The Inside Track October 2018 by The Inside Track

Volume 12. Issue 10. October 2018 Rs. 25/-

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Cover Story

rchitecture is one of the most inventive professions. The outreach of this artform/science has grown substantially over the years. More events and exhibitions are being introduced globally that are creating an interaction on a massive scale between architects and society. One of the most popular and quite possibly the mother of all events is the Venice Biennale which walks us through a surreal landscape of architectural marvels. Also known as La Biennale Di Venezia, the Biennale was incepted in 1895 as an arts organization held in Venice, Italy, and slowly graduated to being referred to as the Art Biennale in 2009 so as to be able to distinguish its expansion into various art forms which included dance, cinema, music and theatre in addition to architecture. This biennially held architecture exhibition is taking place from 26th May to 25th November 2018 with previews already held on the 25th & 26th May 2018. Since it’s first ever theme introduced in 1972, the Biennale has always followed a newly introduced theme at each consequent edition.

The Biennale Architettura 2018 Discovering and exhibiting spectacular talents

from the world of architecture, the Venice Biennale steps into its 16th edition with riveting displays. BY NEERJA KAPADIA

As well as addressing the academic side of architecture, the Biennale provides an opportunity for architects and designers to showcase new projects, arranged in different pavilions, each with different themes

The curators of The Biennale Architettura 2018, Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara have introduced this year’s theme as being ‘Freespace’. “Freespace describes a generosity of spirit and a sense of humanity at the core of architecture’s agenda, focusing on the quality of space itself. It celebrates architecture’s capacity to find additional and unexpected generosity in each project - even within the most private, defensive, exclusive or commercially restricted conditions. It also provides the opportunity to emphasise nature’s free gifts of light - sunlight and moonlight, air, gravity, materials - natural and manmade resources.”

The theme has been selected to encourage new ways of seeing the world, of inventing solutions where architecture provides for the well-being and dignity of each citizen of this fragile planet. There is an exchange between people and buildings that happens, even if not intended or designed, so buildings themselves find ways of sharing and engaging with people over time, long after the architect has left the scene. Architecture has an active as well as a passive life. Keeping with the theme, some exceptional talent displayed their projects portraying riveting thoughts and processes that go in their work; continued on page 2

THE INSIDE TRACK October 2018

THE

INSIDE TRACK

CONTENTS

October 2018

COVER STORY The Biennale Architettura 2018 1 Adulating Undulations 5 These truly awe-inspiring structures, all aimed at questioning the meaning of the chapel in the 21st century were a tribute to the Vatican Chapel exhibit

Poolicious 10

continued from page 1 Unconventional Convection Anne Geenen and Samuel Barclay of Case Design have presented a project they have been working on for four years. The school in Pune is an unconventional concept that comprises of solar chimneys heated by a greenhouse that extracts air through convection. This process can cool the school up to 5-10 degrees centigrade depending on the time of the year.

Salvaging Is In Style 8

Their display includes their process of construction, collaborations with artisans, climate engineers and colour artists and the showing of spaces where the life of the school happens. Collaborating with other creators, they produced and displayed a variety of items which will eventually be taken back to Pune to be installed. “The energy and enthusiasm of the Biennale has helped us attract new collaborators,” said Barclay. continued on page 4

Refresh With Maison&Objet 14 Luxurious Connections 16 Blue Print 18 Divide & Rule 20 The Latest On Recent Launches And Products 22 The Golden Age Of Air Travel 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 12. Issue 10. October 2018. English - Monthly. This issue contains 24 pages including both covers.

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THE INSIDE TRACK October 2018

continued from page 2 Soft Thresholds Rahul Mehrotra, principal architect of RMA has been awarded a special mention at the Biennale for his exhibit that revolved around the idea of soft thresholds, a theme that highlighted how a building can become a more inclusive entity. “For ‘freespace’ to occur, it was very important to determine whether the thresholds are hard or soft; the latter including people while the former not”, said Mr.Mehrotra. T h re e p ro j e c t s t h a t we re representative of different forms and patronage were selected within the rubric of soft thresholds. A low income housing for elephant keepers where courtyards were used to convert 350 sq.ft homes to 1500 sq.ft homes enabling the ‘poor to live in mansions’, a curtain wall project made of a plant wall sending an ecological message of cooling the building with minimal cost and a library for CEPT university that was built three storeys below ground to meet the six story requirement but also respecting the total height of the area in accordance to all B.V.Doshi’s buildings. Vatican Chapels The 16th edition of the Biennale gained additional notoriety due to the inclusion of The Vatican as an exhibit.

The 16th edition of the Biennale gained additional accolade due to the inclusion of The Vatican as an exhibit

Eleven architects hailing from different countries and practicing varied forms of architecture were invited to construct a series of chapels free from the attachments of religious sites and beliefs. These truly awe-inspiring structures, all aimed at questioning the meaning of the chapel in the 21st century. They showcased incredible variety meeting only one common requirement - the need for a lectern and an altar. Gurjeet Matharoo uses a single malleable material that can become a door, bed, table as well as a load-bearing wall

“Liberated from the burden of function on a particular element proves pure delight. The prime most function of architecture is the enjoyment of a building,” he explains. This use of a single malleable material that can become a door, bed, table as well as a loadbearing wall comes from a deeper thought of creating a continuum where spaces flow into each other.

Rahul Mehrotra’s curtain wall project made of a plant wall sends an ecological message of cooling the building with minimal cost

Norman Foster, Ter unobu Fujimori, Javier Corvalan, Eduardo & Moura Souto were among the talents that exhibited. These structures aren’t just constructed for the purposes of modeling as they will all be installed in different countries all over the world once the Biennale ends. Francesco Pal Co was the curator for this ‘star’ attraction.

Malleable Spaces Gurjit Matharoo of Matharoo Associates has interpreted the theme in a very innovative concept. Having been invited for the second time consecutively, Matharoo Associates have conceptualized a house in Chennai made of concrete with an exhibit at the Biennale made of aluminum exhibiting the same function.

Halls Niall McLaughlin’s exhibit, ‘Halls’ involved a structure of spaces that are commonly used by people from all walks such as churches, restaurants, sports venues, etc. ‘Halls’ represents the angle of the sun on a particular day on these spaces. This is demonstrated by shifting a table that exposes a lightriddled column which shines light on the halls. A specially designed calendar gives an in-depth schedule of each activity in the halls at any given point within the year. “For me, the more interesting ones are the ones where a building goes beyond its own private needs and offers something generously back to the society.

The best cities have public spaces that are open to everybody and that to me, is the core of Freespace”, said Niall. Subverting notions of generic architecture, the Biennale ventures i n t o a f re e - f l ow i n g f o r m o f expression for the professionals, allowing them to entwine with the event and loose themselves into a borderless vortex of art. Contact web: www.labiennale.org

Case Design displayed items which will be taken back to Pune for installation

THE INSIDE TRACK October 2018

Spot Light

h e re j u s t i s n’t e n o u g h green in the world. With swanky villas and seven star hotels, we seem to have lost touch with properties that are one with nature and can provide us a customized one-of-a-kind experience as opposed to the ‘mass built class’ that we seem to be accustomed to. Architecture studio Monoarchi, which has offices in China and Netherlands, has taken it upon itself to design a gorgeous holiday home in the form of a tree house called Treewow O in the mountain village of Zhongcun in China’s Zhejiang Province. The building is located on the banks of a stream that runs through the village, dividing it into two parts. The site is flanked on either side by bamboo-covered hills and looks across the stream towards a former tea-production facility. Angled steel columns raise the cabin above the ground so its terrace extends out over the water and are clustered together to minimize disruption to the earth. The resulting structure is described by the architects as a tree-house despite not being built around a tree. Inside, the first floor of Treewow O is finished in red cedar and consists of a living room, bedroom and a bathroom with a bathtub.

The elaborate curved roof, designed by Monoarchi, is based on three non-concentric circles

Adulating Undulations

An award winning tree-house inspired holiday home with a stunning undulating roof built on stilts. BY NEERJA KAPADIA

The roof is made from red cedar wood and the lower part of the dwelling features steel structural supports

In addition, a spiral staircase leads up to a rooftop terrace area that provides views of the landscape including a nearby 200 year old tree. To support the elaborate curved roof, which is based on three non-concentric circles and sports e ye - c a t c h i n g h a n g i n g e a ve s , Monoarchi used fifty-seven wooden trusses that vary in thickness. The roof is also made from red cedar wood and the lower part of the dwelling features steel structural supports. In addition to framing specific views of the mountains and the bamboo forest, the irregular roof form was designed to be constructed by local artisans using traditional methods. With articulate and talented architects, we are constantly introduced to novel innovations ever so often. When in sync with nature, everything just about fits right in. Contact web: www.monoarchi.com

Inside, the first floor of Treewow O is finished in red cedar and consists of a living room, bedroom and a bathroom with a bathtub

THE INSIDE TRACK October 2018

Spot Light

n the design world where there is a rise in general awareness of re-using and re-purposing materials, a number of unorthodox, yet ingenious structures are being introduced nearly every day. Zostel is a known brand of youth hostels located all over India. The one in Panchgani however, stands out in design and innovation Paying homage to the coastal charms of Mumbai, this Indian youth hostel creates an extremely chic architectural marvel that is built almost solely on up-cycled shipping containers plotted partly off the cliff. As is the mantra of all the Zostels’, the theme is to design the interiors in accordance with the specific location. Every shipping container has an exclusive view of the picturesque Krishna valley and the common areas are flooded with local artist impressions that also resonate with the local calm of the hill station.

Salvaging Is In Style India’s first shipping container hostel located in the stunning Sahyadri range on the hills of Panchgani. BY NEERJA KAPADIA

This Indian youth hostel creates an extremely chic architectural marvel that is built almost solely on up-cycled shipping containers

Areas are flooded with local artist impressions that also resonate with the local calm of the hill station

Also, as a precaution, each container has a maximum load capacity reminder painted in bold for the guests’ safety. Young entrepreneurs Chetan Dalvi and Ajinkya took a couple of years to complete the unique cantilever design after a lengthy round of research and six solid months of mock trials. Keeping in mind the mindset and age of the average visiting traveller, the mid-size container private rooms pack in a queen bed along with all modern amenities. The compact rooms have a cozy bed, bath and a balcony for two, overlooking the plush surroundings. It also has a private container dorm, six-bed mixed dorms and a sixbed only female dorm all joined to the common and game area thus creating social liaisons as expected in a youth hostel.

It has a private container dorm, six-bed mixed dorms and a six-bed only female dorm

In totality, this 48 bed hostel is a hidden gem tucked away into the misty hills of Panchgani. While the warm and welcoming café serves a mix of modern Indian as well as Continental cuisine, they retain the true charm of the hill station by serving local dishes all day long. The nights are made ambient with mood lights and high-spirited repartees in the common area that is always buzzing with millennials enjoying the chilly weather and laughing the night away. Contact web: www.mja.co.in

The common room and game area with art work create social liaisons as expected in a youth hostel

THE INSIDE TRACK October 2018

Poolicious

Spot Light

Aptly named ‘A lone pebble in the grass’ by the architects, a pool house, true to its name, stands distinct, looks beautiful and yet, blends in. BY NEERJA KAPADIA

Photo Credits: Ravi Kanade

n a country where space is usually a constraint and families are larger, pool houses are very nearly unheard of, especially in busy metros. This doesn’t stop 42mm Architecture from constructing a lavish one in the garden of their client’s residence in the capital.

Slightly tilted upon a mound of landscape and located right next to the swimming pool, the pool house contains two large rooms used for entertaining guest

Inside, there aren’t any supporting structural members which allow a clear path for effective spatial planning. Furthermore, a boxy wooden volume divides the structure in two, creating space for a toilet and a pantry. Some timber was also added in the two main rooms - framing a cinema screen in the lounge space, and wrapping around a seating area in the bar room. Singular in its form and finish, the edges have been softened in an attempt to have the stark structure blend in with the landscape while the combination of wood and concrete used to build it renders an expression which is both warm and welcoming to guest while simultaneously dazzling them. Contact web: www.42mm.co.in

Photo Credits: Ravi Kanade

Stunningly erected, the pool house is constructed with concrete on the floor, walls and roof while the front and back walls are made of clear glass to allow a sleek transparency. All of 400 square meters, it personifies the lap of luxury in its minimalistic yet spacious design. The concrete shell allows the building to resonate with the originally existing 20 year old house but also incorporates organic forms which blend right in with the lush greenery engulfing it from all sides. Slightly tilted upon a mound of landscape and located right next to the swimming pool, the pool house contains two large rooms used for entertaining guest. The interior has also been designed with the same congruence along with its context using the same colour palette.

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The interiors don’t have any structural members allowing for an open space plan

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THE INSIDE TRACK October 2018

Spot Light

Globally renowned Maison&Objet returns to walk us through its surreal showcase of spectacular talent. BY NEERJA KAPADIA

Photo Credits: Pols Potten

eptember in Paris brought along another attractive reason to visit in addition to the fall - Maison&Objet! Yes, the design entity with world renowned prowess was back for its fall edition with brand new liaisons. Split into two main divisions Maison, which comprises of four universes that display the very best decoration and home interior solutions organized by style and Objet, which bifurcates into seven sectors with the best objects and decorative accessories organized within the product family.

Refresh With Maison&Objet

The lifestyle show brings together a 360 degrees product offering - Decoration, design, furniture, accessories, textiles, fragrances, the world of children and tableware

At each M&O, new sources of inspirations, an analysis of current trends and new types of consumer behavior are noted. This time these observations were facilitated by the introduction of ‘Virtuous’ an inspirational and audacious theme for this edition which heralds an awakening awareness of environmental concerns which opens up new perspectives for a socially responsible lifestyle. From local to international, the halls were riddled with numerous products and installations from eager exhibitors. Some interesting products we spotted were;

Umbrella Sedge Series Inspired by Taiwanese indigenous culture, Kumaroan explores natural materials and delicate craftsmanship through simplistic designs. The former winners of the Rising Talent awards have designed this series. The vigorous umbrella sedge takes 4-6 months to harvest and only grows in crystal-clear water. It is a traditional material in coastal indigenous’ woven culture. By separating the skin of the sedge stem from the inner fibers, the craftsman avoids mildew problems, and makes the mats more delicate in nature. This beautiful series makes various home décor products. Photo Credits: Pols Potten

The lifestyle show brings together a 360 degrees product offering - Decoration, design, furniture, accessories, textiles, fragrances, the world of children and tableware. The styles coexist in a multifaceted way that enlivens the diversity with varied expressions of global markets. Opening its embrace from 7 th - 11 th September, 2018, M&O showcased five passion filled days of a curation of the best of lifestyles and home decoration trends in the world. It facilitates a unique dialogue between exhibitors and visitors with a large diversity of styles and categories.

Inspired by Taiwanese indigenous culture, Kumaroan explores natural materials and delicate craftsmanship through simplistic designs

Pols Potten showcased its latest collection of upholstered furniture

Pols Potten Dutch brand Pols Potten showcased its upholstered furniture at M&O. Subtle, innovative, unconventional and clearly rooted in Dutch design tradition, the display consisted of chairs and sofas made of laminated wood, nozag springs, foam and powder coated metal legs. The polyester velvet upholstery consists of rich pastel colours. Ateliers d’art Marie-Noelle Ronayette creates bronze sculptures in a limited series. The combination of bronze and resin covered with red lacquer gives this 2018 new collection a very airy and bright look. The sculptures of this artist seem light enough to fly away. France Resille France Résille is the European leader in architectural decoration. Specialist decorative facades cut with water jets; France Résille launches a new range of souvenir decoration products at Maison & Objet salon. The SKYLINE France Résille are wall decorations of an extreme finesse representing the major cities of the world as well as the most beautiful sites.

THE INSIDE TRACK October 2018

Chat Loop Phone Booth Designed by Desnahemisfera, Chat Loop was created with a purpose to offer best user experience in open spaces to provide a retreat for phone calls. The goal was to use material that is considered ‘trash’. Using a technique borrowed from the car industry, Chat Loop is manufactured from thermo pressed PET felt - a 100% recyclable material made from used water and soda bottles. It can be used as a hideout for calls and offers features like charging cell phones and a traditional handset login. A curved laminated wood shelf offers a place for writing a note or placing personal items. Seletti The Italian design brand loved for its pop-art and democratic approach confirms once again its unique attitude of combining accessibility with the desirability of collectible design. The Seletti wears Toiletpaper collection displays their first upholstered chair. The ‘Blow’ collection presented a new variant of the Banana lamp and Maracantinio presented tableware products including the archeologically inspired Jurassic Lamps which are made resin designed for all those who want to keep an eccentric Mesozoic object into their interiors. Seletti confirms its ability to realize lighting projects with unexpected and humorous moods. In addition to this, the ‘New Bird Lamps’ and the ‘Mouse Lamps’ were also part of the assorted and quirky display. Contraste Designed by Space Factory, this ‘table of friends’ adopts a hybrid character in its design and function. A meeting of two materials; the marble and the oak join to form a single plate and the contrast of colors and textures is of pure elegance and harmony.

The marble and the oak join to form a single plate and the contrast of colors and textures is of pure elegance and harmony

In addition, Contraste has two utilities; that of dining table but also of work plan. Thus the cook can stay at the table with his friends and is no longer isolated in his kitchen. The rounded but narrow shape of the table has been designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Draw a Line The tension rod, designed by Heian Shindo is a stylish multipurpose adjustable rod that claims to improve the quality of life with its function to store your day-to-day items. Introduced in 2016, its slim body is designed to fit in any space which gives you more leeway while the beautiful combination of matt colour and brass accent creates luxury in the room. The utilization of dead space to store your items in a small space by installing the tension rod without nails, screws or tools adds to the décor in addition to utility.

Maracantinio presented tableware products including the archeologically inspired Jurassic Lamps

With every new edition, M&O elects a Designer of the Year to honor some of the most outstanding names in the industrial and interior design world. Belgian national, Ramy Fischler is the chosen one who’s taste for experimentation incepted while he was studying design at ENSCILes Ateliers after which he shortly established his own studio in 2011. He works on conceptual as well as functional projects with equal ease.

Chat Loop Phone Booth

His interior design projects for private residences and restaurants regularly give him the opportunity to design furniture, which he produces and displays in galleries. At M&O, he chose to spotlight the diversity of his studio’s activities and projects from day to day, offering visitors a chance to grasp his visionary and holistic approach. ‘The Agora’, his exhibit illustrated his take on the ‘workspace of the future.’ Fischer is living proof that M&O is so much more than an accumulation of objects and projects. The Rising Talents awards are another method adopted by M&O to encourage young designers by giving them a chance to contribute their own vision to the furniture industry by exhibiting for an audience of esteemed international professionals. After the success of U.K and Italy, The Rising Talent awards are showcasing the creative effervescence of Lebanon. Six emerging young designers form the new generation that has followed in their elders’ footsteps by putting their international experience to the service of local, usually little-known manufacturing techniques. Studio Carmel, Paola Sakr, Carla Banz, Anastasia Nysten, Carlo Massoud and Carlo Massoud represented Lebanon’s multi-cultural artisan heritage with their showcases. Every year is a step ahead with Maison&Objet where it constantly reinvents itself by becoming a fresher and more avant-garde affair. Contact Maison&Objet Raj Anand & Associates 4 6 / 2 , S i n d h i S o c i e t y, Chembur, Mumbai 400071 Email: raj@rajanandassociates.com web: www.maison-objet.com Tel: +91-22-25224081 Cell:+91-9833685256

The ‘Seletti wears Toiletpaper’ collection displays their first upholstered chairs

THE INSIDE TRACK October 2018

Interview

igne Roset is a formidable force and a leader in the international design world with over two hundred exclusive Ligne Roset stores and a thousand retail distributors worldwide.

Luxurious Connections

Delhi-based IOTA Boutique Furniture, an opulence of luxury is now a proud retailer of the world’s top furniture brand “Ligne Roset”. People in the north are design lovers; they need something unique and durable at the same time and they love to spend on home luxuries. Our target clientele happens to be anyone who has appreciation of design and wants to own an ‘original piece of furniture.’ What are the latest products of Ligne Roset? How do these products compare to other brands?

Mr. Namit Ajmani, Managing Director, IOTA

The latest line of Ligne Roset a va i l a b l e a t I OTA B o u t i q u e Furniture reflects the best of contemporary European furniture design sensibilities. Multifunctional sofas and dining tables that can be altered to suit space availability, minimalistic chairs with bold lines and designer beds for comfort are a must buy. We at The Inside Track spoke to Mr. Namit Ajmani, MD, IOTA who gave us an insight into his new endeavor. What is the genesis of Ligne Roset? What kind of products do you offer? Known for its artful collaborations with both established and upcoming talents in contemporary design, Ligne Roset offers consumers an entire lifestyle in which to live both boldly and beautifully via its furniture collections and complimentary decorative accessories, lighting, rugs, textiles and occasional items. For more than 35 years, Ligne Roset has stood by their intrinsic values and has worked with only the most exciting and talented designers. Past, present and ongoing collaborations are impressive and include award-winning Didier Gomez, Pascal Mourgue, Peter Maly, Pierre Paulin, Inga Sempé and the Bouroullec brothers, among others. The brand’s consistent commitment to excellence has been internationally recognized and most recently symbolized by consecutively winning the Red Dot ‘Best of the Best’ award, along with numerous other awards.

The latest line of Ligne Roset available at IOTA Boutique Furniture reflects the best of contemporary European furniture design sensibilities

What is the average Indian customer’s reaction towards Ligne Roset’s products? The Indian customer is very much unaware of what Ligne Roset sells. It is our endeavor to make the brand known to people looking for simple and timeless luxury. Industry people are well aware about the brands but consumers need to know more on this. With a rise in condominium style living, this furniture range is the logical choice as it gels very well in the new set-up. As far as north India is concerned, it’s becoming a luxury hub.

Ligne Roset itself is a big name in the world. Internationally, the store has a massive appeal. Our range consists of designer products by designers such as Pierre Paulin, Philippe Starck, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec and form a part of our wide and varied collection. With a world-wide outreach, Ligne Roset was the right choice for bringing something unique in terms of furniture to the Indian market, and there is no comparison with any other brand. We want to give the ‘Ligne Roset’ touch and feel experience to the people who are fascinated by the luxury.

How do you plan to stay ahead in the competition from other brands?

The target clientele happens to be anyone who has appreciation of design and wants to own an original piece of furniture

We have no competition at the moment. The challenge is to make people aware of the heritage which is so dear to our hearts. The furniture purchased from us is made in France with no environmental damage in done in production of these exclusively cherished pieces. Contact email: ask@iotafurniture.com web: www.iotafurniture.com contact no: +91-11-41012280 +91-11-41420296

THE INSIDE TRACK October 2018

Spot Light

ou seldom find art with no story to tell. Indigo, the colour that attracted traders from foreign lands and initiated the foreign invasion in India a hundred years ago has a fascinating history and an everlasting effect on its onlookers even today. The most prevalent use of the dye can be seen in the art of blue pottery making in Jaipur. The style became prominent when the Mughals started employing it in their monuments and structures with Kashmiri pottery makers. It gradually seeped into the plains of Delhi and eventually by the 17th century, the art was captured and developed further by the artisans of the Pink City, Jaipur. Today, it is universally recognized as Jaipur’s Blue Pottery. Kot Jewar is another big center of this craft. Located about 60 kilometers away from Jaipur, nearly 300 families living in this town practice the craft of blue pottery and is a source of their daily bread. The potter’s mixture mainly consists of Egyptian paste and dough obtained by blending quartz stone powder, powdered glass, fuller’s earth, borax, gum and water. Since the products are glazed and low fired, no clay is used due to its brittle and fragile characteristics. This is, in fact, an imported technique amalgamating the Chinese glazing technology with Persian decorative arts. Only the neck and the lip are shaped on the potter’s wheel while the rest of the decoration and ornamentation is done with the help of brush comprising squirrels’ hair.

Blue Print

Jaipur’s blue pottery; the story of an immigrant craft turned regally Indian. BY VANDANA KRISHNAN Since the products are glazed and low fired, no clay is used due to its brittle and fragile characteristic

The products are generally adorned with typical intertwined flowing motis of birds, animals, flowers and leaves

As each piece is meticulously hand painted, it is difficult to make identical replicas ensuring that there are no identical pieces as it is very difficult to be fully sure of what the final product will be like. The production itself takes at least 15-20 days to complete since it is a tedious process and also relatively expensive. The blue pottery is featured by a semi-transparent character which is generally adorned with typical intertwined flowing motifs of birds, animals, flowers and leaves. The range of products in this type of artistry covers wide and ranges from ashtrays, coasters, vases, bowls, jars, pots to plates. Blue pottery items are also ideal for gifts and souvenirs. So the next time you fumble, here’s a classic gifting option for you!

The blue pottery is featured by semi-transparent character leaves

THE INSIDE TRACK October 2018

Spot Light

rom New York and Shanghai to Mumbai, more people are moving to cities and urban areas than ever before. And all these people need somewhere to live.

Divide & Rule In today’s micro-apartment ridden world, room dividers are the perfect solution to tackle space constraints. BY VANDANA KRISHNAN

Being able to have a private bedroom or a way to divide the living space from the dining room would create a more functional feel to a home

With this we see the need and necessity of micro-apartments. With the ever increasing rise of micro- apartments around the world, there is a constant strive and look out for maximizing the utility of every inch and corner in our living spaces. De p e n d i n g o n e a c h o n e’s perception, they are either terribly small or an ingenious strategy to coping with housing shortages. Today’s generation of urban planners is in a persistent hunt to finds ways to make an absolute and optimum use of every nook and corner in their micro-apartments. However, how small is too small? Any given place can be transformed with smart use of space and furnishings.

Etsy foldable vintage room divider

More often than not, installing an entire wall is not always an option. While open space living arrangements in lofts, studios or homes with high ceilings and few walls are very popular, the open architectural look is gorgeous, but not necessarily practical. Being able to have a private bedroom or a way to divide the living space from the dining room would create a more functional feel to a home. Speaking about finding a way to divide the living space, room

dividers can be used as an integral tool to add a little intimacy or privacy to a without closing up your space permanently. By getting creative, room dividers can be erected, moved and re-erected as per convenience and need with an added aesthetic appeal it brings into our spaces sans the clutter. So go ahead and split up your living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, reading rooms and bedrooms with an extra layer of style!

Room dividers can be used as an integral tool to add a little intimacy or privacy to a room without closing up your space permanently

THE INSIDE TRACK October 2018

It Products Nolte India Dazzles With Ipanema

Nolte India yet again comes up with their new range called Ipanema which has ambient lighting on the upholstered headboards and on the mirror door of the wardrobe which gives it that luxe look. The Ipanema collection

from Nolte Bedrooms offers six front colours in glass and wood finishes apart from the four body colours. The mirrored door of the wardrobe has a light effect which gives a magical touch and makes the already exquisite even more alluring. The subtle touch of adding lights to the soft upholstered headboard lends to the luxe look and feel of the room. The carcass finishes are in Polar White, Imitation Icona Beech, Imitation Sonoma Oak, Imitation Macadamia Nutwood and the door comes in Polar White, Brown Velvet, Graphite, White Glass, Brown Velvet Glass, Graphite Glass or Crystal Mirror finish. Also, the bed and the side table come with a wide selection of internal and external accessories. This range offers 2 different options for side tables, 6 options for the chest of drawers and multiple combinations for wardrobes. Bring that quiet luxury that speaks volumes with the Ipanema range available at all Nolte stores across India. Contact ww.nolteindia.com

White Teak’s Pendant Light Collection

The WhiteTeak Company, the true destination for luxury and designer table lamps, floor lamps, hanging lights and luxury and rustic décor have recently launched the exclusive pendant light collection that will surely surprise your guest with its unique design and warm and welcoming glow giving a new meaning to your home décor.

The collection comprises of a set of three pendant lights designed in a triplet form with different patterns. Each piece of this collection is a composition of three very different lights in vibrant colours such as bright yellow, white, grey, amber, black and gold that produces an ambient sensation and also does a lot to uplift your space and bring in cheer. Designed with the finest materials, the set of three pendants comes in different designing patterns such as conical, square, etc. with having both contemporary and rustic designs that are perfect to create the themes in your home which are rare to find but exclusive to add. The collection also has pendant lights in single in different shapes & styles. Each piece of this collection is a composition of three very different lights, yet instead of contrasting or contradicting with each other, they complement each other so stunningly. These lights are simplistic in style but as they combine, their joined effect is contemporary. Contact www.whiteteak.com

Hafele’s Aquasys Light Mirror

Give your designs the perfect touch in the bath, vanity or closet areas with Häfele’s New Aquasys Light Mirror. Beautifully designed, the mirror adds value, functionality and style to any interior space. The versatile mirror comes fully assembled and unites the functions of make-up lighting, room lighting, mood lighting, demister (prevents condensation on the mirror during and after a shower) and sound system in an elegant design. The front light, in natural and

warm white, equipped with a memory function offers excellent colour trueness that exceeds the market colour rendering indexes making it very suitable as a makeup light. All functions are controlled via touch keys that are integrated into the mirror. The easy-to-install, IP44-rated mirror comes fully-assembled with a mounting track for installation. With the option to rotate the mirror by 90 degrees, it’s the perfect fit for any interior décor or style. Contact www.hafeleindia.com

Plüsch’s Modern Seating Culture With COR’s Moss Sofa

Plüsch brings luxurious yet simple elegance to Indian homes with the COR’s Moss sofa collection; the softest, most comfortable range, on which you can sit and recline equally well. Reminiscent of a sumptuously upholstered cushion, the sofa with the cuddle factor embodies the classic divan in a in a modern archaic form.

The Moss sofa is a reversed version of traditional sofa shape enhanced with soft down encasements. The frame beneath is completely unobtrusive in its appearance. The monolithic body of the furniture is segmented by fine incisions and accentuated by sculpture-like decorative seams. Like the large cushions with their soft crumpled effect, the side and back sections are also gently rounded off. Another new feature is the abundance and combination of high-quality materials, including padded coverings. The under-frame in the form of delicate metal feet is barely visible, with the foundation of the ‘floating’ furniture body formed by a solid beech wood frame. The ample core upholstery, also on the backrests and armrests, is made of high-quality, high-volume cold foam, and the outer sections of the furniture are additionally softened with a thick layer of wadding. Contact www.pluschliving.com

THE INSIDE TRACK October 2018

It Products Notion Introduces Solid Bamboo Pergolas Outdoor pergolas work as a wonderful addition to gardens and bring all outdoor elements together. Having a pergola in your lawn or backyard area is an easy and affordable way to visually uplift your outdoor space.

Keeping this in mind, Notion - a trustworthy brand in the wooden flooring and exterior cladding industry, has introduced the revolutionary product - ‘Pergolas’ to give an extension to your living area under nature. Normally the pergolas are made in India with mild steel and then cladded with wood, which usually get rusted due to non-availability of real viable products. That’s how Notion has introduced more viable and durable solution in Pergolas using solid bamboo. Notion pergolas are made of bamboo because of high density, sustainability, low maintenance characteristic and high durability. Bamboo is stronger and more durable than any other timber. Their pergola collection has number of advantages such as ecological, environmental protection, and low technology. The entire collection is produced from bamboo poles which are specially treated, free of insects, low moisture, anti-mildew, kiln dry and fumigated. These pergolas can be used up to 30 years with proper maintenance. Contact www.notion.net.in

Vitra Takes Personal Hygiene To A New Level With ‘V Care’

V-care Rim-ex WC pan is easy to clean and keep germ-free thanks to its rimless design. This remotecontrolled VitrA innovation offers the ultimate in sanitation and comfort with its self-cleaning bidet nozzle, auto open-close, adjustable water temperature, different washing options, air drying and odor absorption features.

It also offers water / WC seat and drying temperature adjustment as well as water pressure adjustment so that you can use the WC with maximum comfort. Designed to make cleaning the WC pan more practical and efficient, the Rim-Ex WC can be cleaned much more easily with one single wipe. It boasts of a touch free operation as well as remote controlled access. The ceramic water dispenser ensures correct water dispersal around the pan and cleaning is easy through the easily removable ceramic part. It safeguards the water outlet from the accumulation of dirt and germs. The V-care nozzle is made of stainless steel; the first choice for hospitals, kitchens, food and pharmaceutical utensils. Stainless steel is aesthetically pleasing and has a high resistance to corrosion. V-care Rim-ex is available in four modes - standard, energy saving, stand by and on/off mode. Contact: www.vitra-india.com

Viega’s Concealed Cistern Smart Duravit Celebrates Silver Jubilee Of The Architec Series

Loaded with benefits, Viega concealed cistern Smart gives freedom for designing a bathroom. There are limitless design possibilities as per ones’ imagination. With products designed and engineered for Indian requirements, this worldclass concealed cistern is versatile in many ways. It is the core of Viega pre-wall technology. Because of its provision for left/right water inlets, it is highly adaptable. It also offers the flexibility of low height applications as well. Furthermore, innovative design also offers top or front actuation in the same cistern. The product provides solutions to various installation challenges due to its superior technology.

For instance, it is widely used in smaller spaces because of the flexibility in height installations. The strength of the cistern is uniformly reinforced with a single body. Moreover, it is extremely silent with tank filing noise of just 18db. Additionally, it comes with a dual flush technology with highly efficient water saving mode. Aesthetically appealing flush plates offers best in class designs. They gel with the interiors perfectly. Available in the metallic finishes and white, these simple but elegant designs accentuates your walls. Contact www.viega.in

When Prof. Frank Huster started working on a bathroom for Duravit in 1993 that resulted in the Architec series, he combined sophisticated design with high levels of functionality. In his design the architect opted for clear lines and the fundamental architectural elements of the circle and square. This comprises the main factors for a long product life and sustainability in the best sense of the word. Dimensions that make planning easy for a whole range of applications and scenarios have also been one of the reasons behind high levels of acceptance among architects and planners for decades.

In his work, Frank Huster always considers day-to-day use, which is apparent from a range of product details such as the extremely easy-to-clean ceramic outlet sieve on the washbasin for increased hygiene in medical applications, a pre-punched opening for soap dispensers in the tap platform or the integrated, glazed grip on the Vital washbasin that makes it easier for wheelchair users to pull themselves up to the washbasin with just one hand. Duravit, together with Huster, celebrates 25 years of this successful series. Contact www.duravit.in

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THE INSIDE TRACK October 2018

Spot Light

oday, we at The Inside Track are reminiscing over airplanes that once featured piano bars, cocktail lounges, pubs and restaurants. Today’s airlines are up to no fun! The only thing we associate with airplane interiors are typically cramped seats and boring, monotonous décor. To begin with, most aircrafts in the 1950’s and 60’s did not have overhead bins to store carryon’s. This meant more headroom. So in a way, we can say that it was our carry-on bags that took away the basic comfort of head space! From fancy swivel chairs to refreshing martinis and extravagant cocktail lounges; the 70’s was without a doubt, the golden era of air travel. In those times, taking a flight was an experience that would be shared with close ones which is a complete contradiction with us viewing it as a ‘chore’ today. The 70’s era saw the upper decks of Boeing 747s’ turn into full-scale cocktail lounges and restaurants for first class flyers. On one hand, Continental Airlines had a pub while American Airlines had an infamous piano bar. So the competition for the kind of luxury provided was real and airlines actually cared for customer service! In the 1970s, Southern Airways billed itself as “Route of the Aristocrats” due to its policy of offering First Class touches to every passenger. The company probably needed those cushy pillows and free-flowing booze to take the edge off of its multi-stop routes.

The Golden Age Of Air Travel

The golden age of air travel was spacious, classy & bold - It was a time when flying was a glamorous affair. BY VANDANA KRISHNAN

The 70’s era saw the upper decks of Boeing 747s’ turn into full-scale cocktail lounges and restaurants for first class flyers

In the early 1980s, Continental Airlines outfitted some of their DC10s with what they called a “Pub” configuration. Besides a walk-up wet bar and circular tables surrounded by swivel chairs, the Pub area also included a two-player Pong game. Pan Am’s 707 Clippers used to offer restaurant-quality meals served seatside by an on-board chef on their Trans-Atlantic flights. With bright and colourful interiors, table-side meat carvings, powder rooms and a free-flow of cocktails; air travel was a lot different than it is today. Blame it on the population or the economic growth, commercial flights today are no match to the ones from the yesteryears.

In those times, taking a flight was an experience that would be shared with close ones