Home amp amp design trends volume 5 issue 2 2017

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CONTENTS

June 2017

TRENDING 8

Powergrid Our very own version of 'the power list'. This time, we bring you: Zaha Hadid Architects' future projects, iconic furniture designs by the Eames, Fibonacci-inspired staircases and inspiring public art

36 Drawing Board We bring you a page straight out of an architect's sketchbook — this time we visited Ayaz Basrai

TRENDSMAKERS

18 Design in Context International products where design blurs the line between art and functionality

40 Mindscape Canna Patel of HCP Interior Design talks about how the ideology of a locale plays a vital role in shaping architecture

28 Right Here, Right Now Bringing you up to date with news and events from the Indian design industry

42 Iconic Bringing you that something more about brands that need no introduction

46 Cover Story 32 Technovate Bringing you architects who Keeping you informed about have rewritten the design innovations in smart technology language in India 34 Fitting Out 52 Portfolio Industry happenings in A look-book of expressive hardware, kitchens and design ideas bathrooms

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On the Cover Sanjay Puri of Sanjay Puri Architects

Photograph by Prabhat Shetty


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ARCHITECTURE 62 Residential The Barnhouse in London is an expansive estate designed by supermodel Kate Moss for the Lakes by YOO 70 Residential A residence by Rajeev Thakker that embodies wellintegrated design with basic aesthetics and complete functionality 78 Residential A contemporary Mumbai apartment by We Design Studio that displays clean geometry and soft decor 86 Commercial Studio for Two by Studio Wood is a contemporary space in which to work, unwind and entertain guests

94 Restoration Haveli Dharampura by Spaces Architects@ka is a classic example of breathing new life into heritage architecture 106 En Route Karan Singh Rawat explores art, architecture and culture in New York

CALENDAR

112 A round-up of must-see events and exhibitions around the globe

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106 62


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Deepak Lamba

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Ronitaa Italia-Dhanu

Assistant Editor Features Editor

Amit Gaikwad Tina Thakrar

Senior Art Director Assistant Art Editor Digital Imaging Editor Senior Editorial Coordinator

Suneela Phatak Navin Mohit Shailesh Salvi Harshal Wesavkar

Brand Publisher Assistant Brand Manager

Abhishek Krishnan Nikita Dhanani

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Subramaniam S. Joji Varghese

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In the next issue

Extravagant commercial projects, eye-catching public artworks and decor brands to look out for.

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FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

We have finally taken the step. For months, we mulled over the question, which, after a point, started taking omnipresent form in all our conscious minds. To say that we have lived the cliché would be an understatement. For the past few months we’ve been eating, sleeping, walking and talking the “million-dollar” question. To be or not to be...different.

MRIGANK SHARMA (INDIA SUTRA)

While a lot of us were of the opinion that we shouldn’t try to fix something that’s not really broken (mess with its DNA, etc...), there was an equally strong (if not more) voice looking for change. Evolution, they called it. As someone who normally runs miles away from an argument, this time around, I found myself in the eye of the storm – and as if that wasn’t mortifying enough, I was being looked to to resolve the debate. In hindsight, there’s nothing I appreciate more than the idea of change – it brings with it a cache of good things; think hope, think new, think choice. This case, however, couldn’t be measured by the same yardstick. The decision would directly impact the nature of the brand. Not just any brand, my brand. I have come to respect and feel truly comfortable in the fields of architecture, design and interiors. And each time I’d broach the subject with myself, I’d find myself at the same crossroads. What finally tipped the scales, ironically, was the very first issue of Home TRENDS India, that hit the stands almost six years ago. From then, until now, we can proudly say that we’ve always incorporated and reflected the mindset of the fraternity that we write about. The epiphany clearly highlighted the fact that no matter how much the outside changes, the inside stays perpetual. Home and Design TRENDS India will continue to bring you content that involves and engages you. Our raison d’étre will always be you. We are proud to say that we are – and will continue to be – the country’s most favourite architecture and design magazine. Having said that, I do hope you enjoy the new look as much as we have enjoyed planning and putting it all together. I look forward to hearing what you think of the “change”.

Ronitaa Italia-Dhanu trends.edit@wwm.co.in

trendsmagind

TRENDSMagIndia

Home & Design TRENDS


KNOW US BETTER

June 2017

Helping you understand the refreshed format of your favourite architecture magazine TRENDING

DESIGN IN CONTEXT

International products where design blurs the line between art and functionality

DESIGN INNOVATION • NEW TECHNOLOGY • SLEEK DESIGN • TRENDY BESTSELLERS

Transparent Spectrum

TEXT: TINA THAKRAR

Imagine a chair that doesn’t look solid, but still stays true to its function. One of Japan’s most influential designers, Shiro Kuramata didn’t just come up with the idea; he implemented it. With his iconic Glass Chair (1976), he emphasised the simplicity, transparency and weightlessness of glass to create a breakthrough piece of furniture. As a tribute to Kuramata, Germans ErmiÞs put up an installation at this year’s Salone del Mobile in Milan featuring his OmbrÊ Glass Chair. Using six colourful planes of clear glass, ErmiÞs created a piece devoid of screws, mounts or reinforcements using Photobond 100, a revolutionary technology that cleanly bonds glass.

TRENDING

TR

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A curated selection of innovative products and design solutions that are pushing the boundaries of design regionally, nationally and internationally. This section is the first thing you will read as you go through the magazine. We bring you the information you want, exactly as you want it — as is.

M

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Configured to Precision

DANIELE IODICE

JUSSI PUIKKONEN

Lightweight and fluid, SWISH has been designed using 27 thin, wooden rounded elements. Each of the hinges used to hold the pieces together has been individually designed, interlocking the various components in unique configurations. When folded, the seat resembles a comb-like shape, which can be hung onto a wall. Crafted by Carlo Ratti Associati in association with Cassina, the kinetic wooden stool is highly flexible and fully sustainable. It works on the scientific principle of implicit programming and self-assembly, to create a smart product that can assume kinetic predetermined configurations.

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HOME & DESIGN TRENDS VOL 5 NO 2 2017

HOME & DESIGN TRENDS VOL 5 NO 2 2017

TRENDsMAKERS

COVER STORY

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KAMAL MALIK & ARJUN MALIK

Our insights into the people and ideas that define contemporary design

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he team at Malik Architecture, headed by veteran Kamal and his son Arjun Malik, is constantly seeking a balance in the path of meaningful design. Their approach to architecture, as a synthesis of ecology and spirit, involves innovative use of materials, inspirations from nature and most importantly, sustainability. The award-winning firm’s projects include the American School of Bombay, Cricket Club of India in Mumbai, Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital in Jaipur, Taj Vivanta in Lonavala and many more.

the big guns

Quick Fact

Kamal Malik was born and raised in Shimla, thus making nature his primary source of design inspiration.

Architects who have re-written the design language in India

ASHIESH SHAH

“We increasingly see our role changing from architects to catalysts. This allows the design process to develop organically, to eschew all dogma, all baggage and preconceptions.�

TRENDSMAKERS

– Kamal Malik and Arjun Malik, Malik Architecture

I

t’s Ashiesh Shah’s keen interest in art that leads him to create his striking designs. He set up Ashiesh Shah Architecture + Design eight years ago in Mumbai, as a medium to adopt his unique, modern Indian sensibilities. The recipient of numerous awards during the course of his prolific career, Shah has displayed his creativity in projects like Le Mill, Nido, Otlo, Raw Mango and more recently, Hemant Oberoi’s eponymous restaurant in Mumbai. Shah holds a degree in interiors and architecture from New York’s Parsons University.

Quick Fact

Quick Fact

The firm name ‘Jaisim – Fountainhead’ was inspired by Ayn Rand’s acclaimed book, The Fountainhead.

GEORGE SEEMON

Before moving to New York to study architecture, Shah was practising as a dentist.

KRISHNA RAO JAISIM

KRUPA ZUBIN & ZUBIN ZAINUDDIN

F

rom putting an oversized ECG graphic on the facade of a hospital, to using sand dunes as inspiration for a resort, ZZ Architects’ (ZZA) creativity knows no bounds. Headed by architect duo Krupa Zubin and Zubin Zainuddin, ZZA has designed the Nahar International School in Mumbai, Unity City in Kolkata, the Seasons Residences in Mumbai, and numerous private residences, health clubs, salons, factories and corporate set-ups. Both the founders blend their individual design sensibilities to create their award-winning projects recognised for the intricate attention to detail.

BIJOY JAIN

A

Quick Fact

Jain is a Norman R. Foster visiting professor at the Yale School of Architecture.

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Pritzker Prize nominee in 2017 and a finalist in the Aga Khan Awards 2010, Bijoy Jain is considered one of India’s most iconic architects. He founded Studio Mumbai in 2010, which incorporates his grounded approach to architecture, and sits firmly between contemporary and vernacular styles. Jain has designed the third MPavilion in Melbourne, the Ganga Maki Studio in the Himalayas, the Palmyra House in Nandgaon and the Leti 360 Resort in Uttaranchal, all of which are representative of his sensitivity to the context of the project.

“Fundamentally, the five elements and five senses are the tools that an architect’s imagination plays with.� — Krishna Rao Jaisim, Jaisim — Fountainhead

R

ecognised for its luxurious hospitality projects, Stapati has a strong hold on design in South India. With branches in Calicut, Kochi, Bengaluru and Chennai, the firm was first set up in 1989. Heading the Bengaluru arm, George Seemon leads design teams on renowned projects like the Team Thai corporate office in Kerala and the Xandari Harbour Hotel in Kochi. With numerous boutique properties in his portfolio, Seemon is known for keeping the personality of a site intact, while boldly experimenting with different forms of design.

A

n architect and former chairman of the Karnataka chapter of the Indian Institute of Architects, Krishna Rao Jaisim set up his firm Jaisim – Fountainhead in 1970. Using human behaviour as his primary tool for designing structures, Jaisim prefers to merge content with context and vice versa. The Art of Living library and the Indian Institute of Plantation Management in Bengaluru are some of the many largescale institutional projects undertaken by his firm.

“Attention to detail, design longevity and satisfaction of completing the project are what drives our practice.� — Zubin Zainuddin and Krupa Zubin, ZZ Architects

HOME & DESIGN TRENDS VOL 5 NO 2 2017

ArchiTECTURE

Quick Fact

The scale of luxury homes designed by ZZA over the past few years has gone up from 3,000sqft to 80,000sqft.

This is where we find our voice — through features on issues that enthrall and engage us in the fields of architecture and design. Every issue, we will also be talking to and interacting with some of the most brilliant minds and brands from the fraternity.

RESIDENTIAL

Homes that craft a contemporary identity through their design

Project: Villa • INTERIOR DESIGNER: KATE MOSS FOR THE LAKES BY YOO TEXT: SEEMA SREEDHARAN IMAGES: THE LAKES BY YOO

ARCHITECTURE Visual features capturing distinctive and definitive residential and commercial architecture from around the world, with a sharp eye on the Indian subcontinent. We also bring you design inspirations during travels within and outside the country.

Additional Info • AREA: 650 ACRES • LOCATION: COTSWORLDS, LONDON

The expansive villa is situated on a bucolic acre-wide piece of land atop a former quarry in the Cotswolds, London. Called The Barnhouse, this expansive estate designed by supermodel Kate Moss is part of The Lakes, D GHYHORSPHQW RI VHFRQGDU\ OX[XU\ KRPHV E\ GHVLJQ ĹľUP <22 IRXQGHG by property mogul John Hitchcox and French designer Philippe Starck.


CONTRIBUTORS

Canna Patel An architect and interior designer with over 28 years of professional experience, Canna Patel is the Chairperson of HCP Interior Design, Ahmedabad. She completed her Bachelors in Architecture from CEPT, Ahmedabad, and did her Masters at U.C. Berkeley. In this issue, she shares her take on having a ‘Made in India’ approach for the betterment of architecture and society as a whole.

June 2017

"I am committed to the profession where what I love and believe unfolds through my projects.”

Karan SIngh Rawat Currently the Founder & CCO of advertising agency AutumnWinter Communications & Design and production house SpringSummer Films, Karan Singh Rawat is recognised for his edgy take on advertising and design. In this issue, the globetrotter takes us to the pulsating art, design and culture hub that is New York.

Ayaz Basrai

"Anything can inspire me — from the simplicity of Japanese architecture to the busy, vintage European architecture and the kitsch art, mahals, palaces, and temples of India."

Prabhat Shetty “We are a small team of designers who pride ourselves on looking for solutions from the macro to the micro and across disciplines.” A graduate of interior design with a specialisation in product designing, Ayaz Basrai set up The Busride Design Studio with his architect brother Zameer in 2006. The independent design studio is known to offer quirky design solutions for built environments ranging from hospitality and entertainment venues, to film and production sets, exhibitions, installations, institutional structures and more. This issue, Ayaz shares a sketch of one of his acclaimed eateries in Mumbai.

Based in Mumbai, Prabhat Shetty is a well-known photographer in the advertising and fashion fraternity, and our cover photographer this month. With over 10 years of creative experience behind the camera, Prabhat enjoys shooting people and portraits the most.

"It was a great shoot as Sanjay Puri is a dapper, fashionable personality. He was very cool and confident in front of the camera, which was exactly what we wanted."

HOME & DESIGN TRENDS VOL 5 NO 2 2017

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TRENDING

POWERGRID

Design nodes that have raised the bar to redefine the bonds of form and function

UL POWERF 1 # N IG S E D

Zaha Hadid Architects’ most monumental future projects

MIR X2

I FY OHO ve S ha t a z to s e Le med talle 0ft. e ld’s t 62 e ct is d wor bou onne a e c t f l h t a il o ium m w ves atr atriu o hal ng. i e Th the tw build the

Leeza SOHO, China Situated in a bustling financial district in Beijing, Leeza SOHO is strongly influenced by the site conditions for its design. The new subway tunnel will pass right through it, diagonally dividing the structure into two. However, the tower will rise as a single volume by twisting the atrium at a 45-degree angle and adding new perspective to the 18,60,000sqft space. Large amounts of natural light falling into the atrium will make it the new public space in the city.


Guangzhou Infinitus Plaza, China Combining intelligent technologies and environment sustainability for a large health products company, this 18,00,000sqft plaza will comprise two buildings with several connecting bridges and a metro line running through them. Infinite rings will zip around the two structures, which will be insulated with an advanced digital intelligence system that reduces energy consumption.

FYI W and jo alking gging paths and g , ar Chine dens of s e h er plants will po bal the ro pulate ofs.

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FY On a I floor gross 16,0 area of and 0,000sqf 4 struc 0 floors t , th tu abou re will ho e and t 780 roo use othe ms ra facil ncillary ities .

Morpheus at City of Dreams, Macau A rectangular monolithic block covered with an exoskeleton of interweaving lines, Morpheus is the fifth hotel tower in the City of Dreams property in Cotai, Macau. The powerful external structure will entirely envelop the building, including the voids that stem out of the centre. The many interior spaces will be encased in this web-like structural form from top to bottom.

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HOME & DESIGN TRENDS VOL 5 NO 2 2017


FYI n Whe , the ted ge e l p com ng Brid ia d’s Danj the worl er, w e o b t l wil ingle est s ric cable g n o t l e . m e asym ed bridg stay

VISUALARCH

Danjiang Bridge, China Almost 3,000ft in length, the Danjiang Bridge in Taipei is located at the mouth of Tamsui River. Part of the extensive upgrading programme of Northern Taiwan, the bridge will run over recreational areas where tourists and citizens gather to watch the sunset. The cable-stayed bridge will have road, rail and a pedestrian deck, all held by a single concrete structural mast.

Forest Green Rovers Eco Stadium, UK FYI It the f will be irs footb t all-timb with all stadiu er alm m elem ost ever ent m y of su ade sour stainably ced timb er.

VA

Devoid of concrete and steel, the environment-friendly and sustainable stadium in Stroud echoes the meadow landscape of the site. Besides hosting matches, the stadium will also serve as a hub for occupational and recreational activities. Minute details such as a transparent membrane on the roof to reduce shadows and glare, and the position of every seat in the stadium are being chalked out.

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TRENDING

POWERGRID

Design nodes that have raised the bar to redefine the bonds of form and function

UL POWERF 2 # N IG S E D

Iconic furniture designs by Charles & Ray Eames

Eames RAR Chair A classic example of mid-century American design, the Eames RAR rocking chair is a moulded plastic armchair with a wooden rocker and chrome-wired base. Originally designed in 1950 in moulded fibreglass, the final design of the chair was undertaken in plastic to avoid the environmental risks of fibreglass production.

Eames MoUlded Wood Chairs

123RF X4, EAMES OFFICE X3

After the Eames’ decade-long effort to create a single-form wood shell chair, the Eames Moulded Wood Chairs were born. Using state-of-the-art 3D veneer technology, the wood veneer was given the extra flexibility to be moulded into single-shelled complex curves. The result is a warm, comfortable seating option for any space.


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Lounge Chair and Ottoman Simply put, the Lounge Chair and Ottoman is the Eames’ symbol of comfort. The ease starts with the visual aesthetic, which invites the user to sink into the chair. Plush leather and wood combine to create a unique piece that defines modern seating comfort today.

FFIR

THE ESU 426-C UNIT Yellow, black, red, blue, white and tan panels stain this oneof-a-kind unit. With eleven birch drawers and one shelf with sliding doors, the ESU 426-C is a room divider with abundant storage options. Manufactured in the year 1954, this unit is a prime example of Eames’ philosophy of honest and economical use of material to create household furniture.

FYI The spen Eames tf tryin ive year s g it a s to make ing piec le-shell e aban before do the i ning dea.

THE LCW CHAIR Regarded as an icon of American design, the LCW was born in 1945. The moulded plywood piece has two parts — the seat and the back — joined together to create this four-legged wonder. Two bent wood pieces form the legs, and a curved seat and back envelop the user. The piece is frequently identified as the most honest, basic use of plywood to create a piece of exquisite furniture.

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TRENDING

POWERGRID

Design nodes that have raised the bar to redefine the bonds of form and function

UL POWERF 3 # N IG S E D

Some of the most interesting Fibonacci-inspired staircases from around the globe

GETTY IMAGES X5, WIKIPEDIA

Schwerin Castle, Germany Built as a reminder of ancient and medieval castles, the Schwerin Castle is cited as one of the most important examples of romantic historicism in all of Europe. The castle that once served as a palatial residence of the grand dukes, today houses a museum illustrating the castle’s history, and has been designated as a World Heritage Site.

Vatican Museum, Vatican City Commonly referred to as the ‘Modern Bramante Staircase’, the double helix (two staircases) in the Vatican Museum, as with the original Bramante staircase, allows people to ascend without coming across people descending and vice versa. The balustrade around the ramp is made of ornately-worked metal.

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Castello di Corigliano Calabro, Italy

Abbeyleix Library, Ireland

For the castle in Corigliano Calabro, Ignazio Perricci, a painter by profession, was invited to decorate the ceiling and transform it into an extraordinary piece of art. He created figurines that looked out as if from a starry, well-wishing sky and a stairway passing right through them.

The library, a reconstruction of an 1890s building, is a huge room surrounded by books on three floors with a central reading area. The smooth design of the spiral staircase complements the calm and warm interiors and adds a unique element of design to the space.

London City Hall, UK The distinct shape of the City Hall building in London is designed using advanced computer-modelling techniques. The design optimises energy by maximising shading and minimising the surface area exposed to direct sunlight. The slick spiral staircase in the centre offers views of the Thames river through the crown-like glass design on the front facade of the building.


TRENDING

POWERGRID

Design nodes that have raised the bar to redefine the bonds of form and function

UL POWERF 4 # N IG S E D

Inspiring public art from around the globe

Vaulted Willow by Marc Fornes & THEVERYMANY Alberta, Canada, 2014

DOYLE C. MARKO PHOTOGRAPHY, VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON, FINTAN MAGEE, DOR KEDMI, NICK BRANDT

The installation is a celebration of artistic, architectural and mathematic disciplines. As a structure, it explores the concept of lightweight, self-supporting elements generated through computations of form and structure as well as descriptive geometry.

When Soak Becomes Spill by Subodh Gupta

Moving the Pointless Monument by Fintan Magee

London, United Kingdom, 2015

Werchter, Belgium, 2015

The pots and pans flow like water from the bucket, alluding to the importance of the world’s natural resources and their wastage by contemporary society. As these stainless steel pots are empty they also suggest the poverty of that society.

“The artwork pays homage to the working class and comments on the ephemeral nature of art, architecture and human creation. I normally work on flat walls, so for me it was a reaction to space and the opportunity to do something different,” says the artist.


Warde by HQ Architects Jerusalem, Israel, 2014 A set of giant urban flowers were installed in an open market square in the centre of Jerusalem, that bloom and react to the pedestrians and transportation in the public space. This installation was part of the municipality’s effort to improve the urban space of the city centre.

Alleyway with Chimpanzee by Nick Brandt East Africa, 2015 One in a series of epic panoramas, the image records the impact of man in places where animals used to roam, but no longer do. In each location, a life-sized panel of one of the animal portrait photographs was erected, setting the panels within a world of explosive urban development and toxic wasteland.

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TRENDING

DESIGN IN CONTEXT

International products where design blurs the line between art and functionality

DESIGN INNOVATION • NEW TECHNOLOGY • SLEEK DESIGN • TRENDY BESTSELLERS TEXT: TINA THAKRAR

Configured to Precision

DANIELE IODICE

Lightweight and fluid, SWISH has been designed using 27 thin, wooden rounded elements. Each of the hinges used to hold the pieces together has been individually designed, interlocking the various components in unique configurations. When folded, the seat resembles a comb-like shape, which can be hung onto a wall. Crafted by Carlo Ratti Associati in association with Cassina, the kinetic wooden stool is highly flexible and fully sustainable. It works on the scientific principle of implicit programming and self-assembly, to create a smart product that can assume kinetic predetermined configurations.

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HOME & DESIGN TRENDS VOL 5 NO 2 2017


Transparent Spectrum Imagine a chair that doesn’t look solid, but still stays true to its function. One of Japan’s most influential designers, Shiro Kuramata didn’t just come up with the idea; he implemented it. With his iconic Glass Chair (1976), he emphasised the simplicity, transparency and weightlessness of glass to create a breakthrough piece of furniture. As a tribute to Kuramata, Germans Ermiþs put up an installation at this year’s Salone del Mobile in Milan featuring his Ombré Glass Chair. Using six colourful planes of clear glass, Ermiþs created a piece devoid of screws, mounts or reinforcements using Photobond 100, a revolutionary technology that cleanly bonds glass.

FFIR

JUSSI PUIKKONEN

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Set-Up, Sit Up HUBB is not just a set of building blocks, it’s a modular furniture concept that can go from a chair to a booth in minutes. Identified as an innovative, sustainable solution for workspaces of tomorrow, HUBB has been designed by Mecanoo and Gispen using steel, responsibly sourced timber and recycled PET material. HUBB offers flexibility of customisation in rapidly changing workspaces, and can be mounted in endless combinations of configurations depending on its use as an independent or group working space. It comes with a table, roof, and other add-ons.

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HOME & DESIGN TRENDS VOL 5 NO 2 2017

ART


The Force of Nature Crafted by design student Lisa Ertel, Dune is a family of seating furniture made of solid wood that is sandblasted to reveal how time impacts material. The soft early wood is removed to reveal the annual rings of the tree. The wood is naturally grown, but is designed with an industrial process, balancing the look between classic and contemporary. Inspired by the archaic forms of stone benches, the furniture exudes a soft, warm appeal.

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All Play, No Work

JOURNEY EAST

Continuing its journey from Milan Design Week last year (when the first collection was launched), PLAYplay’s second collection is just as spirited as its first. The colourful, bold range includes a sofa, tall shelves, consoles and a desk for the compact, contemporary home. Oak brings in a light, woody feel, whereas pops of yellow, orange, pink and teal offer a fresh take on the collection. The versatile pieces have been created by Lanzavecchia + Wai for Journey East.

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MASSIMO GARDONE

Memories in Metal The Cabinet of Wishes takes us back to the time of old sideboards, where biscuits and candies were usually kept hidden away from children. A richer take on tradition, this cabinet is composed of multiple squared compartments, each with its own key and unique copper finish. The piece was created by Nika Zupanc as part of De Castelli’s Tracing Identity project that brought seven female designers together to create metal furniture with an emotional allure.

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Framed Seating Every window tells a story; a story of the people that live behind it and of the urban scenery in built-up landscapes, depending on the perspective. Andrea Ponti’s Shadows in the Windows project represents Hong Kong’s urban landscape through the two elements of the window and the seat, in eight variations. They represent the relationship between the individual, the seat and the urban landscape, by tying all three together in a unique design. The eight seats share the same design concept: A square window frame, the contour of a chair, clean lines, steel and ABS.

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BLA ST ATION

Pocket Embrace The Pocket armchair has two primary features — the storage pocket under the seat and the warm curve that wraps around the user. A collaboration between Stone Designs and Blå Station, the padded armchair creates a private environment in even the busiest of spaces. The cup-like shell is made of environmentally-friendly PurCore covered with soft foam, upholstered in fabric or leather, and stands on stable steel legs. Pocket offers storage opportunities in hotel lobbies, waiting areas, bars, restaurants, and even the home and office.

Indefinite Reverie Lounging gets a whole new meaning with Daydream by Joynout. True to its name, Daydream is designed to make the user feel completely at ease. Inspired by the infinity symbol, the seat creates an incline position, promoting a relaxed state. Two identical cushion panels are interlocked to create an ‘x’, which can seat two people. The timber frame and Kvadrat textiles in multiple colours add to its appeal.

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Branching Out The tentacular legs of the Dune sofa rise up around its cushioned oval seat, culminating in flat, round tables. The product is suited for flexible workplaces that call for informal meetings in relaxed settings, as well as for interactive public spaces. Capable of accommodating upto eight people, Dune has been designed by Swedish design studio Front for Offecct. For such a large piece of furniture, Dune has an inherent sense of lightness owing largely to its spindly legs. Its four tables are affixed with USB ports as well as hooks to hang coats and bags.

Stimulated Species

PABLO DA RONCO

The Agave cabinet by Esrawe Studio has a unique inspiration — the product reflects the production process of Mezcal, an alcoholic beverage culled from the Agave plant in Mexico. Similar to Mezcal, each cabinet is designed slightly different from the others, owing to the skills of the artisans that craft them. They are produced in wood, metal or brass and pay homage to the tradition and culture surrounding Mezcal and the Agave.

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THE SUN DOES NOT REALISE HOW WONDERFUL

MAXIMISE WHAT NATURE HAS TO OFFER WITH OUR PATH BREAKING GREEN HOMES

IT IS UNTIL

AFTER

A ROOM

IS MADE - LOUIS KAHN, American Architect (1902-1971)

Book-v5i2.indb 1

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A Worldwide Media Publication

29/05/17 5:05 pm

WE UNDERSTAND SPACES BETTER


TRENDING

RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW

Bringing you up to date with news and events from the Indian design industry

TEXT: TINA THAKRAR

Dialogues 2017 by Sanjay Puri emboldens design discourse

F

rom functional to quirky, from small to large and from traditional to modern, an array of chair designs lined the gardens of the Taj Rambagh hotel in Jaipur, where renowned architects and designers unveiled their signature product ideologies. Dialogues 2017, held in March this year,

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has been conceptualised by architect Sanjay Puri and event director Ridhima Prabhu, making it the first-of-its-kind to be put together by an architect. Abiding by its name, Dialogues facilitates communication and interactions between architects and designers from across the country.


A primary aspect of the event was SPADE — an initiative for Signature Product Design at Dialogues Events. Designers from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Baroda, Indore and Jaipur displayed 22 different chair designs, which will soon be available for purchase.

Besides product design, fields such as architecture, art, social issues, jewellery design and product knowledge came to fore, through design presentations and talks by Sotheby India’s Managing Director, Gautam Bhatia, architects Nitin Kilawalla, Martand Khosla and Sonali Bhagwati, other designers, and product and technology companies. In the next edition, Puri aims to tap into the design fraternity in lesser known cities like Nagpur, Pune and Indore, focusing on light as the signature product.

HOME & DESIGN TRENDS VOL 5 NO 2 2017

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“India Circus’ on-ground store will be a space to showcase creative ideas and get customised designs,” says Krsnaa Mehta.

2

1. Slim ceramic tiles from 41zero42

2. India Circus goes on-ground

In 41zero42’s new Paper41 collection, retailed by Aaren Intpro in India, shapes, colours and emotions come together on a 3.5mm thin ceramic tile which can be put on façades, feature walls and bathrooms.The decor element comes in multiple themes, depending on the kind of style the room has to invoke. Designed with a great deal of research, this range of tiles is an innovative and economical solution to functional floor products.

Taking his homegrown, Indian-inspired brand into brickand-mortar stage, designer Krsnaa Mehta unveiled India Circus’ first retail store cum gallery in Mumbai with much aplomb. Celebrating the colours, moods and cityscapes of India, the new range features accessories, wall art, wallpaper and furniture. The exclusive experience creates multiple touch-points with consumers, allowing them to visualise how they can style their homes.


3 The collection includes veneers like Knotty Oak, Knotty Walnut, Plus Oak, Plus Walnut, Oak Parquet and more.

3. Decowood introduces imperfect, antique-looking veneers

The muted colours and low gloss finish add to the weathered look.

Tapping into the current trend of ‘close to nature’ designs, Decowood from Greenlam Industries has launched a collection of veneers, called Distressed Veneers, that retain imperfections. Using advanced technology imported from Europe, the company creates aged, distressed and textured wood veneers that look completely natural. Each produced pattern is organic and different from the other.

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TRENDING

TECHNOVATE

Innovations in smart technology

TEXT: AZIZ AMIN

Seeing is believing

S

mart technology has been making headways for the past few years. After the upsurge of smartphones and smart watches, virtual reality at home seems to be the next big thing and the design industry is wasting no time to reap the benefits of this rapidly growing

arm of technology. Ashley Furniture has introduced this technology in its newly launched store (in association with Dash Square) in Bengaluru. The process involves punching in details and dimensions of your new home/ office and dragging and dropping

furniture in desired spaces using an iPad. Once rendered, the room can be viewed using the HTC Vive virtual reality headset, allowing the user to get an immersive experience of the space and the furniture in its actual setting. Architects too have started using this technology to

elucidate project designs and layouts to their clients. Access Architects has introduced a similar system in their Mumbai office to offer clients the opportunity to experience the project with utmost detailing. This speeds up the approval process, saving precious time.

Bedrooms of the future

A

n amalgamation of luxury living and cutting-edge technology, the HiCan (High Fidelity Canopy) smart-bed system includes a series of hi-tech functions like a built-in audio system, a console at the footboard to house a range of multi-media systems, and a digital projector linked to a 70-inch screen mounted at the foot of the bed. It also incorporates intimacy curtains, a reclining system and RGB LED lighting.

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E

UT

ILIT Y

VA LU

the robot’s arm

D

esigned to mop hard floor surfaces, Braava Jet by iRobot was recently introduced to the Indian market by Puresight Systems. The small square-shaped mopping tool uses smart sensors and intelligent coding to clean floors with least supervision and is best suited for small rooms like bathrooms and kitchens.

speakers to hang with

B

reaking mundane design patterns, Nac Sound, Italy, has introduced handcrafted omnidirectional speakers that can be suspended from ceilings like light bulbs. The lack of positioning restrictions reduces mechanical resonance, allowing the speakers to generate rich and consistent sound in all directions. Made of ceramic, which has excellent acoustic properties, the speakers enjoy an unconventional shape and placement which adds to the aesthetic value of the space. Anusha Technovision is the exclusive distributor of Nac Sound products in India.

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TRENDING

FITTING OUT

Industry happenings in hardware, kitchens and bathrooms

TEXT: AZIZ AMIN

FYI The improved air technology allows the shower to generate rain of full, soft droplets.

1

2 1. Hansgrohe introduces the Radiance-E shower range Hansgrohe, in association with Phoenix Design, has created overhead showers that blend high-quality materials with improved air technology to generate rain-like droplets. The jets at the centre of the square-shaped spray disc are closely positioned for a powerful spray, offering better rinsing, while the surrounding jets are spaced-out for a gentle spray that relaxes the shoulders and upper back. The models are equipped with water-saving technology.

2. VitrA launches Outline series of washbasins VitrA’s new Outline series of washbasins is characterised by its distinctive design and cerafine material. Following ongoing trends, this collection showcases a contemporary look, ideal for all tastes and bathroom interiors. The washbasins are available in five different forms viz. TV, oval, square, pebble and round, and colours such as matte black, matte mink, matte taupe, matte white and white. The range gives a fresh new look to otherwise staid bath spaces.


3

FYI The premium Keha Casa store was launched under the creative expertise of architect Vikram Phadke.

5

3. Keha Casa opens flagship store in Bengaluru Showcasing some of the finest bath and surface brands, Keha Casa has recently launched an 8,000sqft flagship store in Bengaluru. Through this launch, the owners have attempted to capture the essense of luxury in the domain of baths and surfaces. The brands on display at the premium facility include SICIS, antoniolupi, Giovanni Barbieri, THG Paris, Devon & Devon, Lithos Design, Mutina and more.

4. Hafele’s new design showroom in Pune

5. Blum India moves into new premises in Mumbai

Hafele launched its newest facility in Shivaji Nagar, Pune, displaying its acclaimed interior and architecture design fittings and accessories. The 3,000sqft showroom was inaugurated by Mahesh Nampurkar of Suman Shilp, together with Jurgen Wolf, Managing Director, Hafele South Asia. With this opening, Hafele now has its sixth successive company-owned design flagship showroom in South Asia, apart from having smaller design centres.

The Austrian fittings specialist Blum’s Indian subsidiary, Blum India recently moved into new premises in Andheri, Mumbai. The modern showroom cum office/ training space is an impressive 2,100sqft area created to better serve the growing Indian demand. Philipp Blum, Managing Director, Blum, says, “We believe that India is an important future market for us that has great potential. That’s why we decided to invest in Mumbai.”

4


TRENDING

DRAWING BOARD

Straight from the architect’s sketchbook

Ayaz Basrai of The Busride Design Studio shares an initial sketch of The Bombay Canteen, an eatery in Mumbai, before it was even shared with the proprietors

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THE IDEA THAT INSPIRED THE BOMBAY CANTEEN, MUMBAI The initial sketches for The Bombay Canteen guided the process of creating the ‘beautiful ruin’ idea, where we thought it’d be interesting to populate one ruin with the ghost of another. We started thinking about the memories that buildings leave behind, and what stories they’d whisper to us if they could. The idea was to create this entire shell, and then literally hack it away to populate the ruin it left behind. Additionally, this sketch captures the intent of each table getting a wall to sit against, which became a guiding principle in our final layout. — Ayaz Basrai

HOME & DESIGN TRENDS VOL 5 NO 2 2017

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TRENDsMAKERS

MINDSCAPE

Perspectives on industry trends

This project incorporates a blend of bold design and social sensitivity. The woven chairs in the reception are used to promote an NGO employing blind women.

LOCAL INFLUENCE Exposed to the country’s cultural diversity and rich heritage at a very young age, Canna Patel of HCP Interior Design tells HDT how ideologies of a locale play a vital role in shaping the architecture of that space

I

grew up in Ahmedabad in a curious amalgam of conservative traditions and cosmopolitan trends. At an early age, I was absorbed in a home surrounded by thoughts and spaces that echoed manifestos of a modern era. While focusing on those aspects of architecture, I found myself gaining a better understanding, primarily about open and interior space. I realised this is what we inhabit; therefore this is where we celebrate.

ROOTED IN CONTEXT The environment of the city and the country where I resided, designed the vocabulary of my work. The birth of the slogan ‘We are from here, we belong here, we celebrate here’, ultimately helped me find meaning in what I did and how I wished to contribute to the field of design. In India, our surroundings find

40

order in chaos. Amidst the chaos, HCPID’s design approach is based on ‘Made in India’, which is the driving force to celebrate our culture and crafts. As design professionals, our work and practice must define the design statement via our projects. This is where I differ from the modernist dictum of ‘less is more’ and find relevance in ‘meaning is more’. THE DESIGNER’S ROLE The Internet, forms of indirect globalisation, and other influences from the West have become the default in the race for identity with modernity, luxury and status symbols. These adaptations are seen as demeaning to culture at all levels and activities; even more so in design where solutions and results have become alien to the local and social structure, and cultural activities. Often, the mass is unaware of the connotations and deeper

HOME & DESIGN TRENDS VOL 5 NO 2 2017

connections to the adapted ways. Within this, it is even more pertinent for a designer to create environments and spaces where ‘meaning is more’. With meaning in our work, as a design practice we strive to preserve our identity through history and the tradition of skills and generations of crafts, along with international trends of technology, new materials and fads. With meaning, we believe, one holds a reason to survive the test of time with changing generations, trends and lifestyles. BEYOND DESIGN As a professional, the ‘Made in India’ ideology doesn’t stop at my work. The understanding bleeds into teaching. I find myself associating and pushing forward the mix of our cultures in my lectures through metaphors, live examples and even assignments, which are

relevant to the Indian context in design. While it is necessary to know what is happening around in the world, it is important to bring the learning back to understand our context and our way of life. It is deeply pleasing when one sees this approach resonate with the government initiative of ‘Make in India’. It gives us support for the current time that we are working in. As a professional, I love design that evokes emotion. I believe in working passionately and being able to connect with who I am. I am committed to this profession where what I love and believe unfolds through my projects. This is the perfect moment and opportunity to celebrate who we are and where we are; find meaning through our work with the zeal to move forward, and discover ourselves around design.


We are from here, we belong here, we celebrate here. — Canna Patel, Chairperson, HCP Interior Design

A weekend home, contrary to its perception in the West as a couples’ retreat, incorporates our social structure through its spatial layout and becomes a place to gather for family and friends.


TRENDsMAKERS

ICONIC

Bringing you that something more about brands that need no introduction

TEXT: JANICE FERNANDES IMAGES: VIKRANT KHARAT

POWERHOUSE OF HOME DECOR Touted as the largest furniture and home design store in India, Global Living Emporio, by Stanley Lifestyles, is all about catering to a wide variety of demands

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Shubha Sunil and Sunil Suresh, Founders, Stanley Lifestyles

Global Living Emporio is the first home decor mega store in India. — Sunil Suresh, Founder and Group CEO, Stanley Lifestyles and Global Living Emporio

THE BRANDS Global Living Emporio houses over 60 brands, apart from their very own brand of Stanley products. While some brands like Christopher Guy, Poltrona Frau and others are readily imported, there are others — Cierre, Lazy Boy, ROM, Hilker, Stordal — that are licensed by Global Living Emporio. This means that like in the automotive world where every element of a car is imported in parts and assembled in India, the parts of these five brands also come in a completely-knocked-down (CKD) condition. The construction and upholstering is then done here in Bengaluru. Apart from these international brands, there are many Indian brands that are also housed in the same space. So, where ever there’s an international brand there is also an Indian one of the same quality and calibre.

L

ocated in the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru, Global Living Emporio, a venture by Stanley Lifestyles is spread across 1,00,000sqft and rises five floors. It has 60 brands under its roof, with more than 150 different setups on display. Beautifully decorated and visually merchandised, this is a true experience centre where customers can come to touch and understand what would look best in their homes. This one-of-a-kind store is the largest, not only in India but in Asia Pacific. THE MAIN AIM Stanley Lifestyles started off by making only sofas. After being in the furniture manufacturing and trading business for over 22 years, Sunil Suresh, Founder and Group CEO, Stanley Lifestyles and Global Living Emporio, wanted to make a world class store in the city. After talking and working with architects, interior designers and home makers they realised that there’s potential for such products in the Indian market. “The customers were not satisfied with just sofas. They wanted beds and dining tables, and the entire plethora made available to them at one store,” says Suresh. That’s exactly what Global Living Emporio is all about. From various styles of sofas to beds and mattresses, Stanley has collaborated with various brands to expand their horizon. The idea was to add as much value as possible in India. Since 2010, Stanley has been about being proudly handmade in India.

SUNIL SURESH Established in 1996, Stanley was founded by Sunil Suresh because of his passion for leather and his desire to create a world-class Indian company. With branches of Stanley Boutique already present all over the country, Suresh wanted to extend their reach beyond sofas. Consequently, India’s largest international decor mall — Global Living Emporio — was born.

CUSTOM MADE High level customisation is the speciality at Global Living Emporio. With 250 colours of leather, across 10 grades of price range, the buyer can choose according to his/ her preference. The lowest quality is the basic Italian leather, while German hide is top of the line. The choice of colour is the buyer’s prerogative, but the size can be changed only to a certain extent — based on the catalogue. Besides leather, Stanley also offers fabric sofas. The fabrics offered are only highend because of the construction of the sofa. It is as good as leather, and will last for as long.

HOME & DESIGN TRENDS VOL 5 NO 2 2017

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STANLEY BOUTIQUE Modern comfort — clean, crisp, straight lines — is what the 20th anniversary collection of Stanley Boutique is all about. Although this collection is not the sink-in type, it is still very comfortable and ergonomically supportive. “These pieces of furniture are meant to be used and not just seen. They are practical, easy to maintain and come with a 10-year warranty,” says Suresh. The materials that go into manufacturing these products are of excellent quality. The pinewood comes from Canada, elastic from Italy, foam from Japan and leather from Europe. Once bought, it lasts for a lifetime.

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quality products that are made in India and sold in india. That has always been our vision,” adds Suresh. They don’t believe in the business of e-commerce, as in their experience one really needs to come over and over again to get a feel of the furniture. In the next four years, Global Living Emporio will also be found in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Hyderabad. All in all, a serious homemaker will definitely find something that will catch their attention and fit in their space.

Global Living Emporio is more of an experience centre where you can touch, feel and understand your furniture before purchasing it. — Sunil Suresh, Founder and Group CEO, Stanley Lifestyles and Global Living Emporio

THE RESPONSE The introduction of a multilevel home decor store has been met with mixed reactions. While the enormity and choice that is offered at Global Living Emporio makes it difficult for most to understand where to start and what to choose, architects are happy and satisfied with this one-stop shop. Now, they don’t have to take a customer to 10 different stores. In fact, they can get 10 customers to look at all the different things that each one wants. THE FUTURE Along with the establishment of Global Living Emporio, Stanley themselves have also extended their products. They’ve started manufacturing beds — leather and fabric — and have tied up with a Scandinavian company to manufacture mattresses. “We produce international

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TRENDsMAKERS

COVER STORY

Our insights into the people and ideas that define contemporary design

the big guns Architects who have rewritten the design language in India

ASHIESH SHAH

I

t’s Ashiesh Shah’s keen interest in art that leads him to create his striking designs. He set up Ashiesh Shah Architecture + Design eight years ago in Mumbai, as a medium to adopt his unique, modern Indian sensibilities. The recipient of numerous awards during the course of his prolific career, Shah has displayed his creativity in projects like Le Mill, Nido, Otlo, Raw Mango and more recently, Hemant Oberoi’s eponymous restaurant in Mumbai. Shah holds a degree in interiors and architecture from New York’s Parsons University.

Quick Fact

GEORGE SEEMON

Before moving to New York to study architecture, Shah was practising as a dentist.

BIJOY JAIN

A

Quick Fact

Jain is a Norman R. Foster visiting professor at the Yale School of Architecture.

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Pritzker Prize nominee in 2017 and a finalist in the Aga Khan Awards 2010, Bijoy Jain is considered one of India’s most iconic architects. He founded Studio Mumbai in 2010, which incorporates his grounded approach to architecture, and sits firmly between contemporary and vernacular styles. Jain has designed the third MPavilion in Melbourne, the Ganga Maki Studio in the Himalayas, the Palmyra House in Nandgaon and the Leti 360 Resort in Uttaranchal, all of which are representative of his sensitivity to the context of the project.

HOME & DESIGN TRENDS VOL 5 NO 2 2017

R

ecognised for its luxurious hospitality projects, Stapati has a strong hold on design in South India. With branches in Calicut, Kochi, Bengaluru and Chennai, the firm was first set up in 1989. Heading the Bengaluru arm, George Seemon leads design teams on renowned projects like the Team Thai corporate office in Kerala and the Xandari Harbour Hotel in Kochi. With numerous boutique properties in his portfolio, Seemon is known for keeping the personality of a site intact, while boldly experimenting with different forms of design.


KAMAL MALIK & ARJUN MALIK

T

he team at Malik Architecture, headed by veteran Kamal and his son Arjun Malik, is constantly seeking a balance in the path of meaningful design. Their approach to architecture, as a synthesis of ecology and spirit, involves innovative use of materials, inspirations from nature and most importantly, sustainability. The award-winning firm’s projects include the American School of Bombay, Cricket Club of India in Mumbai, Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital in Jaipur, Taj Vivanta in Lonavala and many more.

Quick Fact

Kamal Malik was born and raised in Shimla, thus making nature his primary source of design inspiration.

“We increasingly see our role changing from architects to catalysts. This allows the design process to develop organically, to eschew all dogma, all baggage and preconceptions.” – Kamal Malik & Arjun Malik, Malik Architecture

Quick Fact

The firm name ‘Jaisim – Fountainhead’ was inspired by Ayn Rand’s acclaimed book, The Fountainhead.

KRISHNA RAO JAISIM

“Fundamentally, the five elements and five senses are the tools that an architect’s imagination plays with.” — Krishna Rao Jaisim, Jaisim — Fountainhead

KRUPA ZUBIN & ZUBIN ZAINUDDIN

F

rom putting an oversized ECG graphic on the facade of a hospital, to using sand dunes as inspiration for a resort, ZZ Architects’ (ZZA) creativity knows no bounds. Headed by architect duo Krupa Zubin and Zubin Zainuddin, ZZA has designed the Nahar International School in Mumbai, Unity City in Kolkata, the Seasons Residences in Mumbai, and numerous private residences, health clubs, salons, factories and corporate set-ups. Both the founders blend their individual design sensibilities to create their award-winning projects recognised for the intricate attention to detail.

Quick Fact

The scale of luxury homes designed by ZZA over the past few years has gone up from 3,000sqft to 80,000sqft.

A

n architect and former chairman of the Karnataka chapter of the Indian Institute of Architects, Krishna Rao Jaisim set up his firm Jaisim – Fountainhead in 1970. Using human behaviour as his primary tool for designing structures, Jaisim prefers to merge content with context and vice versa. The Art of Living library and the Indian Institute of Plantation Management in Bengaluru are some of the many largescale institutional projects undertaken by his firm.

“Attention to detail, design longevity and satisfaction of completing the project are what drives our practice.” — Krupa Zubin & Zubin Zainuddin, ZZ Architects


NIELS SCHOENFELDER

G

erman architect Niels Schoenfelder’s move from Paris to Puducherry for a project turned into a permanent move, with him setting up shop in the quaint South Indian district. In 2004, he set up Mancini, a rapidly evolving, award-winning enterprise that is the force behind Lycee Francais, a French international school in Puducherry, the GKD Charity Trust Crematorium in Coimbatore, Mocha Mojo in Chennai and The Park Hotel in Kerala. The practice is shaped by its diversity and its determined focus on the finer nuances of architecture.

Quick Fact

Schoenfelder came to India to restore the 18th century villa of the Mayor of Puducherry into a heritage hotel.

“We are most inspired by ‘timeless’ aspects of architecture — ancient or modern. The right proportions and rigorous space making is where we start our projects.” – Niels Schoenfelder, Mancini

Quick Fact

Mehrotra has authored and edited over 20 books on architecture, design and art in India.

“New imaginations and a new will are necessary for architecture to make a difference.” – Nisha Mathew & Soumitro Ghosh, Mathew & Ghosh Architects

NURU KARIM

O

ver a decade ago, Nuru Karim was working with Zaha Hadid Architects on a host of large-scale commercial projects. Today, he is an award-winning architect, lecturer, jurist and critic himself. Karim believes that architecture is experimental, and the work of his firm, NU.DE Architecture reflects this philosophy. The Charkha installation in Mumbai’s Cross Maidan (which was nominated for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture), Hinduja Boutique Hospital and Gallery BMB are just some of his acclaimed works.

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NISHA MATHEW & SOUMITRO GHOSH

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isha Mathew and Soumitro Ghosh set up Bengaluru-based Mathew & Ghosh Architects in 1995. Covering everything from urban projects to product design, the firm’s portfolio comprises simple designs with a mix of environmental factors that impact not only society, but also culture. Their modern ideas are displayed in the Sua House, Goethe-Institut, Bethel Baptist Church and the redesigned Freedom Park in Bengaluru.

RAHUL MEHROTRA

A

n architect, author and professor, Rahul Mehrotra is the Principal Founder of RMA Architects. From recycling urban land to designing factories and social institutes, Mehrotra has delved into civic and urban affairs, environmental issues and preservation, and restoration of iconic structures. He acquired a Master’s Degree in Urban Design from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University and returned a few years later as the chairperson of that very department. The Visitor Centre at CSVMS in Mumbai, the Taj Mahal Visitor Centre in Agra, the HewlettPackard Software Campus in Bengaluru and the extension to the Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai are some of his designs.


RAVI VAZIRANI

R

avi Vazirani’s boutique practice is known for its exclusivity — no two projects are alike except for the elements of eclecticism and drama. The design studio is responsible for Karan Johar’s Mumbai home, High Spirits in Pune, multiple Atmosphere stores, and numerous other projects. The largely self-taught architect Quick Fact set up his practice in Vazirani started out 2010, and in a short as a style editor for span of time, grew to a UK-based interiors become one of the magazine, before most aesthetically establishing his and functionally own studio. intelligent designers in the country.

SAMEEP PADORA

S

ameep Padora heads sP+a, a multi-award winning design firm based in Mumbai. He holds a Master’s degree from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, and is the creative mind behind projects like Jetvana in Sakharwadi, Indigo Deli in Mumbai, and the acclaimed Lattice House in Jammu. His firm was one of six international design firms invited to speak at the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2011. With every project, Padora is known to push the envelope, paving the way for a contemporary design culture in the country.

Quick Fact

Padora designed Jetvana, a Buddhist education and meditation centre, without disturbing the dense vegetation in the area.

“India is responding positively to design. On an individual consumption level, design has more appreciation, with everyday inexpensive design like Ikea and Muji now becoming accessible arrangements.” – Ravi Vazirani, Ravi Vazirani Design Studio

ROOSHAD SHROFF

S

ince its inception in 2011, Rooshad Shroff Architecture + Design has grown rapidly, expanding from only architecture to a whole gamut of design including furniture, products and materials. Armed with a degree in Architecture from Cornell University, and a Masters in Architecture from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University, Shroff has had his work exhibited at the Beijing Architecture Biennial, the Venice Architecture Biennial and the Shanghai Expo. His projects include the Christian Louboutin boutique in Mumbai, Sassy Teaspoon in Juhu and L’Atelier in Mumbai.

“For all of our projects, we try and work with different handicrafts and artisans from across the country.” – Rooshad Shroff, Rooshad Shroff Architecture + Design

SANDEEP KHOSLA

O

ne of the most acclaimed design practices of Bengaluru, Khosla Associates was established in 1995. The firm, headed by Sandeep Khosla and Amaresh Anand, follows a distinct style of tropical residential architecture that respects local elements and sensibilities. Whether it’s the unusual cliff house in Kerala that broke away from mundane design typology or the 35,000sqft DPS Kindergarten School in Bengaluru that was completed in an unbelievable span of time, Khosla Associates has raised the bar for architectural brilliance.


SANGEETA MERCHANT & SANJEEV PANJABI

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angeeta Merchant and Sanjeev Panjabi run their firm, SPASM Design Architects in a personal, controlled manner, just as they run their projects. They practice in India and East Africa, focusing on aspects like honesty, sensibility, humility, longevity and relevance. The firm was set up in 1995, and is largely recognised by its affinity for open and interactive spaces tied to nature. The firm covers everything from high-end residences to resorts and commercial spaces.

“Most of our buildings reflect an attempt to combine the familiar with the new, the traditional with today, by working with age-old solutions in a technologically-savvy structure.” – Seema Puri & Zarir Mullan, SEZA

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SANJAY PURI

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ith an innate ability to make every space look different, and a conscious effort to stray from repetitive design, Sanjay Puri established his firm in 1992. Over time, the firm put together an impressive portfolio, comprising one-ofa-kind projects like the Bombay Arts Society, the Piazza in Montenegro, Hyatt Srinagar and the Global City in Mumbai. With his latest initiative entitled Dialogues, Puri added another feather to his cap, bringing designers from across the country onto one platform to encourage design discourse.

“India is poised for a lot of development in design, and in the future, we can hope for people to be more aware of the power of design.” – Sanjay Puri, Sanjay Puri Architects

SEEMA PURI & ZARIR MULLAN

he founders and principal architects of SEZA, Seema Puri and Zarir Mullan believe that design has a dual responsibility — one to guarantee the end users a meaningful space, and the other to create architecture that is relevant and adds sculptural charm to the fabric of its surroundings. The duo set up their practice in the ’90s, with an aim to meld architecture, interior design and landscape, and blur the lines between the inside and outside. Villas, bungalows, residential developments, hotels, showrooms and shopping malls form only a part of their project portfolio.

SHEILA SRI PRAKASH

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esides being referred to as an acclaimed architect, Sheila Sri Prakash is also considered an expert in sustainability and green architecture. Her design firm, Shilpa Architects Planners Designers was set up in Chennai in 1979. As a member of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), Sri Prakash has also played a pivotal role in streamlining the LEED Certification process in the country. Her prominent projects include the State Bank of India head office in Chennai, Bamiyan Cultural Centre Quick Fact in Afghanistan, Taj Sri Prakash is Vivanta Resorts & Spa also a in Puducherry and the Bharatanatyam Mahindra World City dancer and in Chennai. a musician.


SONAL SANCHETI & RAHUL GORE

SHIMUL JAVERI KADRI

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himul Javeri Kadri’s firm, SJK Architects builds gently, naturally and lightly in its context. The 24-year-old firm is driven by a respect for nature and a fundamental belief in people and their connectedness. Kadri’s designs draw inspiration from historical India, but still remain relevant in the modern scenario. Her innovative projects include the Hotel on the Ganges in Rishikesh, The Handloom School in Maheshwar and the Jiji House restoration in Mumbai.

Quick Fact

Sancheti pursues several allied interests like filmmaking, set designing, photography and scuba diving.

Quick Fact

On the side, Kadri also acts as a writer, jurist, speaker and teacher.

“We usually stay away from a signature style; the most complex and beautiful solutions are often the simplest.” – Sonal Sancheti & Rahul Gore, _OPOLIS Architects

SIDHARTHA TALWAR

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n a career spanning over 20 years, Sidhartha has worked on diverse projects ranging from retail and corporate interiors, to exhibitions and thematic events. He founded Studio Lotus along with Ambrish Arora and Ankur Choksi in 2002. The studio has done some fascinating work including the RAAS hotel in Jodhpur that set a benchmark in hospitality projects, Quick Fact and KHOJ, which was an experimental Sidhartha is a visiting art laboratory and residence for faculty member at upcoming artists. The Grand Jury Prize the TVB School of at the Design for Asia Award is one Habitat Studies. of the many accolades the studio has bagged to date.

SONALI & MANIT RASTOGI

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“We feel most strongly about sustainability — not purely as energy, but environmental, social, cultural and financial sustainability.” – Sonali Rastogi & Manit Rastogi, Morphogenesis

orphogenesis, headed by Sonali and Manit Rastogi, thrives on challenges. The 20-year-old firm is responsible for The British Council in New Delhi, Delhi Art Gallery in Mumbai, Pearl Academy in Jaipur and the Infosys campus in Nagpur, among others. As a philosophy, the firm looks to the processes of nature — being responsive to context, maximum efficiency with minimum waste, closed loop — to define their work and organisational structure. Holistically, the firm puts the Indian perspective into the global context to create contemporary, practical structures.

NOTE: This listing is in alphabetical order. At the time of going to press, due to time constraint more than a few pertinent names were unable to send updated profiles. The magazine will carry the same in due course.

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n 2001, Sonal Sancheti and Rahul Gore, both graduates of the Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT) in Ahmedabad, merged their design sensibilities to set up _OPOLIS Architects. The multidisciplinary design practice has undertaken large-scale projects such as The Bihar Museum in Patna along with Maki and Associates, and more recently, the North Wing extension to the Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Mumbai along with Steven Holl Architects. The firm’s innovative design solutions are grounded by a sensitivity to the project, its site and surroundings.


TRENDsMAKERS TEXT: TINA THAKRAR

The Frieze New York ad campaign brought New York’s significant artists to life through canvases of their personal articles

NICHOLAS CALCOTT X5

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his May marked New York’s most influential annual art event, Frieze New York, where leading contemporary galleries came together to create a viewing and buying art hub. Another similar, creative coming together of individuals was for the ad campaign of the event, which celebrated the most influential artists who lived and practised in New York in the 20th century, and left their mark on the art scene. Using objects to represent people, the Frieze design team creatively put together artefacts and memorabilia of eight different artists on a single canvas each. They worked in close collaboration with the artists’ individual foundations, which work towards preserving their artworks as well as personal archives of items. With this campaign, Frieze decided to go beyond art and give visitors a peek into the personalities and working methods of these iconic artists.

PORTFOLIO

A look-book of expressive design ideas


JOSEF AND ANNI ALBERS Courtesy The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation


KEITH HARING Courtesy The Keith Haring Foundation



JACKSON POLLOCK AND LEE KRASNER Courtesy Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center



ROBERT RAUSCHENBERG Courtesy Robert Rauschenberg Foundation



ISAMU NOGUCHI Courtesy The Noguchi Museum



ArchiTECTURE

RESIDENTIAL

Homes that craft a contemporary identity through their design

Project: Villa • INTERIOR DESIGNER: KATE MOSS FOR THE LAKES BY YOO TEXT: SEEMA SREEDHARAN IMAGES: THE LAKES BY YOO

Additional Info • AREA: 650 ACRES • LOCATION: COTSWORLDS, LONDON


The expansive villa is situated on a bucolic acre-wide piece of land atop a former quarry in the Cotswolds, London. Called The Barnhouse, this expansive estate designed by supermodel Kate Moss is part of The Lakes, D GHYHORSPHQW RI VHFRQGDU\ OX[XU\ KRPHV E\ GHVLJQ ŵUP <22 IRXQGHG by property mogul John Hitchcox and French designer Philippe Starck.


This luxurious haven in the woods features brick and wood cladding, extensive glazing, a gabled roof and a large raised deck with a private swimming pool.


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upermodel Kate Moss has become the latest celebrity entrant in the interior design segment with the newly launched ‘The Barnhouse’ for The Lakes by Yoo. Located in the Cotswolds, a country area in the South of England known for its rolling hills and quaint medieval-style homes, The Barnhouse can rightly be called the epitome of luxury in the wilderness! Combining country living with urban luxuries, The Barnhouse offers a secluded spot away from the lakeside. Inspired by the notion of stumbling across a hidden gem in the midst of the forest, the design has a soft palette of earthy tones beneath a layer of luxurious comfort and style. The interiors have been carefully considered by Kate, creating a juxtaposition of traditional elegance and modern design. David Haddock has crafted bespoke furnishings for the new property, including a custom-built dining table, four-poster stainless steel box bed and a TV cabinet featuring a silver thunderbolt paying homage to influential pop culture icon, David Bowie. Bright pops of colour on the walls and furnishings make this family home a slice of glamour in the lap of nature.

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Floor-to-ceiling windows open up the property to the outdoors, and the RSHQ VWDLUFDVH ŶRRGV QDWXUDO OLJKW WKURXJKRXW WKH SURSHUW\ 7KH VRIW oval shape of the Markham globe lantern in the hallway further extends elegance and sophistication to the interiors.


When John told me about The Barnhouse in the middle of the silver birch woods, I was intrigued and then excited to become part of the design team. We have created a luxurious haven in the woods...the perfect place to escape with family and friends. –

Kate Moss, Supermodel



The Barnhouse is a home that offers the exclusivity of privacy as an indulgence worth treasuring. — John Hitchcox, Chairman, YOO

DESIGNER TOUCH Select artworks by Damien Hirst, The Chapmans and others add a touch of affluence to the home.

Each bedroom has been designed with careful thought to appeal to all family interests, and the blend of old and new is obvious throughout the property. Local craftsman David Haddock was roped in to design the exclusive furniture showcased in this space. All the bedrooms boast of a modernised vintage appeal with wallpapers and furnishings from House of Hackney and William Morris.

THE SPECS Interior Designer: Kate Moss Design firm: YOO Furniture: David Haddock Wallpapers and furnishings: House of Hackney, William Morris

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ArchiTecture

RESIDENTIAL

Homes that craft a contemporary identity through their design

Project: Apartment • Architect: RAJEEV THAKKER, a-RT TEXT: TINA THAKRAR IMAGES: SUNIL THAKKAR

Additional Info • AREA: 1,250SQFT • LOCATION: MUMBAI

division of space 3-BHK APARTMENT WITH ONE BALCONY


This family residence is the epitome of well-integrated design that embodies basic aesthetics and complete functionality.


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hen it comes to his designs, Rajeev Thakker still prefers to sketch everything out by hand, taking an intuitive, balanced approach. For this project, the brief was clear — simple, easy to maintain, open, clutter-free and minimal — within an extremely strict budget. Thakker’s response to this was practical — long-lasting material, limited accessories, abundant storage spaces, and a basic palette. Space utility and cohesiveness is clearly visible throughout the home, while sticking to a minimum palette. Favoured with a good layout, Thakker used white, oak, grey and yellow as his primary colours. With three bedrooms, a combined living and dining room, and a small balcony for its six residents, the apartment presents nominal experimentation with colours and textures and a feeling of being light and free-flowing.


OPEN PLAN All the storage is floated off the floor, and the false ceiling is turned in with coves around it to give an unobstructive formality to the house.

The living room is the most expansive space in the home, coupled with a tiny balcony. Bluish-green couches add piquancy to the otherwise-neutral room.

Residences in themselves are challenging to design, because the inhabitants have to be able to grow into the space. – Rajeev Thakker, Principal Architect, a-RT

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DESIGN DETAILS The two wall artworks were done by Thakker within a span of two days. He used leftover wood, sanded and painted it, and created a paper plane in the dining area and a huddle of houses in the bedroom. Against the plain white walls, the artworks stand out as statement pieces. In certain sections of the house, the builder’s slab is left raw and untouched. The predominantly used oakwood as well as the flooring tiles have all been sourced locally.


Daylight and yellow coloured track fittings ensure that the warmth is encapsulated within the flat and accentuates the design details. – Rajeev Thakker, Principal Architect, a-RT



Most of the furniture in the home has been customised, with enough flexibility for the residents to adorn it their own way. – Rajeev Thakker, Principal Architect, a-RT

BATHROOM CAPERS The bathrooms are simple, clean and unadorned. Designed in marble and oakwood, they are illuminated with soft lighting. As with the rest of the house, the accessories are small and sparse.

THE SPECS Owners: Varun and Meghna Thakkar Flooring: Kajaria Tiles Lighting: Abby Lighting Bath, fittings: Jaquar Interior Contractor: Nikesh Sejpal, Om Interiors

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ArchiTecture

RESIDENTIAL

Homes that craft a contemporary identity through their design

Project: Apartment • Architect: Saahil Parikh and Nupur Shah, we design studio TEXT: TINA THAKRAR IMAGES: IRA GOSALIA, PHOTOGRAPHIX INDIA

• AREA: 2,550SQFT • LOCATION: MUMBAI

division of space 4-BHK APARTMENT INCLUDING ONE MASTER SUITE AND ONE FAMILY ROOM


In this Mumbai apartment, clean cut geometry and intersecting planes are softened with decor and detailing, without the use of overt decoration.


COLOUR TOUCH The look of the home is based on a palette of white and brown. Colour comes in through soft furnishings and artworks by Raza and Akbar Padamsee.

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fficient, understated and well-planned — We Design Studio’s latest residential project exudes all the qualities that are usually inherent in their designs. Using locally and naturally sourced materials, Saahil Parikh and Nupur Shah transformed this apartment into their version of what luxury truly signifies. The client’s need for a clutter-free, customised space as per their lifestyle suited the design firm’s sensibilities, resulting in a modern-Indian home devoid of opulence. Situated on the 30th floor of a high-rise that offers unobstructed views of the city, this apartment is home to a young family of four. The house was gutted down to its bare-shell, and then planned around the rigid construction elements that offered very little leeway in terms of structural changes. However, the design team broke through these limitations using vernacular building techniques and soft finishes that give the home its contemporary, indigenous appeal. Essentially, the living and dining areas stand in the centre of the home, flanked by the four private bedrooms. While the master bedroom holds its own on one side, a striking corridor with a chevron-patterned timber floor leads to the two kids’ bedrooms and the family lounge room.

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The dimensions of the living room posed a challenge, owing to its linearity. To combat this, the area has a subtle division of formal and informal seating.


MATERIAL PALETTE Timber is one of the primary materials used in the design, followed by ply and fluted glass. The walls are tinted with beige paint and the ceiling with white, perfectly complementing the warm brown of the customised furniture. An off-white terrazzo floor with brass inserts runs unhindered throughout the house, except in the kitchen laid with patterned cement tiles. To maintain the earthiness of the home, the design team preferred to light up the walls, which then reflect diffused light into the spaces. A few statement light pieces, like a branched-out chandelier in the dining room, illuminate specific areas of the home.


We try to visually connect spaces by following a general material palette, and then using eclectic pieces to characterise them. – Saahil Parikh, Principal Architect, We Design Studio



All the windows are on the West, looking out towards the sea. To steer attention away from the fragmentation of the apartment, the design team decided to activate the transitional corridor space by breaking down obstructions. Consequently, regular wooden doors in the TV room have been replaced with sliding glass ones that let natural light pour into the corridor.

It’s easy to make lavish homes, but to make them warm, inviting and lived-in is where the challenge lies. – Nupur Shah, Principal Architect, We Design Studio

THE SPECS Tiling: C Bhogilal, C Tribhuvandas & Co, Adenwala Paints: Asian Paints Flooring: Bharat Flooring and Tiles Bath, basin and taps: Kohler Bed linen: Good Earth Furniture: Urban Living


ArchiTecture

COMMERCIAL

Spaces that portray diverse approaches to commercial design

Project: mixED-use STUDIO • DESIGNER: Vrinda Mathur, Navya Aggarwal and Sahej Bhatia, Studio Wood TEXT: AZIZ AMIN IMAGES: ROHAN DAYAL

Additional Info • AREA: 1,200SQFT • LOCATION: NEW DELHI


A space to work, unwind, and entertain guests — this studio is an amalgamating space atop a building, with minimal disturbance to the existing structure.


A tiny shower cubicle placed in the corner is open to sky. The wall behind the sofa KDV D FRQFUHWH SODVWHU ŵQLVK ZKLOH WKH RQH perpendicular has a brick-design wallpaper and antique sports accessories.


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A conscious effort is made to incorporate materials that would give a light and fresh look to the space at all times.

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young couple from New Delhi, both entrepreneurs, lived on the second floor of a two-storey building and owned the terrace. They wanted a personal space on the terrace where they could work, unwind and have guests over. As the structure had to be created atop an existing building, the use of brick and mortar was to be avoided. The work had to be completed under stringent deadlines, giving birth to the idea of creating a prefabricated, lightweight structure. To the advantage of the site, the terrace already had walls constructed on two sides. The idea was to add a front facade and a roof to this existing structure. Vrinda Mathur, Co-founder, Studio Wood says, “It is basically like an open hall with minimal furniture. A bookshelf on one wall extends into a little bit of a study where the couple can work. A sofa is placed against one of the walls, facing a customised coffee table.” The roof is created using I-section beams with an added bit of fore ceiling. Skylights are incorporated in the ceiling to minimise the usage of lights during the day, also adding to the overall vibe.

The idea was to have funky-looking outdoors and a dash of raw vintage inside. Even the upholstery we did for the cushions is indie. We added these little elements to create a cosy stay. — Vrinda Mathur, Co-Founder, Studio Wood

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In the landscape, Studio Wood used Ipe wood for the GHFNLQJ DQG DUWLŵFLDO JUDVV LQ WKH RSHQ DUHD 7UDIIRUG sheets painted in yellow are used to give the look of a container, adding a bit of fashionability to the space. The doors are made of UPVC.


7KH ŶRRU LV UDLVHG IRU D ZRRGHQ GHFNLQJ DQG WKH SHUJROD JRHV behind the swing to maintain privacy.

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3ODQWHUV DUH ŵ[HG RQ D PHWDO frame to add to the fresh look.


The vision for the project was for it to be a calm space. We tried to keep it open and fresh, with skylights, and a lot of plants to keep the place refreshing at all times. — Vrinda Mathur, Co-Founder, Studio Wood

Since the project was on top of an existing building, the primary challenge was to keep a check on the total weight at all times. While trying to achieve the desired look for the project, it was crucial to not damage the building in the process. Mathur says, “When the design process started, there was a lot of to-and-fro not only with the clients, but also with their neighbours. Fortunately, as we decided to use a prefab structure, there wasn’t too much additional weight added to the project. We used trafford sheets instead of an actual container, to get the desired look without extra weight. It was also a challenge to fit the skylight in a prefab structure as opposed to an RCC structure that we were used to working on.”

THE SPECS Location: Green Park Extension, New Delhi Owners: Richa and Rohit Agarwal Contractor: ASAP Prefab & Peace Constructions Furniture: 4 x 4 coffee table by Studio Wood Toilets/ Bathroom fittings: Jaquar

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ArchiTecture

RESTORATION

Breathing new life into structural pieces of history

PROJECT: HAVELI DHARAMPURA • ARCHITECT: KAPIL AGGARWAL AND PAWAN SHARMA, SPACES ARCHITECTS@KA TEXT: AZIZ AMIN IMAGES: BHARAT AGGARWAL

Additional Info • AREA: 8,000SQFT • LOCATION: OLD DELHI

division of space 26 ROOMS / 2 SUITES / 1 RESTAURANT / 1 MUSEUM


Breathing life into heritage architecture, Spaces Architects@ka restored a completely dilapidated haveli into a royal hospitality abode.


Before Restoration After Restoration

The original 135-year-old wooden door with carvings and M.S. strips was refurbished and placed as the entry door to the haveli.

STRUCTURAL CONSTRAINTS The dilapidated elements, the fragile structure and open service connections were major constraints on the site. Multiple cracks on the columns and walls, and large patches of dampness made the heritage structure look like an ordinary run-down building. Decorative plasterwork was hidden under multiple coats of limewash.

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eclared inhabitable by the government, the dilapidated ground + two storeyed Haveli Dharampura bore traces of its history in architectural elements like brackets, balconies, jharokhas, multifold arches and carved sandstone facades. To salvage the structure and conserve its heritage, Kapil Aggarwal of Spaces Architects@ka along with Rajya Sabha member Vijay Goel, envisioned retaining the soul of the space while converting it into a luxurious heritage hotel. This was to be done without meddling with the fundamental structure and architecture of the Mughal era. In the existing haveli, the second floor was inhabitable, with broken floor slabs and damaged staircases leading to the upper floors. The rigorous overhaul involved

Kapil Aggarwal, Spaces Architects@ka

After Restoration

FYI The 135-year-old dilapidated haveli was converted into a ground + two storey luxurious heritage hotel. HOME & DESIGN TRENDS VOL 5 NO 2 2017

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After Restoration


retrofitting various spaces like restaurants, a museum, shops, and different types of rooms in the renovated and structurallyimproved ground + one structure, and constructing the second and third floors and a terrace area. The approach was to amalgamate traditional architecture with a contemporary finish and create an inviting space for both Indian and foreign visitors. The designing process involved elaborate two-year research of the entire urban fabric of Chandni Chowk, in old Delhi, where the haveli is situated. Before Restoration

We visited almost all the old cities of India to understand the relevance of the project and to source skilled labour with expertise in traditional ‘haveli’-style architecture. We also replicated elements used in the past, some of them in a modern way. — Kapil Aggarwal, Principal Architect, Spaces Architects@ka

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After Restoration

Before Restoration

FYI After Restoration

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The space incorporated elements from Hindu, Mughal, Jain & Rajasthani Architecture.


EARTHY RESTAURANT On the ground floor, the courtyard extends into the restaurant area through wide glass panels that replaced the existing doors under arches. The upper floors are placed with a setback from the floor below for better visual connectivity.The concept for the restaurant was to give it an antique look with lakhori brickwork and to retain the existing arched vaults. The area was previously being used as a living room and storage area.

The open courtyard has an RFWDJRQDO ĹśRRULQJ SDWWHUQ ZLWK D water fountain at its centre, which is a replicated form of courtyard planning typical to any haveli.

After Restoration

After Restoration

After Restoration

AUTHENTIC RESTORATION All architectural elements were replicated in the same scale and finish, but the materials were changed to make it aesthetically and cost efficiently appropriate. These elements were all reconstructed with the help of skilled labour, handpicked from several parts of India.

Before Restoration

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After Restoration Before Restoration After Restoration

FYI Built during late Mughal and colonial periods, the facades of havelis were magnificently carved in buff and red sandstone adorned with floral patterns.

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FYI ROYAL ROOMS Every space has its own theme, which reflects the various flavours of architecture and livelihood in Chandni Chowk. All the furniture, lights and artefacts were custom designed for different spaces according to their use. The suites have large rooms with a living area, bedroom and a lavish bathroom. The living area and the bedroom are separated by existing Rajasthani style architectural arches and columns. These rooms have windows opening into the narrow lanes of the entryway, infusing the life of the old city into the haveli. Before Restoration

Before Restoration After Restoration

All the rooms of the heritage hotel open up to the courtyard for better inflow of natural light and air, and visual connectivity.


The lane has been improvised by removing all the suspended electrical, data and phone cables and shifting them underground.

Before Restoration

PERMISSIONS TAKEN A conservation project such as this would require approvals from authorities like the Archeological Survey of India (ASI), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Urban Art Commission. These agencies look into the process of preserving and developing the quality of urban fabric within Delhi. As most of the necessary permissions were taken beforehand, the restoration went about without any interruption.

After Restoration


After Restoration

THE TERRACE The terrace also holds part of the restaurant, with the main attraction being the ‘Barah Dhari’, which is a structure made of wood clad M.S. columns and beams, and a glass pergola. After Restoration

We get encouraged by the daily activities in Chandni Chowk. The haveli holds the privilege of being the first of its kind to show the life of old Delhi like never before. – Kapil Aggarwal, Principal Architect, Spaces Architects@ka

THE SPECS Owner: Vijay Goel Hardware: Golden Locks Electrical: Sharma Consultants Paints: Asian Paints Flooring: Artimozz Tiles and Stones Veneers: Century, Greenply Lighting: Legero Lights Toilets: Jaquar, Kohler

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ArchiTecture

EN ROUTE

Capturing architecture on the go

TEXT: KARAN SINGH RAWAT

NEW YORK Untamed and timeless

GETTYIMAGES X9, KARANSINGH RAWAT X7, 123RF, JUSTIN BROWN

The process of discovering this city begins much before your visit to an art gallery, concert hall, cultural landmark or tourist spot. It starts on the streets.


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Karan Singh Rawat is an award winning advertising and design maven, and also founder of AutumnWinter Communications & Design.

hat can you say about New York that hasn’t already been said? Surprisingly, the answer is, “a lot.” I’ve been lucky enough to visit this beautiful microcosm multiple times. And New York has continued to catch my eye, and open my mind, in ways you can’t imagine. There’s a familiarity when you picture New York. After all, it’s been Hollywood’s favourite playground. Generations of photographers have captured everything from its iconic skyline to its layers of culture. It became a character in itself, in some of the greatest TV shows ever made. Yet, this perception all but quickly fades away, the moment you actually step foot in the city. There’s a special vibe here, an energy that sweeps you off your feet and takes you on a ride like never before. And like with any good ride, the best way to enjoy is to simply let go.

OLD AND NEW The juxtaposition of the modern and vintage structures looks beautifully surreal. To me, that’s what a futuristic city looks like. You’re walking past tall glass buildings, and suddenly, sandwiched in the middle is this old church — but wait, it’s no longer a church, it is now a nightclub! It’s a classic example of modern architecture valuing the old, coexisting and respecting each other. This idea of repurposing is already popular in the more modern parts of the world, with sustainable design being the current trend.


CARE FOR A SLICE? You can tell the city cares for its people — each subway station has a nameplate with the station name imprinted in braille, bus stands, busses and buildings are all enabled with wheelchair access, even the rhythmic police and ambulance sirens depict a level of active energy towards residents, including animals. That is the level of care this city gives, little wonder then that the people of New York are happy to give back, respect the rules and redefine popular culture — generation after generation.

IN DESIGN What could be better than simple, thoughtful design that makes people choose public transport over putting yet another car on the road? This is also what has allowed New York’s subway culture to thrive.

IN NYC Crossing continents is as easy as walking over a few roads. Every neighbourhood offers a different version of the city — from 100-year-old Jewish delis in the Upper West Side to the cobblestoned lanes of Greenwich Village. You can lose yourself in crowded Chinatown amid brightly lit Buddhist temples, steaming noodle shops and fragrant fishmongers, then stroll up to Nolita for enticing boutiques and coffee-tasting among the hipsters.

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The first stop on this journey is JFK airport, which is also the last time you will feel underwhelmed in this city. In terms of architecture and design, it is small and basic. But the magic catches up with your first glimpse of the enigmatic cityscape. For a creative mind, the process of discovery starts on the streets.

Stations at every major junction make exploring the city as easy as swiping your card.

From the 1960s until now, NYC has been at the heart of creative expression — home to dreamers, artists, painters, filmmakers, chefs, fashion designers, freethinkers, poets...the list is endless. And that is why almost everything you experience here has that artistic touch, kind of like a permanent Instagram filter that makes everything look better. Man and machine are equally respected in the urban design of NYC. Most pavements are as big as roads, which encourages walking. Many a times I’ve found myself a couple of blocks further than my intended destination. But those were also the times I’ve ended up discovering that little something new — cosy diners, hidden record stores, quaint bodegas or vibrant ethnic hubs.

New York holds the rank of the ‘world’s best’ for many experiences, and shopping is pretty high on that list. For that, there’s only one place — SOHO or South Houston. Every luxury brand has a home here, but that’s not all. If you’ve got that travel bug and just want to explore without spending too much, it’s also a great place to check out some of the upscale art lofts and galleries. You could easily find the perfect photograph or painting to make the centrepiece of your interior design back home. Art of all kinds can be experienced on a macro and micro level — the grand MeT, MoMA, Guggenheim, or offbeat museums and galleries depicting Japanese sculptures, Himalayan textiles or postmodern paintings. Lower East Side or Chelsea are great for this sort of thing. You don’t have to visit New York to know that it is the historical birthplace of countless artistic movements, from punk rock to graffiti — you can see the inherent rebelliousness in the youth of this city. The place that comes to mind when I think of the New York art scene, is definitely East Village. Over the years, it has seen everything from rock ‘n’ roll to riots. Along with the Lower East Side of Manhattan, these two neighbourhoods really stand out for their contribution to the arts and culture on the whole. And it is still as expressive, diverse and vibrant as in the past. I also love seeing the evolution of graffiti. Street art by nature is controversial. Some see it as vandalism or displeasing to the eye, to others it’s raw expression or simply the backdrop for their next Snapchat. Back in India, the street art movement has picked up a lot recently and is being used positively to beautify cities and spaces. Here, it first started as a way for artists to speak out on social and political causes, which evolved into the more visual-driven street art today. With increased vigilance and policing, it’s tougher to pull off now. Also the core of the movement has shifted in part to new neighbourhoods such as Brooklyn.

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STREET FARE Fashion is more on the streets than on the runways — always edgier, smarter and ahead of the curve. It’s the same with music. Think of a genre, now think of that genre’s greatest musician — he or she is probably from New York.

LOOK AROUND! In my experience, night strolls can very quickly become a long night about town, given the sheer number of clubs and pubs in the area. But not one you’ll ever regret. After all, that’s exactly the kind of spontaneous experience that could see you partying with the next big rapper, musician or artist. Since the rents are cheaper, many budding artists choose to live here.


Today, when much of the world is going back to cultural isolation, New York reminds us that the intermingling of cultures doesn’t eliminate the old, but simply gives rise to the new. It helps eliminate the archaic, repurpose the important and remain relevant. You can see this in full effect in the way the city has maintained its heritage structures. Coming to one of my favourite features of New York — the iconic brownstones. I’ve seen most of them around Brooklyn, where the idea originally was to construct stone mills and mill houses. Today, they are part of the city’s identity in more of a hipster sense. Honestly, they look really cool. You don’t see too many new structures built with that bare stone look, so it’s a nice turn of the clock to see nowadays. As a designer, I’ve always felt that both modern and vintage styles teach me a lot. With vintage, it’s the beauty of craft in design while with modern, the lesson is all about simplicity and minimalism. What you get in New York, is this harmonic balance between the two. Structures of both kind coexist, side by side. Old world churches sharing walls with tall concrete towers, old federal-style architecture buildings across

shimmering glass façades — speaking of which, the Fifth Avenue Apple Store is definitely on my list of modern favourites. To me, New York is ‘surreal’. This melting pot of people, places, culture and ideas has an enigmatic feel. There’s so much history, but still has room for the new. There’s a certain uniformity and regularity in the larger urban design, layered with various cultures, styles, materials and structures that makes it almost unbelievable. New York’s aesthetic sense comes from the collective consciousness of its many different people, from all over the world. Today, I’d say it’s the only truly universal design language out there. I would also call it a timeless city. First, because the architecture, art, music, Broadway theatres, fashion and food have been etched in people’s minds, second, because this city is always so alive and kicking, almost with no sense of time. With India rapidly progressing, and more cities on the rise, one can only hope that New York inspires our city designers and planners as it has me and countless other creative thinkers out there, hoping to leave a positive mark on the world.

CONCRETE JUNGLE, REALLY? Paradoxically, my favourite public place is the 150 year-old Central Park, so futuristic and thoughtful. Back when the world was a much greener place, to think ahead and preserve this 843-acre park till today is something that should inspire cities across the world. It’s not how tall or big you build a structure that symbolises progress. The idea of a big ecofriendly space, for communities and cultures to interact, and most importantly, where you can keep alive a connection with nature in an urban environment for years to come — now that’s progressive thinking. I remember catching an aerial view of the city and noticing how it looks as if the city is closing in on this beautiful park from all four sides. But then, the very next moment it looked more like the city was simply protecting its most prized possession.

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CalenDAR

A round-up of must-see events and exhibitions around the globe

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2017

Ettore Sottsass: Il Vetro

March

Le Stanze del Vetro Venice, Italy In celebration of the 100th birth anniversary of the Italian architect, the museum is showcasing over 200 of his glass works, some of which have never been seen before.

June

The Japanese House: Architecture and Life after 1945 Art Gallery, Barbican Centre London, UK

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From the end of World War II, Japanese domestic architecture has been heavily influenced by its inhabitants. This exhibition explores some of the most exemplary works of contemporary Japanese architecture.

May

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2017

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July 2017

Rei Kawakubo/ Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between The MET Fifth Avenue New York, NY The theme of this year’s Met Gala, Rei Kawakubo’s sculptural design style is the focus of this fashionable exhibition.

Frank Lloyd Wright at 150: Unpacking the Archive

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The Museum of Modern Art New York, New York In honour of Wright’s 150th birthday, MoMA is hosting an exhibition that reassess his practice through 450 varied works.

June

October 2017

Innovation: Made in France II

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Demisch Danant New York, New York

May

July

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2017

April

September

Solid Doubts: Robert Stadler The Noguchi Museum Long Island City, New York Stadler’s exhibits are displayed alongside Isamu Noguchi’s sculptures, to highlight their contradictions of the concepts of art, design, material, space, functionality and aesthetic.

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HOME & DESIGN TRENDS VOL 5 NO 2 2017

2017

On display are historical product designs created during the economic boom in France between 1965 and 1975, that are still relevant in today’s contemporary scenario.


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