fi

sameep padora’sdesigner pallate

hiren patelgreen speak

www.home-review.com

home reviewRs 50

VOL 8. ISSUE 2.

sameep padora’sdesigner pallate

hiren patelgreen speak

jignesh doshivolumetric bonanza

jignesh doshivolumetric bonanza

shabnam gupta’soff-beat charm

shabnam gupta’soff-beat charm

Jignesh Doshi appears to have got this workspace just right! In perfectrhythm with his aesthetically inclined client, the architect revives a tiredold shed into a space that speaks volumes about the people who workthere. Experimenting with the innate properties of material, Jignesh isable to chisel a trendy corporate office that revels in its industrial past.

Architect Sameep Padora enthrals with his cutting edge design sensi-bility. He conceives a sinuous metallic installation for the chic lifestylestore, Palatte, combining functionality with a distinctive aesthetic.Shabnam Gupta adds her inimitable touch to the Vistara jewellerystudio, ingeniously contrasting the appeal of raw materials with the sparkleof gems.

Having received the prestigious LEED Accredited Professional honour,Ahmedabad based Hiren Patel is delighted to put his skills to the test inhis own 'green' home. Centred round the idea of having a home thatevolves with time, Hiren creates an idyllic sanctuary for his family thataffords a sense of calm and a continuous dialogue with nature.

Using bold manipulation of forms, a home built by Sachin Patil andhis partner at Manthan Architects is a refreshingly different weekendgetaway. The team create a residence with a sense of drama and intrigue,one that glorifies the sheer quality of space and material. With theirstudio based in Kholapur, and their firm already commissioned for astring of projects across the country, the partners certainly believe in thepower of technology and the ability of good design to seamlessly transcendboundaries.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

EDITOR & PUBLISHER ANISH BAJAJ

CREATIVE DIRECTOR NATALIE PEDDER BAJAJ

FEATURES EDITOR MALA BAJAJ

SUB EDITOR SHWETA SALVI

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SAVITHA HIRA

DEEPALI NANDWANI

DEEPANJOLIE SONYA FIGG

SHIBANI AMIN RANGARAJ

PAULOMI PATEL

PRIYA TANDON

K PARVATHY MENON

AMRITA SHAH

PHOTOGRAPHERS RAVI KANADE

PALAK JHAVERI

home review

February 2009. vol. 8. issue 2.

We welcome unsolicited material but do not take responsibility for the same. Letters are

welcome but subject to editing. All rights reserved. Nothing may be printed in whole or part

without written permission of the publisher. The editors do their best to verify the information

published but do not take responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information. All

objections, disputes, differences, claims and proceedings are subject to Mumbai Jurisdiction.

Editor Mr. Anish Bajaj. Published and Printed by Mr. Anish Bajaj on behalf of the owner Marvel

Infomedia Pvt. Ltd, B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg., Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE

Recycling old magazines and newspapers is one of the easiest ways to help the

environment. To increase the supply of recoverable wood fibre and to reduce the

demand on the world’s landfills, HOME REVIEW urges its readers to actively

participate in recycling efforts.

Editorial & MarketingMumbai

B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg., Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033Tel 022 23736133/1, 32958501 Fax 022 23743069

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Tel 09899179540, Email: [email protected]

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Flat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E-Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam MainRd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073

Tel 044 22281180 / 09444021128 Email: [email protected]

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Publishing Director Mr. R.I. BajajDistributed in India by India Book House

Pvt. Ltd. 412, Tulsani Chambers,Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021.

marvel infomediaPVT LTD

features

48 Volumetric Bonanza

Jignesh Doshi designs a multi-functional corporate office in

Mumbai for jewellery designer Ashit Shah that perfectly wraps

in the owner’s persona.

57 The Evolving Home

LEED architect Hiren Patel’s residence in Ahmedabad is a

simple mutable house that adapts to the site and the climatic

conditions and not the other way round.

65 Contextual Transforme

Architect Sameep Padora redefines retail design with the

distinctly different Pallate furniture store in Mumbai.

74 Integrative Design

Architects Shibanee and Kamal Sagar’s prototype duplex

apartment of Windmills of Your Mind in Bangalore integrates

the landscape and natural materials with the open plan layout.

82 In Harmony

Manthan Architects design a house in Panhala that displays

spaces that are strong in character yet transparent in nature.

89 Modern Tribute

Work ac blends its design scheme with the ‘past’ to create a

contemporary headquarter for DVF Studio in New York.

98 Off-beat Charm

Vistara, a sepia toned bijoux shop in South Mumbai designed

by interior designer Shabnam Gupta is set in an eclectic and

off-beat setting.

105 Internal Modulations

InForm architects create a lot of oxymorons in a residence in

Bangalore where they private yet connected spaces.

ideas

16 In The Know The Green Pulse

19 Unbuilt Works Kapil Gupta’s School in Mumbai

22 Spot Light Installations

34 Retail Therapy Armani Ginza Tower, Tokyo

38 Cult Product GreenPix Media Wall, Beijing

44 Go Green Milano Santa Monica, Milan

114 Spot Light Pavilions & Exhibition Structures

regulars

10 Editor’s Note

14 Our Readers Write Letters to our Editor

28 Bars, Spas & Restaurants New places with style

contentsfebruary 2009

On The Cover

The Jignesh

Doshi designed

multi-use

corporate office

in downtown

Mumbai.

“Volumetric

Bonanza”

Page 48.

98

65

82

Star Letter

Local Flavour

Your article "Cabin Class" is worthy of credit. The architects'

personal needs for restorative holidaying and professional inspira-

tion for combining architectural aesthetics with environmental

dialogue in a natural, contemporary yet minimal way is reflected

appropriately in the cliff top cabin. I found the roof design particu-

larly significant in terms of traditional and locally available materi-

als being used to brilliant effect. The use of the local Laja stone

has inspired me to use the locally available Malad stone as a

flooring material for my deck. I hope the results are as breathtak-

ing as Alvaro Ramirez and Clarisa Elton have been able to

illustrate.

SANJAY MITTAL

MUMBAI

OUR READERS WRITESend your views, suggestions and questions about this issue to

our editor and we’ll be happy to print the best

Editor’s Choice

Urban Tranquillity

Amidst the hustle bustle of

Mumbai, is it possible to have a

space that reflects opulence and

grandeur and at the same time

retains a sophisticated calm? "An

Urban Monastery" (Vol 7 Issue 9)

provided the perfect answer to

this question. A lot of homes with

the "designer" touch nowadays

appear highly overdone and

gauche. Those going in for a

minimalist look appear too un-

derstated and impersonal. This

house designed by Asheish

Shah seems to have achieved

the perfect balance, which is very

well brought out through the pic-

tures and the text.

DHANISHTA SHAH

MUMBAI

Varsha and Deepak

Guggari design a

residence in Pune

“The Local Flavour”

Page 57.

1 Eclectic Opulence

The Dubai’s Atlantis resort is truly

breathtaking. Besides the ariel

view (pg. 92) which gives one an

idea of the size of the place it is,

the opulence of the grand lobby

took my breath away. The stun-

ning wall of windows and the

sheer size and stone makes this

place one of a kind which will

propel the rapidly developing city

faster towards a leading tourist

destination.

PRIYA GOVIND

HYDERABAD

The star letter and our editor’s

choice, receives a 1 year sub-

scription from Home Review

Send your letters to:

B 62 Cotton Exchange Building,

Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 or

Email us at [email protected]

Home Review reserves the right to

edit and reuse any submissions sent

to the editor.

Heritage Revisited

I fully endorse your views on Lost Architecture (January, 09). You have rightly

pointed out that "the lesser known and commonly ignore feature of this

treasure is the 'step well'. Here, I would like point out that the Sun Temple at

Modhera or "the Queen's step well at Patan, both in Gujarat, are examples of

architecture sculpted by the sun and waters. Not only patterned by its steps

and platforms but also beautifully punctuated by fine sculpture, these are

masterpieces of craft and devotion. To work on a heritage property is always

fun and remains a unique experience but involving oneself into it makes one

aware about the challenges it has.

VINOD C. DIXIT

AHMEDABAD

Style Honcho

I must admit that "Home Review" is a trend setter and ahead of its time.

Fashion is a potent concoction of eclectic factors including creativity, com-

mercial interests and circumstances. With the ongoing financial meltdown,

2009 will be the year where ‘less is more’ principle would work famously.

Globally, the price tag will be the driving force of trends. The projects

always produced in you magazine are wallet friendly and the no fuss

minimalism promoted by you is a style which is very practical and unpreten-

tious.

KANAK PURI

NEW DELHI

16 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

HR I IN THE KNOW

The Green Pulse

www.igreenspot.com

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We at Home Review seek out the most exciting books or

web sites each month, to keep you clued-in

Sustainable living and blogs have one thing in common; it has all the

connoisseurs glued to their updates. Here is one

blog that gets you the comprehensive package on

eco - design. iGreenSpot.com offers all-inclusive

news and adaptations of green products and

services. It delivers daily fresh updates, innovation

in technology, transportation, design and concept

which make our world a better place to live.

Knowing and learning all

the possibilities and

options that are available

for us to achieve a better

future with least probable liabilities to the

environment would always prove to be an

asset. Though, sustainability has really got

everyone enthused about saving nature from all hazards on the other

hand you can't go without using the latest

technology which damages the nature to

some extent. Here is a reserve that guides you

to make the changes and contribute in

whatever small or big way.

Architecture The weblog provides

innovative aspects, construction techniques

and materials the can be used in green

structures. It takes you through the space planning options and

supports it with brilliant adaptations.

Cars and Transportation Transportation of any

kind not only creates a major dent in our natural

resources but also has proven to have adverse

effects on the environment. The website informs you

about fuel options that have been researched and

implemented successfully in aircrafts, bikes and

cars. The website promotes the use of Bio-

diesel and alternate energies for all

transportations.

Design and Concept Simple ideologies and

design concept that allow you to look forward to

an eco- friendly future are really faith-boosting.

For example, the Zero- E-cell Concept Car by

Mercedes Benz that is

powered by Lithium ion batteries is an

interesting concept. And there are many more

advantageous concepts that just leave you

awe-struck.

Fashion one would think that 'Fashion' and

'Sustainability' are two domains that cannot be associated with each

other. This would be because of the presumption that sustainable

aspects can bring stricture in the creativity bent,

but inversely it is these aspects that offer a

challenge to the streak of innovation. That's exactly

what you would stumble upon here.

Food and Drink There are ways in which one

could be eco friendly with the food and drinks that

we choose or in a manner in which we choose to

have them. The blog features different methods,

appliances, and disposal techniques that make

you believe in the

small things that

can make a

difference.

Gadgets Gadgets

that work on solar batteries or solar

powered devices find a lot of

encouragement on the blog. The awareness

of solar powered devices has increased

substantially and we

see more and more

devices and gadgets

that adhere to the

eco friendly

principle.

Interior Design

House furniture and interior design is

constantly subjected to creative change,

and it seems like eco-friendly solutions and

products are continuously surfacing. The

webspace showcases some of the most

innovative yet green

ideas to decorate any

given space.

Science Some say

that our progress in

technology has

caused our ultimate doom, the machines,

devices, land development and so many

more factors have compelled us to face our

probable downfall. But everything has a flip

side and we certainly can

combine technology with

green methods to bring

about the necessary

changes to save us from

the self - initiated

destruction.

FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 17

HR I UNBUILT WORKS

THIS PAGE TOP The

detail of the facade

wall.The perforated

cores were enclosed in

the façade, which was

conceived as a structural

element made up of a

diamond grid to counter

the stress along the

large cantilevers.

BOTTOM View of the

Fort school. The school

was worked around a

vertical bias and

adapted the core

elements of a high-rise.

HR I UNBUILT WORKS

In our endeavour to bring you outstanding

designs, we proceed with yet another un-built

project in this new section that we debuted

with in our previous issue. As is the case with

any professional practise, many a time a

project remains on paper only; the time,

energy, effort involved by the designer/

architect an investment in his learning curve,

stashed away in his portfolio as yet another

testament of his professional prowess.

� Around 2005, soon after the FSI for institutional

buildings was enhanced from 1.33 to 5.33 by the

authorities, with a view to spur institutional

development in Mumbai,

Serie Architects - an

international practice

based in London and

Mumbai that works

within diverse fields of

architecture, urbanism

and design was invited to

submit a school building

proposal as part of a

private competition entry.

Going by the four-fold

increase in FSI, the

rectangular plot with a

horizontal spread of

about 35000 sq. ft. was

enhanced to a vertical�


HR I UNBUILT WORKS

THIS PAGE Class-

rooms were planned to

be accessed by by

ramps whereas four

othe cores consisting of

shared facilities like the

sports floor, cafeteria

and library were de-

signed to be accesssed

by lifts and staircase.

The above renditions

displays the cafeteria of

the school.

FILMSTRIP FROM

TOP TO BOTTOM

Vertical circulation

diagram, drawing

depicting the structural

core of the building, 3D

rendition of the structural

skin, composite struc-

ture comprising the

structural core and the

skin.

spread close to 1.5 lac sq. ft. Contrary to the sprawling

low-rise block typology of a school surrounded by green

fields, the planning parameters for the district and the

economic strategy of the school governing body now

dictated a typology of a high-density, high-rise block.

Thus the task was to both, redefine a school

organisation on a vertical bias and adapt the core

elements of a high-rise for school performance -

horizontal circulation replaced by vertical movement.

Bearing in mind the student-count of the school -

2500 students in the primary and secondary sections -

the plan was worked out on the basis of a staggered

stack - a vertical distribution of the program of indoor

and outdoor spaces in the ideal ratio of 1:3, integrated

around five cores that would be distributed evenly

across the floor plates, to accomplish large column-

free spans. These cores would act as structural

elements as well as circulation. The perforated cores

would be generated as a series of elliptical undulations

that would thicken to form structural walls with

openings for light and visibility, thus taking care of

ample natural light and ventilation. These cores would

then be enclosed in a façade, which was conceived

as a structural element made up of a diamond grid to

counter the stress along the large cantilevers. The

material proposed was foam-finished concrete.

Considering the vertical program, the incorporation

of elevators was clearly ruled out; although they could

assist in the vertical traffic at the beginning and end of

each day, traversing between periods/classes would

be a major encumbrance. Thus, the main core would

house a continuous ramp instead that would graze off

the undulating ellipses for support and form the main

circulation for the school. The ramp would be used by


HR I UNBUILT WORKS

THIS PAGE The

common facility cores

are plannes in amanner

that large column - free

spaces a acheived.They

were designed to act as

structural elements as

well as for circulation.

These perforated cores

would be generated as

a series of elliptical

undulations that thicken

to form structural walls

with openings for

natural light and ventila-

tion. Another view of the

cafeteria shows the

perforated stucture.

FILMSTRIP FROM

TOP TO BOTTOM

Ground floor plan, Third

floor plan, Ninth floor

plan, Typical floor plan.

the students for quick access to other floors during

class/period changes. The ramping core would also

be the social core of each floor, where students and

staff could mix and interact.

The other four cores would house the open

staircases and lifts. The floors would thus be staggered

in 2 heights: 4.2m floors would house classrooms and

labs whilst the three alternate 6m floors would adapt

shared facilities like a sports floor, cafeteria and library.

Consequently, considering the absence of open spaces

and play areas at ground level due the large building

footprint (almost 65% -70%), vertical organisation

would stack up indoor and outdoor zones resulting in

alternating 'study floors' and 'slip floors'.

Zoning of the classrooms juxtaposed with open

areas and staff quarters was next on the agenda. The

typical floor plan had the classrooms distributed along

the periphery to optimise on natural light and ventilation;

and the teachers' quarters were positioned in the core

near the ramp where the staff could keep a watch on

the students and simultaneously could also be easily

accessible to them. Since the ramp would also act as

the social core, multiple-use rooms, library, etc were

positioned along this area. This typology also intended

to break away from the monotonous corridors that a

conventional school is generally anointed with. So the

students could experience a more open interactive

program instead of dreary long corridors.

However, the exercise did not end here. With this

new typology breaking ground, the curriculum of the

different classrooms had to be closely looked into to

carefully consider internal traffic and the physical and

psychological comfort of the students. To begin with:

the entrances to the primary and secondary sections�


HR I UNBUILT WORKS

THIS PAGE TOP The

sports floor of the Fort

school.

BOTTOM The central

core with the circulation

ramp.

HR I UNBUILT WORKS

were isolated. Further the pattern of regular curricula of

each class was scrutinised and adapted to such that

no student had to traverse more than four floors in his

routine school movement - two floors up and two floors

down despite the building being an integrated 14-floor

high-rise.

The project represents a rupture of scale and type

within the existing historical fabric where most of the

existing buildings are rarely more than 4-5 storeys tall.

Unfortunately, the project did not see the light of day,

although it was greatly appreciated at several

presentations by Serie architects Kapil Gupta and Chris

Lee. It also won them international acclaim. The practice

works towards the exploration of issues that lie at the

intersection between architecture and urbanism with

particular focus in development of new relevant types

for today's urban

environments. Together,

they consistently attempt

to push the boundaries of

their architectural and

master planning projects

worldwide. �


HR I SPOTLIGHT

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tryst withinstallation artInstallation art is like an open ground where

the creator and viewer can let their

imagination break free and just let the

sensory perceptions rule.

�Creativity is boundless, and the ways of

interpretating these creations are multifold. For an

artist, art is beyond a piece of canvas, and for an

architect, it is much more than site and building

specifications. The medium that bring all the plaque

bearers of creativity together is Installation art.

Installations could be built almost anywhere -

outdoors, indoors, on façades of buildings or even

suspended in air. Some installations are site-

specific, in that they are designed to only exist in the

space for which they were created. However, what

is common to nearly all installation art is a consider-

ation of the experience in toto of the creator and the

viewer. Installation art operates fully within the realm

of sensory perception, in a sense "installing" the

viewer into an artificial system with an appeal to his

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Audience by rAndom International

Green Void

by LAVA Green Void by LAVA


HR I SPOTLIGHT

subjective perception as its ultimate goal.

It incorporates almost any media to create an

experience in a particular environment. In contempo-

rary installation art, technology has started playing an

important role with media, video, sound,

performance and immersive virtual reality

installations.

Typically, an interactive installation will often

involve the audience acting on it or the piece

responding to the user's activity. There are several

kinds of interactive installations produced, these

include web-based installations, gallery based

installations, digital based, electronic installations,

etc.

With the advance in technology over the years,

artists are now able to explore beyond boundaries

that were never considered possible in the past. The

media used by creators today are more experimental

and bold; they are also usually cross media and may

involve sensors, which play on the reaction to the

audiences' movement when looking at the

installations. By using virtual reality as a medium,

immersive virtual reality art is probably the most�

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Masterplan by Zaha Hadid

Hylozoic Soil by Philip Beesley


HR I SPOTLIGHT

deeply interactive form of art. At the turn of a new

century, there is also a trend of interactive

installations using video, film, sound and sculpture.


Audience is an installation conceived by rAndom

International and executed in collaboration with Chris

O'Shea, and was commissioned by choreographer

Wayne McGregor for the Deloitte Ignite Festival at the

Royal Opera House London in September 2008.

Audience, an interactive installation consists of a

large crowd of head-size mirror objects. Each object

moves its head in a particular way to give it different

characteristics of human behaviour. When members

of the audience enter the perimeter of the installa-

tion, the mirrors inquisitively follow someone that

they find interesting. Having chosen their subject,

they all synchronise and turn their heads towards

them. Suddenly that person can see their reflection

in all of the mirrors.

They will watch this person until they become

disinterested, then either seek out another subject or

return to their private chatter. The suddenly

synchronised collective behaviour of the objects is

beyond the control of the viewer, as it is left entirely

to their discretion to let go of their subject..

The intention was to start taking interaction with

an installation further away from the screen or media

wall and introduce it into a more physical, three-

dimensional space, and to begin to investigate if

machines can evoke diverse emotional reactions

with the simplest of means.

Green Void by LAVA

LAVA designed the 'Green Void' installation

specifically for the Customs House central atrium

which spans through all five levels. Suspended from

the top level Café Sydney restaurant, a vertical

distance of almost 20m, the sculpture provides an

intense visual contrast to the beautifully restored

heritage interior of Customs House. Green Void is a

digital design, derived from nature, realized in

lightweight fabric, using the latest digital fabrication

and engineering techniques, to create more with

less. Comprised of 3,000 cubic metres of space it is

enclosed within a minimal surface area of 300

square meters and uses only 40 kg of lightweight

material. The installation is inspired by the relation-

ship between man, nature and technology.

The entire installation is immersed in a

soundscape by sound artist David Chesworth, who

created a "digital rainforest".

Hylozoic Soil by Philip Beesley

Hylozoic Soil is an installation exhibited at the

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts as a spectacular

machinic piece of work which responds to every little

movement of the observer. The installation made of

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Opera House desk By Zaha Hadid

Aura S By Zahid

Aura L By Zahid


HR I SPOTLIGHT

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more than 70,000 laser-cut components set alive

by proximity sensors, microcontrollers, capaci-

tance sensors, actuators and shape-memory

alloys, makes the whole space appear like it is

hunting you, like a big beast or a floating web.

When passing through the installation small

movements are triggered which again influence

other impulses in the structure making you realize

the impact of the complex system.

Installation by Zaha Hadid

Architect Zaha Hadid is known for her fluid

abstract architectural work which looks more or

less like installations. Here are a few installations

by the stalwart herself.

Zaha Hadid has created a series of installa-

tions for a two-venue show in New York, curated

by Kenny Schachter.

According to Schachter, each installation is

derived from architectural projects Hadid has

been working on. Masterplan was originally part

of her citywide plan for the Asian side of Istanbul,

while the Opera House desk uses a relief from a

wall of the Opera House at the Abu Dhabi

Performing Arts Centre.

Zaha also has paid a tribute to Andrea

Palladio's Villa Foscari through Installations for the

celebrations of the legendary architect's 500th

birth anniversary (1508-2008). La Malcontenta

invited Zaha Hadid Architects to design�

and build two installations within Villa Foscari La

Malcontenta, to initiate a dialogue between Contem-

porary Architects and Palladio breaching five centu-

ries of architectural discourse.

Zaha Hadid focused their study on one room,

conscious that exploring the logic and relational

system of a single room they would have addressed

and captured the essence of Palladio's architectural

theory.

The natural equilibrium achieved by Andrea

Palladio in La Malcontenta is thus shaken by the

dynamic component introduced by Zaha Hadid and

Patrik Schumacher, who have long abandoned the

Euclidian mathematics that generated Palladio's

proportional theories. In such way, within one room

of this architecture "Aura" is generated as a spatial

morphology that reflects the structure of this void,

the skeleton of this ethereal space.

As a further demonstration of the generative

potential of Palladio's proportional system, a second

installation was designed for the symmetrical room.

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Masterplan By Zaha Hadid

The Traveller by Arne Quinze, Munich


HR I SPOTLIGHT

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Aura L and Aura S are thus presented as two

"phenotypes" of the complex order generated by a

contemporary translation of Palladio's harmonic

system.

The Traveller by Arne Quinze, Munich

Belgian artist/designer Arne Quinze created a

fantastic sculpture, a 20m high and 12m wide

wooden architectural construction called The

Traveller, displayed at the occasion of the opening of

the new Louis Vuitton store in Munich, and was on

display till the beginning of January 2009. Quinze

creates a journey, an enigmatic travel through this

masterpiece of which roads leads us to a world of

emotion and inspiration.

Installations by Subodh Kerkar

Subodh Kerkar our very own Indian artist who

effortlessly translates tradition in a contemporary

idiom is known for his installations along with his

canvases and sculptures. With sea as his muse,

Subodh uses it as his canvas for installation work.

His first installation was called 'The Tenth Planet'. The

installation has two craters on the beach, covered

with metal discs with electrical bulbs underneath,

which created a semblance of a floating disc. For

the installation titled 'Cones' Kerkar has dug out

trenches around piled sand cones and has lit these

trenches from within, creating a startling effect just

after dusk.�

Cones By Subodh Kerkar

The Tenth Planet By Subodh Kerkar

HR I RESTOS BARS & SPAS


The Castle Of Cool

Shiro Goa �

Shiro is one of Mumbai's most

desired party locations. Located in

the new hip mill district, it's said

to be the ultimate luxury lounge in

the country, with international

standards in music, drinks and

cuisine, and a focus on all things

Japanese. It stirred up quite a

storm - so much so that now

there is a Shiro on Candolim

beach in Goa.

Shiro, meaning castle in

Japanese, has been conceptual-

ized to set off the mind in many

ways - with its interiors, its food

and drink. It has a sensuous feel

and has been built to represent an

Asian castle, complete with water

flows, low seating, and niched

spaces with mellow lighting.

Located on the beach, the

view is to die for, especially the

sunset view from the deck which

is the main focus of the venue.

The elegant fine dining area and

the spacious lounge too cannot

be discounted.

Shiro has a mysterious spa like

aura which is apparent as soon

as one makes an entrance. It's

double heightened ceiling pro-

vides openness and a feeling of

lofty magnificence. Dominating

the central space of the restau-

rant, are three 16ft high figures of

consorts, dropping water into a

moat.

The ambience in Shiro Goa is

definitely eclectic. It has strong

Asian overtones and clever

reinterpretations of traditional

Japanese, Chinese and Balinese

elements which make it warm,

engaging and tropical. It exudes

sensuality and yet a serene

energy prevails all around.

As one walks through the

different areas, each offering a

unique experience of oriental

mystique in a very contemporary

style, one feels enveloped in a

castle of cool !

Shiro,

Candolim, Goa

Tel: 6451718



Heavy Metal

Thor �

The Hotel on Rivington rocks on as

a premier destination in down-

town, New York. The 21-storey

glass tower hotel with 360º-

unobstructed views, opened its

doors in October 2004 with

highlights, such as Thor, the

Marcel Wanders designed,

critically-acclaimed full-service

Restaurant and Bar.

With its cutting-edge design,

Thor is a celebration of artistic

energy and an ideal venue to

experience the vibe of downtown

Manhattan. At Thor, guests dine in

an impressive space. The airy

dining room features a 21-foot

soaring glass ceiling that offers

views of the Lower East Side's

historic tenement buildings.

Marcel Wanders is an indus-

trial product designer based in

Amsterdam, as the architect of

Thor he has already caused a stir.

He has won both the Rotterdam

Prize and the George Nelson

award. Personally, he demon-

strates the same contradictory

traits that make his designs

fascinating, radical and revolution-

ary, childish and mischievous,

practical and utilitarian.

Thor, Hotel On Rivington

107 Rivington St

New York, NY 10002

www.hotelonrivington.com



A Sliver of Tranquility

One & Only Ocean Club

Spa Bahamas �

A discreet sanctuary of calm and

wellness, the spa at One & Only

Ocean Club provides the ultimate

rejuvenating experience with an

enriching selection of treatments

blending ancient techniques with

contemporary practice. Tradi-

tional spa therapies and the

natural spices, fruits and miner-

als indigenous to The Bahamas

are melded together to provide

the pampering rituals and spe-

cific treatments.

Guests enjoy the tranquility

and privacy of one of eight

Balinese-style treatment villas, all

furnished with teak massage

tables, a waterfall shower, a day

bed and jetted tub in a private

open air garden. Following each

treatment, guests savour herbal

teas and fresh fruit presented in

a Japanese Tea Ceremony, a

beautiful ritual practiced as a

reminder of the spiritual world

within.

From rituals of touch and

ceremonies of the face to cel-

ebrations of the Bahamian sun

and unique treatments for

mothers-to-be, the spa offers a

therapy to suit every mood and

lifestyle.

One & Only Ocean Club is

legendary in its reputation for

entertaining the world's elite for

more than 45 years. A warm and

inviting accommodation awaits

the guests, who have a choice of

residential-style villas which are

ideal for families.

The elixir of Bahamian life, the

spectacular blue waters of the

Caribbean are explored with a

rich roster of activities - diving,

snorkelling, sailing, skiing, and

windsurfing. For the less adven-

turous, just relaxing along the

shoreline of a pristine beach is

also quite moving.

One & Only Ocean Club

Paradise Island,Bahamas,Email:

[email protected]

Web www.oneandonlyresorts.com


HR I RETAIL THERAPY

The Armani Ginza Tower - Giorgio Armani's

gorgeous vision in Tokyo's iconic high profile

Ginza district is an arresting glass cube

and soon becoming a must-visit for locals and

tourists in the area.

� Since the time it opened last November, the Armani

Ginza Tower is grabbing eyeballs and footfalls, and for

good reason. A culmination of all things that stand for

the legendary designer and his brand, along with his

relationship with Japan, the tower exudes Armani's

aesthetics showcasing the designer's deep under-

standing of the Japanese and their culture.

For the Armani Ginza Tower, it was considered es-

sential that not just the designer's creativity but his

special aura, recreating the atmosphere of the atelier

of this Italian creative genius, as well as his aesthetic

code and his personal image - all needed to be trans-

lated into the architecture of the store. There was a

need to combine luxury with restrained elegance, the

concept of modernity with

a lasting style in the

classic Armani way.

Tokyo is a city alive

with continuous move-

ment. The brightly lit build-

ings pulsate with vibrant

traffic, creating through a

ceaseless flux of brilliant

images - the typical ex-

LEFT & RIGHT Interior

views of the store.

BOTTOM The glass

tower has adopted an

interesting lighting

concept which has

backlit bamboo stems

and create a light halo

onto the façade glass.


HR I RETAIL THERAPY

pression of a metropolitan spirit. Like most capital cit-

ies, its irresistible appeal lies in the rapidity and speed

of its endless transformations.

"In such a location, how to translate the concept of

Armani's featherweight clothes, the delicacy and the

craftsmanship of his embroidery, the sensuality of the

interplay between body and fabric along with his vi-

sion and relentless research into materials, together

with his use of delicate, translucent and radiant colours

was the challenge," say Doriana and Massimiliano

Fuksas, the creative forces behind the store. "We ex-

plored a host of ideas, we experimented with new

textures, modelled, sculpted, emptied, dematerialised

spaces using light, the evanescence of an intimate

sensation that is, however, born in from the exterior

and finally sought to reveal the world of Armani through

a range of screens."

And that's what visitors get to see - screens as

light as gossamer or silk

that depict the sophisti-

cated image of the Giorgio

Armani brand. It's richness

in translucence and inti-

macy is juxtaposed with

the immediacy and mo-

dernity of the spaces

dedicated to Emporio,

identified by more�

THIS PAGE TOP

Interiors of the store.

BOTTOM A cascade

of brightly lit leaves

delicately float down the

facades and, according

to the time of day or the

season, are modified in

intensity and colour.


HR I RETAIL THERAPY

expansive areas in which shafts of white light cut

through and are reflected within the setting.

The exterior is made up of a glass tower, totally

merging into the Ginza skyline, its glass surface mir-

roring and relaying reflections of the sky and the sur-

rounding buildings, full of different lights and colours

throughout both day and night. To avoid a large two

dimensional lighting concept there are bamboo stems

that appear to extend the full height of the building.

Backlighting from within the bamboo create a light halo

onto the façade glass and interior blind. The perme-

ability of the surface is further toned down by a cas-

cade of brightly lit leaves that delicately float down the

facades and, according to the time of day or the sea-

son, are modified in intensity and colour.

The façade concept of the lighted leaf was extended

into the floor levels as a concealed light cove providing

general light from a ceiling feature. Mesh glass sub-

division panels are lit from above to bring them to life

and increase the sense of floating fabric in the space.

Lighting control is used to subtly effect and to inten-

sify and dim light to the mesh panels allowing the

walls to become less solid and therefore increasing

views through the mesh panel. This theatrical effect

allows individual areas of the store to solidify and open

up in a subtle looped cycle.

The polished black ceiling, wall and floor created

multiple reflections in the store. Backlighting behind

linear laser cut holes created luminous strips in the

wall and ceiling which were mirrored and layered in

the reflections. The intensity of light for the

merchandise was carefully considered to create the

correct relationship with

the feature walls and

ceiling. The light within

the walls and ceilings is

animated to create a

sense of light waves

moving across the store.

Strong light contrast is

used to dramatic effect

THIS PAGE The

polished black ceiling,

wall and floor created

multiple reflections in

the store and the backlit

linear laser cut holes

create luminous strips

on walls and ceiling.


HR I RETAIL THERAPY

to bring the merchandise to life.

Inside and outside the store, lighting plays an im-

portant part, an experience where light becomes an

integral part of the visual concept. You wouldn't feel

you are inside of the tower. It's because the building

blends with the cityscape perfectly, as it is one of the

elements that make the city itself.

Contrary to most other projects where the client is

rarely encountered, Giorgio Armani has been deeply

involved, always ready to engage with every little ad-

aptation of the concept. "Working with the designer

has been an unusual assignment for us; usually it is

the building, the external architecture that takes prece-

dence over the content. For the Ginza project the oppo-

site has been true," say the designers. "His indefati-

gable curiosity and collaboration throughout the cre-

ative process has been like working under a micro-

scope, examining every tiny little detail, trying to find

the ultimate solution, achieving the best."

And best is what they did achieve. The task how-

ever was not easy. It is always difficult to crystallise

the image of someone, particularly a person as well

known as Giorgio Armani, in a way that can be repre-

sented through the store. In 1980's, Armani has been

called as a maverick in the fashion world as he had

suggested fashion for working women. Starting from

that career, he has successfully spearheaded many of

his design adventures globally. So naturally, Armani’s

Japanese admirers were

not just looking forward to

the Ginza tower, but were

also concerned about how

the Japanese integration

would take place. Here for

the first time ever in Tokyo,

the entirety of Armani's out-

put was to be displayed

within the same building.

And ever since it’s open-

ing the tower has been

drawing major crowds. �

THIS PAGE Screens as

light as gossamer

depict the sophisticated

image of the Armani

brand and this translu-

cence is juxtaposed

with modernity of the

spaces which is identi-

fied by expansive areas

in which shafts of white

light cut through and are

reflected within.


HR I CULT PRODUCT

Sustainability is more than facade deep for

greenPIX, a media wall for a commercial

building in Beijing. It acts as a self sufficient

screen consisting of colour LEDs with inte-

grated photovoltaic cells. The screen charges

itself during the day and flashes at night.

Media walls for building facades gets you closer to

the horizon from where technology and science take

over from architecture and design. But all this will only

be possible if we tide through the damage that's al-

ready been done by us to the environment, and work

towards means that will help sustain our ecosystem

as it is meant to be.

GreenPIX, 'the Zero Energy Media Wall,' uses

architecture and technology to absorb, store, amplify,

translate, and display data, both natural and manmade,

in an organic system that responds dynamically to the

local environment. Creative programming adds even

more layers to the already rich stream of data being

presented and allows passers-by to experience the

site in terms of space and time through both their own

eyes and the minds of the selected artists. The entire

presentation comes with a zero net consuming energy

footprint thanks to a glazing-integrated system of

perforated photovoltaic cells and a battery storage

system. The result is a public art installation that creates

awareness of the local environment in both appearance

and functionality.

Featuring the largest colour LED display worldwide

and the first photovoltaic system integrated into a glass

curtain wall in China, the building performs as a self-

sufficient organic system, harvesting solar energy by

day and using it to illuminate the screen after dark,

mirroring a day's climatic cycle.

The greenPIX project is designed by Brooklyn based

Simone Giostra & Partners Architects in collaboration

with ARUP for the Xicui Entertainment Complex in

Beijing. The building is located in western Beijing close

to a number of 2008 Olympic venues.

The singular design brief given to Giostra was to

'enliven the building's opaque, boxlike presence and

connect it to its environs' all using only one facade.

Xicui's commercial building gains the ability of

communicating with its urban environs through a new

kind of digital transparency. Its "intelligent skin" interacts

with the building interiors and the outer public spaces

using embedded,

c u s t o m - d e s i g n e d

software, transforming

the building façade into a

responsive environment

for entertainment and

public engagement.

GreenPix is a large-

scale display comprising

of 2,292 colour (RGB each

of 900mm x 900mm)�

THIS PAGE TOP The

GreenPix media wall

appears different as the

day progresses. Here is

the night effect of the

media wall. BOTTOM

The photovoltaic cells in

the Media Wall store

solar energy during the

day.


HR I CULT PRODUCT

LED's light points comparable to a 24,000 sq. ft. (2,200

m2) monitor screen for dynamic content display. The

very large scale and the characteristic low resolution

of the screen enhances the abstract visual qualities of

the medium, providing an art-specific communication

form in contrast to commercial applications of high

resolution screens in conventional media façades.

With the support of leading German manufacturers

Schueco and SunWays, the architect Simone Giostra

with Arup developed a new technology for laminating

photovoltaic cells in a glass curtain wall and oversaw

the production of the first glass solar panels by Chinese

manufacturer SunTech. The polycrystalline photovoltaic

cells are laminated within the glass of the curtain wall

and placed with changing density on the entire

building's skin. The density pattern increases the build-

ing's performance, allowing natural light when required

by interior program, while reducing heat gain and trans-

forming excessive solar radiation into energy for the

media wall.

The photovoltaic solar cells store the solar energy

that is not required to the activities in the building during

the day, while acting as an affective shading device

and protecting the

building from excessive

heat gain. During the

night, the media envelope

releases the energy

accumulated during the�

THIS PAGE TOP The

Media Wall projecting

media art content.

BOTTOM The Media

Wall main entrance.


HR I CULT PRODUCT

day, in form of bursting light, transforming the facade

in a glowing beacon, and the building in an

overwhelming visual experience within the nightscape

of Beijing. Integrated photovoltaic cells mean that the

panels both emit and absorb energy in the form of

LED and sun light, thus reinforcing Giostra's vision of

'technological self sufficiency.'

'Seascape', the concept of dynamically changing

scene based on both time and vantage point, also

played a large role in the design of the facade. Media

is the active dynamic element at night. During the

daytime however, when sun obscures the LED light,

Giostra had to make the passive elements of the facade

appear dynamic. He accomplished this by varying

opacity and mounting angle (5°) of the glass panels as

well as by carefully arranging the integrated PV cells

to form a dynamic pattern. The result is a facade that

appears to undulate with the rhythm of the environment

day and night.

Interestingly, the entire system is a total of seven

feet thick including glass panels, structure, power and

data infrastructure, LED lighting fixtures and a

maintenance access space. The Media Wall is the

most radical example of sustainable technology applied

to an entire building's envelope to date.

The innovative use of technology and experimental

approach to communication and social interaction

defines new standards in

the context of urban

interventions worldwide,

raising global interest

in the integration of

digital technology with

architecture and reinforc-

ing the current surge

of innovation and urban

renewal.�

THIS PAGE GreenPix is

a large-scale display

comprising of 2,292

colour (RGB)

LED’s light points

monitor screen for

dynamic content display.

BOTTOM The close-up

of the entrance.


HR I GO GREEN

The proposed eco-city, Milano Santa Monica

in Milan, works around the principles of bio-

architecture and has adopted a multitude of

energy conservation methods.

� Call it bio-architecture, organic architecture or even

vegitecture; now all these terms are considered as

buzzwords in the construction world. The awareness

of sustainable living is spreading like fire and on a larger

scale wherein many new proposals for cities are

meticulously planned to absolve environmental issues.

In the near future, planning for larger energy-efficient

and eco-friendly communities would become a norm.

The Santa Monica eco-city is one such proposal that

promises to make an impact on our sustainable pre-

monitions.

Milan, the fashion capital of the world, has already

established a name for it-

self in the design indus-

try, and could soon be

known as the green capi-

tal due to its various

developments that adopt

cutting edge technologies

to achieve sustainable

construction. Milano

Santa Monica is a chic

green super city proposed

THIS PAGE TOP The

high rise buildings with

the terrace planters.

TOP The residential

buildings overlook the

open park area which is

used for recreational

acitivities and also

provides the necessary

visual relief.


HR I GO GREEN

and envisioned by Polis Engineering, Studio Nicoletti,

and the Marzorati Architecture Studio. Sited just seven

kilometres from the centre of Milan in a town called

Segrate, which currently is a home to about 33,000

inhabitants, the Santa Monica eco-city is scheduled to

be completed by the year 2013.

The eco-city will comprise of more than 2,000 apart-

ments put together around a two million square metre

park. The 'park', as it is known, will take up about 10

per cent of this small city's total area. The residential

area will house schools, sporting facilities, and a

shopping centre. The lush green high rises are effi-

ciently designed and enshrouded in vegetation that

helps to insulate the interiors while providing fresh air.

Solar panels are used to produce warm water for the

residents and photovoltaic

panels cover sun-facing

windows to produce elec-

tric power.

Milano Santa Monica

works around the

principles of bio-architec-

ture, a design typology

that is greatly influenced

by the location and

climate of the building site

and strives to unify, or har-

monise, the natural world

with the human world.

And that is exactly what�

THIS PAGE The Santa

Monica eco-city in Milan

has sustainbility at the

core of its design. The

city is designed in order

to generate both electric-

ity and warm water

using strategically

placed solar panels. The

complex is a self-

contained zone that

offers schools, sporting

facilities, and a shop-

ping centre.


HR I GO GREEN

Having vegetation on building facades is a very

novel idea, but often in such cases the problem

lies in the maintenance of the facades. Watering

and maintaining these numerous planters seems

to be a very painstaking job. Tournesol Siteworks

offers some solutions that could very well be the

answer to your problem.

CB AutoFill boxes

CB AutoFill uses the AutoFill container irrigation

system to deliver the convenience of automatic

irrigation, but with the advantages of sub-irrigation.

Each box is connected to a low-pressure water

line and controlled by its own float valve, which

adjusts the water level to provide the optimal

moisture level to the flowers. The CB AutoFill

windowbox has a removable internal liner, so that

it may be mounted and easily cleaned without

plants or flowers.

Each box is made up of three main parts - the

shell, the liner, and the AutoFill valve. The shell is

a durable, watertight fiberglass and thermoplastic.

The valve is mounted to the bottom of the shell,

and regulates the water level in the reservoir inside.

The valve maintains the correct water level in the

reservoir to keep the plants at their best. The

system is fed by a low-pressure (<20psi) irrigation

line. One main line can feed up to 100 boxes.

All CB AutoFill boxes are fitted with a copper

overflow drain that will allow excess water to

escape the reservoir in the case of severe rains.

The drain may be allowed to free drain, or may be

plumbed into a drainage system. The removable

liner has both water inlet as well as air holes to

provide both critical moisture and aeration to the

roots of the plants. The system is highly water-

efficient, keeping irrigation water in, controlling rain

water, and minimizing evaporation from the topsoil.

Contact: www.tournesolsiteworks.com�

the architects have tried to achieve. For the Santa

Monica city they have planned the living spaces around

an open park, allowing maximum interaction with natu-

ral elements in the green space. The residential struc-

tures are a series of stacked high-rises overflowing

with flowering terraces that allow the residents to have

calming views of nature and ample physical access

to this green space as well. The over all ground

plantation along with balcony planters contribute in

providing insulation while only allowing clean and fresh

air to enter indoors.

Another hallmark of the project is the principle of

energy conservation with plans to generate both

electricity and warm water using strategically placed

solar panels. The complex is a self-contained zone that

offers schools, sporting and spa facilities, a luxurious

hotel and a shopping centre, that reduces the distance

that people will need to travel in the course of their

daily activities.

With the construction of this small city, the resi-

dents would not only enjoy the boons of eco-friendly

materials used for the structure and other green fea-

tures but also will now be aware of nature in both a

responsible and recreational manner. With its

energy-efficient apartments and shops, lush green

parks and sustainable

technologies, it certainly

promises to offer an

exemplary lifestyle. �

THIS PAGE TOP The

proposed interiors vouch

to be luxuriously lavish.

Wa

llT

ile

-SA

TIN

- Re

ctifi

ed -

300

x 4

50 m

m

~12”

x 1

8”


VOLUMETRIC BONANZAKenil Industries' office in the heart of Mumbai city stands testament to the

union of two strong creatives: the designer's sound proficiency and the

client's impeccable proclivity…

TEXT BY SAVITHA HIRA • PHOTOGRAPHS SEBASTIAN ZACHARIAH; COURTESY THE ARCHITECTS.


THIS SPREAD The

essence of this unusual

office is enigmatically

captured in the lounge

where plush materials

vie for interest against

old-world charm of

exposed brick walls and

wooden trusses.


THIS PAGE & OPPOSITE PAGE An old car is parked

regally upfront, urging you to confront the preliminary feel of

an unconventional corporate set-up. A beautiful life-size

diya completes the set-up. BOTTOM The unassuming

entrance that opens to a host of surprises.

Not everyday does an opportunity arise, thatnot only synchronises your passion with yourvocation but grants you the added bonus of a

multi-functional space that is a perfect foil to yourpersona. Jewellery designer Ashit Shah's sprawling5000 sq ft. indoor-outdoor volumetric bonanza isnothing short of an oasis in the heart of a bustlingmetropolis. Located in the designer-district ofMathuradas Mills compound at Lower Parel inMumbai, is this beautiful almost-completely-privatespace that houses Kenil Industries - the official abodeof the flamboyant, spirited fashion-jewellery designerknown to bedeck several young models with his strikingcreations.

The multi-use corporate office is the perceptiveblend of two strong sensibilities: architect and interiordesigner Jignesh Doshi's sound professional expertiseand the jewellery designer's impeccable aesthetic sense.The former in his decade-old practise has set aprecedent for himself in the vocabulary of juxtaposedvolumes that are characterised by straight linesinterpreting space with minimum fuss, accompaniedby the sheer celebration of materiality. And the latter�


sought his ideal abode with all the trimmings ofmodern comforts whilst being in the lap of nature.

Synchronising a system high on aesthetics inkeeping with the image and lifestyle of the client, thearchitect known for his experimental and avant-gardematerial combinations has chiselled the erstwhile millplot along the north-south axis, maximising on alandscaped exterior and revelling in the raw beauty ofthe industrial interior. Sleek finishes of frosted glass,brown Kota stone, leather, wood, aluminium and steelare juxtaposed with the raw appeal of exposed brickwalls, cast-iron columns and wooden trusses in thethirteen-foot high ceiling.

Largely bifurcated, two sections prevail: the factoryarea buzzing with its workers and sorters; accountsand storage departments; and the aesthetically-repleteexecutive area that houses the perfunctory conferenceroom; besides the proprietary cabin, designer section,library and lounge amidst two other distinctlydesigned work-spaces and an expansive mezzanineearmarked for future use. Strategically positioned atthe junction of the two sections, is the receptioncounter that helps oversee the entire outfit withoutbeing noticeable.

The entire executive area is like a luxurious shell

filled with surprise packages. As Doshi explains, "Iwork with volumes; juxtaposing one volume withinor around another, I tend to create a connectivity thatsimultaneously amazes and appeals". In simple terms,the architect enunciates that his spaces are designedwith a view to comfort the visitor in its environs; atthe same time urge him to explore further.Consequently, one enters the office via a widealuminium panelled swivel door that is minimallyribbed, as if silently proclaiming sobriety. However,once inside, the expectedness changes intoapprobation as one is gradually brought face-to-facewith one seemingly amazing vista after another; onlyto finally realize that each one and the whole areholistically interspersed into a distinct genre of gracefullines - some firmly grounded; others fleetinglycoercing, and some audaciously floating. An old car -the client's sentimentally-prized possession, is parkedregally upfront, urging you to confront the preliminaryfeel of an unconventional corporate set-up. While thisvision captivates, one is drawn towards the luxuriouslounge area, beyond which is the idiosyncratic frosted-glass cabin positioned amidst gravel and tall-bamboolandscape lending it an ethereal feel. The eye shiftsupwards to register a cube dressed in white plaster�


THIS PAGE & OPPO-

SITE PAGE The

idiosyncratic frosted-

glass cabin positioned

amidst gravel and tall-

bamboo landscape

lending it an ethereal

feel. Note the eclectic

combination of rustic

with modern.


THIS PAGE The lounge

is flanked by a mix of

finishes and spatial

configurations. The

rectangular mass

dressed in solid wood

encloses the proprietary

cabin and designer area

and displays a built-in

lozenge aquarium,

sustaining visitor-

interest.


floating above the ground, inviting via its petite spinalstaircase. A wee turnabout and one is drawn by arectangular mass - this time dressed in solid wood,again enticingly displaying a built-in lozengeaquarium, sustaining visitor-interest.

Engulfed in a characteristic ambience, each spaceis detailed to perfection despite the low-key materialpalette due to predictable budget constraints. WithDoshi's deep-rooted commitment to detailing, severalfeatures stand out: the floating cube made of calciumsilicate board; the sleek leather-finished drawer-fronts,the application of aluminium and paver-blockpartitions and the like. Scattered but regimentedlandscaping brings the place alive; especially thelandscaping outside the library, where a bespokesprinkler system evokes the pleasurable fragrance ofwet earth. It is amidst this scenario, accompanied bypipe music that Ashit can relax with a book of hischoice. In fact the overall ambience reflects differentmoods at different hours - a prime reason that thiscorporate set-up transforms into a party venue playing

host to diverse celebrations - from a Mehendi party toa Stag- do to New Year's Eve revelry…

But, hidden behind this blatant efficacy, there liesmore… an ingenious green design principle thatregulates the energy efficiency of this huge workplace.Strategic fenestrations in the exterior compound walland an energy-efficient turbine ventilation systemeffectively harness wind power; Added to this are thedistinct pockets of greenery; together, these regulatethe temperature inside. Consequently, the presenceof air-conditioners is restricted to set volumes only.Working on the north-south orientation has alsomaximised cross ventilation with the north-lighttrusses bringing in ample natural light … resulting ina commendable overall reduction of electrical costs.Ambient lighting caters to mood-shifts andcomplemented by the play of the myriad materialfinishes that sculpt distinct auras, Kenil correspondsto the ultimate destination for whatever the client mayopt for in terms of both - entertainment as well asenterprise.�

THIS PAGE A little

library is tucked away in

the proprietary cabin.

The apron of the table is

delicately but stylishly

embellished with

antique-finished silver

beads.


THIS PAGE A front

view of the portico

overlooking the mani-

cured garden and lush

foliage draping different

parts of the 2-tier house;

the lily pond, bird

sculpture and lighted

diyas provide interesting

accents.

THE EVOLVING HOMEThe science of designing homes that go beyond the basics, is what we

uncover for you with a visit to LEED architect, Hiren Patel's Ahmedabad

home in the heart of the city.

TEXT BY DEEPANJOLIE SONYA FIGG • PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY THE ARCHITECT


A CEPT product from the 1990 batch who wentto Switzerland for a year to study and train inadvanced architectural forms, techniques and

ways of bringing diverse materials together in harmo-nious blends for practical yet simplistically stylishdesigns, then was spurred to launch his own studiothe following year and has never looked back since -that's principal architect and designer, Hiren Patel foryou!

His practice now has over 30 like-minded and for-ward thinking creative minds all putting their ener-gies together for conceptualizing and realizing the coredesign philosophy at the Hiren Patel Architects (HPA):the Ahmedabad-based firm's lead architect's drive forexcellence in design - "designing in a more scientificway." (And now also LEED AP, an industry certificationrecently awarded to Hiren from the Green BuildingCertification Institute distinguishing him as a buildingprofessional with the knowledge and skills necessaryto steward green building projects requiring principleslearnt to be applied into practice through theLeadership in Energy and Environmental Designawareness)

As Hiren puts it, "I am now a LEED AP and com-pelled to constantly check out how my own house isworking in accordance with green designconcepts…not only because I want to do what a LEEDAP is meant to do: (certify projects), but also because�

THIS PAGE TOP A

couple of Scandinavian

wood and fiber chairs

take place of pride in

close proximity to a

large picture window

that enables one to

commune with nature

while enjoying the

comfort of being

indoors. OPPOSITE

PAGE A view of the

living room: the cool

elegance of white walls

and ecru furnishings

touched up with dull

gold in places lend a

serene touch to the

exuberance of assorted

wrought-iron, ceramic,

mosaic, glass and

eclectic wall-art in

various sizes, including

the bright-pink wall

beyond.


OPPOSITE PAGE

Master Chef Nobu

Matsuhisa’s newest

restaurant flanked by

frosted blue mirrors and

a wall encrusted with

metal work flowers.

THIS PAGE Three

dimensional woven

Abaca panels surround-

ing the dining area of

Nobu are punctuated

with a glowing

composition of custom

suspended pendants.

essentially, I like to stay involved in progress at everylevel of every design…because at the back of my mindis always a stimulation for finding out any hiddenqualities, understanding the design process better andbetter - so I can design better homes for others - muchmore meaningful than the basics!"

Thus, he explains his need for an evolving houseplan - "I wanted a home that was climatically com-patible, so there are buffered areas throughout thatkeep the most used areas cool. But I also wanted avery personal space that would allow for design-dy-namics and provide a kids-friendly environment, sinceI have 2 lovely kids - Anu in the 8th standard andKaran, who studies in the 4th currently - besides,dentist wife Dinu's needs to consider (she wanted anextremely functional but elegant retreat for all of usand a spacious kitchen with a view). So, along camethe many sky-lights into my house plan for techni-cally sound reasons instead of earlier ones like puttingin a window for aesthetics or just for granting aview…foliage accents like creepers on the South andWest walls of the house were incorporated to keep ar-eas contained beyond it cool. That pretty much sums

THIS PAGE A close-up

of the approach to the

second level of the Patel

residence: areas on

either side of the steps

have been highlighted

as nooks providing

contrasting utility:

BOTTOM The kids

bedroom has gaily

printed comforters, fairy

lights strung across

bedposts, a group of 4

brightly coloured pic-

tures in single frame and

plentiful stickers that all

give testimony to the

simple joys of childhood

ever present for Anu &

Karan.


up my basis for this expansive home design outlook."The mid-size neem tree situated in the Patel resi-

dence provided the focus for the evolving home planand Hiren reveals, "we created a garden around it;thus the plan became "L" type."

He was also very certain about "designing a homewith a minimalist philosophy." As he explains his lovefor simplicity and designing with nature, with thingsthat are timeless and have a personal connection be-sides of course, affording a sense of calmness aboutthem.

This reasoning encouraged the Patels to rope intheir favourite artist, Sharad Patel and commissionanother original art work by him - since they hadpreviously owned another of his designs in their ear-lier home: "We just had to have Sharad Patel's workin RCC somewhere in our home - his work is timelessand we love it!!" they enthuse! Since the artist is anelderly person, he agreed to give Hiren a sketch, forwhich his in-house team (carpenter, Suresh Chauhan)created a mould that was used for casting the mural.

On a similar note, sculptures by Ratilal Kansodariaand Ishwar Sagra also adorn various niches in the�

THIS PAGE Wire-mesh

screens on large win-

dows in the dining area

provide a hazy view of

the simple wooden

seating arrangement for

4 outside while a solitary

palm holds sway over

the pristine white of the

narrow room.BOTTOM

At home with nature - in

the guestroom-cum-den:

the neem tree in the

center of the garden

restores the link with the

outside world from

behind floor-to-ceiling

windows.


TOP The exposed

cement wall behind the

contemporary-looking

western sofa sports the

couple's favorite artist,

Sharad Patel's sketch

worked onto it, which

was reproduced from a

sketch given by the

veteran and transferred

onto the RCC back-

ground, thanks to the in-

house carpenter's mould

created for it. BOTTOM

A hand made sketch of

the Patel residence.


THIS PAGE The 'Spa'-

tial concept in the Patel's

most private room is

created partially by the

location of the mirrors

and glass partitions

(both opaque - on the

windows and clear ones

on the storage units

made of wood) and in

part by the near-Spartan

touch of muted colors

for marble, ceramic

fittings, floor and wall

tiles rendered soft by

only a few marigolds for

company in the incand-

escent glow of candles.

Patel home besides eclectic art by Sushantu Das, whohas also done the extremely clean, frugal lines of art-work for the laminated white-wooden top of the fam-ily dining table, in addition to the painting framedon a hot-pink wall that perks up the otherwise pris-tine white ones of the formal living area, approachedby wood-encased steps from the first level of the homeand by the al-fresco sitting area under the porch fac-ing the lily-pond in the garden.

The entrance to the home from the garden area ismarked by a faux patio on the lawns besides the marbleflooring of the partially covered one where an infor-mal seating arrangement for 4 takes centre-stage witha table-top of slatted wood, just like the chairs. Largeceiling-to-floor glass windows, table tops (like the onein Hiren's den/guest bedroom) cabinets and shelvesin kitchen and master bedroom areas besides glass walls(such as the divider between dining area and livingroom done up in white) make the most of naturallighting and enhance the indoor space of a home thatmeasures a modest, but expansive-looking 1826 squarefeet on the ground floor and just a little over a 1000on the first level.�


Comfort, mood-creation and happiness of all athome, including visiting friends, is ensured by inte-grating a sustainable, beautiful and healthy lightingoption that makes optimum use of natural, renewablelight in maximum spaces possible as Hiren Patel's homedoes, since it is conceived with well-placed windows,skylights and translucent wall panels throughout toallow for natural light to reflect deep inside throughstrategic design. And, where orientation of rooms fallsback slightly on in terms of insulation, the naturalfoliage outside and light, reflective floor and wallcolours of polished wood and marble ensure echoes ofambient light!

Global influences are clearly indicative in Hiren'shome for all seasons: from assorted travel souvenirsplaced around the 4 bedrooms (2 on each floor; thekids currently share one with the promise of gettingtheir individual sanctuary when they grow out of thiscommunal one) and two distinct living rooms (oneproviding formal, modern and sleek single-arm restseating and the other more casual, family space withfloor-seating adorned with scatter cushions, a long,rather-Western style sofa opposite two Scandinavianwood and fibre chairs and a surprise entertainmentoffering (via the infrequently used hidden projectorhoused behind a wall-painting!)

Alcoves hold memorabilia reminiscent of the room'soccupants: the kids's spaces have toys, books and gameswhile the parents' room and common areas have pho-tographs, metal sculptures, art-installations andtouches of whimsy, like faux flowers besides real palms,glass holders with floating flowers and tiny mosaic tiledcoffee table in the recess to the stairway. Similarly,thick walls of the bungalow made it possible to makeroom for display units, niche areas like the study fordaughter, Anu (right outside the parent's bedroom)and in-built storage cabinets that are deep enough toprovide housing needs for various household essen-tials; thus, the cabinets, in certain places in the Patelhouse, also double up as walls.

So, from a basic open-plot design that brought inthe morning sun to a multi-terraced home as preferredin modern building styles reflective of Kerry Hill(who's style Hiren admires), there was ample scopefor also accommodating his personal love for a varietyof materials (ceramic, concrete, marble, wood, mosaicetc.) in controlled measures that ensured a "bindingsynergy…by exploration of areas differently."

It is finally a harmonious blend of mostly cool andoccasionally vivacious color, eclectic mix of texture andmaterials and minimal ornamentation in play of formsbesides the disciplined trimming down of over-im-posing ideas (like double-height dining room wallsreduced to single height ones for freeing up space forguest room connected on another level to it) used in afunctional and flexible format that articulates the es-sence of Hiren Patel's home. �


THIS PAGE The use of

a single material that

moves along a formal

line as floor plate,

partition and ceiling

plate; strong, yet not

overpowering the range

of products.

CONTEXTUALTRANSFORMEMumbai's Sameep Padora articulates an out-of-the-box,

stylishly-sublime spatial experience at the additional shop

floors of lifestyle accessory store Pallate.

TEXT BY SAVITHA HIRA • PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY THE ARCHITECT


Different perspectives define and sustain a retail experience. In the case of Pallate, SouthMumbai's lifestyle furniture and accessory

store, the premise revolves around dynamic design anddécor in tandem with its fine range of products.

Spread over a whopping 33000 sq. ft. on 4 levels,the contemporary interiors of the store have beenconceptualised to cater to distinct styles and genre ofproducts. Started as a platform for emerging and es-tablished product, textile & furniture designers fromIndia, Europe and South East Asia, Pallate is toutedas the 'one-stop destination' store celebrating innova-tion, style and design. Virtuously in keeping with thisoperating maxim, each of the levels is designed by threedifferent architects and designers from Mumbai: theground floor by Samira Rathod; first floor by KapilGupta and the top two levels - the latest inclusion -by Sameep Padora.

Designed to cater to an exclusive range of hi-endEuropean furniture, the top two floors are distinctly'different' in décor and ambience. While the generalfeel of a multi-brand store does to a large extent incor-porate the shop-in-shop principle of merchandise po-sitioning and display, the two floors in question hereaddress the said typology by reinventing it as a�


THIS PAGE The mesh,

manufactured for use in

industrial filters is

appropriated as the

fabric for the installation

surface; due to its

double layer detail, it

responds as a moiré

screen in light.

OPPOSITE PAGE

TOP White paint-

finished walls, white

epoxy finished flooring is

juxtaposed with the

white mesh skin that

forms a ceiling plate.

BOTTOM Based on the

effect of light, the

double-layered stainless

steel mesh adopts

translucent or opaque

characteristics that play

on the ambience.


THIS PAGE The design

addresses the notion of

the shop-in-shop typol-

ogy through visual

and physical connec-

tions, through

translucency and a

distinctive materiality.

OPPOSITE PAGE

BOTTOM

The programmatic

installation piece - a

sinuous surface -

simultaneously

transforms itself from

foreground to backdrop

while performing as a

display system.


programmatic installation piece; a sinuous surface thatsimultaneously transforms itself from foreground tobackdrop while it performs as a display system.

Says designer Sameep Padora, "The balanced posi-tioning of so many well-known brands did necessitatedifferentiation; yet it was not to better one from theother. Hence, the multi-brand notion is collatedthrough visual and physical connections, throughtranslucency and a distinctive materiality that playson the client as part of the overall schematic, creatingan apt setting for the product as well as the mode ofdisplay".

Leaving the ceiling exposed but painted black intune with its counterparts on the floors below, a wire-mesh skin is appropriated as the installation surface.Generally manufactured for use in industrial filters, adouble layer of wire-mesh forms a continual ceilingplate beginning close to the entrance and sinuouslyflowing on, randomly falling down at places to form abackdrop; a partition and a display platform at oth-ers. While the mesh remains double-layered exposedas the ceiling and wall envelope, it is enclosed by trans-parent solid acrylic frames wherever it serves as a dis-play platform - for carpets, furniture and the like.

Working on the principle of a veil, the wire-meshsimulates the feel especially at night, when the�


THIS PAGE TOP The

entire look of the show-

room space is tactfully

kept bland and monoto-

nous allowing just the

colours of the displayed

products to take prece-

dence. BOTTOM The

corridor on the second

floor that is shared by

another office has a line

of windows that are

carved out of a seam-

less bulge in the ply

panels. This creates an

element of intrigue with

regard to what lies

beyond.

double-layer detail responds as a moiré screen in light.The resultant chiaroscuro effects act as befitting back-drops for the range of displayed furniture in the formof settings - formal and casual - suited to living, bed-room, outdoors, etc.

In tune with the translucent, almost ephemeralcharacter of the ambi-ence, a glass capsule-el-evator is incorporated be-tween the first and thirdfloors. The sojourn of tak-ing the client throughthis multi-dimensionaldesign vision of both thespace and the productrange is thus reinstatedwith this mode of ferry-ing the client on his ver-tical climb up.

Additionally, little de-tails that are almost sig-nature of Padora's designstyle manifest to makethe project slick and chic.The construction and


THIS PAGE TOP The

mesh is applied such

that the detailing

disappears in the overall

schematic and the skin

stands out in tandem

with the displayed

products.

BOTTOM The floor

plans of the showroom.

pragmatic details are articulated through a kind of im-plied absence; door handles and openings manifestthrough topical modulations of surface where strate-gic bumps in the ply skin of a panelled partition actas windows to allow light to filter through; or a simi-lar treatment on the main door, seamlessly acts as adoor handle negating completely the use of any hard-ware, and thus intrusion into the straight-laced el-egance of the design.

While the lower floors are reserved for one-off fur-niture items and accessories, the upper floors in theirblack-n-white envelope depict restrained flamboyance.The architect's general preoccupation with non-lin-earity yet again manifests his proclivity for pushinghis own design sensibili-ties from prevalent ac-cepted norms. As Padoraexplains, "The nature ofthe pre-scribed geometryis a tool of appropriatingspatial intent… to lookfor beauty where one ex-pects it the least, to trans-late the taken-for-grantedinto the sublime !"�

THIS PAGE A

view from the

wooden deck to

the kitchen be-

yond. Lighting

along the PVB

laminated glass

structural beams

highlights the

glass flooring of

the deck above.

INTEGRATIVE DESIGNA contemporary interior complements the open spacious plan of this duplex

prototype apartment in Bangalore. The design scheme seamlessly integrates

landscape and natural materials with the layout.

TEXT BY SHIBANI AMIN RANGARAJ • PHOTOGRAPHS TARUN NIRMAL, COURTESY THE ARCHITECTS

THIS PAGE A view

from the wooden deck

to the kitchen beyond.

Lighting along the PVB

laminated glass struc-

tural beams highlights

the glass flooring of the

deck above.

As concrete high-rise masses dot the skyline ofour rapidly growing urban cities, apartment architecture most often ends up being run of the

mill. But in Bangalore,architects Shibanee andKamal Sagar have soughtto change that perceptionthrough their now trade-mark apartment designthat has won them severalnational awards over theyears. The couple's designphilosophy has been todesign spaces that inte-grate with nature andblend naturally with thelandscape, with a strongemphasis on the use ofnatural construction ma-terials that are mainte-nance free and agetimelessly. Wire cutbricks and exposed form

THIS PAGE The

contemporary styled

open kitchen and the

double height volume of

the living as seen from

the dining. A stacked

glass partition is used

as a visual barrier from

the entrance lobby.

BOTTOM The lighter

wooden floor sets off the

walnut polished interior

of the master bed-

room.The french

windows allows one to

enjoy the landscaped

patio that runs along the

entire length of the

ground floor.

THIS PAGE The

contemporary styled

open kitchen and the

double height volume of

the living as seen from

the dining.A stacked

glass partition is used

as a visual barrier from

the entrance lobby.

BOTTOM The polished

kota stone floor sets off

the hues of the

rubberwood furniture of

the children's

bedroom.The aquarium

inserted in the separat-

ing wall of the bedroom

and bathroom creates

an element of interest.

finished concrete coupled with terraced landscapedgardens are the trademark design statements of theprojects of their real estate development firm TotalEnvironment.

In the prototype duplex apartment of Windmillsof Your Mind project in Bangalore, the architects haveblended a contemporary interior in the spacious fourbedroom flat. Large fenestrations along one side of thelongitudinal axis of the layout merge the boundary ofthe inside from the outside allowing one to visuallyenjoy the landscaped balcony and reflecting pool alongthe entire length of the apartment at the lower level.The double height volume of the living space is sepa-rated from the open kitchen by a slate butchwork wallcomplementing the hues of the brown and whiteleather furniture and the beige Italian marble floor-ing. The coffered slab ceiling adds a visual dimensionto the volume, which the architects have used to elimi-nate the conventional beams and enlarge the spaces.

The formal dining and the modular Italian openplan kitchen are contemporary in style. A wooden deckabuts the kitchen area which extends the dining areainto the landscaped patio. A glass deck on the�

THIS PAGE The double

height volume of the

living space is sepa-

rated from the open

kitchen by a slate

butchwork wall comple-

menting the hues of the

brown and white leather

furniture and the beige

Italian marble flooring.

BOTTOM The polished

kota stone floor sets off

the hues of the

rubberwood furniture of

the children's

bedroom.The aquarium

inserted in the separat-

ing wall of the bedroom

and bathroom creates

an element of interest.

THIS PAGE The large

family room allows for

the family to unwind in

the entertainment and

library hub.The glass

deck adjoining the family

room is cantilevered in

the double height

volume , from where one

can enjoy the view of the

landscaped patio and

reflecting pool below.

Also seen is the coffered

ceiling slab. BOTTOM

Cantilevered wooden

treads and tempered

glass panels as railings

in the staircase create a

sense of transparency at

one end of the ground

floor.

upper level from the family room forms a translucentcover to this wooden deck. Supported on extra strongPVB laminated glass structural beams, the deck ap-pears visually light from below. Cantilevered woodentreads and tempered glass panels as railings in the stair-case create a sense of transparency at ground floor level.

At the upper level, the family room has been de-signed as an entertainment hub. Surrounded by thelarge fenestrations and a glass deck that over looks thelandscaped area on two sides and the double heightvolume of the living space below, it's easy to forgetyou are in an apartment and imagine you are in ahouse! The bridge leading to the home office has beendesigned as an extensive library with ceiling to floorwooden bookshelves. The office with a separate accessfrom the lobby at the upper level serves well as a pub-lic space yet well entrenched within the apartment.

Finishes in the bedrooms are warm yet contempo-rary. At the lower level, both the master and guestbedroom have wooden flooring. The guest bedroomhas been finished in a rich teak finish with a bath-room complemented in warm tones of jaisalmer stone.While the master bedroom is spacious with a walk inwardrobe area, the architects have chosen to do awaywith the separating wall between the bathroom andbedroom and have replaced it with a frosted and clearglass panel. Adding an element of interest this glasswall allows a glimpse of the Zen like white bathroominside and makes the bedroom appear larger. The wal-nut dark hue and white fittings reveal the intendedminimal design of the room where the architectswanted the room to be "spacious, uncluttered andwanted the modern lines of the furniture and fixtures�

to reflect an understated sensibility." In the upperlevel bedrooms, the flooring is of mirror polished kotastone and the finishes are a lighter tone of rubber wood.The spa like design has been extended to the guestbedroom with a rubber wood finished floating bedand textured wardrobe shutter panels of wood andcane. Earth tone walls and beige tones of the Italianmarble clad bathroom add to the visual appeal. Thechildren's bedroom has been cheerfully designed witha bunk bed in rubber wood. An aquarium inserted inthe separating wall of the bedroom and bathroom cre-ates an animated window in the children's bathroom.

As also seen in their other projects, Shibanee andKamal Architects have created their own inimitablestyle of integrating landscape and natural materialsin the apartment realm. In a space that is literallycrowded and pastiche like with builders succumbingto architectural imagery and cramped interior spaces,their work has always stood out as unique-creating abuilt statement that responds to climatic needs withinnate architectural detailing- be it in the structureor integrating elements such as brick bond detailing.It is indeed welcoming to see such a kind of evolvingarchitectural intervention to a city's skyline!�

THIS PAGE Stark white

fitings in combination

with walnut hued

woodwork creates a

minimal Zen look in the

master bathroom.

OPPOSITE PAGE

TOP The earth tone hue

of the walls set off the

rubber wood finished

floating bed and

textured wardrobe

shutter panels of wood

and cane in the upper

level guest bedroom

BOTTOM Large

fenestrations flood the

upper level guest

bathroom with light. A

dark marble counter

juxtaposes the light

beige Italian marble

cladding of the rest of

the bathroom.


IN HARMONYThe Manthan team shows how nature and space can work in tandem.

The duo conceives a home with a unifying thread of simplicity,

keeping the decor deliberatly minimal yet strong to infuse character.

TEXT BY PAULOMI PATEL • PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY THE ARCHITECT


The first clue that tells a visitor to the Medsinghehome that he is headed to some place reallydifferent is the unusual approach to the

property. With the panoramic Deccan ranges and theremains of the Panhala Fort as the backdrop, a dusty,winding road takes you to the house, which is a secondhome for its affluent owners. The strategic locationjust adds to the charm of this place and as we getcloser, it's difficult to not be seduced by it. Each stepraises expectation and finally, as we reach the top ofthe cliff, there's a perceptible feeling of excitement toenter the fairy tale building, the façade of which ismade up of a stone wall with pin hole openings.

This detail becomes one of the most prominentfeatures of the home and gives the entire house thelook of a fortress from a distance. And rightly so,because this house is actually designed to be asymbolic representation and tribute to the originalPanhala Fort, and so, like the fort the house too standsfor the valor and bravery of the historic Maratha rulersof this area.

On entering the site through a circular paved court,we are guided via a leisurely staircase that leads to themain entrance, made from an antique wooden doorfixed into a small opening cut into the stone wall. Asecond open staircase between the stonewall and theservant's quarters takes us to the deck from wherethe distant horizon with trees and the valley beyondis visible.

As one enters the main space through the stonewall - which is 80 feet long by 24 feet high and 2 feetthick, made from reused and new Deccan Trap�

THIS PAGE The house

is like ‘a floating ship on

a cliff’ with it’s titanic

size balconies and

decks. OPPOSITE

PAGE The courtyard

just next to the main

entrance door separates

the living room and the

kitchen which are in the

same axis. The pergola

covering the courtyard at

two different levels

accentuates the effect

with its shadows and

connects the curvilinear

roof forms of the kitchen

and the living.


stone - there's a dramatic change in the treatment ofspace. The rest of the walls in the house are all cementplastered brick walls. The area beyond the wall isunexpected, and the layout is quite unpredictable.Contrasting the outside, the main areas are fullytransparent and free flowing. The straight wall andthe outstretched vaulted organic forms are connectedto each other by a skylight that runs on the East-Westaxis. The pergola below the skylight forms acharismatic play of light and shadows on the innerside of the stone wall which is smooth plastered tomatch the feeling of space inside.

"Spatial experience in changing light quality, wherethe space is formed inside and outside of theproportionate masses is our main focus in every design.We try to work on different forms and based on siteconditions try to attain this quality," says architectSachin Patil of ManthanArchitects - the firmbehind the constructionof the Medsinghe house.Patil firmly believes thatthis emphasis on spaceand light gives theirdesigns a unique quality.

On the same lines, theliving room and�

THIS PAGE TOP

Unobstructed views

from the kitchen area of

the landscaped deck,

the valley and horizon

beyond. BOTTOM A

play of light and shadow

weaves its magic on the

decks and courtyards.


THIS PAGE The

cantilevered decks

adjoining all living areas

are great places to hang

out and to enjoy breath-

taking valley views.


kitchen are in the same axis and are separated by anopen courtyard spanned by a pergola on two levels.The one above the water body is almost double theheight and at the further end (towards the valley side)it is brought down to a height of a mere 7 feet. Theextreme end is kept open and there's a breathtaking,view of the valley and the horizon beyond. Besidesthe deck, the valley is also visible from the living,bedroom and kitchen areas, giving a floating feel tothe entire structure.

Patil, who worked along with partner Sheetal onthis project says, "The greatest luxury in the 21st

century's consumerist maelstrom is the freedom froma home full of possessions. This freedom seesarchitecture not as a collage of materials anddecoration but a distillation of all domestic functionsinto abstract forms." This is obvious from the way spacehas been highlighted as an important feature of theMedsinghe House.

As we move further inside, we enter the bedroom -placed at a slightly skewed angle with the space createdin between occupied by a small toilet and a reflectionpool with a double height circular skylight above. Thebedroom is also placed at a lower level to make a playof volumetric changes and reduce the scale of the

exterior façade. As we stand looking, the swimmingpool on the other end of the site is in view. This poolis accompanied by changing rooms and an open tosky shower - both housed in an independent structure,which is deliberately kept low profile andinconspicuous to compliment the main structure.

This simplicity runs throughout the house, fromthe finishes, to the over all interiors - all keptdeliberately minimal but yet strong to add characterto the house. For example, stones from demolishedold houses and nearby quarries are used for the Southsidewall to give it a weathered and vernacular look.There are aluminum colour-coated roofing sheets onthe fabricated structures over the vaulted spaces ofmain areas. These vaulted roofed decks, combined withthe view they offer, makefor great places to spendevenings. Clear glassdoors and windowscomplement thestructure adding to theover all effect of space. Thepergolas combine withlight to cast variedpatterns on the courtyard

THIS PAGE The main

space beyond the stone

wall is highly

unpredictable from the

outer side. The main

areas are fully

transparent, free flowing

& very mesien in their

character.


THIS PAGE TOP A

night view of the house

with the swimming pool

in the foreground.

BOTTOM The bedroom

looks on to the

swimming pool at the

far end. The idea of

simplicity is the

mainstay of this house,

right from the finishes,

furniture to the overall

interior.

floors. The rustic tiles, white colored walls and naturalwood finished doors add to the simple yet moderncharacter of the house.

The external landscape is kept very natural, withmounds, boulders and trees left in their natural stateto enhance the beauty of the surroundings.

The house, which took Patil and his partner ninemonths to build, is about 1,300 sq. ft. in size, withthe cost of construction totalling Rs. 22 lakhs.

Patil and his partner Sheetal who have workedclosely together for more than seven years, establishedtheir company Manthan in Kolhapur in 2004. "Wethink there is great scope for architecture in smallertowns like Kolhapur. Here you have time for yourself,�


your work and family. But our base does not restrictus. In the age of computers we can sit anywhere anddo work in any part of the world. We are doing projectsthat range from residences and office buildings tohousing and institution projects all over India," saysPatil who has a studio where he and his partner closelywork with engineers, carpenters and fabricators.

In the past, the Manthan duo, as we like to callthem, have worked for architects like Balkrishna Doshiin Ahmedabad and Hiranti Welandawe of H.W.Internationals in Sri Lanka, and both are greatlyinspired by architecture patriarchs like Glenn Murcuttand Ricardo Legorreta. "Murcutt works alone in hisstudio in Australiawithout any draftsman,computers and moderndevices. Still his work iscrafted like a machineproduct with amazingspatial qualities. And,Legorreta, with hispassion for adobe wallsand meticulously formedcourtyards is a genius.They are the masters -people we look up to andpeople who augmentour faith in architecture,"says Patil.�

THIS PAGE TOP A

skylight connects the

stone wall &

outstretched vaulted

organic form. The

pergola below the

skylight forms a

charismatic play of light

& shadows on the inner

wall which is like a live

backdrop for all living

spaces. BOTTOM A

view of the deck that

floats above the green

landscape.


A MODERN TRIBUTEA dialogue between the past and the future becomes the core of the project.

Contemporary materials and renovated elements come to meet and blend

elegantly in the DVF Studio designed by New York based firm Work ac.

TEXT BY K PARVATHY MENON • PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY THE ARCHITECT

THIS PAGE TOP A

view of the stairdelier

from the top level to the

shop floor below reveals

all the spaces that it

cuts through. One can’t

help but notice how the

heliostat mirrors blend

into the skylight.


As you walk past the new DVF Studio in NewYork, the first thing that strikes you is how thetrendiest outfits sit so snugly between the age

old cast iron columns. And then you look further upand glass canopies on huge metal girders glare at you.Looking higher you notice the large glass windowsfull of glitz and glamour are set within a 19th centurybrick facade. Your sight goes to the top of the buildingand you can’t miss the huge diamond structureprotruding out of the old warehouse. And that is whenyou realise, what you are seeing is a synthesis of thepast and the future!

In the 70's, designer Diane von Furstenberg cap-tured the fashion world with her 'wrap dress' and be-came an absolute fashion icon. This time it is her newheadquarter building that is causing heads to turn.Diane von Furstenberg had been planning to bringtogether her business activities under one roof, whichwould have to include a flagship store, showroom, of-fice and her own office and living quarters. The newheadquarter building located in New York's trendiestlocality, the Meatpacking District or the GansevoortMarket, has everything she ever dreamed of in an office.

The six storied building is wedged between twohistoric landmark facades and fit her requirements tothe 'T'. It houses a flagship store at street level, a 500sq. ft. showroom and event space, design and admin-istrative office for 120 people, an executive suite and aprivate penthouse apartment. The additional functionssuch as a silk screening workshop, storage, dressingrooms, etc. are all accommodated in the basement.

Being located in the Gansevoort Market’s historicdistrict, the renovation had to get past the LandmarkPreservation Commission. The Commission felt 'in-visible' best describes any physical change to the build-ing exterior. To this group, Work ac, the New Yorkbased architectural firm,argued that 'therenovation and diamondprotuberance would bean announcement of newlife in the district. Workac won over theLandmarks PreservationCommission andproceeded with a sensitiverestoration of the mostvisible facades of the oldstructure. Even so steel,aluminium and glass ele-ments of the new con-struction insouciantly re-veal themselves from therooftop and the rear.

On the exteriors, thearchitects got the 19th

century brick facade of�

THIS PAGE TOP The

second of the double

heighted spaces creat-

ed by the stairdelier has

a distinct character with

a deep pink coloured

wall as backdrop.

BOTTOM The ariel

view of the the Head-

quarters brings into

focus the penthouse

office and the protruding

glass diamond-like

skylight. OPPOSITE

PAGE Clear glass walls

and crystals make the

interiors transparent,

connecting the spaces

visually in a single

glance.


the warehouse re-pointed, painted the cast iron col-umns, and sealed the existing copper cornices. Thisseemed to satisfy the commission’s mandate. The metalstreet canopy girding the district buildings had to beretained. The firm wanted a translucent canopy ratherthan the corrugated ones common in the district. Theyluckily found corrugated wired glass from the Phila-delphia Navy Yard, which they recycled to have cano-pies on the North and East sidewalks.

When you enter the studio, you see drama. Thespace that greets you is the lobby, with a staircase de-fined by crystals to create a grand welcome. The vir-gin white walls and a reflecting pool guide you throughthe art collection of Ms. Von Furstenberg and youfeel as if you have entered a fairytale.

A whole new world of structural steel columns withmetal and steel decking and resin floors have been in-stalled within the old brick warehouse. The firmunified the assorted spaces through a single iconicgesture, a stairway, which collects and distributes light

THIS PAGE Clear

glass walls in the plush

penthouse office allow

ample sunlight and a

breath taking view. The

office conveys a distinct

character in its interior

and at the same time

blends in with the rest

of the architecture.

OPPOSITE PAGE The

white walls and bright

lights become the right

backdrop for striking

designs and displays.

to the deepest recesses of the building. This shaft oflight has been conceived as an inhabitable and con-nective 'stairdelier', a cross between stair and chande-lier, that cuts across diagonally up from the groundfloor to the diamond glasspenthouse above.

To maximize thenatural light entering thestudio, a series of heliostatmirrors have been fittedwithin the diamond. Sun-light reflected by the mir-rors darts around the stu-dio spaces like a butter-fly. The primary southfacing mirror, tracks thesun throughout the day,reflecting it to a fixed sec-ondary mirror that beamsthe sunlight down the�


THIS PAGE Glimpses of bold displays and prints

that make a design statement are visible as the

stairdelier cuts through different levels.OPPOSITE

PAGE TOP The dressing rooms within the ‘wrap’

have been designed for flexible use. The curtains

can be drawn to make spaces larger or smaller as

one desires.MIDDLE The cobbled native American

terrace makes an interesting contrast to the clear

glass walls of the pent house office of Ms Von

Furstenberg. BOTTOM This double height space

that forms as the stair cuts through, allows for an

unobstructed view of the office spaces from the

show room at the lower level.


staircase, always at the same angle. Tertiary mirrorsalong the stair's length further direct the light ontothe railing, structurally braced with Swarovski glasscrystals that disperse the sunlight to each floor.

Translucence has been used not just in the exter-nal canopies but also in the plush pristine white inte-riors. The railings along the stairdelier and the floorsare of clear glass. This aspect unifies all the floors asone entity when you look up to the top floor from theshowroom level. The stairdelier not only acts as thecirculation device and light shaft, but also reveals thevarious activities organized around the core-from thelobby to the second-floor showroom, to the offices anddesign workshops above, and also the client's ownoffice and living quarters. The deformed, angular glass-and-steel structure popping out of the roof helpsinduce daylight throughout the interior.

As the stairdelier makes its way through the build-ing, a series of three double-height spaces follow it.This provides flexibility and spatial multiplicity to theotherwise standard office floors, allowing the build-ing to transform for special events and performances.

As you climb to the showroom floor, the second ofthe double heighted space, you enter a small blackbox theatre which can accommodate around 100people. The display racks strewn around are designedto roll back to create space for events.

The shop floor is walled with clear tempered glassset behind the existing cast iron columns, making astatement of synthesis of the old and the new whilealso marking the difference. Inside, the store is de-signed as a ‘wrap’ wall enfolding all the display fix-tures that winds its way diagonally across the groundfloor, parallel to the stairdelier's diagonal vertical cutthrough the building. The ‘wrap’ encloses within it aluxury room, the cash-wrap area, and a series of threedressing rooms. White and crystal interiors act as abackdrop to the clothes, furniture and accessories indifferent tones and shades. Glass walls allow visual con-nectivity within the space at all levels.

Sustainability was always a part of the design pro-cess. From salvaging wired glass from the Navy Yardto using the stairdelier, sustainable ideas peep in atevery corner. The stairdelier and the various mirrorsand crystals in the building all have a role to play byminimising the use of artificial lighting. Three wells,1500-feet deep allow for geothermal heating and cool-ing. A terrace roof garden with native grass andcolourful wildflowers reduce overhead heating of thestudio to a great extent.

The whole architecture of DVF Studio is conceivedas a dialogue between contemporary materials and therenovated elements, making visible both the building'spast and its future. The architects, instead of hidingthe new elements behind historic facades, announcedto the world the genesis of something new within andaround something old.�

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HR I PROMOTION

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Contact

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Plot no 27, Tulip, 1st floor,

S. V. Road, Opp. Akbarallys,

Santacruz (West),

Mumbai - 400 054

Tel: 67029805/06, 65741078


Web: www.grandeurinteriors.com �

� Grandeur, launched over a decade ago, gives the

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OFF-BEAT CHARMShabnam Gupta crafts a precious little space for Vistara, a

jewellery studio in Mumbai, infusing it with its own eclectic

character and signature off-beat charm.

TEXT BY PAULOMI PATEL • PHOTOGRAPHS BY RAVI KANADE


THIS SPREAD The

space is divided

conveniently in a way

that the 625 sq. ft. store

appears much larger

than it actually is. TOP

The ornate wooden jaali

that frames a large sized

mirror is hand crafted

and like the rest of the

furniture is finished

antique gold duco paint.

Vistara - the recently opened haven for nichejewellery is like the products it stocks - a oneof a kind store. One of the main reasons being

that Vistara is not your typical mom and pop bijouxshop. Shabnam Gupta - the dynamic lady of the inte-rior design brand The Orange Lane, is the creativeforce behind the store and has used her distinct imagi-nation to combine a multitude of elements, eclecticand off-beat, that make this store.

"My design, to a very large extent, is not bound byany defined norms and rules or by what people mayconceive as the current style," says Gupta. "My de-signs are whimsical and non repetitive. I do what Ibelieve in currently."

And that is just what Vistara boasts of, hidden awayin Mistry Court - a building in one of the leafy bylanesacross the famed Marine Drive, opposite the wellknown Cricket Club of India in Mumbai and ownedby jewellery designer Anju Sethi. Her creations -exquisite diamond, jadau and polki jewellery - arehoused in Vistara - a sepia toned store where the allthe interiors along with the lighting play accomplices,along with the jewellery itself, to make visiting thisstore a one of a kind experience.

Shabnam used river washed desert sand stone,�


THIS PAGE TOP

Everything in the store

from colourful cushions

to furniture is designed

by Shabnam herself and

is custom-made on the

site. BOTTOM There is

a magnificent idol of

Lord Ganesha that

complements the

mystical aura of the

sepia toned space.

OPPOSITE PAGE

Beautiful arches add to

the mystery of the entire

store and create an aura

of bygone times.

They form a suitable

setting for the niche

heritage jewellery that

Vistara sells.

Burma teak wood in various duco antique finishes,matt finish on walls and brass and mild steel metal fordifferent fabrications which form some of the mainmaterials that have gone into the making of Vistara.The project that according to Shabnam was timebound and completed in a commendable time frameof about 45 days is about625 sq. ft. in size.

"The best feature ofthe store, according tome, was the existingbeams and the advantageof height that the spaceprovided," says Shabnamwho has designed highprofile restaurants like theKoyla and Lemon GrassCafe in the past and hasalso designed spaces forlegendary filmmakersTanuja Chandra andVidhu Vinod Chopra."This gave me thefreedom to create somany deep arches andthat is what built up themystery and grandeur ofthe store that is�


THIS PAGE

Quirky wall fixtures

add to the charm of

the store that's further

complemented by

the vintage furniture

present.

OPPOSITE PAGE

Fabricated metal wall

decorations add a

quirky-chic vibe to the

interiors.

befitting the jewellery that is sold in it."Despite its sepia tones and arches, there is a dis-

tinct 'cool' edge to Vistara's design. This comes fromShabnam's innate aesthetics that revolve around thekeywords fun, happiness and nature - elements thathave been present in most of her creations in the past,just as they are in Vistara. Indeed, if you visit herfirm's website, the aesthetic runs through there as well.Ask her what's her take on this and she says,"Architecture, for me is the basic right everybodyshould have to live in beautifully designed homes,work in places which are in harmony with nature,breathe in a landscape which should be an integralpart of every structure."

There are fabricated metal trees that adorn thewalls. These are reminiscent of the tree of life, con-firms Shabnam, adding, "We wanted the store to havean ethereal, mystical aura. So the tree-of-lifecreations," she says. To continue with this theme, thebathroom in the store too has an ornate ceiling whichis a replication of the under-section of a lotus pond.

Another interesting feature comes in the form of awooden lattice (jaali) creation on one of the walls inthe store. The lattice surrounds a huge mirror andlooks like a beautiful display installation, but Shabnam

tells us that it's more than just that. "It's a door actu-ally for a safety vault behind. There is a finger printidentification mechanism attached to it too."

For the lights Gupta had to study the differentlightings that are used to display jewellery. "Gold anddiamond jewellery need different lights. After somesubstantial research we used halogen spotlights for thegold jewellery and LED lights for diamond items. Someplaces we've also combined the two. Especially in theantique jewellery section," she says.

Shabnam Gupta, the grand daughter of legendaryTV stalwart Ramanand Sagar of the Ramayana fameand daughter of cinema-tographer Prem Sagar, hasnaturally got a whole lotof creativity that is inher-ited, and hence it was notreally surprising when shemade her first foray intointeriors after shecompleted her commercedegree. Shabnam believesthat like her grandfatherand father, she too sees thecomplete picture in her�


head and then starts the job of actually putting it to-gether. "They do it for a shot. I do it in a space," saidGupta who strayed into the world of interiors whenshe started interning after completing her diploma ininterior design. Now, a passionate designer and theowner of her firm, The Orange Lane, she provides in-terior solutions of all varieties, from furnishings andfurniture to full scale interior design.

Shabnam has a strong bend towards nature whichis visible in most of her work. Another strong belief ofhers is not to outsource her pieces. In fact she hasbuilt a reputation for being extremely innovative andfor always creating and producing her design pieceslocally. "I think we need to reflect on our historyand culture in terms of architecture and buildtowards creating what works in our country, ourclimate, our local materials and our tropicallandscape instead of running towards just what is thelatest trend internationally. India has great talent andwe are still evolving and finding ourselves - what wesee is still a mixed bag." A mixed bag of interestingand mind boggling creativity - just like the Guptaherself we say!�


THIS PAGE Trapezoidal

glass panels form the

railing of the steps at the

ground level.

INTERNALMODULATIONSInnovative details and volumetric modulation in

space exemplify the GRS residence designed by

InForm Architects in Bangalore.

TEXT BY SHIBANI AMIN RANGARAJ • PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY THE ARCHITECT


As one drives along the busy roads of Bangalore'straditional neighbourhood of Malleswaramwhere ubiquitous residential apartment build-

ings jostle with each other, the GRS residence comesas a pleasant contemporary intervention to the order.Principal Architect Kiran Venkatesh of InForm Archi-tects Pvt. Ltd. explains that the client brief of adher-ence to the tenets of Vastu and the oblong dimen-sions of the site of 52' x 112' did not constrain themfrom "creating an exciting internalized space with anaustere exterior."

The plan evolved around a central linear spine run-ning parallel to a strip garden. Kiran believes that asection is an all powerful way of organizing spaces andin this residence modulated the internal volumes tobreak the notion of confined living and bedroom spaceswith interjections of courtyards, skylights and glasswalls. "The project uses the section as a device to re-cast notions of domestic space - to reveal the existenceof inner private spaces without compromising theirfunctional workings.", he explains of the plan organi-zation. Rooms at the upper level appear to float in thedouble height volume of the central spine connectedby a long span glass bridge suspended from the ceil-ing. The daughter's bedroom above the living room�


THIS PAGEThe

changing path of

sunlight creates an

arresting shadow

pattern of the grills of

the skylight onto the grey

wall of the double height

entrance foyer.

OPPOSITE PAGE

TOP Louvers and

pergolas create

interesting shade

patterns through out the

house as seen here in

the master bedroom

strip garden wall.

BOTTOM The orange

wall frames the white

"box" dining area where

light streams in through

the corner windows.


emerges as a glass box resting on a column, creatingan element of interest yet allowing her a completeview of the house while lightening the volumewithin."These pulsating volumes are composed in 3-D space and plug onto the central spine - creating anoverall effect that is very fluid and indeterminate onthe inside" Kiran elucidates.

In the narrow width of the house, landscape hasbeen integrated into the structure through the stripgarden at the lower level and outside the master bed-room. The large expanses of glass alongside the stripgardens and courtyards at the lower level and the sky-lights above the glass bridge and central spine floodthe house with light. "Client concern for security ofthe house especially due to its perceived openness,led to the conversion of typical safety grills intoarchitectural devices like louvers and pergolas thatenvelope the house. The louvers, though present atstructured intervals, dissolve the boundary betweenhouse and landscape as the sunlight reflects off theirsurfaces - they become features rather than intrusivebarriers." Kiran explains. The changing path ofsunlight creates an arresting shadow pattern of thegrills of the skylight onto the wall of the double�


THIS PAGE A dynamic

view of the glass

staircase and glass

bridge, the highly

polished black Italian

marble of the central

spine and the open strip

garden abutting this

area. OPPOSITE

PAGE TOPThe glass

bridge that connects the

daughters bedroom to

her parents room forms

the translucent element

of interest at this level.

BOTTOM The glass

and wooden staircase

cantilevered off the

orange textured wall

contrasts the black

polished floors.


height entrance foyer.The interior finishes and furniture are minimal and

contemporary in nature. "Internal free furnitureelements are minimal and chosen for their sculpturalcontent that contrasts with the rectilinear volumes."he adds. Built-in furniture has been designed as simplelines that provide backdrops for art objects as seen inthe living room wall unit. Highly polished Italian blackmarble on the central spine demarcates that area fromthe other spaces which contrast in white marble. Adramatic effect is created by the glass bridge andstaircase wooden treads with glass risers which arecantilevered off a wall painted in a bright orange hue.The external form of the house remains rather under-stated. "The external elevations emerge as a manifes-tation of these stitched programs in "vaastu-driven"locations around and along the central spine" heexplains and is evident.

"The overall intent of the project is to generate adomestic space consistent with the changinglifestyles of nuclear families - an adaptive space that isopen yet secure and private yet connected." says Kiran.And this award winning project has done just thatwithin its tight constraints manifesting InForm'spenchant for experimental design with creativestructural solutions.�

THIS PAGE Black leather furniture and a sculptural

glass table complement the geometeric straightlined

wall unit lending an overall minimal look in the living

area. BOTTOM A view from the entrance foyer -

The daughter’s bedroom above the living room

emerges as a glass box resting on a column,

creating an element of interest yet allowing her a

complete view of the house while lightening the

volume within. The orchestrated hue palette of red,

black, grey and white in this area decidedly sets the

modern tone to the home and spaces to follow.


HR I PROMOTION

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Contact

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Ponda,Goa 403 409, Tel : +91 083 2233 1200

CO : C.G. House, 6th Floor,

Dr. Annie Besant Road, Mumbai - 400 030.

Tel : +91 022 2423 7777

web : www.cglonline.com �


HR I SPOTLIGHT

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pavilions andtemporary structuresToday, architects are being even more

adventurous with their designs for pavilions

and other temporary structures. Experim-

enting with technology and engineering,

they are producing modern-day marvels

that push the envelope of design.

�Entertainment and sports structures have always

been landmark creations, and a perfect example of

such a structure was the Greek Colloseum. With the

passing of time there have been several changes in

styles of architecture, and this category too has

evolved, with the new stadiums and exhibition

pavilions being recognised as engineering and

architectural marvels of the modern-age.

Modern architecture has been occasionally

redefined, with the tradition carried forward by

revolutionaries like Frank Gehry, Calatrava, Rem

Koolhaas and Zaha Hadid, who have embraced and

included the miraculous advantages of technology

and engineering in their works. Architect Mies Van

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Jay Pritzker Pavilion, by Frank Gehry


Barcelona Pavilion,

by Mies Van Der Rohe


HR I SPOTLIGHT

Der Rohe has for ages been considered as a face of

modern architecture. His 'less is more' philosophy

took the architectural community by storm and

scandalised critics. When we talk about pavilions

and exhibition structures we just can't leave out Van

Der Rohe's contributions to public and entertainment

buildings.

Barcelona Pavilion by Mies Van Der Rohe

When we think of pavilions of the modern times,

the pavilion that undoubtedly comes to mind is Van

Der Rohe's German pavilion in Barcelona. The

Barcelona Pavilion was the Pavilion for the 1929

International Exposition in Barcelona. It was an

important building in the history of modern architec-

ture, known for its simple form and extravagant

materials, such as marble and travertine.

The building stood on a large podium alongside a

pool. The structure itself consisted of eight steel

posts supporting a flat roof, with curtain glass

walling and a handful of partition walls. The overall

impression is of perpendicular planes in three

dimensions forming a cool, luxurious space.

Jay Pritzker Pavilion, by Frank Gehry

The Pritzker Music Pavilion is a band shell in the

Loop community area of Chicago. The pavilion was

designed by Frank Gehry, named after Pritzker family

member Jay Pritzker, and was constructed between

June 1999 and July 2004 in the Millennium Park. It is

the park's outdoor performing arts venue and the

new home of the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra

and Chorus. The performance venue is designed

with a large fixed seating area, a great lawn, a trellis

network to support the sound system and a signa-

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Masterplan by Zaha Hadid

Milwaukee Art Museum, by Santiago Calatrava○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Milwaukee Art Museum, by Santiago Calatrava

The Mobile Art Pavilion, by Zaha Hadid

Zaragoza Bridge Pavilion, by Zaha Hadid

Guggenheim Hermitage, by Zaha Hadid


HR I SPOTLIGHT

ture Gehry stainless steel head dress. It features a

sound system with an innovative acoustic design

that replicates an indoor concert hall sound experi-

ence. The pavilion and the park in general are well-

known and respected for their accessibility.

Milwaukee Art Museum by Santiago

Calatrava

The Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) commis-

sioned Santiago Calatrava to design a 58,000

square foot addition to the Museum in 1994. The

expansion provides a 30 percent increase in overall

gallery space, from 90,000 to 117,000 square feet.

The highlight of the project was the Burke Brise

Soleil wings. The Burke Brise Soleil, the moveable,

wing-like sunscreen comprised of 72 steel fins,

that rests on top of the glass-enclosed reception

hall. With fin size ranging in length from 26 to 105

feet, the Brise Soleil wingspan spreads 217 feet at

its widest point, wider than a Boeing 747-400

airplane, and weighs 90 tons.

Pavilions by Zaha Hadid

Architect Zaha hadid's temporary structures

have undoubtedly always claimed undivided

attention. Here are some of her most acclaimed

structures.

Guggenheim Hermitage

Zaha Hadid's silvery building resembling a sub-

surface ferry or a space ship is the winning entry in

the competition for the design of the Guggenheim

Hermitage Museum in the ancient city of Vilnius,

capital and the largest city of the Republic of

Lithuania.

Although Vilnius is one of Europe's smallest

capitals, it has a long, strong and culturally rich

history, beautifully reflected in its well-preserved Old

Town with cathedrals dating back to the 12th century.

The Pritzker prize-winning architect Hadid's futuristic

building will be an arts centre and a museum,

housing selected collections of both the New York's

Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and the St.

Petersburg based State Hermitage Museum. The

jury selected Hadid's (Zaha Hadid Architects) design

over those of equally famous architects Daniel

Libeskind (Studio Daniel Libeskind) and

Massimiliano Fuksas (Studio Fuksas).

The Mobile Art Pavilion

The Mobile Art Pavilion for Chanel by Zaha Hadid

Architects has been inspired by one of Chanel's

signature creations, the quilted bag. Hadid's innova-

tive architecture is the lead to the creation the Mobile

Art Pavilion.

Zaha Hadid Architects' recent explorations of

natural organizational systems have generated the

fluidity evident in the pavilion for Chanel. The Mobile

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The Serpentine Pavilion 2006 - Rem Koolhaas

The Serpentine Pavilion 2007, by Snøhetta

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HR I SPOTLIGHT

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Art Pavilion's organic form has evolved from the

spiralling shapes found in nature.

The Pavilion follows the parametric distortion of a

Torus. In its purest geometric shape, the circular

torus is the most fundamental diagram of an

exhibition space. The distortion evident in the

Pavilion creates a constant variety of exhibition

spaces around its circumference, whilst at its

centre, a large 65m2 courtyard with natural lighting

provides an area for visitors to meet and reflect on

the exhibition.

Zaragoza Bridge Pavilion

The Zaragoza Bridge Pavilion in Spain is not just

a bridge but also an engineering feat. The pavilion

is organised around four main elements, or ‘pods’,

that perform both as structural elements and as

spatial enclosures, where each pod corresponds

to a specific exhibition space. Expo Zaragoza

originally envisaged the concept of an enclosed

exhibition pavilion spanning the river. For this reason,

the structure is largely visible and plays an

important role in defining the Bridge Pavilion's

external envelope.

Serpentine Gallery Pavilions

Each summer, the Serpentine gallery commis-

sions an internationally acclaimed architect to

design a temporary Pavilion for its lawn. It is unique

worldwide and presents the work of an international

architect or design team who, at the time of the

Serpentine Gallery's invitation, has not completed a

building in the UK. The Pavilion architects to date are

Rem Koolhaas and Cecil Balmond, with Arup, 2006;

ÿlvaro Siza and Eduardo Souto de Moura with Cecil

Balmond, Arup, 2005; MVRDV with Arup, 2004- (un-

realised); Oscar Niemeyer, 2003; Toyo Ito with Arup,

2002; Daniel Libeskind with Arup, 2001; and Zaha

Hadid, 2000.

The Serpentine Pavilion 2006 -

Rem Koolhaas

The Serpentine Pavilion 2006 was co-designed by

Pritzker Prize-winning architect Rem Koolhaas and

innovative structural designer Cecil Balmond.

The centrepiece of the design was a spectacular

ovoid-shaped inflatable canopy that floated above

the Gallery's lawn. Made from translucent material,

the canopy was raised into the air or lowered to

cover the amphitheatre below, depending on the

weather. A frieze designed by Thomas Demand

marked the first collaboration between an artist and

the designers of the Pavilion.

The walled enclosure below the canopy func-

tioned both as a café and forum for televised and

recorded public programmes, including live talks

and film screenings in the Time Out Park Nights at

the Serpentine Gallery programme.

The Serpentine Pavilion 2007 by Snøhetta

The Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2007 is designed

by the internationally acclaimed artist Olafur Eliasson

and the award-winning Norwegian architect Kjetil

Thorsen, of the architectural practice Snøhetta.

Based on the principle of a winding ramp, the 2007

Serpentine Gallery Pavilion explores the idea of

vertical circulation within a single space. The aim is

to reconsider the traditional, single-level pavilion

structure by adding a third dimension: height. The

vertical movement of visitors in the Pavilion will

complement the horizontal circulation in the exhibi-

Bruges Pavilion, by Toyo Ito

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Bruges Pavilion, by Toyo Ito


HR I SPOTLIGHT

tion spaces at the adjacent Serpentine Gallery.

Bruges Pavilion by Toyo Ito

Bruges had commissioned one of Japan's most

innovative architects Toyo Ito to build a temporary

pavilion at the Brug. Erected in the centre of Bruges,

surrounded by ancient buildings from the Middle

Ages and located at the place of a demolished

cathedral it required a discreet approach. Therefore

he came up with a very light structure making use

of water, light and metal, evoking lightness and

transparency.

The architect placed a 22-metre long bridge on a

circular water surface with a radius of 11.5 metres.

This u-shaped construction measures 15.4 metres

long by 6.3 metres wide. The walls are perforated

like a honeycomb and strengthened with oval areas.

Toyo Ito had the Barcelona pavilion in mind when

he designed it. They both have a strong contempo-

rary and innovative character and were used for a

cultural manifestation. With his concept he tried to

explore the borders of architecture and therefore

stepped away from the character of traditional

buildings by using new materials and construction,

allowing natural elements to play a part in his

architecture.

Shanghai Expo Pavilion 2010

The Pavilion of Ideas is a unique display device -

an enclosure that throws out from all faces a mass

of long, radiating cilia, each ending with a tiny light

source. Their length means they gently sway in

response to any wind movement.

These cilia, or staves, provide the Pavilion with its

only means of support. It rests on a soft forest in an

urban field, flanked by two ramped, embracing arms

of grass, formed as ramparts under which an

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Cones By Subodh Kerkar

Shanghai Expo Pavilion 2010

auditorium, exhibition space, café, shop and recep-

tion spaces are sited. The architecture eschews the

need for significant concrete foundations and aims

to use simple construction techniques to touch

lightly on the site.

Above and peering into these spaces, the Pavilion

flickers with patterns of light as it sends its mes-

sages, and those of its visitors, across the site. Each

cilium terminates within the Pavilion - with another

tiny light source. Inside, clustered together by the

form of the structure, they create an enormous

engulfing digital screen.

[c]space Pavilion by Alan Dempsey and

Alvin Huang

[c]space Pavilion, a temporary structure designed

by architects Alan Dempsey and Alvin Huang, is

constructed in front of the Architectural Association,

the design last year won a competition to celebrate

the 10th anniversary of the AA's Design Research

Laboratory.

The jointing system in the pavilion exploits the

high tensile strength of Fibre-C, using a simple

interlocking cross joint which is tightened by slightly

bending each element as it is locked into consecu-

tive cross elements. The appearance of small micro

cracks on the surface is mitigated by using lighter

material colours and a Ferro finish. The pavilion is

fabricated from curved profiles that are nested on

standard 13mm flat sheets and water cut. Once

delivered to site the entire pavilion can be con-

structed by hand.�

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[c]space Pavilion by Alan Dempsey and Alvin Huang

The Shanghai Expo Pavilion, by Heatherwick Studio


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20090 Segrate - Milan

Tel 02 / 21 87 11 70

Fax 02 / 26 95 10 79

[email protected]

FEATURES

VOLUMETRIC BONANZA

JD ARCHITECTS JIGNESH DOSHI

A 108 Antop Hill,

Warehousing Complex,

Near Barkatli Naka,

Wadala East, 37

Tel (022) 65555912

Email

[email protected]

THE EVOLVING HOME

HIREN PATEL ARCHITECTS

P-4, “Satkrut Tower’ Parth

Sarthi Avenue,

Nr. Shymal Row

Houses-2,

Ahmedabad - 380015

Tel (079) 2676 7264,

26752621

Email

[email protected]

[email protected]

CONTEXTUAL TRANSFORME

SAMEEP PADORA ASSOCIATES

603, Marble Arch,

94, Pali Hills,

Bandra,

Mumbai - 400050

Tel (022) 32458664

Sameep Mob 9820027973

INTEGRATIVE DESIGN

TOTAL ENVIRONMENT BUILDING

SYSTEMS PRIVATE LIMITED

Imagine, No. 78,

ITPL Main Road, EPIP Zone,

Whitefield,

Bangalore - 560066

Phone: (080) 4245 3000

IN HARMONY

MANTHAN ARCHITECTS

AR. SACHIN & SHEETAL PATIL

21, Shivaji Housing Society,

Rajarampuri 11th lane

Kolhapur - 416008,

Maharashtra.

Tel (0231) 2522273

Mob 94239 4148

MODERN TRIBUTE

WORK ARCHITECTURE COMPANY

156 Ludlow Street 3rd Floor Ny

Ny 10002

www.work.ac

Tel 212 228 1333 ext 221

Fax 212 228 1674

Email

[email protected]

OFF-BEAT CHARM

SHABNAM GUPTA

Orange Lane

Unit no 42, Ground Floor,

Kuber complex,

opp Laxmi industrial estate,

Andheri new link rd,

Andheri (W), Mumbai - 53

Tel (022) 26731624

INTERNAL MODULATIONS

INFORM ARCHITECTS PVT. LTD

No 422, 2nd Floor,

9th main road,

Banashshankari 11 stage,

Bangalore - 560070

Tel (080) 26713360-2

� Ultra Tile stands one among India's largest manu-

facture of designer tiles with the production capacity

of 30 million sq. ft. per annum, over 1000 dealers, 25

branches and 15 manufacturing plants. A reputed and

proven brand renowned for the best range and quality

tiles, now launches its customer friendly interactive mul-

timedia CD; a unique software that helps customers

to design their own patterns / colours of Ultra Designer

wall and floor tiles.

This interactive multimedia CD offers the arrange-

ment of the entire range of the Ultra designer floor and

wall tiles and also the patterns popular with the archi-

tects and customers. Moving a step forward, the soft-

ware offers the customers to create their own designs

with the vibrant colours and combinations of the Ultra

Designer Tiles. It will further help the user to create

thousands of patterns and colour combinations to suit

their requirement, preferences and taste.

Additionally, this software gives the calculations of

the total number of tiles in the respective colours used

in each combination. Over and above this, it facilitates

the architects and builders to work out their own esti-

mation of total quantity of tiles, to progressively assist

their projects. Ultra Tiles plans to launch this CD across

India to all its customers. To get a hold of your own

copy or for any further information please write in to

the company address given below.

Contact

Ultra Tiles Pvt. Ltd.

New No. 11 (Old No. 54),

First Avenue, First Floor,

Jawaharlal Nehru road, Ashok Nagar,

Chennai - 600083

Tel: (044) 24895702/2474/ 1457/2371/0434

Fax: (044) 24895114


Website: www.ultratile.com �


HR I PROMOTION

Their carpet tiles are ideal for companies seeking LEED

certification of their facilities - they are manufactured

using 100% renewable energy and the product is non

toxic, easy to use, dismantle and recyclable. The com-

pany's commitment to sustainability has inspired new

products like TacTiles, which lead to 90% reduction in

environmental footprint. InterfaceFLOR carpets are also

CRI certified and have a high percentage of recycled

content. The company also offers climate neutral prod-

ucts to customers through its Cool Carpet® pro-

gramme in partnership with Climate Care - whereby

certified carbon offset projects, such as forestry

plantation acting as a carbon sequestration store - offset

gas emissions generated during the lifecycle of a

carpet.

InterfaceFLOR has won numerous design and

innovation awards for its market-leading modular floor

covering products. In addition, it has also become

widely recognised as a pioneer in sustainable

manufacturing and business practices, and has won

many prestigious accolades for its environmental

initiatives.

Contact

InterfaceFLOR India Pvt Ltd

G1, 'Pride Elite', 10 Museum Road

Bangalore 5600001, India

Tel: (080) 30589350,


[email protected]

Web: www.interfaceflor.in �

� InterfaceFLOR is the modular flooring division of

Interface Inc., based in Atlanta, USA. The company is

a worldwide leader in the production of environmentally-

responsible modular floor coverings and other textiles.

InterfaceFLOR India Pvt. Ltd. is the 100% subsidiary

of InterfaceFLOR Europe, with its headquarters in

Bangalore and offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and

Hyderabad. InterfaceFLOR addresses sustainability on

several fronts. These involve eliminating waste and

harmful emissions, maximising use of renewable en-

ergy, recycling waste materials and reusing products,

developing resource efficient transportation methods,

creating a culture that integrates the principles of

sustainability into working lives and creating new mod-

els for businesses.

InterfaceFLOR's Thailand plant was the first LEED

certified facility in that country, while its Bangalore

showroom recently became the first building in

Bangalore and the third in India to receive LEED-gold

honours for commercial interiors.

InterfaceFLOR's modular flooring combines a high

degree of functionality with a genuine sense of style.

In all its ranges InterfaceFLOR offers specifiers,

architects and interior designers an almost infinite variety

of colour combinations, textures and patterns, suitable

for every kind of commercial installation.

InterfaceFLOR makes and sells one of the indus-

try's largest and most diverse range of carpet tiles.


HR I PROMOTION

well as initiating sales in new markets. The part of thebusiness which is represented by exports is steadilyrising, from just 4 percent in 1994 to 82 percent in 2007.In April of 2006 Hästens was awarded the 'Grand ExportPrize' by His Majesty the King of Sweden in recognitionof its successes.

Hästens has recently launched an exclusive Hästensstore in Hyderabad - the first in India and 8th in Asia.This 3,000 sq ft store holds a range of 12 distinctiveHästens beds in the price range of Rs. 5 Lakhs to Rs.18 Lakhs. Each of these beds can be customized andtailor-made as desired by customers in Hyderabad.This store is located at Jubilee hills and boasts of aworld-class décor similar to any of the other 350Hästens store worldwide.

Contact

Plot No: 1261, Road No. 36,

Above Mercedes-Benz Showroom, Jubilee Hills

Hyderabad- 33

Tel: (040) 23545940

Mobile: 09885357028

Email: [email protected] /

[email protected]

Web: www.hastens.com �

� Hästens, which was founded in 1852, is Sweden'soldest manufacturer of beds and started out byprimarily making saddles and carriage furniture. Themain filling material used for saddles was horsehair,and already back then it was common knowledge thathorsehair also provided the best possible filling materialfor mattresses. To begin with the saddle makers atHästens only manufactured beds on demand. Thisdemand increased at such a rate that making bedswith time became the main business for the company.The Hästens brand name ('Häst' is Swedish for horse)and logo are references to its origin as a saddle mak-ing company.

Craftsmanship and quality are two keywords atHästens where beds are still made by hand using onlynatural filling material. Hästens is exclusive among bedmanufacturers by having all of their beds awarded theSwedish Svan environmental certification, as well asattaining the standards set by Öko-Tex and Möbelfaktafor home and public environment. Hästens beds areappreciated by many from palace to cottage, since1952 Hästens has had the honour of being the supplierof beds to His Majesty Kings of Sweden.

Hästens is currently established in 28 markets andcontinues to expand organically in existing markets as

Hastens Continental

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