The dynamics and versatility of the Indian courtyard typology| and lots more

Thought n Impact

Ar. Sanjay Puri’s ‘18 Screens’ home in Lucknow – Finalist at the World Architecture Festival 2019’s Completed House Category - is contextualised by traditional Indian courtyard typology that acclimatises the spaces to the regional weather; while variation in volumetric proportions anchors it to a contemporary vibe…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, Design per se has a lot to do with human behaviour and its outcome - specific to situations and circumstances. Good design then is focussed, constructive problem solving - examples of which are seen in this issue that traverses customised design solutions from a home to an institution... addressing much more than mere physical requisites Toy Story is a play school in Bangalore, where the built form is orchestrated to induce a nurturing environment working towards holistic personality development of toddlers. The inward-looking typology manifests in different avatars as you move to the Cleft House design by Anagram Architects. This house takes the traditional Indian courtyard typology to another level with its planning, contemporising it. Our cover story follows the same courtyard typology acclimatising the home. The design by Sanjay Puri Architects goes the extra mile by following a contextual and dynamic program. Let me leave you to discover the rest... Enjoy the issue and do leave us your feedback on editor@indiaartndesign.com Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

The villa that mimics the Golden Shower tree| Sneakers are the new femme haute couture| your chair and the comfort factor| and more

Projects

SquareWorks designs a multi-layered energising home – Finalist in the World Architecture Festival 2019 Completed Projects Villa category - with a tall program of distinct spatial formations, despite circulatory interconnections…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, Doing things differently seems to be a growing mantra that pushes people to go off the beaten path, get creative and explore. Check out our stories this week that endorse this seemingly global mindset. While the fashion front has sneakerheads as the super style icons, pairing those comfortable soles with anything and everything wearable; the interior scene is basking in the glow of nature and minimalism. Most spaces are working towards an interior-exterior equilibrium that blurs the boundaries and fosters a nature-endowed spatial experience. Our cover story - Villa Amaltas is a beautifully orchestrated spatial flow that thrives on its zoning and courtyard appeal. Do check it out. The project is a finalist at the World Architecture Festival 2019! Without extolling the virtues of this 'hatke' approach, let me leave you to discover the simplicity and serenity behind these projects. Enjoy the issue. Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

PVR Gurugram revisits the Golden Age of Cinema| Filigree wall art| Delhi home with vintage splashes and monochrome magic| and more

Projects

Monochrome luxury, vintage influences and a mosaic of dissimilar styles… Atrey and Associates uses a confluence of design elements to cull out this well-appointed Vaastu-compliant abode…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, This week we bring you three distinct stories - a restaurant, a cinema house and a home - each seeped in nostalgic musings; that is to say that each has been designed with distinct references of epochs gone by, subtly and discerningly woven into the contemporary mandate that is the call of the present day. What stands out is the growing preoccupation with the rich cultural leanings of yore. Their incorporation into the 'now' in ever evolving modern avatars then becomes key to eclectic ambiences with robust ancestries. An issue full of interior design ideas. Enjoy! Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

Adaptive and creative reuse| Mental health and workplace design| A little Italy in Russia| and more…

Projects

Studio PKA repurposes a wasted space into a furniture retail outlet - Finalist in INSIDE - World Festival of Interiors 2019 Retail category - juxtaposing contemporary charm with the old-world character of the heritage precinct of Ballard Estate in South Mumbai…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, Adaptive and creative reuse are terms that have their roots in the age-old Indian mindset of jugaad. The intuitive practice of our ancestors, irrespective of their qualifications and expertise in design, was more a natural response to stuff than a mindful solution. One can say that an ingrained value-system was at play. Without dwelling on the paucity of this aspect of our lives in current times, we veer your attention towards the cover story and its adaptive reuse ethos. No doubt, this is an excellent footprint towards conservation and sustainability. Also, take a look at our Product Hub section, and you will see how Denim is being repurposed in handcrafted sunglasses, giving impetus to a new fashion statement. Besides these, check out mental wellbeing as the foci of interior design; how Bohemian style remains evergreen; and how architectural vocabulary effects community development... Enjoy the read! Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

A whimsical holiday home| In contemporary dialogue with nature| Eco solution to public peeing | and more…

Projects

Ar. Shonan Purie Trehan of LAB creates spaces of both, purpose and whimsy as she addresses this holiday home - Finalist in the World Architecture Festival 2019 Completed Buildings: Villa category - with multiple vantage points in its scenic locale…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, There are always more ways than one to do something... always another viewpoint... another aspect to the story... another approach to design. This is what comes to the fore in our stories this week, where a sales office is designed with brisk versatility to be converted into a leisure space in future; an adaptive re-use project that stands out in simple contemporaneity; and especially so in the cover feature, where a holiday home has a hat-ke take on the planning of this villa in the lap of nature. Each of the stories offers a take-away. All one needs is a closer look and a diligent read. The fact that design is multi-dimensional and engages with its enthusiasts in an open, no-holds-barred terrain, makes it all the more laudable that every single effort - even the minutest - is sensitised and commended. Let me leave you to take the thought forward... Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

Are the answers to our present-day needs hidden in our traditional ancient practices?

Thought n Impact

Sanjay Puri Architects’ design of the Prestige University building in Indore - Finalist in the World Architecture Festival 2019 Future Projects Education category - employs climate-sensitised architecture, driven by traditional and regional leanings; yet, simultaneously embraces modern societal stipulates…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, Intrigued by the juxtaposition of modern organic architecture sprouting in various parts of the world on the one hand, and India's renowned architect Sanjay Puri's going back to 'the-vernacular-and-the-traditional' on the other - albeit only to evolve another novel edifice; our teammates delved into interesting nuggets of information on the courtyard typology that seems primordial in the Indian architectural practice. Well, of course we won't enumerate our fascinating findings, but it's enlightening to draw a parallel and examine how this typology fits like a glove in today's social fabric. Looking closely at various aspects of our lifestyle, one observes that in many respects, we seem to be revisiting and respecting anew what our ancestor's practiced as their lifestyle routines: food habits, discipline for time; choices of material, exercises for the mind and body; simple thinking, high living, etc. And this fits in perfectly when, after a long hard day at work, we seek compassion, peace and the sheer joy of the minutest form in our personal realms with friends and family. The courtyard typology fills in this void just perfectly. Of course, there are other beautiful blooms in the bouquet too. Enjoy your read... Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

Where is modern architecture taking us?

Projects

Archgroup International’ designed Adani Group’s headquarters is a building with an iconic aerodynamic form that when looked at closely, stands metaphorically regent, seeped in a legacy in the making…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, Working with key aspects of sustainability in architecture, we bring you a few dynamic projects this week - the corporate headquarters building - an icon in Ahmedabad (our cover story); the cross-border cable car terminal - the first of its kind connecting Russia to China and prefabricated dwellings by Arthur Casas Design. It is interesting to note that whilst sustainable practices have been prevalent since eons, the growing awareness and compliance with them is becoming mainstream by the day. Each of the projects that we feature have a close connect with green features. Yet, somehow, one can't help but wonder - is there really any direction in the built forms of today? Where are we headed in terms of architecture of our times? The buildings look excellent they even function excellently, but the niggling thought remains - what are we getting at? Is there a universality in the disparity that meets the eye? What are we going to leave behind for our generations to come...?? Pensively, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

16 final shortlists from India at the WAF & INSIDE Festivals 2019| Architectural installation as metaphor| Compact penthouse interiors| and more…

IAnD Exclusive

In a global scenario, where “glocal” (global; yet, local) firmly anchors its fundamental place, Indian architecture is all set to grab eyeballs and leave its mark.

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, It is with great pride that we have compiled for you the 16 entries from India on the World Architecture Festival 2019 platform. Pouring over the WAF and INSIDE shortlists has been an engaging and erudite exercise over the last seven days or so. The issues are the same everywhere. Quantum and approaches differ. Solutions overlap - layered, seeped in local ethos; conducive to immediate leanings and prescribed future tidings. But what rises above all the mandates and could-haves, is the fact that India is big on the global map of contemporary architecture and design. It is a legacy that is being carried forward. Team IndiaArtnDesign will soon bring you each of the projects in detail. Stay tuned... Meanwhile, there's a lot besides... soak in this read... Warm regards, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

High-end apartment interiors with a swimming pool| Reinventing biometrics in home automation| Colour psychology and office interiors| Spectacles that guard against face recognition| and more

Projects

Neogenesis+Studi0261 designs a plush weekend getaway in Surat, opening up the apartment to its highlight - an indoor lap pool right in the middle of the living area!

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, There are two marked leanings that one notices in lifestyle and society. Two developments that are moving hand-in-glove with mindsets across social strata. One is a marked need to reconnect with nature and to foster interactivity. This is being observed in all places - whether it is the home, a retail establishment, in institutions, hospitality industry or even the workplace. People want to connect with the outdoors, bring in plenty of natural light and vistas into their interiors - no matter how urbane. Also, social acceptability is at a high and interaction at all levels is fast becoming a norm - between known as well as unknown persons. The other aspect in question is the upped lifestyle quotient of several families, where bringing in the best indoors is not just a matter of plush spaces, but of having all conveniences at hand. Enjoying a materially fulfilling lifestyle has always been a hallmark of social status. This is now infiltering a base level - several once-wants are the new needs! We bring you a cross-section of such stories this week: a modern second home with an indoor swimming pool (our cover story); a biometric switch plate as the newest addition to home automation; colour psychology and employee performance in an office and more... Enjoy the issue. Warm regards, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

Superyacht interiors| Age is a mere number when the heart beats for art and design| A lifestyle called ‘luxury’| and more

Projects

For many people, luxury is beyond mere aesthetics; it is a lifestyle. HS Desiigns captures the essence of this term through the composition of this 5819 sq. ft. Chennai residence…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, We, at IAnD are an organically growing niche community of readers, contributors and writers with a shared passion for design. We are ever so thankful to you - our readers and contributors - for your continuous inputs and suggestions that keep us writers on our toes. We love all the content that flows in every single day. Many a time, we would love to feature it all too; but, various constraints mandate discretion. Yet, we urge you to please continue pouring through your love via your feedback. We value it immensely. It's probably only second to our love for design as it keeps us pushing the envelope. This week too, like we've been seeing of late, luxury dons the garb of indulgence as we visit the interiors of a superyacht in Germany; a bungalow in Chennai; and a senior couple's apartment in Mumbai. The strikingly singular desire for materiality and level of sophistication in all the three projects leaves us in awe: there definitely is an enigmatic similarity in design concepts that affects these otherwise individualistic projects. Over to you... Warm regards, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored In case you missed it earlier.

Luxury living near a golf course| Research Centre with a collaborative vibe| Intimate seating from Karim Rashid Design| and more

Projects

Ar. Frank Silvestre designs a house in Sotogrande, Spain, taking one’s intimacy with nature to an all-new level!

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, Luxury can have multiple connotations. Luxury of objects, economic luxury, luxury of space, time, breathability, of being one with nature... Our cover story - yet another project by the very talented Fran Silvestre Architects from Spain, speaks volumes about the latter. Working towards minimum intervention in the environment, he designs a home sandwiched between two large horizontal planes that hold within their bosom a warm home and hearth absolutely in sync with the immediate surrounds. That the location conforms to luxurious villas and pursuits only, validates the all-seeing glass walls. But the point to be noted is the use of minimal internal partitions and water bodies to augment the magic of literally living amidst nature! While we ponder over these dream-like spaces, we come to reality with our trend-driven and style-centric homes - vibrant soft furnishings, plush materiality, urbane chaos that is so emphatic of a modern home... even as each new interior communicates a fresh thought, a new idea, reinvents yet another element of design. Enjoy the issue and the monsoons! Catch you next week with more global fare... Warm regards, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored In case you missed it earlier.

Architecture inspired from the Rubik Cube| Restaurants that call your attention to details| Paper bag that turns urine into fragrant gel| and more

Projects

Studio VARA creates a small, flexible home with a large presence – a formidable challenge given the generous program within the limited allowable footprint of the petite corner plot…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, Simple interventions result in lofty solutions. This seems to be the mainstay of our stories this week. As we see a dessert studio using the softie swirl as its inspiration to create a focal ceiling that not just becomes the fulcrum of the interior design, but the store's chief marketing tool as well. On similar lines, the home in Palo Alto (our cover story) has its architecture inspired from the Rubik's cube, where the three-storey program boasts distinct materiality in its stacks which stay and recede creating intriguing sightlines. As the equation between eating out and entertainment seems to be drawing an increasing parallel, people seems to be more appreciative of the little details that go into the making of the ambience as much as they are informed about their diets and preferred cuisines. Another restaurant that credits the devil in its details is the Batard in Instanbul, which has been redesigned with a singular contemporary vibe, but with its classic French influences undisturbed! Do check it out. Do write in with your comments and suggestions. Do these light-hearted issues hold special appeal? Warm regards, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored In case you missed it earlier.

World’s first disposable paper urine bag |Athens building façade inspired by speeding traffic| Top 5 at the London Design Fair 2019| Green offices in Gurugram |and more

Projects

ADD Architecture Studio taps its ingenious approach to lighting and spatial design to deliver an on-brand aesthetic for the headquarters of Greek fashion brand Devotion Twins in Athens.

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, Every creative work is pegged at a centralised thought. Whether it is the written word, a speech or an architectural design, it revolves around a centralised phenomenon - be it an inspiration, a passing thought that is fed to grow; or even a thing of beauty that inculcates a philosophic bent! It is interesting - even intriguing - to note that quirk can sometimes give birth to a logical and evolving idea that can be transformative in addition to being distinct. When the architects in Athens, Greece were faced with designing an upmarket retail building along the National Highway in an industrial area in Athens, with jet-setting vehicles along the highway as a constant source of distraction, they turned it into the highlight by studying both light and orientation. The result is the headquarters of Greek fashion brand, Devotion Twins - a striking edifice with equally intriguing interiors and exteriors - the façade being a dynamic element inspired by the speeding vehicles on the highway! Do check out our cover story for the details. An extension of luxury for an evolving lifestyle in Vadodara; a workplace with enough green cover to bring in a breath of fresh air; and loads of must-see-must-visit suggestions from the London Design Fair 2019! Cheers to some wholesome reading this week. Warm regards, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

Inside India’s first sports museum| Let the child in you revel in simple pleasures| Switchable glass | and more…

Signature

Salient Design Studio blueprints India’s very own multi-sports archive - the Fanattic Sports Museum, commemorating the country’s revered tryst with the sporting world.

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, The child in each of us never really grows up. It just takes that one instance or opportunity that helps realise a fantasy, a secret desire, a penchant ... Designers aid this realisation - in more ways than one. In this week's fare, the restaurant La Rotonde in Nice, France takes us back to our merry-go-round times, when as children, the carousal was our greatest thrill! This themed restaurant surrealistically brings back the age and the aura of cherished times. Collectibles is the other area, where design ushers in a transformative role. India's first sports museum in Kolkata is pure delight for young and old alike, as it showcases 133 exhibits and more - a large chunk from the personal collection of noted sports journo, Boria Majumdar. Breaking the stereotype of traditional museum typology, this one draws a seamless connect with the outdoors, with the focus on experiential and explorative interaction. And of course, there's much more packed in. Enjoy the issue. Warm regards, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored In case you missed it earlier.

This retail design does not focus on the product alone! | Home with glass balconies amid the scenic mountains| Taste of La Dolce Vita…| and more

Projects

SAOTA shapes this Cape Town residence to blur the unmistakable thresholds between landscape and architecture, drawing on soft transitions and honest expressions.

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, La dolce vita – the good life! What is the ‘good life’? Luxury at your fingertips? A luxurious, scenic second home? A liveable space that balances both - sustainability and contemporary needs? A little bit of every aspect that one needs and… desires? Or is ‘the good life’ a commonplace phrase for everything gung-ho in life - that keeps changing according to one’s priorities? More so this, I would think, especially in today’s parlance. So from visiting the mountainous, glass-balconied home that opens to the panoramic views in Cape Town, Africa (our cover story), to the Vision Hotel in Italy’s Lake Garda that depicts a formidable mix of green and modern elements, to a human-centric experiential interior in Mumbai that focuses on the person more than the product, turning the popular retail sales dictum on its head; we have just three stories for you this week. With an in-house celebration underway – our sister concern – Gallery Pradarshak celebrates its 25th Anniversary over the weekend, IAnD will be taking a short sabbatical and will be back at your service on the 19th of June. Do take a look at www.gallerypradarshak.com and you are most welcome to attend the celebrity brigade on 8th and 9th June, Mumbai. Warm regards, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored In case you missed it earlier.

Will the new Karle Town masterplan reinstate Bengaluru’s Garden City charm? | Looking for a larger design vision| Digipop Rug Collection by Karim Rashid| and more

Projects

Structured, yet flexible. Bold, yet minimal. Fran Silvestre Arquitectos presents a play of spatial configurations and functional aesthetics through the interiors of their latest residence, ‘The Fourth Room’...

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, When the architectural vocabulary is potent, the feeling, the aura, the response to the built form... is sublime. It gives a special intellectual high to comprehend the sensibilities of the architect, his thought process in the design and the ultimate interaction of inanimate with animate. 'Do walls have ears?' sounds passé. Walls have eyes, they mouth words, have emotions... as they come alive in such architecture. History recounts the provenance of such built forms. Our cover story - the home in Valencia is one such example too. A must read. UNStudio's progressive masterplan in Bengaluru for a tech company; a home that serenades its Pichola Lake surrounds in Udaipur, and a home that celebrates exposed bricks in a raw aesthetic are some of the other stories this week. So, while you battle the summer sun outdoors, we help you cool off with a visual treat inside. Warm regards, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored In case you missed it earlier.