, dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, gracefully divided just to provide a high-profile accommodation for business and leisure. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, and with a spectacular view of the Hajar mountains, the ‘Landmark Hotel Fujairah’ offers a memorable experience of this historical city. With a total of 241 keys, the property hosts 175 classic rooms, 12 deluxe
Another landmark project that we have recently completed is ‘The Concord’ at Nairobi, Kenya: an elegant four-star property featuring the best of convenience, luxury and entertainment. The atmosphere and vibe of the space is modern and luxurious with hints of traditional African accents creating the ‘wow’ factor. The 86 key property is tastefully executed, radiating warmth and sophistication; offering the finest indulgence and lifestyle designed around the guests needs and wishes. The property also features specialised restaurants and cafés: Umami, Curry Flavors, Bonhomie, and the Oasis Bar. The Concord comes replete with a fine mix of luxurious amenities including banquet facilities, an aquamarine pool, and spa, and health club services. What are your views on the prospects for more sophisticated architecture in India over the coming years? With projects getting grandiose in scale and complexity, and the Indian real estate market opening up to international standards of designing, it certainly seems certain that the future of Indian architecture is headed towards a more sophisticated era. As the focus on the future of the country comes into perspective, efforts have been made by various organisations to popularise sustainable construction practices. Developers are showing strong commitment to deliver advanced designs without drastically increased budgets. Increased day lighting with innovative facades, structural glass to gain increased transparency, reuse/recycle materials for minimum wastage are considered at the initial phases of design. These are just basic steps towards better living for our future.