Vikram Sarabhai Library IIM-A – setting a precedent| Studying architecture via community service| iF Design Centre at Chengdu promises to change the way creatives work| and more

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Heritage

Somaya and Kalappa Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (SNK) once again stand apart for their diligence, sensitivity and vision as they win the UNESCO Award of Distinction for the restoration work of the Vikram Sarabhai Library at IIM-Ahmedabad…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, It is a proud moment for us Indians and especially for the design fraternity that India is the recipient of four UNESCO awards this year. The highest has been the Award of Distinction swept away by Somaya & Kalappa Consultants (SNK) for their restoration and conservation work on the Vikram Sarabhai Library at the IIM Ahmedabad. The sensitivity to the built form and its inhabitants is integral to Ar. Brinda Somaya’s repertoire and here too, it shines through the tough technicalities mandated by the project, holding its own. Several thoughts chased away at our mind as we imbibed her thorough and easy-to-follow analysis of why buildings should be revived rather than pulled down and built anew. Progressive and pragmatic, Somaya epitomizes the grace, quick uptake and diligent action that is the need of the hour as far as modern iconic heritage is concerned. Do check out our cover story. And of course, there’s lots more happening in the country and overseas. I hope you enjoy the issue. Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

Embroidered Architecture in Thailand| Women in Design 2020 Conference – Registrations open| A game of Jenga for the kitchen| and more

Projects

The Bayeux Media library façade by Serero Architectes Urbanistes is a strong, inescapable visual metaphor, as it stands facing the dense city centre of Bayeux, France.

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, We seem to be brainstorming across the board this week! Our team brings you a potpourri of design stories - diverse; yet, so relatable. Ar. Brimda Somaya has given us much food for thought as she chairs the upcoming Women in Design International Conference coming January 2020, speaking about women achievers and path breakers in the field of architecture and design. But the highlight of the conference is that it will endorse that creatives know no boundaries. Ar. Markus Roselieb of Chaingmai Life Architects takes his signature to another level with his design of an eco-friendly villa in northern Thailand, where locally procured natural materials weave a contextual narrative to shape up the mandates of a contemporary lifestyle. Rooting context in design is the vibrant eatery in Gurgaon that epitomises the happy colours and vibe of Rajasthan. And on an inspirational note is the façade design of the Bayeux Media Library in France that talks about embroidery in architecture. An interesting and challenging take on a building design, the all-glass façade beautifully emulates the 11th century Queen Mathilde embroidery as its skin, becoming a landmark of Bayeux. And not to be left behind - our Product Hub section brings you that covetous addition to your kitchen - a compact and handsome electric multicooker. Enjoy the issue Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

World's first children's restaurant| Adding intrigue with kinetic art| The un-retail retail store| and more

Signature

Sneha Divias Atelier wields the power of minimalism, functionality and materiality to design White & the Bear, a child-focused restaurant cum concept store and activity centre in Dubai…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, Child rearing has taken on newer dimensions aplenty. Keeping pace with the quick transitions in our urban lifestyles, we see that design and society can broadly be categorised as the two faces of the same coin. Change in one face depicts a corresponding echo in the other. Our cover story, White and the Bear - that claims to be the world's first children's restaurant cum concept store - is a case in point of a holistic approach to child rearing. Check out how design - interiors, graphic, food and experience design - takes on the onus of playing responsibly on the psyche of the little ones. Impressive. And we have kinetic art, an un-retail retail store, a new spiral puzzle and a trendy restaurant where minimalist black is the showstopper. Enjoy the issue Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

Will the Bookworm installation impact the authorities that be?!| Rocky surfaces cull out a luxurious home in Monaco| Eating out – cuisine or ambience; what’s your call? | and more

Projects

Jean-Pierre Lott Architects craft a very upscale project built into a rock in Monaco – a residence that is as exceptional in its space planning as it is in visual appeal…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, Design has a solution for almost every problem. Our stories this week - especially the Bookworm installation hopes to address the issue of literacy in the country. The installation is proposed to travel to other cities and rural areas creating awareness about the importance of education. Trust this initiative bears ripe - very ripe fruit. On our part, I think we should propagate it as much as we can.  Turning our attention to the cover story - a home cut out from a rock, this close-to-nature exercise is definitely the call of the times. Amidst the luxuries that we aspire for, taking from nature and giving back to it sustainably could contrbute a great deal to maintain the balance of our endangered ecosystems. Moving to the fun part, we seem to be receiving a lot of new restaurant projects from all over the world. This underlines the fact that eating out is man's evergreen favourite pastime. Check out Sutra - the trendy gastropub in Noida and Piur - a pizzeria in Valencia. As always, we will await your comments at editor@indiaartndesign.com Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

Moving architecture at Dubai Expo 2020| Adam Kalinowski’s colour therapy| Instagram is the new interior ‘hotspot’| and more…

Reviews

A rainbow-hued sandpit in Tilburg, Netherlands, is redefining the idea of competitive sports for both - the player and the spectator.

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, Trust you had a fill of indefatigable festive fervour and merrymaking as much as we did. Now we're back rejuvenated to bring you more! Presenting you with a bouquet of features, we take you around the world: from some beautiful homes in Mumbai and Himachal, India, to the much-talked-about International Dubai Expo and its moving-architecture-depicting Italian pavilion; from the massive reading room and library in Shenzhen, China to the Instagram-friendly café in Russia... and more. Always, uncannily, a common thread emerges. Here, it is the human quality of interaction - with object, with person, with space... with self... that seems to drive front seat. And it is endorsed introspectively by our cover story - the Pitch of Coloured Sand by Adam Kalinowski, whose continuous attempts at decoding the human psyche through design and art seems to always result in a new insight. Experimental in nature, this entropic project focusses on the process of creating, as opposed to placing importance on the finished product. So, introspect a little and share your insights with us at editor@indiaartndesign.com Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

Pre-Diwali Special Issue: Ideas for a bright and beautiful home!

IAnD Exclusive

Bring in the delight and vibrant warmth of the season into your home; set in the festive mood…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, 23 architects and designers from all over the globe have shared their expert décor and styling tips in this Special Issue dedicated to Ideas for a bright and beautiful home! Experiences that will assist you in the ritual of making your home look truly breath-taking this Diwali as you bring out all the hidden treasures and go shopping for exquisite add-ons. We’ve very consciously touched upon only the broader aspects just to lend you – the homemakers - a helping hand, to lead you in the right direction; ‘coz, we know your aura and your style are extremely personal. For our architects and designers, we trust that reinstating ideas and interesting twists to ideas is fun and rejuvenating. Inspiration comes from unexpected quarters and at IndiaArtnDesign, we strive to give you an inspiration-capsule almost every day. With beauty and sublimity in the air, gorgeous paper lanterns, millions of miniscule bulbs twinkling in the evening light, crowds everywhere… the festivity of Diwali is upon us and we are loving the feel of joy and cheer all around. It is the season to give and take – abundance of love and feel good. We wish you a very Happy and Prosperous Diwali dear friends, happiness always! Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

NYC’s MoMA gets an experiential upgrade| Workplace transparency gives birth to a new social ecosystem | Coupling the artistry of sound and space| and more…

Projects

With the Lan Handling Technologies Building, studio cepezed orchestrates the holistic responsibility of architecture and design, on both – the construction and the social ecosystem fronts…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, Let me begin by thanking you for your enquiries as to why we did not publish an issue last week. Whilst we had to drop last week’s issue due to certain unavoidable circumstances, and we’re sorry to have missed publishing; I am secretly elated with your enquiries. Thankyou for your warmth and love. So, without keeping you waiting any longer, this issue has architects and designers from across the globe - Ukraine; Mysuru; New York; Netherlands, Surat, Mumbai… share with us their action-packed projects. While each one stands out for its ingenuity and aesthetic appeal, one can’t help but deduce that design impacts at the very base level in any project – whether it is the renovation and expansion of a celebrated institute like MoMA or the brand exercise of a small eatery tucked away in a tier-II city like Mysuru, India. And each case in point seems to have a one-point agenda – experience. The experiential quotient is then the highlight of each schematic that is worked out with diligence and vision. Enjoy the read. Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

The different hues of design!

Ideas

Masquespacio Studio and Danish brand Lucie Kaas co-create a mask (MASQ) Collection, infusing aesthetic ideals into functional, everyday objects…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, Adding a light-hearted tone to our issue this time are the soon-to-be-released 'functional art' pieces from the MASQ Collection. These vases that mimic faces are just one reference to how design can inform playfulness and quirk and turn a simple thought into a trending idea. With humour as a very important part of life, design, when informed with a twist takes on a new perspective. So it does not have to be all serious and path-breaking like our other story on the rur-urban connect and a growing new ecosystem; it can also be like a reminiscing exercise, bringing back the glorious classic era like the home in Lutyens, Delhi. Or, growth-impacting on the larger urban scale like the skywalk... And lots more... Discover the different shades for yourself... Enjoy the read. Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

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