Volume 13. Issue 03. March 2019 Rs. 25/-
THE
INSIDE TRACK CONNECTING THE DESIGN COMMUNITY Now view our web edition at www.theinsidetrack.in
Cover Story
W
hile the world is s t e a d f a s t l y w o rk i n g towards fighting global warming and energy crisis, India is still a step behind. India is one of the top polluters contributing around 4.9% of greenhouse gas emissions, and additionally, our building industry is a major consumer of energy. Hence, the best way to tackle cataclysmic damage is preempt it and encourage energyefficient innovations. Delhi-based practice Ant St ud i o’s eva p o r a t i ve c o o l i n g system, Beehive, may have started as a site-specific installation to counter the industry generated heat, but now has become a scalable passive cooling prototype. Monish Siripurapu, the principal architect of Ant Studio explains, “The pilot Beehive project was installed to cool down a driveway of an office building, where a diesel generator set was installed. The DG set added to the outdoor heat, scaling the temperatures to 4045°C and making the temperature differential between indoor and outdoor unhealthily vast. With electricity consumption of 3.5 units a day, Beehive was able to achieve a drop of 10-15°C, while restoring thermal comfort to the employees.” The studio’s invention was one of the twelve winners in the Asia-Pacific Low-Carbon Lifestyles
Keeping Cool With Beehive
Ant Studio’s passive cooling alternative to air-conditioning is energy efficient and aids in reducing the carbon footprint. BY SHWETA SALVI
Beehive adopts evaporative cooling technique wherein air is allowed to pass through soaked earthen pots to bring down the temperature
Connectors and joinery hardware that efficiently holds the structure of the system
Challenge, winning a US$10,000 grant from UN Environment to further develop and enhance the system. Beehive was lauded for using zero refrigerants and only a fraction of the power of regular units. Beehive adopts the traditional evaporative cooling technique, which essentially imitates function of perspiration in human body. Taking cues from our tradition of storing water in earthen pots to naturally cool water, this system continued on page 2
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THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
THE
INSIDE TRACK
CONTENTS
March 2019
COVER Keeping Cool STORY With Beehive 1 Geberit Technology Centre Opens In Pune 6 Tapestry Of Metaphors 8 New Shower Heads By GRAFF® 10 ISH 2019 Opens In Frankfurt 12 The precast terracotta units are cast by local potters
Combining Realism With Emotion 14
continued from page 1 uses the same principle but in a reverse manner. “We let the air pass through the earthen pots soaked in water. Calibrating the traditional method with modern computational tools, CFD analysis
and material research, we were able to reduce the energy consumption and carbon footprint of cooling drastically,” says Monish. The apt use of material, technique and geometry collectively continued on page 4
Haute Living 15 Scrap Re-engineered 16 Beyond The Wall 18 Spaces Goes Organic! 19 CIFF: As Big As It Gets 20 The Latest On Recent Launches And Products 22 The 2019 Pritzker Prize 24
Owner, Publisher & Printer Mr. Anish R. Bajaj for Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd. Printed at Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd., B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green Road, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033. Published at B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green Road, Mumbai 400 033 Tel (022) 23736133/1, 23743069 Editor Mr. Anish R. Bajaj THE INSIDE TRACK Volume 13. Issue 03. March 2019. English - Monthly. This issue contains 24 pages including both covers.
Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Assistant Editor S h w e t a S a l v i . L a y o u t D e s i g n D a r s h a n Pa l a v, S n i g d h a Hodarkar M a r ke t i n g : Mumbai, Sheetal Waghmare Mob: 9833301852, B 62, Cotton Exchange Bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 Tel: (022) 23736133/1, 23743069 Email:response@marvelinfomedia. com. Chennai Mr. S. Venkataraaman, Flat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam Main Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073 Tel: (044) 22281128 Mob: 9444021128 Email: svenkat@marvelinfomedia. com
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THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
continued from page 2 plays a critical role in making the system effective. “While designing the system, we tested various configurations and the present geometry inspired by a beehive turned out to be the most efficient,” Monish elaborates fur ther, “Cooling effect was paramount while designing and with cylindrical pots we realised that we can use both sides for cooling and even the negative spaces between the stacked pots helps in cooling.” The modular design of Beehive enables the installation to be fabricated in parts which can be assembled at the desired place. The system efficiently performs a dual role of cooling and purifying the air. Biofilm of micro algae forms naturally on these terracotta pots and feed on the emitted carbon, thus enhancing the air quality. Moreover, Beehive is maintenance friendly and is designed to function efficiently up to 3 years, post which you can replace the pots. “We believe that functional art is the future,” says Monish. Beehive promises to be an ecological and economical art installation. Apart from the necessary thermal comfort, Beehive also renders a complete sensorial stimulation the subtle scent of petrichor, sound
Material, technique and geometry plays a critical role in making the system effective
The first Beehive installation was installed at Deki Electronics in Noida
effect of a brook brimming over terracotta pots, and the visually appealing beehive structure which adopts biomimetic design - while consuming only 40% of energy when compared to other systems. Beehive’s modular design makes it scalable in terms of the radius of effect and space, enabling it to be used at airports, railway stations,
Beehive cooling system installed at IISF, Lucknow
open public spaces, exhibition galleries and corporate parks. The studio has been resolutely working on creating various modules and aims to come up with efficient indoor cooling options. “Beehive is designed as a modular and sizeable product and will be available through the IKEA assembly format, where
THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
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customers can choose to scale down costs by picking out parts and assembling the installation themselves,” explains Monish. They plan to initially channel sales primarily through E-commerce while simultaneously catering to commissioned work enquires. Monish strongly advocates the need to adopt passive cooling methods as a norm and not an alternative. “Unfortunately, our lifestyles dictate that we spend most of our time indoors, however, we must find ways to overthrow systems that are not energyefficient. Sadly, our current Indian rating system doesn’t support passive innovations. In fact, it encourages artificial cooling.”
When a wave of the West swept over, Indian architects and designers abandoned ancient Indian building practices that upheld building with nature, which eventually upset the environmental balance. Monish believes, our lifestyles, our needs, the material use, and the aesthetic expectations have all changed, but by bringing in newer sensibilities and state-of-art technology, we can rediscover those vanishing passive design strategies. Hence, there arises a need to explore these strategies and reinterpret the knowledge of the past to suit the needs of the present and the future.
Monish is not just thinking o f h e r e a n d n o w, b u t a l s o prognosticating future eventualities, “Why should one cool an entire volume, say like a house? What if personal cooling is the future? “With the wondrous new-age smart devices, what if
the cooling system could just cool the bubble around us, and not the entire space?” T h a t ’s a c o n c e p t w o r t h investigating. Contact Email: monish@ant-studio.org web: www.ant-studio.org
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THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
Spot Light
G
eberit India is a subsidiary of the global giant that specialises in manufacturing and supplying sanitary systems. It is a leader in its field in Europe with a global presence throughout the world. Geberit produces pionering products, such as full drainage systems, flush-mounted systems, and new components for the hygiene sector. The company has been recognised around the world for its innovative strength, product design and its strong focus on sustainability. Geberit India recently opened its Technology Centre at its manufacturing unit in Chakan, Pune.This new centre houses a plumbing tower and showroom, showcasing the latest innovative products from Geberit under the Design meets Function umbrella - spread over three floors. The inaugural event, saw an overwhelming participation from the guests comprising of channel partners,
Geberit Technology Centre Opens In Pune Geberit India recently opened a state of the art Technology Centre at its manufacturing unit in Chakan, Pune.
Geberit India recently opened its Technology Centre at its manufacturing unit in Chakan, Pune
architects, consultant’s, builders, developers and other well-wishers of Geberit. The event was organised with the theme of “Innovation” and this key message got validated and confirmed during the customer interactions at the event. The attendees included Mr. Othmar Hardegger, Consul General, Consulate General of Switzerland, Mumbai, Ronald van Triest, Head of Division International, Member of the Group Executive Board, Geberit International AG and Mr. Bruno Rubino, Managing Director, Geberit Manufacturing, Pune along with Mr. Abubaker Koya, Managing DIrector of Geberit India, who is spearheading Geberit’s successful business growth in India. Contact web: www.geberit.in
Mr. Othmar Hardegger, Consul General, Consulate General of Switzerland, Mumbai, Ronald van Triest, Head of Division International, Member of the Group Executive Board, Geberit International AG and Mr. Bruno Rubino, Managing Director, Geberit Manufacturing, Pune along with Mr. Abubaker Koya, Managing DIrector of Geberit India
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THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
A Photo Credits: Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai
type of weave, a skill of embroidery, and even a pigment of a dye have the faculty to trace back histories of its origin. That’s the power of textile - a medium that transcends class, religion, and geography. India has been abundantly blessed with rich ancient textiles and techniques that are unique to different parts of the country - some that are labourintensive, some that resonate with
Installation of Shakuntala Kulkarni, Untitled, 2011-12
Connecting Threads, adopted textile as a medium to create visual and spatial metaphors that traced complex histories through contemporary art. BY SHWETA SALVI
Monali Meher, Running Thread, 2018, red wool wrapped aroud the Museum’s grand staircase, temporary site specific installation
most beautifully about histories. It tenaciously traverses back through various transitions spanning different centuries and geographies.” Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum was an apt venue for this exhibition, where these installations are strategically juxtaposed with the museum’s original exhibits, and together with the ethnographic documentation of the museum created a cohesive tapestry. Sharmila Samant’s The Bombay Weaves, a metaphorical tableau that catalogs various cultures and communities which form the fabric of Photo Credits: Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai
Indian art scene like Anita Dube, Anju Dodiya, Archana Hande, Desmond Lazaro, Lavanya Mani, Manish Nai, Manisha Parekh, Monali Meher, Nilima Sheikh, Paula Sengupta, Priya Ravish Mehra, Pushpamala N, Rakhi Peswani, Reena Saini Kallat, Shakuntala Kulkarni, Sharmila Samant, Shezaad Dawood had showcased their work. The exhibition transcended mere celebrating of the rich textile history of India; it weaved together the intersecting socio-cultural issues, political histories, commerce, and modern day concerns. Curator Puja Vaish says, “Fabric talks
Mumbai, was an interactive installation. Colour coded thread spools represented the diverse demography of Mumbai and referring to these historical categorisations of community profiles, Samant reimagined its impact on contemporary India. Manish Nai has created a screen that also acted as a physical partition within the museum. Nai used old discarded clothing which he collected from his mother and other relatives. The clothing was compressed in a mould using heat which allowed them to maintain the shape. The final structure disassociates the individualistic identity of the used garments and creates a monolithic homogenised form. Running Thread, a temporary alteration of the museum staircase, was an acknowledgement of the various transitions the museum has undergone since its conception. This site-specific project was executed by Netherlandbased artist Monali Meher. The thread work also alluded to the sacred red threads that are often tied over structural elements in Hindu temples as a prayer ritual. Intersecting with the British documentations of textile which are part of the museum exhibits, Lavanya Mani and Archana Hande’s work presented an abstraction of western influences, trade patterns and cultural adaption. Mani’s Vices, a painting
Photo Credits: Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai
geographical identity, while some with its ethnicity. Connecting Threads: Textiles in Contemporary Practice, an exhibition curated by Zakaria Mehta and Puja Vaish, recently concluded its successful run at Mumbai’s Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum. It showcased works of contemporary artists who have invoked metaphoric narratives through the medium of textiles. In the process, it provided nuanced understanding of the tradition, craft, and its modern interpretation. Some of the big names from the
Tapestry Of Metaphors The recently concluded exhibition, Photo Credits: Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai
Spot Light
Anita Dube, ‘Silence (Blood Wedding)’ (front) and Ah (a sigh) (back)
Installation view of Rakhi Peswani, ‘Fruits of Labour (A Monument to Exhaustion)’, 2013
Photo Credits: Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai
THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
Installation view of Reena Kallat, ‘Walls of the Womb’, 2007
on kalamkari, explores larger ideas of power politics, and cultural exchange. Puja further elucidates, ‘In these curated works, Lavanya has harnessed her deep understanding of traditional craft to highlight culture hybridisation. These works beautifully portray how excessive westernisation has diluted the purist form.’ Through a customised block printed story board – Archana Hande has created a tongue-in-cheek story on fabric that comments on the rapid urban growth, while using Dharavi slums as the backdrop. The boards are also adopted in a motion film format. While Dube’s iconic works, Silence (Blood Wedding) and Ah (A Sigh) were counterbalanced with Pushpamala’s work. For Blood Wedding, Dube transformed a skeleton - formerly used by her brother while studying medicine - into objects including a garland, a fan, and a flower, etc., wrapped in red velvet. The bones embody visceral notions of death and desire when covered by the opulent fabric. Whereas Pushpamala’s photographic work celebrates attire and identity, which finds resonance with ethnographic work of British documentation present in the museum. Rakhi Peswani‘s installation Fruits of Labour was an ode to labour. A tent like shelter overlaid with personal clothing, this fabric structure derived its inspiration from relief shelters/tents pitched at sites of displacement, construction, migrations, and devastations. Displayed in the Kamalnayan Bajaj Special Exhibitions Gallery, Neelima’s Sheikh’s Rozgaar series pays homage to artisan and craftsman of Kashmir valley. Rich textile traditions are layered with political histories, labour, textiles workers, while articulately juxtaposing tools with weapons that reflect the current situation in the valley. Whereas, Shezaad Dawood drew inspiration from his childhood - his work Point and I will Follow represents memories of partition and alludes to connected cultures, multiple geographies and evolution of traditions through his work
with vintage textiles. Fabric is a versatile material that weaves not just tangible embroideries, but intangible memories as well. Reena Saini Kallat’s staggering installation, Walls of the Womb that was displayed in the Special Project space, is an autobiographical series, where Reena reimagines her deceased mother’s memories. The work comprises of 12 sarees dyed in traditional bandhani technique. Using the handwritten recipes from her mother’s book, she abstracted them in Braille and boarded them on crimson sarees. Another installation displayed here, of the celebrated artist Desmond Lazaro takes you down the memory lane.
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Desmond venerates his multicultural identity through his work Promise: Family Portraits. He mapped his personal history with the political history on fabric through embroidery, painting and a video. He collaborated with Chennai-based, French embroiderer, Jean Francois Lesage, to embroider his personal memories that take references from Pichvai traditions of lacework. While these chosen works were from various artists across the country, they all talk of human stories - personal and political both. Ultimately, textiles just don’t fashion bodies, they fashion histories, commerce and humanity. Contact email: enquiry@bdlmuseum.org web: www.bdlmuseum.org
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THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
Spot Light
G
RAFF®, the manufacturers of contemporary precisionengineered kitchen and bath products have recently unveiled their latest series of ceiling mounted shower heads. Manufactured in stainless steel, the products assure a lasting, superlative performance, characterised by a minimal design and clean lines that suit any decor. As part of GRAFF’s shower programme, the latest shower
New Shower ® Heads By GRAFF Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the USA, with locations throughout Europe, GRAFF has been globally recognised since 1922 at the forefront of design in the luxury bathroom and kitchen markets. BY NATALIE PEDDER-BAJAJ
GRAFF ceiling mounted showerhead with mist
heads are available in a rectangular, square and circular silhouette that incorporate dual rain and mist actions that deliver an uber luxe spa experience.
GRAFF ceiling mounted showerhead with LED and rain
Enjoy that unique sensory experience with GRAFF showers, as any design from its collection will create a soothing ambience with mist and light, a delightful end to an otherwise chaotic day. The recessed circular shower head is also available without a mist function, but all come furnished with full spectrum LED chromotherapy that is easily regulated by remote control. GRAFF’s M-Series is a modular concealed system with a trouble free efficient installation.The series is composed of a thermostatic unit, two diverters and a cut-off valve that can be combined into a single compact block. The new ceiling-mounted shower heads can be matched to any of GRAFF’s contemporary collections, allowing them be operated by concealed elements compatible with the M-series system. With GRAFF’s latest M-series collection, now even a private apartment can have the indulgence of a wellness spa! Contact web: www.graff-designs.com
GRAFF ceiling mounted showerhead with LED
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THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
Spot Light
I
SH, the world’s leading trade fair for HVAC + Water continues to gain attraction, both nationally and internationally. ISH is a pacesetter in issues of climate protection, design and smart building. From 11 to 15 March the world’s biggest meeting for the industry is set to take place at Frankfurt am Main where a total of 2,532 exhibitors from 57 countries will be showing their innovations, developments
ISH 2019 Opens In Frankfurt ISH, the trend setting exhibition for the
bathroom and sanitary industry opens in Frankfurt where issues of climate protection, design and smart building will come to the fore.
The industry is faced by many challenges and ISH becomes a meeting ground for an exchange of information between the different trade sectors
and world’s firsts, as pace-setters for an efficient and likewise convenient future for buildings. The industry is faced by many challenges and ISH becomes a meeting ground for an exchange of information between the different
trade sectors. It is this key knowledge exchange that makes ISH the world’s leading trade fair for the HVAC sector. Almost 40 percent of visitors came from abroad, from growth regions such as Asia and Eastern Europe.
ISH will host talks and lectures featuring best practices, seminars, special shows, panel discussions, competitions and tours of the fair
Every two years ISH covers the whole range of the HVAC sector: exhibitors launch new products, designers set trends, decision makers network with one another and visitors are provided with a broad range of practical and theoretical knowledge.
ISH will have a completely new structure in 2019, thus strengthening synergies between the exhibitors and visitors. The various complementary programme at the ISH is devoted additionally to current developments.
THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
ISH will host talks and lectures featuring best practices, seminars, special shows, panel discussions, competitions and tours of the fair. Visitors will have numerous opportunities to expand their knowledge, enjoy discussions with each other, make new business contacts and coordinate business. Against this background, three overarching categories will structure the events at ISH. At Career@ISH exhibitors and visitors will find wideranging and various topics covering every aspect of training and further training. Skills@ISH will comprise a series of talks forums and furthertraining opportunities, and under the heading Selection@ISH will be found, trend forums and fair tours. This week of interaction featuring the worlds’s leading firms and their pioneering products, expert talks and lectures, and networking opportunities with peers from across the globe turns ISH into the mega industry gathering which sets the tone for the future of the bath, sanitary and wellness industry. Contact web: www.ish.messefrankfurt.com
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THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
Interview
L
L.N.Tallur a craftsman but also a philosopher, asks us to be conscious, curious viewers. What project are you working on now?
Photos Credits Anil Rane And Cathy Carver Courtesy Gallery Chemould
N.Tallur, born in 1971, is an international visual artist who spent his early years growing up in a rural community of Karnataka. His education in art began with an M.A. degree in Contemporary Fine Art Practice from India.
Combining Realism With Emotion
I am working on a survey show of a selection of 30 of my works created during the last 12 years of my practice. It’s called ‘Interference Fringe’ and has been curated by Gary Garrido Schneider. It opens on the 5th of May, 2019 at Grounds for sculpture at Hamilton which is a one hour drive from New York City. The show will go on till January 2020. Let this be an open invitation for all your readers.
L.N. Tallur
Recently, The Inside Track sat down with L.N.Tallur for a tête-àtête, thanks to which we were given a peek into the behind the scenes operation of his latest work. We share here the Q&A which allowed us to plumb the depth of his creative soul and gauge the expertise of his unique set of skills. We believe you live and work out of two countries, namely India and Korea. How does this help your art? I have a studio each in India and South Korea. During the Korean winter, I live in Kundapur in India and during the Indian summer, I am in Daegu in South Korea. Photos Credits Anil Rane And Cathy Carver Courtesy Gallery Chemould
Next was an M.F.A. degree from the Leeds Metropolitan University, UK, followed by a degree in Museology from Maharaja Sayyajirao University of Baroda, and a B.F.A. (Painting) from (CAVA), Mysore University. In the year 2012 he won the Škoda award in the Indian contemporary art category. His works often speak of the acute poverty which is prevalent in several pockets of India. Employing Indian signs and symbols, Tallur conceives works that are characteristic of the underbelly of India. Through a clever handling of his art, he successfully manages to translate the anxiety of the subject matter to a global audience. Presently, Tallur divides his time between India and South Korea.
Smoke Out
Staying in two countries was a deliberate plan, to break monotony. It is an exercise to think through brain memory and muscle memory. Talk about your recent public sculpture. My public sculpture ‘Coinage’ in Manipal completes its first a n n i ve r s a r y t h i s we e k . T h i s sculpture represents the local history of the Alupa Kingdom and contemporary history through coins and also coin making. It is a 27 feet high sculpture made of 7 different stones. I have given this sculpture to the Manipal Group on a long term loan. This new system in public sculpture making may help sculptors, as we don’t have a public sculpture making culture here, except for making someone’s bust. Are there any messages that you send out through the art you create from time to time? Contemporary art is not a propaganda based medium. It does not claim to send out a message. As a practitioner of contemporary art, I respond to the happenings around me and if someone sees a message in it, probably our experience and responses to those happenings match. I don’t see anything beyond that.
Can you tell us a little bit about the theme of the show? An Indian sculpture from the 10 th century is my inspiration. It is a sculpture belonging to Madya Pradesh and is currently in the possession of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I am responding to this sculpture through my work. The museum is lending this piece to the exhibition and it will be juxtaposed with my sculptures. It is a broken part of a bigger sculpture and the museum has labelled it ‘Terrifying Attendant Spirits’. I will be responding to this sculpture using bone as a medium. What part of creating art you enjoy the most? The process of thinking and then making is what I enjoy the most. For example, in my work titled Alzheimer, wood is intentionally infested with white ants. I controlled that invasion of wood using termite repellents. It was an amazing experience to watch how it is possible to take the help of little insects. Also, according to me this represents how our cultural memory is slowly being eaten away. Contact web: www.tallur.com www.gallerychemould.com
THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
Spot Light
C
outuriers have always been drawn to interiors. From Ralph Lauren’s timeliness homes to Armani Hotels, they see spaces as an extension of their craft and Tarun Tahiliani is no different. Opened in 2017, Ahilia Homes by Tarun Tahiliani is an end-toend design service dealing with architecture, landscaping, restoration, redevelopment, interior design and turnkey projects. AIS Glass Villa in the village of Nachinola in Goa is being developed by Ahilia Homes with support from AIS Glasxperts, the architectural division of AIS that specialises in applied glass. Surrounded by verdant fields in the backwaters of Goa, this twolevel luxury home has four spacious bedrooms, manicured gardens and a glass infinity pool! This glass and laterite stone villa is an ode to local tradition and modern technology. A typical Goan courtyard plan has been opened-out using steel columns, huge fold out glass doors and glass ‘walls’ in the bedrooms that frame old trees and lets in the light.
Haute Living Asahi India Glass Ltd (AIS) and Tarun Tahiliani
come together to create a one-of-its-kind living space in Goa. BY NATALIE PEDDER-BAJAJ
This glass and laterite stone villa is an ode to local tradition and modern technology
What distinguishes the AIS Glass Villa is the extensive use of glass which not only lowers UV radiation, noise and dust, but also provides safety, security and privacy for its residents
Tarun Tahiliani explains, “In this architectural project, we have looked at what makes a Goan home special, what has stood the test of time, what should be retained and what should be replaced or enhanced by technology. Enter Sameep Padora, the architect, the use of cutting-edge glass solutions that blend with the other building materials and what you get is a unique Villa by the river. The three main features of the living room are the doubleheight ceilings, the sunken seating pit and a dining area around a cluster of trees almost at the level of water.”
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Glass Villa - Living Room (Night View)
What distinguishes the AIS Glass Villa is the extensive use of glass which not only lowers UV radiation, noise and dust, but also provides safety, security and privacy for its residents. Organically flowing interiors drenched in muted shades of ivory, taupe, grey and black, jewel-like chinoiseries, delicate floral inlays, carved silver leaf panels, bespoke wallpapers and mood lighting are but some of the elements that seamlessly come together in the home - think of travelogues peppered with family heirlooms, evoking nostalgia and stories of the past, reinterpreted in a contemporary style. Contact web: www.ahiliahomes.com www.aisglass.com
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THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
Spot Light
R
adhika Khaitan Mittal and Madhvi Khaitan Pittie, started their eco-business called WorkshopQ, simply by first feeling overwhelmed by the vast quantity of waste lying all around us and then by thinking up out-ofthe-box solutions to deal with it. “As like-minded sisters, we wanted to start a movement instead of just a ‘business’. WorkshopQ was born out of a need to innovate with creativity, sustainability, and functionality,” share the duo. WorkshopQ creates stunning lifestyle home accessories by reengineering seemingly useless scrapped and trashed material generated by households and factories. Moreover, WorkshopQ h o p e s t o i n c re a s e a w a re n e s s concerning both ecological and social responsibilities through its unique range of products. Both Madhvi and Radhika are constantly researching ways to convert discarded objects into environment friendly products with the help of clever designing, innovation and above all up-cycling. “Upon moving back to India after 4 years, we realised the trivial emphasis placed on recycling and how people perceived ecofriendly accessories as only all that is earthy and rustic looking. With WorkshopQ we wanted to prove to people that being eco-friendly can also mean lots of fun and all it requires for anybody is to merely look at things differently,” share the sisters cum partners. The list of functional and attractive products created by these eco-warriors is pretty exhaustive and includes trays, clocks, mirrors, desktop accessories, lamps, candelabras, tissue boxes, frames and what-have-you.
Motherboard Coaster
Scrap Re-engineered WorkshopQ crafts lifestyle objects from discarded material that are completely eco-friendly and 100% handmade. BY MALA BAJAJ
Unlock Keys Frame
WorkshopQ recently completed a project for Ashok Leyland where they created a ‘Transformer’ sculpture out of leftover truck parts. This ‘Partsformer’ sculpture emulating the Bumblebee character from the movie Transformers, was made out of 1600 kg of waste truck parts. A carpenter’s workshop is from where WorkshopQ scours waste wooden pieces which are then sliced, buffed, polished and beveled to be turned into their Polygonal wooden clocks. Made from old vinyl records, their clocks can perk up any interior space with their vintage feel. Whilst still providing clues of an era gone by, each clock is as eco-friendly as it is unique. The Metallurgy paperweight reuses old bolts and the Metallurgy candlestand reuses old machine gears, bolts and screws. These provide an elegant way to add an industrial aesthetic to living spaces. In order to challenge our perception of industrial waste, the Metallurgy ranges play with the raw visual qualities of unseen spare parts finished in high quality metallic paints.
Metal & Waste Veneer Desk Set
The WorkshopQ photo frames are made out of carefully piecing together rusty old keys and brushing them with an everlasting coat of metallic paint. A fusion of 30 rustic keys makes each and every photo frame totally unique. Rusty old vintage keys are also transformed into pen-stands, by careful hand selection and brushing with a coat of metallic paint. 25 old keys go into the making of every totally unique pen stand. Their eye-catching range of simple trays is created by using salvaged wood splashed with rainbow hues. The chevron pattern edging on the perimeter adds a subtle touch to these trays WorkshopQ’s range of mirrors is carefully handcrafted from waste strips of high carbon steel. These can be used to lend a chic touch to any part of your house. Completely handmade using a no-glue technique where all the steel strips are linked with nuts and bolts, make these mirrors even more sustainable.
Motherboards are an integral part of e-waste. “We have stripped out those very motherboards from old discarded computers and upcycled them (again by hand) to create a series of coasters. After all it is well known that motherboards are hardly kind to Mother Nature,” shares Radhika. Another contemporary set of coasters is made out of vibrant pieces of discarded aluminium panels procured from the scrapyard of an aluminium factory. These panels are topped with recycled wood pieces and finally finished neatly with a cork base. Wine corks cut and assembled together are bound together around an MDF frame and covered with scrap cloth to create another set of coasters. Yet another range of rustic yet contemporary coasters is made using wood salvaged out of old crates. Once transformed, they turn into attractive and functional musthaves, essential to any home. Picture frames are conjured up using old bicycle chains that would have been otherwise thrown into landfills. These are dusted with a bit of gold so as to disguise their origin and make them look attractive. “We do wish that more and more people get inspired by WorkshopQ, because by following in our footprints they are sure to lower their own carbon footprint which of course is the imminent need of the hour,” opine the sisters. Contact web: www.workshopq.com
Metallurgy Candlestands
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THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
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V
entura International was conjured up by two individuals with a passion for higher-calibre products. Two young MBA graduates realised early on the limitations in the existing interior and furniture markets and with the emergence of liberalised import rules, they made premium international interior and architectural products easily accessible to the local markets. Since 1994, helmed by founders Manish Maheshwari and Prashant Maheshwari, Ventura International has become synonymous with superior products and exceptional customer experiences. The Wallenstein range from Ventura International is extremely versatile with rust, stone and metal options available to suit any space and decor. According to Mr. Manish Maheshwari, “The Wallenstein h a n d c r a f t e d l a m i n a t e s f ro m Germany will give a sensual look to any interior creating a vintage feel and shine through innovative composition and design.
Beyond The Wall
Ventura International, a front runner in opulent wall surfaces brings to the market handmade metallic designer laminates from German Brand Wallenstein. BY NATALIE PEDDER-BAJAJ
The Wallenstein range from Ventura International is extremely versatile with rust, stone and metal options available to suit any space and decor
Available in sizes of 2440 x 1220 mm (8’ x 4’) and a thickness of 1.5 mm, finishes include grey stone, rust silver, Corten steel, old messing and vintage
Anthracite Steel
The unique texture and reflective properties of the material generate a novel optical characteriser that gives your walls an almost artistic like appearance. The brand also offers its customers beautiful concrete and steel finished surfaces which can be used not only in residential projects but commercial spaces as well.” Designs have been fashioned to reproduce an aged metallic patina that makes them appear believably authentic and brings about a brand new element into an otherwise ordinary space. Because of its exquisiteness and finesse, the Wallenstein range of laminates will not only blend with but also add to the design aesthetics and architecture of a
Vintage
space - their iridescence and antique look truly mesmerising. The Wallenstein range of laminates by Ventura International are also ecologically harmless and easy to recycle, featuring natural and UV resistant surfaces that can be conveniently processed along with regular commercial wood working machines. Available in sizes of 2440 x 1220 mm (8’ x 4’) and a thickness of 1.5 mm, finishes include grey stone, rust silver, Corten steel, old messing and vintage. Applications are enormous as they can be used as part of an interior design scheme, commercial spaces, as wall cladding and even as furniture! Contact web: www.venturaindia.com
THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
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Y
ou can now go all organic with the new range of S PA C E S o r g a n i c b a t h and bed linen collection. While organic products have made their debut beyond the food and beauty industry, it is now finding a place in the bed and bath linen segment as well. The SPACES bed and bath sheets are made up of 100% organic cotton and have a WelTrak patent which will help you trace the origin of the cotton raw materials throughout the supply chain from farm to the retail shelf. Not only is it certified by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), it additionally has a Made in Green label by OekoTex which enables you to scan the logo and trace the manufacturing process of the product. Breaking the stereotype of organic products being dull and boring, the range of SPACES bed and bath sheets are designed with elegant prints and vibrant colours. This unique range of organic bedsheets are a perfect blend of ecofriendly composition and designs. The organic cotton products are free from synthetic chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides, the cotton used to make this range of bed linen is 100% natural, organic and sustainable. The dyes and chemicals used in the production process are non-toxic and the products a re c o m p l e t e l y e n v i ro n m e n t friendly made in safe and socially responsible work places. This new range allows you to embrace
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Spaces Goes Organic! SPACES launches their new Organic range of bed and bath linen.
Breaking the stereotype of organic products being dull and boring, the range of SPACES bed and bath sheets are designed with elegant prints and vibrant colours
sustainable and healthy living with luxurious and well designed organic sheets that are a perfect for your home.
The SPACES organic range of bed and bath linen is priced between Rs. 2999 to Rs. 4499 and is available the Spaces retail
showrooms and in and all leading lifestyle stores. Contact web: www.spaces.in
The dyes and chemicals used in the production process are non-toxic and the products are completely environment friendly
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THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
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he 43 rd edition of China International Furniture Fair will take place in Guangzhou over two phases, divided according to product sector: the first phase, from 18 to 21 March 2019, is dedicated to home furnishings, outdoor and leisure furniture, home dĂŠcor and home textiles; and the second
CIFF: As Big As It Gets CIFF Guangzhou will host over 4,100 exhibitors gathered in an exhibition space extending over 760,000 square metres that caters to the world’s projects and hotel contracting needs.
CIFF is one of the biggest in the world with the mega-producers of furniture and decor in China all vying for attention
phase, from 28 to 31 March, will be for office furniture, hotel furnishings, accessories, metal furniture, and furnishings for public spaces and reception areas,
A conference (Spring) 2019 will also take place within the confines of this mega-event; through forums and meetings with designers and experts, it will analyze the evolution of lifestyles, explore new trends, and offer new inspiration
THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
as well as materials and machinery for the furniture industry. The trade fair is one of the biggest in the world with the megaproducers of furniture and decor in China all vying for attention. It is possibly where the entire world goes to shop for their project and hotel contracting needs. Decorations, objects, fabrics, lamps, and accessories for the home, but also ideas, details, fusion of different styles and cultures will be staged at the 43rd CIFF Guangzhou. The Home Décor & Home Textile segment, from 18 to 21 March 2019, will be a celebration of home and lifestyle decoration in which countless products will be presented and multiple themes will be developed in order to give life to the ‘Interior decoration living space.’ This section will occupy 11 pavilions where 700 exhibitors will propose integrated solutions in response to growing décor demand, covering all themes within the furnishing accessory category: accent items, sculpture, glass, art and handicraft, paintings, Zen
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The exhibition is a celebration of home and lifestyle decoration in which countless products are presented and multiple themes will be on display
art, floral art, lighting, bed linens, furnishing fabrics, and carpeting. The China Interiors & Decorations Conference (Spring) 2019 will also take place within the confines of this mega-event; through forums and meetings with designers and experts, it will analyze the
evolution of lifestyles, explore new trends, and offer new inspiration. Without a doubt, excitement and innovation are the key words of the next edition of CIFF Guangzhou 2019. Contact web: www.ciff.furniture
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THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
Statement Chairs By Essentia Environments
It Products A Taste Of Luxury With O’ My Carpets O’MY by Anju Goyal has announced their new collection of luxury carpets. The brand led by a luxury professional ensures the carpet remains the centerpiece of your living space. This new collection captures the growing trend for a luxurious silk-like look to carpet in the home, offering excellent longevity and practicality. O’MY presents you with an array of choices which are a blend of traditional, bold and even eye catching ones.
The carpets offer texture and a luxurious touch to your spaces, from floral designs to classic designs made of Bamboo silk, each piece is a masterful creation. Contact www.omybyanju.com
Nutrifresh Blenders By Borosil Borosil has introduced a whole new range of appliances keeping in mind the modern Indian family, ensuring the highest quality parts and finest engineering with utmost dependability to suit a healthy lifestyle. The Borosil Nutrifresh blender is one such ideal appliance. The high speed blender and mixer is portable and comes with three
unbreakable polycarbonate jars - a blending jar, a smoothie jar (which can be used for direct consumption as well), and a smaller jar with a special blade for dry grinding hard masalas (garam masala, jeera, etc) and delicious chutneys. It even includes a spice seasoning lid, so that one can serve the spices directly from the small jar. Contact www.myborosil.com
Essentia Environments has launched its all new collection of Statement Chairs. Individualistic, plush and very regal. Exquisite metal details in gold and copper finish adds a dash of glamour. The creative mind of Design Diva Monica Chawla says, “Essentia Environments is defined by its
unambiguous and unapologetic approach to fine living. Each of the pieces that we design or curate is no doubt functional, however, they are also so much more in sense that they are all pieces of art and bring oodles of glamour to any space. ” Contact www.essentiaenvironments.com
Thick Solid Wood Sheets By Evowood EvoWood, the wood engineering brand recently unveiled its Design Series, 3.5 mm thick EvoLlae sheets. These carefully assimilate the various aspects of different wood species, such as color, texture and grain structure. These sheets are available in sizes up
to 8 feet by 2 feet and can be used to create distinctive table tops and highlighters in ceilings, floorings, walls, doors and furniture. Price range starts from Rs. 600-900 per square foot. Contact www.evowood.com
THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
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H&R Johnson Cool Roof Tiles
It Products Tresorie The Home Couture Destination Tresorie by Sonali Arora, presents an eclectic spring – summer collection to spruce up your home this season. From ethereal glass vases with flowers to glassware, serve ware, cushion covers and soft furnishings the entire spring summer range is a refreshing sight, which borrows cues from picturesque French Gardens.
It showcases a vivid turn from traditional whites, to more dramatic shades like tones of blues and greens. Contact: contactus@tresorie.co
The Outwud Pergola Collection From Span Floors
H&R Johnson has introduced their Endura Cool Roof SRI tiles. These unique tiles keep the harsh rays of sun off your building and bounce them back into the atmosphere. Apt for building roof, terrace, balcony and exterior façade (cladding), Endura has devised a special process of glazing that makes the tiles reflect most of the solar heat and reduces the surface temperature by 10° to 20° C in
extreme climate conditions. Thus improving indoor comfort and reducing the load on external cooling appliances. Although it is scientifically proven that white surface reflects heat like no other color, Endura Cool Roof SRI Tiles, due to the special glazing process can emit infra-red heat which is not possible with any regular white tile. Contact www.hrjohnsonindia.com
Iot-Enabled Orient Desert Air Cooler
Span Floors, a leading brand of wooden flooring in India bring their new collection Outwud Pergolas. The pergolas are a fully bespoke product and can be adapted to any size and specification based on client requirements. Understanding the need of the market, these pergolas are created using highly stable Vulcan Engineered elements.
Besides being extremely stable, it also comes with a warranty against termites and fungus. Outwud Pergolas is created with the vision to amplify the outdoor spaces with as much panache as their indoor rooms. They are available in a wide variety of color tones. Contact www.spanfloors.com
IoT technology gives you the freedom to operate it from anywhere, anytime. You can even get weather updates or set a timer for when you want to turn it on. Available in two colour options - Grey and Orange - The Orient Ultimo Desert Air Cooler features fan blades with AeroFan technology to ensure longest air delivery with low operating noise.
Other highlights include Honeycomb pads with DenseNest technology ensuring 25% more cooling with 45% more water retention, Auto Fill function, Anti mosquito breeding, anti-bacterial filter, ice chamber, cord winder, motorised louvers and castor wheels among others. Contact www.orientelectric.com
Postal Registration No. MCE/129/2017-19 RNI NO. MAHENG/2007/19853. WPP LICENSE NO. MR/TECH/WPP-266/East/2019. POSTED AT MUMBAI PATRIKA CHANNEL SORTING OFFICE, MUMBAI G.P.O. 400001. DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15th OF EVERY MONTH, dATE OF POSTING: 15th & 16th OF EVERY MONTH
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THE INSIDE TRACK March 2019
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I
t’s that time of the year when the highest professional honour in architecture is announced. Since its inception in 1979, The Pritzker Architecture Prize has honoured a living architect/ architects whose work has significantly contributed to humanity and the built environment. This year, venerated architect and theorist Arata Isozaki became the 46th recipient of the Pritzker Prize. Isozaki joins several luminaries from his country to become the 8th Japanese architect to win the coveted honour, which is often referred as ‘architecture’s Nobel’. Incidentally, Isozaki was also part of the first Pritzker Prize jury in 1979. Born in 1931, Isozaki commenced his practice when Japan was in ruins post World War II. During those dark times, the position of architecture in Japan had become obscure. So, he travelled extensively to find answers. The Pritzker Prize webpage quotes the laureate, “I wanted to see the world through my own eyes, so I travelled around the globe at least ten times
Arata Isozaki
The 2019 Pritzker Prize Eminent Japanese architect and city planner, Arata Isozaki has been recently announced as the 46th Pritzker laureate. BY SHWETA SALVI
Nara Centennial Hall, photo courtesy of Hisao Suzuki
before I turned thirty. I wanted to feel the life of people in different places and visited extensively inside Japan, but also to the Islamic world, villages in the deep mountains of China, South East Asia, and metropolitan cities in the U.S. I was trying to find any opportunities to do so, and through this, I kept questioning, ‘what is architecture?’” The visionary architect made critical contribution in reshaping Japan with structures like Ōita Medical Hall (1959-60) and Annex (1970-1972 Ōita, Japan), and the Ōita Prefectural Library (1962-1966 Ōita, Japan). Based in Okinawa, with offices across the world, Isozaki has always been lauded for truly representing global design through his work. He effectively bridged the East and the West in times when the
Domus La Casa del Hombre, photo courtesy of Hisao Suzuki
world was going through rapid westernisation. Isozaki became the first Japanese architect to build outside Japan, when he designed Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles in 1981, and thus opened an essential and well-informed dialogue across continents. His practice spans over six decades with over one hundred built works throughout Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Australia, and includes projects of different typology and scales. The 2019 Jury Citation states, “Possessing a profound knowledge of architectural history and theory, and embracing the avant-garde, he never merely replicated the status quo, but his search for meaningful architecture was reflected in his buildings that to this day, defy stylistic categorisations, are constantly evolving, and always fresh in their approach.” In his formative years, Isozaki was mentored by legendary architect and another Pritzker laureate, Kenzo Tange. Nine years later, he started out on his own and though his practice was influenced by Tange’s work, he constantly honed his own personal style, which is often viewed as ahead of its time. His vast repertoire boasts of all-inclusive global sensibilities that are infused with purpose and systematic approach. Though legitimately modern his work has always demonstrated a transnational range of building techniques, and
acute attention to context and details. Throughout his career, the laureate has supported and encouraged young architects and the jury has also acknowledged his spirit of generosity in its citation. He believes, design like everything else should evolve with time, and architecture should transcend eras and borders. One of his recent works Ark Nova, which is an inflatable concert hall, accurately represents today’s transitional architecture. The structure houses a 500-seat performance venue, and is made from a stretchy plastic membrane that could be quickly inflated or disassembled to be transported to a new location. Other prominent works include the Kitakyushu City Museum of Art (1972-1974 Fukuoka, Japan), Tsukuba Center Building, (19791983 Ibaraki, Japan), Art Tower Mito (1986-1990 Ibaraki, Japan), Nara Centennial Hall (1992-1998 Nara, Japan), Pala Alpitour (2002-2006 Torino, Italy), Himalayas Center (2003-2013 Shanghai, China), Allianz Tower (2003-2014 Milan, Italy), and Qatar National Convention Center (2004-2011 Doha, Qatar) Isozaki has been awarded with several honours including the RIBA Gold Medal for architecture and Leone d’Oro at the Venice Architectural Biennale, in recognition of his work. The 2019 Pritzker Prize ceremony will take place in May at Chateau de Versailles in Paris. Contact web: www.pritzkerprize.com
The tower, Art Tower MITO (1990), Yasuhiro ISHIMOTO