Ravi Kanade Courtesy The Architect

VOL 8. ISSUE 2.
home review
Rs 50 www.home-review.com
jignesh doshi
volumetric bonanza
shabnam gupta’s
off-beat charm
sameep padora’s hiren patel

designer pallate green speak
home review
February 2009. vol. 8. issue 2.
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
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Jignesh Doshi appears to have got this workspace just right! In perfect Editorial & Marketing
Mumbai
rhythm with his aesthetically inclined client, the architect revives a tired B-62, Cotton Exchange bldg., Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033
Tel 022 23736133/1, 32958501 Fax 022 23743069
old shed into a space that speaks volumes about the people who work Email: response@marvelinfomedia.com
there. Experimenting with the innate properties of material, Jignesh is Delhi
able to chisel a trendy corporate office that revels in its industrial past. Ms Sumita Prakash
Flat F 304, Rajasthan C.G.H.S. Ltd,
Architect Sameep Padora enthrals with his cutting edge design sensi- Plot No. 36, Sector 4, Dwarka, New Delhi
Tel 09899179540, Email: s_biswas1203@yahoo.com
bility. He conceives a sinuous metallic installation for the chic lifestyle
store, Palatte, combining functionality with a distinctive aesthetic. Chennai
Mr S. Venkataraaman
Shabnam Gupta adds her inimitable touch to the Vistara jewellery rd
Flat No. 2, 3 Flr, E-Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam Main
Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073
studio, ingeniously contrasting the appeal of raw materials with the sparkle Tel 044 22281180 / 09444021128 Email: svenkat@marvelinfomedia.com
of gems. Kolkata
Having received the prestigious LEED Accredited Professional honour, Mr Subrata Mazumder
2, Nabapalli (Bidhanpalli). Kolkata 700084
Ahmedabad based Hiren Patel is delighted to put his skills to the test in Tel 033 2410 4296 Mob 9831131395 Telefax 033 2410 7605
his own 'green' home. Centred round the idea of having a home that Email: subrata22@rediffmail.com
evolves with time, Hiren creates an idyllic sanctuary for his family that Publishing Director Mr. R.I. Bajaj
Distributed in India by India Book House
affords a sense of calm and a continuous dialogue with nature. Pvt. Ltd. 412, Tulsani Chambers,
Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021.
Using bold manipulation of forms, a home built by Sachin Patil and
his partner at Manthan Architects is a refreshingly different weekend
getaway. The team create a residence with a sense of drama and intrigue,
one that glorifies the sheer quality of space and material. With their
studio based in Kholapur, and their firm already commissioned for a 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
string of projects across the country, the partners certainly believe in the 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
power of technology and the ability of good design to seamlessly transcend objections, disputes, differences, claims and proceedings are subject to Mumbai Jurisdiction.
boundaries. 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.
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On The Cover
contents
february 2009
The Jignesh
Doshi designed
multi-use
corporate office
in downtown
Mumbai.
“Volumetric
Bonanza”
Page 48.
82
features
48 Volumetric Bonanza
98
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
65 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
OUR READERS WRITE
Send your views, suggestions and questions about this issue to
our editor and we’ll be happy to print the best
Eclectic Opulence
Star Letter
Local Flavour
1 The Dubai’s Atlantis resort is truly
breathtaking. Besides the ariel
Your article "Cabin Class" is worthy of credit. The architects'
view (pg. 92) which gives one an
personal needs for restorative holidaying and professional inspira-
idea of the size of the place it is,
tion for combining architectural aesthetics with environmental
the opulence of the grand lobby
dialogue in a natural, contemporary yet minimal way is reflected
took my breath away. The stun-
appropriately in the cliff top cabin. I found the roof design particu-
ning wall of windows and the
larly significant in terms of traditional and locally available materi-
sheer size and stone makes this
als being used to brilliant effect. The use of the local Laja stone
place one of a kind which will
has inspired me to use the locally available Malad stone as a
propel the rapidly developing city
flooring material for my deck. I hope the results are as breathtak-
Varsha and Deepak faster towards a leading tourist
Guggari design a ing as Alvaro Ramirez and Clarisa Elton have been able to
destination.
residence in Pune illustrate.
“The Local Flavour”
PRIYA GOVIND
SANJAY MITTAL
Page 57. HYDERABAD
MUMBAI
Heritage Revisited
Editor’s Choice
I fully endorse your views on Lost Architecture (January, 09). You have rightly
Urban Tranquillity
pointed out that "the lesser known and commonly ignore feature of this
Amidst the hustle bustle of
treasure is the 'step well'. Here, I would like point out that the Sun Temple at
Mumbai, is it possible to have a
Modhera or "the Queen's step well at Patan, both in Gujarat, are examples of
space that reflects opulence and
architecture sculpted by the sun and waters. Not only patterned by its steps
grandeur and at the same time
and platforms but also beautifully punctuated by fine sculpture, these are
retains a sophisticated calm? "An
masterpieces of craft and devotion. To work on a heritage property is always
Urban Monastery" (Vol 7 Issue 9)
fun and remains a unique experience but involving oneself into it makes one
provided the perfect answer to
aware about the challenges it has.
this question. A lot of homes with
VINOD C. DIXIT
the "designer" touch nowadays
AHMEDABAD
appear highly overdone and
Style Honcho
gauche. Those going in for a
I must admit that "Home Review" is a trend setter and ahead of its time.
minimalist look appear too un-
Fashion is a potent concoction of eclectic factors including creativity, com-
derstated and impersonal. This
mercial interests and circumstances. With the ongoing financial meltdown,
house designed by Asheish
2009 will be the year where ‘less is more’ principle would work famously.
Shah seems to have achieved
Globally, the price tag will be the driving force of trends. The projects
the perfect balance, which is very
always produced in you magazine are wallet friendly and the no fuss
well brought out through the pic-
minimalism promoted by you is a style which is very practical and unpreten-
tures and the text.
tious.
DHANISHTA SHAH
KANAK PURI
MUMBAI
NEW DELHI
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 letters@home-review.com
Home Review reserves the right to
edit and reuse any submissions sent
to the editor.
HR I IN THE KNOW
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
○
The Green Pulse
○
environment would always prove to be an
○
asset. Though, sustainability has really got
○
www.igreenspot.com
○
everyone enthused about saving nature from all hazards on the other
○
hand you can't go without using the latest
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technology which damages the nature to
○
some extent. Here is a reserve that guides you you believe in the
○
small things that
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to make the changes and contribute in
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whatever small or big way. can make a
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Architecture The weblog provides difference.
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○
innovative aspects, construction techniques Gadgets Gadgets
○
and materials the can be used in green that work on solar batteries or solar
○
○
structures. It takes you through the space planning options and ○
powered devices find a lot of
supports it with brilliant adaptations. encouragement on the blog. The awareness
○
○
Cars and Transportation Transportation of any of solar powered devices has increased
○
kind not only creates a major dent in our natural substantially and we
○
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resources but also has proven to have adverse see more and more
○
effects on the environment. The website informs you devices and gadgets
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that adhere to the

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about fuel options that have been researched and

○
implemented successfully in aircrafts, bikes and eco friendly

○
cars. The website promotes the use of Bio- principle.

○
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diesel and alternate energies for all Interior Design

○
transportations. House furniture and interior design is

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Design and Concept Simple ideologies and constantly subjected to creative change,
○
design concept that allow you to look forward to and it seems like eco-friendly solutions and
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an eco- friendly future are really faith-boosting. products are continuously surfacing. The
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For example, the Zero- E-cell Concept Car by webspace showcases some of the most
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innovative yet green

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Mercedes Benz that is

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powered by Lithium ion batteries is an ideas to decorate any

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interesting concept. And there are many more given space.

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advantageous concepts that just leave you Science Some say

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awe-struck. that our progress in

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Fashion one would think that 'Fashion' and technology has

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'Sustainability' are two domains that cannot be associated with each caused our ultimate doom, the machines,
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other. This would be because of the presumption that sustainable devices, land development and so many
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aspects can bring stricture in the creativity bent, more factors have compelled us to face our
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but inversely it is these aspects that offer a probable downfall. But everything has a flip
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challenge to the streak of innovation. That's exactly side and we certainly can
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combine technology with

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what you would stumble upon here.

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Food and Drink There are ways in which one green methods to bring
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could be eco friendly with the food and drinks that about the necessary
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we choose or in a manner in which we choose to changes to save us from

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have them. The blog features different methods, the self - initiated
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appliances, and disposal techniques that make destruction.

○
○
16 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

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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 THIS PAGE TOP The
international practice detail of the facade
based in London and wall.The perforated
Mumbai that works cores were enclosed in
within diverse fields of the façade, which was
architecture, urbanism conceived as a structural
and design was invited to element made up of a
submit a school building diamond grid to counter
proposal as part of a the stress along the
private competition entry. large cantilevers.
Going by the four-fold BOTTOM View of the
increase in FSI, the Fort school. The school
rectangular plot with a was worked around a
horizontal spread of vertical bias and
about 35000 sq. ft. was adapted the core
enhanced to a vertical elements of a high-rise.
FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 17

HR I UNBUILT WORKS
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 -
THIS PAGE Class- 2500 students in the primary and secondary sections -
rooms were planned to the plan was worked out on the basis of a staggered
be accessed by by stack - a vertical distribution of the program of indoor
ramps whereas four and outdoor spaces in the ideal ratio of 1:3, integrated
othe cores consisting of around five cores that would be distributed evenly
shared facilities like the across the floor plates, to accomplish large column-
sports floor, cafeteria free spans. These cores would act as structural
and library were de- elements as well as circulation. The perforated cores
signed to be accesssed would be generated as a series of elliptical undulations
by lifts and staircase. that would thicken to form structural walls with
The above renditions openings for light and visibility, thus taking care of
displays the cafeteria of ample natural light and ventilation. These cores would
the school. then be enclosed in a façade, which was conceived
FILMSTRIP FROM as a structural element made up of a diamond grid to
TOP TO BOTTOM counter the stress along the large cantilevers. The
Vertical circulation material proposed was foam-finished concrete.
diagram, drawing Considering the vertical program, the incorporation
depicting the structural of elevators was clearly ruled out; although they could
core of the building, 3D assist in the vertical traffic at the beginning and end of
rendition of the structural each day, traversing between periods/classes would
skin, composite struc- be a major encumbrance. Thus, the main core would
ture comprising the house a continuous ramp instead that would graze off
structural core and the the undulating ellipses for support and form the main
skin. circulation for the school. The ramp would be used by

HR I UNBUILT WORKS
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 THIS PAGE The
would stack up indoor and outdoor zones resulting in common facility cores
alternating 'study floors' and 'slip floors'. are plannes in amanner
Zoning of the classrooms juxtaposed with open that large column - free
areas and staff quarters was next on the agenda. The spaces a acheived.They
typical floor plan had the classrooms distributed along were designed to act as
the periphery to optimise on natural light and ventilation; structural elements as
and the teachers' quarters were positioned in the core well as for circulation.
near the ramp where the staff could keep a watch on These perforated cores
the students and simultaneously could also be easily would be generated as
accessible to them. Since the ramp would also act as a series of elliptical
the social core, multiple-use rooms, library, etc were undulations that thicken
positioned along this area. This typology also intended to form structural walls
to break away from the monotonous corridors that a with openings for
conventional school is generally anointed with. So the natural light and ventila-
students could experience a more open interactive tion. Another view of the
program instead of dreary long corridors. cafeteria shows the
However, the exercise did not end here. With this perforated stucture.
new typology breaking ground, the curriculum of the FILMSTRIP FROM
different classrooms had to be closely looked into to TOP TO BOTTOM
carefully consider internal traffic and the physical and Ground floor plan, Third
psychological comfort of the students. To begin with: floor plan, Ninth floor
the entrances to the primary and secondary sections plan, Typical floor plan.

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, THIS PAGE TOP The
they consistently attempt sports floor of the Fort
to push the boundaries of school.
their architectural and BOTTOM The central
master planning projects core with the circulation
worldwide. ramp.

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HR I SPOTLIGHT
tryst with
installation art
Installation 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 Audience by rAndom International
viewer into an artificial system with an appeal to his ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
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Green Void
by LAVA Green Void by LAVA

HR I SPOTLIGHT
Hylozoic Soil by Philip Beesley
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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, Masterplan by Zaha Hadid
immersive virtual reality art is probably the most

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HR I SPOTLIGHT
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
Opera House desk By Zaha Hadid machinic piece of work which responds to every little
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ movement of the observer. The installation made of
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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 by rAndom International

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, Aura S By Zahid
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 Aura L By Zahid
which spans through all five levels. Suspended from

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HR I SPOTLIGHT
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

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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 The Traveller by Arne Quinze, Munich
invited Zaha Hadid Architects to design

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HR I SPOTLIGHT
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
The Tenth Planet By Subodh Kerkar trenches from within, creating a startling effect just
after dusk.
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Cones 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:
reservations@oneandonlyresorts.com
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 LEFT & RIGHT Interior
classic Armani way. views of the store.
Tokyo is a city alive BOTTOM The glass
with continuous move- tower has adopted an
ment. The brightly lit build- interesting lighting
ings pulsate with vibrant concept which has
traffic, creating through a backlit bamboo stems
ceaseless flux of brilliant and create a light halo
images - the typical ex- 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- THIS PAGE TOP
cated image of the Giorgio Interiors of the store.
Armani brand. It's richness BOTTOM A cascade
in translucence and inti- of brightly lit leaves
macy is juxtaposed with delicately float down the
the immediacy and mo- facades and, according
dernity of the spaces to the time of day or the
dedicated to Emporio, season, are modified in
identified by more 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 THIS PAGE The
ceiling. The light within polished black ceiling,
the walls and ceilings is wall and floor created
animated to create a multiple reflections in
sense of light waves the store and the backlit
moving across the store. linear laser cut holes
Strong light contrast is create luminous strips
used to dramatic effect 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
THIS PAGE Screens as not just looking forward to
light as gossamer the Ginza tower, but were
depict the sophisticated also concerned about how
image of the Armani the Japanese integration
brand and this translu- would take place. Here for
cence is juxtaposed the first time ever in Tokyo,
with modernity of the the entirety of Armani's out-
spaces which is identi- put was to be displayed
fied by expansive areas within the same building.
in which shafts of white And ever since it’s open-
light cut through and are ing the tower has been
reflected within. drawing major crowds.

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 THIS PAGE TOP The
software, transforming GreenPix media wall
the building façade into a appears different as the
responsive environment day progresses. Here is
for entertainment and the night effect of the
public engagement. media wall. BOTTOM
GreenPix is a large- The photovoltaic cells in
scale display comprising the Media Wall store
of 2,292 colour (RGB each solar energy during the
of 900mm x 900mm) 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 THIS PAGE TOP The
heat gain. During the Media Wall projecting
night, the media envelope media art content.
releases the energy BOTTOM The Media
accumulated during the 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 THIS PAGE GreenPix is
interventions worldwide, a large-scale display
raising global interest comprising of 2,292
in the integration of colour (RGB)
digital technology with LED’s light points
architecture and reinforc- monitor screen for
ing the current surge dynamic content display.
of innovation and urban BOTTOM The close-up
renewal. 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- THIS PAGE TOP The
try, and could soon be high rise buildings with
known as the green capi- the terrace planters.
tal due to its various TOP The residential
developments that adopt buildings overlook the
cutting edge technologies open park area which is
to achieve sustainable used for recreational
construction. Milano acitivities and also
Santa Monica is a chic provides the necessary
green super city proposed 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 THIS PAGE The Santa
windows to produce elec- Monica eco-city in Milan
tric power. has sustainbility at the
Milano Santa Monica core of its design. The
works around the city is designed in order
principles of bio-architec- to generate both electric-
ture, a design typology ity and warm water
that is greatly influenced using strategically
by the location and placed solar panels. The
climate of the building site complex is a self-
and strives to unify, or har- contained zone that
monise, the natural world offers schools, sporting
with the human world. facilities, and a shop-
And that is exactly what 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
the architects have tried to achieve. For the Santa escape the reservoir in the case of severe rains.
Monica city they have planned the living spaces around The drain may be allowed to free drain, or may be
an open park, allowing maximum interaction with natu- plumbed into a drainage system. The removable
ral elements in the green space. The residential struc- liner has both water inlet as well as air holes to
tures are a series of stacked high-rises overflowing provide both critical moisture and aeration to the
with flowering terraces that allow the residents to have roots of the plants. The system is highly water-
calming views of nature and ample physical access efficient, keeping irrigation water in, controlling rain
to this green space as well. The over all ground water, and minimizing evaporation from the topsoil.
plantation along with balcony planters contribute in Contact: www.tournesolsiteworks.com
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 THIS PAGE TOP The
promises to offer an proposed interiors vouch
exemplary lifestyle. to be luxuriously lavish.

Wall Tile - SATIN - Rectified - 300 x 450 mm ~12” x 18”
VOLUMETRIC BONANZA
Kenil 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.
N
ot everyday does an opportunity arise, that
not only synchronises your passion with your
vocation but grants you the added bonus of a
multi-functional space that is a perfect foil to your
persona. Jewellery designer Ashit Shah's sprawling
5000 sq ft. indoor-outdoor volumetric bonanza is
nothing short of an oasis in the heart of a bustling
metropolis. Located in the designer-district of
Mathuradas Mills compound at Lower Parel in
Mumbai, is this beautiful almost-completely-private
space that houses Kenil Industries - the official abode
of the flamboyant, spirited fashion-jewellery designer
known to bedeck several young models with his striking
creations.
The multi-use corporate office is the perceptive
blend of two strong sensibilities: architect and interior
designer Jignesh Doshi's sound professional expertise
and the jewellery designer's impeccable aesthetic sense.
The former in his decade-old practise has set a
precedent for himself in the vocabulary of juxtaposed
volumes that are characterised by straight lines
interpreting space with minimum fuss, accompanied
by the sheer celebration of materiality. And the latter
sought his ideal abode with all the trimmings of filled with surprise packages. As Doshi explains, "I
modern comforts whilst being in the lap of nature. work with volumes; juxtaposing one volume within
Synchronising a system high on aesthetics in or around another, I tend to create a connectivity that
keeping with the image and lifestyle of the client, the simultaneously amazes and appeals". In simple terms,
architect known for his experimental and avant-garde the architect enunciates that his spaces are designed
material combinations has chiselled the erstwhile mill with a view to comfort the visitor in its environs; at
plot along the north-south axis, maximising on a the same time urge him to explore further.
landscaped exterior and revelling in the raw beauty of Consequently, one enters the office via a wide
the industrial interior. Sleek finishes of frosted glass, aluminium panelled swivel door that is minimally
brown Kota stone, leather, wood, aluminium and steel ribbed, as if silently proclaiming sobriety. However,
are juxtaposed with the raw appeal of exposed brick once inside, the expectedness changes into
walls, cast-iron columns and wooden trusses in the approbation as one is gradually brought face-to-face
thirteen-foot high ceiling. with one seemingly amazing vista after another; only
Largely bifurcated, two sections prevail: the factory to finally realize that each one and the whole are
area buzzing with its workers and sorters; accounts holistically interspersed into a distinct genre of graceful
and storage departments; and the aesthetically-replete lines - some firmly grounded; others fleetingly
executive area that houses the perfunctory conference coercing, and some audaciously floating. An old car -
room; besides the proprietary cabin, designer section, the client's sentimentally-prized possession, is parked
library and lounge amidst two other distinctly regally upfront, urging you to confront the preliminary
designed work-spaces and an expansive mezzanine feel of an unconventional corporate set-up. While this
earmarked for future use. Strategically positioned at vision captivates, one is drawn towards the luxurious
the junction of the two sections, is the reception lounge area, beyond which is the idiosyncratic frosted-
counter that helps oversee the entire outfit without glass cabin positioned amidst gravel and tall-bamboo
being noticeable. landscape lending it an ethereal feel. The eye shifts
The entire executive area is like a luxurious shell upwards 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.

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.
floating above the ground, inviting via its petite spinal host to diverse celebrations - from a Mehendi party to
staircase. A wee turnabout and one is drawn by a a Stag- do to New Year's Eve revelry…
rectangular mass - this time dressed in solid wood, But, hidden behind this blatant efficacy, there lies
again enticingly displaying a built-in lozenge more… an ingenious green design principle that
aquarium, sustaining visitor-interest. regulates the energy efficiency of this huge workplace.
Engulfed in a characteristic ambience, each space Strategic fenestrations in the exterior compound wall
is detailed to perfection despite the low-key material and an energy-efficient turbine ventilation system
palette due to predictable budget constraints. With effectively harness wind power; Added to this are the
Doshi's deep-rooted commitment to detailing, several distinct pockets of greenery; together, these regulate
features stand out: the floating cube made of calcium the temperature inside. Consequently, the presence
silicate board; the sleek leather-finished drawer-fronts, of air-conditioners is restricted to set volumes only.
the application of aluminium and paver-block Working on the north-south orientation has also
partitions and the like. Scattered but regimented maximised cross ventilation with the north-light
landscaping brings the place alive; especially the trusses bringing in ample natural light … resulting in
landscaping outside the library, where a bespoke a commendable overall reduction of electrical costs.
sprinkler system evokes the pleasurable fragrance of Ambient lighting caters to mood-shifts and
wet earth. It is amidst this scenario, accompanied by complemented by the play of the myriad material
pipe music that Ashit can relax with a book of his finishes that sculpt distinct auras, Kenil corresponds
choice. In fact the overall ambience reflects different to the ultimate destination for whatever the client may
moods at different hours - a prime reason that this opt for in terms of both - entertainment as well as
corporate set-up transforms into a party venue playing enterprise.
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 HOME

The 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 went
to Switzerland for a year to study and train in
advanced architectural forms, techniques and
THIS PAGE TOP A ways of bringing diverse materials together in harmo-
couple of Scandinavian nious blends for practical yet simplistically stylish
wood and fiber chairs designs, then was spurred to launch his own studio
take place of pride in the following year and has never looked back since -
close proximity to a that's principal architect and designer, Hiren Patel for
large picture window you!
that enables one to His practice now has over 30 like-minded and for-
commune with nature ward thinking creative minds all putting their ener-
while enjoying the gies together for conceptualizing and realizing the core
comfort of being design philosophy at the Hiren Patel Architects (HPA):
indoors. OPPOSITE the Ahmedabad-based firm's lead architect's drive for
PAGE A view of the excellence in design - "designing in a more scientific
living room: the cool way." (And now also LEED AP, an industry certification
elegance of white walls recently awarded to Hiren from the Green Building
and ecru furnishings Certification Institute distinguishing him as a building
touched up with dull professional with the knowledge and skills necessary
gold in places lend a to steward green building projects requiring principles
serene touch to the learnt to be applied into practice through the
exuberance of assorted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
wrought-iron, ceramic, awareness)
mosaic, glass and As Hiren puts it, "I am now a LEED AP and com-
eclectic wall-art in pelled to constantly check out how my own house is
various sizes, including working in accordance with green design
the bright-pink wall concepts…not only because I want to do what a LEED
beyond. AP is meant to do: (certify projects), but also because
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 THIS PAGE A close-up
with a glowing of the approach to the
composition of custom second level of the Patel
suspended pendants. 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.
essentially, I like to stay involved in progress at every

level of every design…because at the back of my mind
is always a stimulation for finding out any hidden
qualities, understanding the design process better and
better - so I can design better homes for others - much
more meaningful than the basics!"
Thus, he explains his need for an evolving house
plan - "I wanted a home that was climatically com-
patible, so there are buffered areas throughout that
keep the most used areas cool. But I also wanted a
very personal space that would allow for design-dy-
namics and provide a kids-friendly environment, since
I have 2 lovely kids - Anu in the 8th standard and
Karan, who studies in the 4th currently - besides,
dentist wife Dinu's needs to consider (she wanted an
extremely functional but elegant retreat for all of us
and a spacious kitchen with a view). So, along came
the many sky-lights into my house plan for techni-
cally sound reasons instead of earlier ones like putting
in a window for aesthetics or just for granting a
view…foliage accents like creepers on the South and
West walls of the house were incorporated to keep ar-
eas contained beyond it cool. That pretty much sums
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.
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 plan
and Hiren reveals, "we created a garden around it;
thus the plan became "L" type."
He was also very certain about "designing a home
with a minimalist philosophy." As he explains his love
for simplicity and designing with nature, with things
that are timeless and have a personal connection be-
sides of course, affording a sense of calmness about
them.
This reasoning encouraged the Patels to rope in
their favourite artist, Sharad Patel and commission
another original art work by him - since they had
previously owned another of his designs in their ear-
lier home: "We just had to have Sharad Patel's work
in RCC somewhere in our home - his work is timeless
and we love it!!" they enthuse! Since the artist is an
elderly person, he agreed to give Hiren a sketch, for
which his in-house team (carpenter, Suresh Chauhan)
created a mould that was used for casting the mural.
On a similar note, sculptures by Ratilal Kansodaria
and Ishwar Sagra also adorn various niches in the
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, who

has 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 framed
on a hot-pink wall that perks up the otherwise pris-
tine white ones of the formal living area, approached
by wood-encased steps from the first level of the home
and 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 is
marked by a faux patio on the lawns besides the marble
flooring of the partially covered one where an infor-
mal seating arrangement for 4 takes centre-stage with
a table-top of slatted wood, just like the chairs. Large
ceiling-to-floor glass windows, table tops (like the one
in Hiren's den/guest bedroom) cabinets and shelves
in kitchen and master bedroom areas besides glass walls
(such as the divider between dining area and living
room done up in white) make the most of natural
lighting and enhance the indoor space of a home that
measures a modest, but expansive-looking 1826 square
feet on the ground floor and just a little over a 1000
on the first level.
Comfort, mood-creation and happiness of all at
home, including visiting friends, is ensured by inte-
grating a sustainable, beautiful and healthy lighting
option that makes optimum use of natural, renewable
light in maximum spaces possible as Hiren Patel's home
does, since it is conceived with well-placed windows,
skylights and translucent wall panels throughout to
allow for natural light to reflect deep inside through
strategic design. And, where orientation of rooms falls
back slightly on in terms of insulation, the natural
foliage outside and light, reflective floor and wall
colours of polished wood and marble ensure echoes of
ambient light!
Global influences are clearly indicative in Hiren's
home for all seasons: from assorted travel souvenirs
placed around the 4 bedrooms (2 on each floor; the
kids currently share one with the promise of getting
their individual sanctuary when they grow out of this
communal one) and two distinct living rooms (one
providing formal, modern and sleek single-arm rest
seating and the other more casual, family space with
floor-seating adorned with scatter cushions, a long,
rather-Western style sofa opposite two Scandinavian
wood and fibre chairs and a surprise entertainment
offering (via the infrequently used hidden projector
housed behind a wall-painting!)
Alcoves hold memorabilia reminiscent of the room's
occupants: the kids's spaces have toys, books and games
while the parents' room and common areas have pho-
tographs, metal sculptures, art-installations and
touches of whimsy, like faux flowers besides real palms,
glass holders with floating flowers and tiny mosaic tiled
coffee table in the recess to the stairway. Similarly,
thick walls of the bungalow made it possible to make
room for display units, niche areas like the study for
daughter, Anu (right outside the parent's bedroom)
and in-built storage cabinets that are deep enough to
provide housing needs for various household essen-
tials; thus, the cabinets, in certain places in the Patel
house, also double up as walls.
So, from a basic open-plot design that brought in
the morning sun to a multi-terraced home as preferred
in modern building styles reflective of Kerry Hill
(who's style Hiren admires), there was ample scope
for also accommodating his personal love for a variety
of materials (ceramic, concrete, marble, wood, mosaic
etc.) in controlled measures that ensured a "binding
synergy…by exploration of areas differently."
It is finally a harmonious blend of mostly cool and
occasionally vivacious color, eclectic mix of texture and
materials and minimal ornamentation in play of forms
besides the disciplined trimming down of over-im-
posing ideas (like double-height dining room walls
reduced to single height ones for freeing up space for
guest room connected on another level to it) used in a
functional 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.
CONTEXTUAL
TRANSFORME
Mumbai'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

D
ifferent perspectives define and sustain a re
tail experience. In the case of Pallate, South
Mumbai's lifestyle furniture and accessory
store, the premise revolves around dynamic design and
décor 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 been
conceptualised to cater to distinct styles and genre of
products. Started as a platform for emerging and es-
tablished product, textile & furniture designers from
India, Europe and South East Asia, Pallate is touted
as the 'one-stop destination' store celebrating innova-
tion, style and design. Virtuously in keeping with this
operating maxim, each of the levels is designed by three
different architects and designers from Mumbai: the
ground floor by Samira Rathod; first floor by Kapil
Gupta and the top two levels - the latest inclusion -
by Sameep Padora.
Designed to cater to an exclusive range of hi-end
European furniture, the top two floors are distinctly
'different' in décor and ambience. While the general
feel 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 here
address 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 that
simultaneously transforms itself from foreground to
backdrop while it performs as a display system.
Says designer Sameep Padora, "The balanced posi-
tioning of so many well-known brands did necessitate
differentiation; yet it was not to better one from the
other. Hence, the multi-brand notion is collated
through visual and physical connections, through
translucency and a distinctive materiality that plays
on the client as part of the overall schematic, creating
an apt setting for the product as well as the mode of
display".
Leaving the ceiling exposed but painted black in
tune with its counterparts on the floors below, a wire-
mesh skin is appropriated as the installation surface.
Generally manufactured for use in industrial filters, a
double layer of wire-mesh forms a continual ceiling
plate beginning close to the entrance and sinuously
flowing on, randomly falling down at places to form a
backdrop; a partition and a display platform at oth-
ers. While the mesh remains double-layered exposed
as 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-mesh
simulates the feel especially at night, when the

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 form
of settings - formal and casual - suited to living, bed-
room, outdoors, etc.
In tune with the translucent, almost ephemeral
character of the ambi-
ence, a glass capsule-el- THIS PAGE TOP The
evator is incorporated be- entire look of the show-
tween the first and third room space is tactfully
floors. The sojourn of tak- kept bland and monoto-
ing the client through nous allowing just the
this multi-dimensional colours of the displayed
design vision of both the products to take prece-
space and the product dence. BOTTOM The
range is thus reinstated corridor on the second
with this mode of ferry- floor that is shared by
ing the client on his ver- another office has a line
tical climb up. of windows that are
Additionally, little de- carved out of a seam-
tails that are almost sig- less bulge in the ply
nature of Padora's design panels. This creates an
style manifest to make element of intrigue with
the project slick and chic. regard to what lies
The construction and beyond.
pragmatic details are articulated through a kind of im-
plied absence; door handles and openings manifest
through topical modulations of surface where strate-
gic bumps in the ply skin of a panelled partition act
as windows to allow light to filter through; or a simi-
lar treatment on the main door, seamlessly acts as a
door 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 their
black-n-white envelope depict restrained flamboyance.
The architect's general preoccupation with non-lin-
earity yet again manifests his proclivity for pushing
his own design sensibili-
ties from prevalent ac- THIS PAGE TOP The
cepted norms. As Padora mesh is applied such
explains, "The nature of that the detailing
the pre-scribed geometry disappears in the overall
is a tool of appropriating schematic and the skin
spatial intent… to look stands out in tandem
for beauty where one ex- with the displayed
pects it the least, to trans- products.
late the taken-for-granted BOTTOM The floor
into the sublime !" plans of the showroom.

THIS PAGE A
view from the
wooden deck to
INTEGRATIVE DESIGN
the kitchen be-
yond. Lighting
along the PVB
laminated glass
structural beams
highlights the
A contemporary interior complements the open spacious plan of thisglass
duplexflooring of
the deck above.
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.
A
s concrete high-rise masses dot the skyline of
our rapidly growing urban cities, apartment ar
chitecture most often ends up being run of the
mill. But in Bangalore,
architects Shibanee and THIS PAGE The
Kamal Sagar have sought contemporary styled
to change that perception open kitchen and the
through their now trade- double height volume of
mark apartment design the living as seen from
that has won them several the dining. A stacked
national awards over the glass partition is used
years. The couple's design as a visual barrier from
philosophy has been to the entrance lobby.
design spaces that inte- BOTTOM The lighter
grate with nature and wooden floor sets off the
blend naturally with the walnut polished interior
landscape, with a strong of the master bed-
emphasis on the use of room.The french
natural construction ma- windows allows one to
terials that are mainte- enjoy the landscaped
nance free and age patio that runs along the
timelessly. Wire cut entire length of the
bricks and exposed form ground floor.
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 THIS PAGE The
inserted in the separat- contemporary styled
ing wall of the bedroom open kitchen and the
and bathroom creates double height volume of
an element of interest. 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 landscaped

gardens are the trademark design statements of the
projects of their real estate development firm Total
Environment.
In the prototype duplex apartment of Windmills
of Your Mind project in Bangalore, the architects have
blended a contemporary interior in the spacious four
bedroom flat. Large fenestrations along one side of the
longitudinal axis of the layout merge the boundary of
the inside from the outside allowing one to visually
enjoy the landscaped balcony and reflecting pool along
the 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 wall
complementing the hues of the brown and white
leather furniture and the beige Italian marble floor-
ing. The coffered slab ceiling adds a visual dimension
to the volume, which the architects have used to elimi-
nate the conventional beams and enlarge the spaces.
The formal dining and the modular Italian open
plan kitchen are contemporary in style. A wooden deck
abuts the kitchen area which extends the dining area
into the landscaped patio. A glass deck on the
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 translucent
cover to this wooden deck. Supported on extra strong
PVB laminated glass structural beams, the deck ap-
pears visually light from below. Cantilevered wooden
treads 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 the
large fenestrations and a glass deck that over looks the
landscaped area on two sides and the double height
volume of the living space below, it's easy to forget
you are in an apartment and imagine you are in a
house! The bridge leading to the home office has been
designed as an extensive library with ceiling to floor
wooden bookshelves. The office with a separate access
from 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 guest
bedroom have wooden flooring. The guest bedroom
has 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 in
wardrobe area, the architects have chosen to do away
with the separating wall between the bathroom and
bedroom and have replaced it with a frosted and clear
glass panel. Adding an element of interest this glass
wall allows a glimpse of the Zen like white bathroom
inside and makes the bedroom appear larger. The wal-
nut dark hue and white fittings reveal the intended
minimal design of the room where the architects
wanted the room to be "spacious, uncluttered and
wanted the modern lines of the furniture and fixtures
to reflect an understated sensibility." In the upper
level bedrooms, the flooring is of mirror polished kota
stone and the finishes are a lighter tone of rubber wood.
The spa like design has been extended to the guest
bedroom with a rubber wood finished floating bed
and textured wardrobe shutter panels of wood and
cane. Earth tone walls and beige tones of the Italian
marble clad bathroom add to the visual appeal. The
children's bedroom has been cheerfully designed with
a bunk bed in rubber wood. An aquarium inserted in
the 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 and
Kamal Architects have created their own inimitable
style of integrating landscape and natural materials
in the apartment realm. In a space that is literally
crowded and pastiche like with builders succumbing
to architectural imagery and cramped interior spaces,
their work has always stood out as unique-creating a
built statement that responds to climatic needs with
innate architectural detailing- be it in the structure
or integrating elements such as brick bond detailing.
It is indeed welcoming to see such a kind of evolving
architectural 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 HARMONY
The 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

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.
T
he first clue that tells a visitor to the Medsinghe
home that he is headed to some place really
different is the unusual approach to the
property. With the panoramic Deccan ranges and the
remains of the Panhala Fort as the backdrop, a dusty,
winding road takes you to the house, which is a second
home for its affluent owners. The strategic location
just adds to the charm of this place and as we get
closer, it's difficult to not be seduced by it. Each step
raises expectation and finally, as we reach the top of
the cliff, there's a perceptible feeling of excitement to
enter the fairy tale building, the façade of which is
made up of a stone wall with pin hole openings.
This detail becomes one of the most prominent
features of the home and gives the entire house the
look of a fortress from a distance. And rightly so,
because this house is actually designed to be a
symbolic representation and tribute to the original
Panhala Fort, and so, like the fort the house too stands
for the valor and bravery of the historic Maratha rulers
of this area.
On entering the site through a circular paved court,
we are guided via a leisurely staircase that leads to the
main entrance, made from an antique wooden door
fixed into a small opening cut into the stone wall. A
second open staircase between the stonewall and the
servant's quarters takes us to the deck from where
the distant horizon with trees and the valley beyond
is visible.
As one enters the main space through the stone
wall - which is 80 feet long by 24 feet high and 2 feet
thick, made from reused and new Deccan Trap
stone - there's a dramatic change in the treatment of
space. The rest of the walls in the house are all cement
plastered brick walls. The area beyond the wall is
unexpected, and the layout is quite unpredictable.
Contrasting the outside, the main areas are fully
transparent and free flowing. The straight wall and
the outstretched vaulted organic forms are connected
to each other by a skylight that runs on the East-West
axis. The pergola below the skylight forms a
charismatic play of light and shadows on the inner
side of the stone wall which is smooth plastered to
match the feeling of space inside.
"Spatial experience in changing light quality, where
the space is formed inside and outside of the
proportionate masses is our main focus in every design.
We try to work on different forms and based on site
conditions try to attain this quality," says architect
Sachin Patil of Manthan
Architects - the firm THIS PAGE TOP
behind the construction Unobstructed views
of the Medsinghe house. from the kitchen area of
Patil firmly believes that the landscaped deck,
this emphasis on space the valley and horizon
and light gives their beyond. BOTTOM A
designs a unique quality. play of light and shadow
On the same lines, the weaves its magic on the
living room and 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 an exterior façade. As we stand looking, the swimming
open courtyard spanned by a pergola on two levels. pool on the other end of the site is in view. This pool
The one above the water body is almost double the is accompanied by changing rooms and an open to
height and at the further end (towards the valley side) sky shower - both housed in an independent structure,
it is brought down to a height of a mere 7 feet. The which is deliberately kept low profile and
extreme end is kept open and there's a breathtaking, inconspicuous to compliment the main structure.
view of the valley and the horizon beyond. Besides This simplicity runs throughout the house, from
the deck, the valley is also visible from the living, the finishes, to the over all interiors - all kept
bedroom and kitchen areas, giving a floating feel to deliberately minimal but yet strong to add character
the entire structure. to the house. For example, stones from demolished
Patil, who worked along with partner Sheetal on old houses and nearby quarries are used for the South
this project says, "The greatest luxury in the 21st sidewall to give it a weathered and vernacular look.
century's consumerist maelstrom is the freedom from There are aluminum colour-coated roofing sheets on
a home full of possessions. This freedom sees the fabricated structures over the vaulted spaces of
architecture not as a collage of materials and main areas. These vaulted roofed decks, combined with
decoration but a distillation of all domestic functions the view they offer, make
into abstract forms." This is obvious from the way space for great places to spend THIS PAGE The main
has been highlighted as an important feature of the evenings. Clear glass space beyond the stone
Medsinghe House. doors and windows wall is highly
As we move further inside, we enter the bedroom - complement the unpredictable from the
placed at a slightly skewed angle with the space created structure adding to the outer side. The main
in between occupied by a small toilet and a reflection over all effect of space. The areas are fully
pool with a double height circular skylight above. The pergolas combine with transparent, free flowing
bedroom is also placed at a lower level to make a play light to cast varied & very mesien in their
of volumetric changes and reduce the scale of the patterns on the courtyard 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 natural

wood finished doors add to the simple yet modern
character of the house.
The external landscape is kept very natural, with
mounds, boulders and trees left in their natural state
to enhance the beauty of the surroundings.
The house, which took Patil and his partner nine
months to build, is about 1,300 sq. ft. in size, with
the cost of construction totalling Rs. 22 lakhs.
Patil and his partner Sheetal who have worked
closely together for more than seven years, established
their company Manthan in Kolhapur in 2004. "We
think there is great scope for architecture in smaller
towns like Kolhapur. Here you have time for yourself,
your work and family. But our base does not restrict
us. In the age of computers we can sit anywhere and
do work in any part of the world. We are doing projects
that range from residences and office buildings to
housing and institution projects all over India," says
Patil who has a studio where he and his partner closely
work with engineers, carpenters and fabricators.
In the past, the Manthan duo, as we like to call
them, have worked for architects like Balkrishna Doshi
in Ahmedabad and Hiranti Welandawe of H.W.
Internationals in Sri Lanka, and both are greatly
inspired by architecture patriarchs like Glenn Murcutt
and Ricardo Legorreta. "Murcutt works alone in his
studio in Australia
without any draftsman, THIS PAGE TOP A
computers and modern skylight connects the
devices. Still his work is stone wall &
crafted like a machine outstretched vaulted
product with amazing organic form. The
spatial qualities. And, pergola below the
Legorreta, with his skylight forms a
passion for adobe walls charismatic play of light
and meticulously formed & shadows on the inner
courtyards is a genius. wall which is like a live
They are the masters - backdrop for all living
people we look up to and spaces. BOTTOM A
people who augment view of the deck that
our faith in architecture," floats above the green
says Patil. landscape.

A MODERN TRIBUTE
A 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.

A
s you walk past the new DVF Studio in New
York, the first thing that strikes you is how the
trendiest outfits sit so snugly between the age
old cast iron columns. And then you look further up
and glass canopies on huge metal girders glare at you.
Looking higher you notice the large glass windows
full of glitz and glamour are set within a 19th century
brick facade. Your sight goes to the top of the building
and you can’t miss the huge diamond structure
protruding out of the old warehouse. And that is when
you realise, what you are seeing is a synthesis of the
past 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 new
headquarter building that is causing heads to turn.
Diane von Furstenberg had been planning to bring
together her business activities under one roof, which
would have to include a flagship store, showroom, of-
fice and her own office and living quarters. The new
headquarter building located in New York's trendiest
locality, the Meatpacking District or the Gansevoort
Market, has everything she ever dreamed of in an office.
The six storied building is wedged between two
historic landmark facades and fit her requirements to
the 'T'. It houses a flagship store at street level, a 500
sq. ft. showroom and event space, design and admin-
istrative office for 120 people, an executive suite and a
private penthouse apartment. The additional functions
such as a silk screening workshop, storage, dressing
rooms, etc. are all accommodated in the basement.
Being located in the Gansevoort Market’s historic
district, the renovation had to get past the Landmark
Preservation Commission. The Commission felt 'in-
visible' best describes any physical change to the build-
ing exterior. To this group, Work ac, the New York
based architectural firm,
argued that 'the THIS PAGE TOP The
renovation and diamond second of the double
protuberance would be heighted spaces creat-
an announcement of new ed by the stairdelier has
life in the district. Work a distinct character with
ac won over the a deep pink coloured
Landmarks Preservation wall as backdrop.
Commission and BOTTOM The ariel
proceeded with a sensitive view of the the Head-
restoration of the most quarters brings into
visible facades of the old focus the penthouse
structure. Even so steel, office and the protruding
aluminium and glass ele- glass diamond-like
ments of the new con- skylight. OPPOSITE
struction insouciantly re- PAGE Clear glass walls
veal themselves from the and crystals make the
rooftop and the rear. interiors transparent,
On the exteriors, the connecting the spaces
architects got the 19 th visually in a single
century brick facade of glance.

the warehouse re-pointed, painted the cast iron col- to the deepest recesses of the building. This shaft of
umns, and sealed the existing copper cornices. This light has been conceived as an inhabitable and con-
seemed to satisfy the commission’s mandate. The metal nective 'stairdelier', a cross between stair and chande-
street canopy girding the district buildings had to be lier, that cuts across diagonally up from the ground
retained. The firm wanted a translucent canopy rather floor to the diamond glass
than the corrugated ones common in the district. They penthouse above. THIS PAGE Clear
luckily found corrugated wired glass from the Phila- To maximize the glass walls in the plush
delphia Navy Yard, which they recycled to have cano- natural light entering the penthouse office allow
pies on the North and East sidewalks. studio, a series of heliostat ample sunlight and a
When you enter the studio, you see drama. The mirrors have been fitted breath taking view. The
space that greets you is the lobby, with a staircase de- within the diamond. Sun- office conveys a distinct
fined by crystals to create a grand welcome. The vir- light reflected by the mir- character in its interior
gin white walls and a reflecting pool guide you through rors darts around the stu- and at the same time
the art collection of Ms. Von Furstenberg and you dio spaces like a butter- blends in with the rest
feel as if you have entered a fairytale. fly. The primary south of the architecture.
A whole new world of structural steel columns with facing mirror, tracks the OPPOSITE PAGE The
metal and steel decking and resin floors have been in- sun throughout the day, white walls and bright
stalled within the old brick warehouse. The firm reflecting it to a fixed sec- lights become the right
unified the assorted spaces through a single iconic ondary mirror that beams backdrop for striking
gesture, a stairway, which collects and distributes light the sunlight down the designs and displays.
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 mirrors
along the stair's length further direct the light onto
the railing, structurally braced with Swarovski glass
crystals 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 floors
are of clear glass. This aspect unifies all the floors as
one entity when you look up to the top floor from the
showroom level. The stairdelier not only acts as the
circulation device and light shaft, but also reveals the
various activities organized around the core-from the
lobby to the second-floor showroom, to the offices and
design workshops above, and also the client's own
office and living quarters. The deformed, angular glass-
and-steel structure popping out of the roof helps
induce 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 the
otherwise standard office floors, allowing the build-
ing to transform for special events and performances.
As you climb to the showroom floor, the second of
the double heighted space, you enter a small black
box theatre which can accommodate around 100
people. The display racks strewn around are designed
to roll back to create space for events.
The shop floor is walled with clear tempered glass
set behind the existing cast iron columns, making a
statement of synthesis of the old and the new while
also 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 ground
floor, parallel to the stairdelier's diagonal vertical cut
through the building. The ‘wrap’ encloses within it a
luxury room, the cash-wrap area, and a series of three
dressing rooms. White and crystal interiors act as a
backdrop to the clothes, furniture and accessories in
different 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 Yard
to using the stairdelier, sustainable ideas peep in at
every corner. The stairdelier and the various mirrors
and crystals in the building all have a role to play by
minimising the use of artificial lighting. Three wells,
1500-feet deep allow for geothermal heating and cool-
ing. A terrace roof garden with native grass and
colourful wildflowers reduce overhead heating of the
studio to a great extent.
The whole architecture of DVF Studio is conceived
as a dialogue between contemporary materials and the
renovated elements, making visible both the building's
past and its future. The architects, instead of hiding
the new elements behind historic facades, announced
to the world the genesis of something new within and
around something old.
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OFF-BEAT CHARM
Shabnam 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.
V
istara - the recently opened haven for niche
jewellery is like the products it stocks - a one
of a kind store. One of the main reasons being
that Vistara is not your typical mom and pop bijoux
shop. Shabnam Gupta - the dynamic lady of the inte-
rior design brand The Orange Lane, is the creative
force behind the store and has used her distinct imagi-
nation to combine a multitude of elements, eclectic
and off-beat, that make this store.
"My design, to a very large extent, is not bound by
any defined norms and rules or by what people may
conceive as the current style," says Gupta. "My de-
signs are whimsical and non repetitive. I do what I
believe in currently."
And that is just what Vistara boasts of, hidden away
in Mistry Court - a building in one of the leafy bylanes
across the famed Marine Drive, opposite the well
known Cricket Club of India in Mumbai and owned
by jewellery designer Anju Sethi. Her creations -
exquisite diamond, jadau and polki jewellery - are
housed in Vistara - a sepia toned store where the all
the interiors along with the lighting play accomplices,
along with the jewellery itself, to make visiting this
store a one of a kind experience.
Shabnam used river washed desert sand stone,
Burma teak wood in various duco antique finishes,
matt finish on walls and brass and mild steel metal for
different fabrications which form some of the main
materials that have gone into the making of Vistara.
The project that according to Shabnam was time
bound and completed in a commendable time frame
of about 45 days is about
625 sq. ft. in size. THIS PAGE TOP
"The best feature of Everything in the store
the store, according to from colourful cushions
me, was the existing to furniture is designed
beams and the advantage by Shabnam herself and
of height that the space is custom-made on the
provided," says Shabnam site. BOTTOM There is
who has designed high a magnificent idol of
profile restaurants like the Lord Ganesha that
Koyla and Lemon Grass complements the
Cafe in the past and has mystical aura of the
also designed spaces for sepia toned space.
legendary filmmakers OPPOSITE PAGE
Tanuja Chandra and Beautiful arches add to
Vidhu Vinod Chopra. the mystery of the entire
"This gave me the store and create an aura
freedom to create so of bygone times.
many deep arches and They form a suitable
that is what built up the setting for the niche
mystery and grandeur of heritage jewellery that
the store that is Vistara sells.
befitting the jewellery that is sold in it." tells us that it's more than just that. "It's a door actu-
Despite its sepia tones and arches, there is a dis- ally for a safety vault behind. There is a finger print
tinct 'cool' edge to Vistara's design. This comes from identification mechanism attached to it too."
Shabnam's innate aesthetics that revolve around the For the lights Gupta had to study the different
keywords fun, happiness and nature - elements that lightings that are used to display jewellery. "Gold and
have been present in most of her creations in the past, diamond jewellery need different lights. After some
just as they are in Vistara. Indeed, if you visit her substantial research we used halogen spotlights for the
firm's website, the aesthetic runs through there as well. gold jewellery and LED lights for diamond items. Some
Ask her what's her take on this and she says, places we've also combined the two. Especially in the
"Architecture, for me is the basic right everybody antique jewellery section," she says.
should have to live in beautifully designed homes, Shabnam Gupta, the grand daughter of legendary
work in places which are in harmony with nature, TV stalwart Ramanand Sagar of the Ramayana fame
breathe in a landscape which should be an integral and daughter of cinema-
part of every structure." tographer Prem Sagar, has THIS PAGE
There are fabricated metal trees that adorn the naturally got a whole lot Quirky wall fixtures
walls. These are reminiscent of the tree of life, con- of creativity that is inher- add to the charm of
firms Shabnam, adding, "We wanted the store to have ited, and hence it was not the store that's further
an ethereal, mystical aura. So the tree-of-life really surprising when she complemented by
creations," she says. To continue with this theme, the made her first foray into the vintage furniture
bathroom in the store too has an ornate ceiling which interiors after she present.
is a replication of the under-section of a lotus pond. completed her commerce OPPOSITE PAGE
Another interesting feature comes in the form of a degree. Shabnam believes Fabricated metal wall
wooden lattice (jaali) creation on one of the walls in that like her grandfather decorations add a
the store. The lattice surrounds a huge mirror and and father, she too sees the quirky-chic vibe to the
looks like a beautiful display installation, but Shabnam complete picture in her interiors.
head and then starts the job of actually putting it to-
gether. "They do it for a shot. I do it in a space," said
Gupta who strayed into the world of interiors when
she started interning after completing her diploma in
interior design. Now, a passionate designer and the
owner of her firm, The Orange Lane, she provides in-
terior solutions of all varieties, from furnishings and
furniture to full scale interior design.
Shabnam has a strong bend towards nature which
is visible in most of her work. Another strong belief of
hers is not to outsource her pieces. In fact she has
built a reputation for being extremely innovative and
for always creating and producing her design pieces
locally. "I think we need to reflect on our history
and culture in terms of architecture and build
towards creating what works in our country, our
climate, our local materials and our tropical
landscape instead of running towards just what is the
latest trend internationally. India has great talent and
we are still evolving and finding ourselves - what we
see is still a mixed bag." A mixed bag of interesting
and mind boggling creativity - just like the Gupta
herself we say!
THIS PAGE Trapezoidal
glass panels form the
railing of the steps at the
ground level.
INTERNAL
MODULATIONS
Innovative 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

A
s one drives along the busy roads of Bangalore's
traditional neighbourhood of Malleswaram
where ubiquitous residential apartment build-
ings jostle with each other, the GRS residence comes
as 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 them
from "creating an exciting internalized space with an
austere exterior."
The plan evolved around a central linear spine run-
ning parallel to a strip garden. Kiran believes that a
section is an all powerful way of organizing spaces and
in this residence modulated the internal volumes to
break the notion of confined living and bedroom spaces
with interjections of courtyards, skylights and glass
walls. "The project uses the section as a device to re-
cast notions of domestic space - to reveal the existence
of inner private spaces without compromising their
functional workings.", he explains of the plan organi-
zation. Rooms at the upper level appear to float in the
double height volume of the central spine connected
by 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, creating
an element of interest yet allowing her a complete
view of the house while lightening the volume
within."These pulsating volumes are composed in 3-
D space and plug onto the central spine - creating an
overall effect that is very fluid and indeterminate on
the inside" Kiran elucidates.
In the narrow width of the house, landscape has
been integrated into the structure through the strip
garden at the lower level and outside the master bed-
room. The large expanses of glass alongside the strip
gardens and courtyards at the lower level and the sky-
lights above the glass bridge and central spine flood
the house with light. "Client concern for security of
the house especially due to its perceived openness,
led to the conversion of typical safety grills into
architectural devices like louvers and pergolas that
envelope the house. The louvers, though present at
structured intervals, dissolve the boundary between
house and landscape as the sunlight reflects off their
surfaces - they become features rather than intrusive
barriers." Kiran explains. The changing path of
sunlight creates an arresting shadow pattern of the
grills 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.

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.
height entrance foyer.

The interior finishes and furniture are minimal and
contemporary in nature. "Internal free furniture
elements are minimal and chosen for their sculptural
content that contrasts with the rectilinear volumes."
he adds. Built-in furniture has been designed as simple
lines that provide backdrops for art objects as seen in
the living room wall unit. Highly polished Italian black
marble on the central spine demarcates that area from
the other spaces which contrast in white marble. A
dramatic effect is created by the glass bridge and
staircase wooden treads with glass risers which are
cantilevered 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" he
explains and is evident.
"The overall intent of the project is to generate a
domestic space consistent with the changing
lifestyles of nuclear families - an adaptive space that is
open yet secure and private yet connected." says Kiran.
And this award winning project has done just that
within its tight constraints manifesting InForm's
penchant for experimental design with creative
structural solutions.
HR I PROMOTION
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Talking about their water heaters, Crompton Greaves Solar Water Heaters are also slowly gaining
designs them keeping in mind the taste and require- popularity. This 100% electricity free option has two
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The electric water heater features poly urethane replacement cost is cheaper in case of damage to the
insulation that contributes to the energy savings of 30 solar tube and also because it can absorb infra red
to 40%, while the external thermostat control knob rays effectuating heating till late in the evening and on
enables the user to set the cut off temperature thus cloudy days as opposed to the other model which
saving electricity. The external jacket/casing made of requires direct sunlight.
engineered thermo plastic-Acrylonitrile Butadiene Crompton Greaves also offers authentic gas instant
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The current trend of high rise buildings and installa- to meet the aspiration of the large segment of middle
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Crompton also introduced a range of hard water se- Tel : +91 022 2423 7777
ries of metal storage heaters with unique double car- web : www.cglonline.com

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HR I SPOTLIGHT
pavilions and
temporary structures
Today, 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 Audience by rAndom International
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 Barcelona Pavilion,
included the miraculous advantages of technology by Mies Van Der Rohe
and engineering in their works. Architect Mies Van
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Jay Pritzker Pavilion, by Frank Gehry

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HR I SPOTLIGHT
Milwaukee Art Museum, by Santiago Calatrava Milwaukee Art Museum, by Santiago Calatrava
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Der Rohe has for ages been considered as a face of Guggenheim Hermitage, by Zaha Hadid
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 The Mobile Art Pavilion, by Zaha Hadid
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 Masterplan
Zaragoza by Zaha
Bridge Hadidby Zaha Hadid
Pavilion,
network to support the sound system and a signa-

HR I SPOTLIGHT
The Serpentine Pavilion 2006 - Rem Koolhaas

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ture Gehry stainless steel head dress. It features a history, beautifully reflected in its well-preserved Old
sound system with an innovative acoustic design Town with cathedrals dating back to the 12th century.
that replicates an indoor concert hall sound experi- The Pritzker prize-winning architect Hadid's futuristic
ence. The pavilion and the park in general are well- building will be an arts centre and a museum,
known and respected for their accessibility. housing selected collections of both the New York's
Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and the St.
Milwaukee Art Museum by Santiago Petersburg based State Hermitage Museum. The
Calatrava jury selected Hadid's (Zaha Hadid Architects) design
The Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) commis- over those of equally famous architects Daniel
sioned Santiago Calatrava to design a 58,000 Libeskind (Studio Daniel Libeskind) and
square foot addition to the Museum in 1994. The Massimiliano Fuksas (Studio Fuksas).
expansion provides a 30 percent increase in overall
gallery space, from 90,000 to 117,000 square feet. The Mobile Art Pavilion
The highlight of the project was the Burke Brise The Mobile Art Pavilion for Chanel by Zaha Hadid
Soleil wings. The Burke Brise Soleil, the moveable, Architects has been inspired by one of Chanel's
wing-like sunscreen comprised of 72 steel fins, signature creations, the quilted bag. Hadid's innova-
that rests on top of the glass-enclosed reception tive architecture is the lead to the creation the Mobile
hall. With fin size ranging in length from 26 to 105 Art Pavilion.
feet, the Brise Soleil wingspan spreads 217 feet at Zaha Hadid Architects' recent explorations of
its widest point, wider than a Boeing 747-400 natural organizational systems have generated the
airplane, and weighs 90 tons. fluidity evident in the pavilion for Chanel. The Mobile
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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 The Serpentine Pavilion 2007, by Snøhetta
capitals, it has a long, strong and culturally rich

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HR I SPOTLIGHT
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
Bruges Pavilion, by Toyo Ito the Serpentine Gallery programme.
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The Serpentine Pavilion 2007 by Snøhetta
Art Pavilion's organic form has evolved from the The Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2007 is designed
spiralling shapes found in nature. by the internationally acclaimed artist Olafur Eliasson
The Pavilion follows the parametric distortion of a and the award-winning Norwegian architect Kjetil
Torus. In its purest geometric shape, the circular Thorsen, of the architectural practice Snøhetta.
torus is the most fundamental diagram of an Based on the principle of a winding ramp, the 2007
exhibition space. The distortion evident in the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion explores the idea of
Pavilion creates a constant variety of exhibition vertical circulation within a single space. The aim is
spaces around its circumference, whilst at its to reconsider the traditional, single-level pavilion
centre, a large 65m2 courtyard with natural lighting structure by adding a third dimension: height. The
provides an area for visitors to meet and reflect on vertical movement of visitors in the Pavilion will
the exhibition. complement the horizontal circulation in the exhibi-
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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 Bruges Pavilion, by Toyo Ito
Hadid, 2000.

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HR I SPOTLIGHT
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 Shanghai Expo Pavilion, by Heatherwick Studio the 10th anniversary of the AA's Design Research
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The jointing system in the pavilion exploits the
tion spaces at the adjacent Serpentine Gallery. high tensile strength of Fibre-C, using a simple
interlocking cross joint which is tightened by slightly
Bruges Pavilion by Toyo Ito bending each element as it is locked into consecu-
Bruges had commissioned one of Japan's most tive cross elements. The appearance of small micro
innovative architects Toyo Ito to build a temporary cracks on the surface is mitigated by using lighter
pavilion at the Brug. Erected in the centre of Bruges, material colours and a Ferro finish. The pavilion is
surrounded by ancient buildings from the Middle fabricated from curved profiles that are nested on
Ages and located at the place of a demolished standard 13mm flat sheets and water cut. Once
cathedral it required a discreet approach. Therefore delivered to site the entire pavilion can be con-
he came up with a very light structure making use structed by hand.
of water, light and metal, evoking lightness and
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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 bothShanghai
have aExpo Pavilion
strong 2010
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
[c]space Pavilion by Alan Dempsey and Alvin Huang
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 Cones By Subodh Kerkar
of grass, formed as ramparts under which an

HR I PROMOTION
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FEATURES Fax 212 228 1674
VOLUMETRIC BONANZA Email
JD ARCHITECTS JIGNESH DOSHI dave@work.ac
A 108 Antop Hill, OFF-BEAT CHARM
Warehousing Complex, SHABNAM GUPTA
Near Barkatli Naka, Orange Lane
Wadala East, 37 Unit no 42, Ground Floor,
Tel (022) 65555912 Kuber complex,
Email opp Laxmi industrial estate,
jignesh@jdarchitects.co.in Andheri new link rd,
THE EVOLVING HOME Andheri (W), Mumbai - 53
HIREN PATEL ARCHITECTS Tel (022) 26731624
P-4, “Satkrut Tower’ Parth INTERNAL MODULATIONS
Sarthi Avenue, INFORM ARCHITECTS PVT. LTD
Nr. Shymal Row No 422, 2nd Floor,
Houses-2, 9th main road,
Ahmedabad - 380015 Banashshankari 11 stage,
Tel (079) 2676 7264, Bangalore - 560070
26752621 Tel (080) 26713360-2
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: raj.menon@interfaceflor.eu
poorna.prasad@interfaceflor.eu
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
Hästens, which was founded in 1852, is Sweden's well as initiating sales in new markets. The part of the
oldest manufacturer of beds and started out by business which is represented by exports is steadily
primarily making saddles and carriage furniture. The rising, from just 4 percent in 1994 to 82 percent in 2007.
main filling material used for saddles was horsehair, In April of 2006 Hästens was awarded the 'Grand Export
and already back then it was common knowledge that Prize' by His Majesty the King of Sweden in recognition
horsehair also provided the best possible filling material of its successes.
for mattresses. To begin with the saddle makers at Hästens has recently launched an exclusive Hästens
Hästens only manufactured beds on demand. This store in Hyderabad - the first in India and 8th in Asia.
demand increased at such a rate that making beds This 3,000 sq ft store holds a range of 12 distinctive
with time became the main business for the company. Hästens beds in the price range of Rs. 5 Lakhs to Rs.
The Hästens brand name ('Häst' is Swedish for horse) 18 Lakhs. Each of these beds can be customized and
and logo are references to its origin as a saddle mak- tailor-made as desired by customers in Hyderabad.
ing company. This store is located at Jubilee hills and boasts of a
Craftsmanship and quality are two keywords at world-class décor similar to any of the other 350
Hästens where beds are still made by hand using only Hästens store worldwide.
natural filling material. Hästens is exclusive among bed
manufacturers by having all of their beds awarded the Contact
Swedish Svan environmental certification, as well as Plot No: 1261, Road No. 36,
attaining the standards set by Öko-Tex and Möbelfakta Above Mercedes-Benz Showroom, Jubilee Hills
for home and public environment. Hästens beds are Hyderabad- 33
appreciated by many from palace to cottage, since Tel: (040) 23545940
1952 Hästens has had the honour of being the supplier Mobile: 09885357028
of beds to His Majesty Kings of Sweden. Email: sanjay.verma@hastens.se /
Hästens is currently established in 28 markets and hastens.hyderabad@gmail.com
continues to expand organically in existing markets as Web: www.hastens.com
Hastens Continental

Ravi Kanade Courtesy The Architect

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VOL 8. ISSUE 2.

sameep padora’s hiren patel

EDITOR & PUBLISHER ANISH BAJAJ

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

The star letter and our editor’s

We at Home Review seek out the most exciting books or

that adhere to the

about fuel options that have been researched and

implemented successfully in aircrafts, bikes and eco friendly

cars. The website promotes the use of Bio- principle.

diesel and alternate energies for all Interior Design

transportations. House furniture and interior design is

innovative yet green

Mercedes Benz that is

powered by Lithium ion batteries is an ideas to decorate any

interesting concept. And there are many more given space.

advantageous concepts that just leave you Science Some say

awe-struck. that our progress in

Fashion one would think that 'Fashion' and technology has

combine technology with

what you would stumble upon here.

we choose or in a manner in which we choose to changes to save us from

appliances, and disposal techniques that make destruction.

16 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

In our endeavour to bring you outstanding

Around 2005, soon after the FSI for institutional

FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 17

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

18 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

the students for quick access to other floors during

FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 19

were isolated. Further the pattern of regular curricula of

20 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

Creativity is boundless, and the ways of

22 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

Hylozoic Soil by Philip Beesley

subjective perception as its ultimate goal.

FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 23

the top level Café Sydney restaurant, a vertical

Hylozoic Soil by Philip Beesley

Audience by rAndom International

Green Void by LAVA

24 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

and build two installations within Villa Foscari La

Masterplan By Zaha Hadid

more than 70,000 laser-cut components set alive

Installation by Zaha Hadid

FEBRUARY 2009 HOME REVIEW 25

Aura L and Aura S are thus presented as two

The Traveller by Arne Quinze, Munich

Installations by Subodh Kerkar

Cones By Subodh Kerkar

26 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

The Castle Of Cool

flows, low seating, and niched

views of the Lower East Side's

30 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009

tables, a waterfall shower, a day

entertaining the world's elite for

The Armani Ginza Tower - Giorgio Armani's

Since the time it opened last November, the Armani

34 HOME REVIEW FEBRUARY 2009