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Showing posts with label Vol. VI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vol. VI. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Impact of design on small spaces| Home in the panoramic Vienna basin| Anantara Jabal Akhdar Resort and more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

Open spaces are few and far between in the dense urban jungles that we live in. It therefore becomes the prerogative of our architectural vocabulary to help sustain the environmental connect. Our features this week seem to focus on this bringing in the outdoors and rising beyond the given, to charter out spaces that breathe in the vistas; and usher in as much natural light and ventilation as possible.

Whilst the remodeled villa in Vienna is based on identifying and uplifting its vantage points on the scenic mountainside; the home in a dense urban neighborhood in Bengaluru stands out – not as much for its vertical typology (this is a given in our urban tight-spots called plots), but for its compositional spaces that are chiseled out without compromising on the feel-good of pseudo-spaciousness!

And amidst visiting the rest of our stories, do check out the new TV cum wall art option – quite a novel idea!

Until next week…

Warmly,
Savitha Hira
Editor

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Homes with environment at their core| Istanbul’s Watergarden – every gastronome’s dream| Guide to redecorating | and more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

A new tolerance is infiltrating the fabric of our beings. Whilst we rejoice in the benefits of a smart environment, more and more of us are acknowledging the innate advantages of the way our ancestors lived. Whether it is food habits, posture, or the composition of living spaces, ‘traditional’ is the new buzz word and it is being eclectically redefined in the modern idiom.

In fashion, the palazzo rage is nothing but the loose pyjamas that our ancestral grandmas wore, revisited in a style statement.Traditional architectural typology is being increasingly adapted to the contemporary format. In this issue, we bring you two homes that are designed around the internal courtyard, taking effective care of the environment. Greenery as an integral part of the built form is commendably illustrated in Casa Poly – a home for an artist in Barcelona by ERA Architects. And making full use of ‘space’, which is an exceptional commodity in the burgeoning urban scenario, Istanbul gets its gastronomy and entertainment hub – Watergarden!

Enjoy the issue!

Warmly,
Savitha Hira
Editor

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Delineating the power of design| The magic of a single element of design| Is self-indulgence just a fancy whim? And more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

This month, we at IAnD have set our sights on identifying and bringing into the limelight social relevance in design. Every time a design is perpetuated, there are ‘n’ no. of dynamics attached to it; some perceptible, others hidden; and some others nuanced and inherent. With the architect in the role of a game-changer; a socio-politico-cultural influencer, spaces take on new dimensions, when viewed thru’ the lens of relevance.

Our stories this week stem from this need to recognize relevance in everyday design. So we have interior architects DIALOG transform a warehousing facility into a trendy next-gen office despite a constrained budget; Yamashita successfully creating a community space out of a simple design element – an undulating roof; and designers, Eray Carbaje making a hip salon out of an ordinary barber’s shop – reinstating the significant role of people’s perception in everyday living; opening up several debates that can burgeon into societal essays!

It promises to be an exciting month full of revelations. Stay tuned in and rejoice in design… with us!

Warmly,
Savitha Hira
Editor

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Special Issue commemorating a month-long focus on the role of art in interior design and architecture with Guest Editor for the month – Shabnam Gupta

                       

Dear IAnDians,

The truth is that art adorning the walls can make or break a room, rendering it timelessly chic or permanently tragic. The trick is to recognize the fine line between the perfect adjunct and the overkill; and to use this to one’s full advantage.

Too often in interior design, we see art treated as an afterthought. It’s what gets dealt with last; whereas, when chosen thoughtfully and preempting it in the stages of design, the right wall art can provide for the entire space, transforming it.

One of the most basic principles that I personally love of interior design is that every room needs a focal point, or a single design element that will instantly draw the eye into the space and give the viewer a sense of what to expect. It goes without saying that a great piece of wall art or installation could easily achieve this aim.

“Art installations have an inseparable symbiotic relationship with a designed space. Though their medium of expressions may differ greatly, they leave a lasting impression on the space and its user.” This quote best describes our unique approach in design for the new outlet of The Bar Stock Exchange in Mumbai.

Reflections of my thinking have echoed in the many projects that have been featured throughout February – be it lighting, textures, furniture… basically, striking a balance between art and design makes for a successful design formula.

Enjoy the last leg of the art-focus features. Au revoir!

Warmly,
Shabnam Gupta
Guest Editor of the month - "Role of art in interior design & architecture"
Interior Designer & Principal
The Orange Lane & Peacock Life

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Villa that produces more energy than it consumes| Reinventing with B&W| Building narratives in open-plan| Colours that intrigue| and more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

The striking principle of true art is not to portray but to evoke. Humble numbers, taught to us through our childhood are transformed by designer-artist Emmanuelle Moureaux to such an extent that they help her create a tremendous installation. The use of bold solid colours makes it more pleasurable to the eye.

Contrary to this, a minimalistic look given to the Beehive restaurant in Amsterdam also brings out the best aspect of the space. The combination of white and black with a pop of colour is nothing one has not seen; yet, it is an art to deliver something new within this demeanour.

Nowadays, the contemporary look that’s in is also diversified in various ways. An assortment in the seating with simple straight lines used in an abstract form on the ceiling is what the sky villa apartment in Hyderabad portrays. The process of making a simple thing into a masterpiece is what makes the artist come alive.

Enjoy the issue.

Warmly,
Shabnam Gupta
Guest Editor of the month - "Role of art in interior design & architecture"
Interior Designer & Principal
The Orange Lane & Peacock Life

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Technology and art –a fine nexus| Visiting the unconventional in arty interiors| Historic Verona arena to get a new roof| and more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

Technology has massively enhanced the process of design by enabling creative ideas to become tangible in ever speedier time frames. It’s exciting to see thought processes translated into imagery or layouts; but equally important is the use of interactivity and motion. A live example of the same can be seen in the spectacular “Arena Di Verona” designed by Ar. Von Gerkan, Marg and Partners, who have come up with an unconventional retractable fabric roofing system. Using technology to our advantage not only in planning, but also in design elements, is seen at the “Here Solutions office” too with the innovative use of computer generated art as wall treatment and partitions.

At the other end is the house designed by Hiren Patel Architects that incorporates simplicity and a contemporary style, while still staying true to the roots.

These examples reinstate that beauty is in the balance of things. The way we see, touch and interact with our homes is in constant process and so is our relationship with time and life. And art is the silent protagonist in all of these – in one form or the other.

Warmly,
Shabnam Gupta
Guest Editor of the month - "Role of art in interior design & architecture"
Interior Designer & Principal
The Orange Lane & Peacock Life

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Adaptive reuse of century-old home by Ar. Rahul Mehrotra| Applying art to education| Of spatial surprises and light art| and more

                       


Dear IAnDians,

Good design is obvious, great design is transparent. The Chao hotel personifies this statement with optimum utilization and great design. Their unique approach in utilizing the heights and volumes, giving it a distinctive shape is something not many can think of.

Not many believe that lighting is an important aspect of design, but I believe that lighting can change the way you look at a space. Light should not interpret architecture; it must transform it. Light is the first element of design; without it there is no colour, form, or texture. Again, in the Chao Hotel they have used lighting brilliantly thus transforming the space into something else.

Art can bring alive bare walls and transform them into talking points. The hand stippled the art wall at the Dow Jones office exhibits artistic thinking with a political shade. In contrast to this the Cegep Marie School has a very direct approach to the design with a playful and imaginative style of rendering the walls.

Design and art in any form, used in the right manner can transform the way one looks at a space.

Leave you to read on...

Warmly,
Shabnam Gupta 

Guest Editor of the month - "Role of art in interior design & architecture"
Interior Designer & Principal 
The Orange Lane & Peacock Life

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Primitive pleasures| Thinking out-of-the-box| The story of light and shadow|and more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

All of January, we focused on the architectural articulation of spaces, elements… on a vocab of conviction, security, palpability, and reverence. In its varied idioms, the built form resonates with everyday living at multi levels; and at each, it plays a designated role. Seamlessness and seminal spaces apart, it is the nitty-gritty in shaping the built form that takes the cake!

In the last installment of this focus, we bring you an unusually conceived artist studio-cum-residence that fosters inclusivity and completely breaks through residential typology, as is generally accepted. Designed by Anagram Architects, the concept comes as no surprise, as the firm is already known for its cryptic approach and focus on the larger picture.

Taking a cue from thinking out-of-the-box sans any pre-conceived ideas, rat[LAB]INTERIORS is another path-breaking research and architectural practice that pushes the boundaries of its design capabilities with the soon-to-be-completed interiors of an experience centre for a stone dealer. They’re literally breathing life into the stone! Check out the story…

Theme décor, magical lighting design concepts, and plush interiors make the remaining read interesting!

Enjoy the issue, whilst we bring you ‘art in interiors’ as the hot topic for the coming month.

Warmly,
Savitha Hira
Editor

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Coconut house: ray of hope for low cost??| UNStudio explores new façade material| This hotel is about sculptural bathrooms and iconic rooms!| Nude fashion is always ‘in| and more

                       
                       
Dear IAnDians,

As the month draws to a close, we reflect on the kind of architectural gems that we’ve shared with you over the last three weeks. Exploring new material for façades, for low-cost housing and climatically responsible architecture; incorporating techno-driven design into the built form; reinventing material play… to going deeper to turn around conventional typologies on their head, we have summed up a whole gamut of experiences, each being headstrong and forward thinking.

This week’s fare too brings you some thought-provoking features. I would specially draw your attention to Ar. Jayneel Trivedi’s coconut house that may probably emerge a winner in green design for the rural communities.

Moving away from the serious note, check out Mumbai’s bubbly Lemon Leaf café by eclectic designer Shabnam Gupta; bask in the luxurious feel of sculptural bathtubs right there, in your bedrooms and try out the magic of nude fashion!!

Until next week!

Warmly,
Savitha Hira
Editor

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

M+M Creative declared 2016 International Space Design Award Winner |Tunisia’s Mahmud Mosque follows High-Low Tech architecture| Casa Green Lattice is a coveted green cocoon amidst Delhi’s pollution| and more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

M+M Creative Studio has been named as the Winner of the 2016 International Space Design Award IDEA-TOPS for the 'Best Office Design'. With folks spending almost 80% of their waking hours at work, the environment at the workplace is in a state of constant reinvention. The modern office is a fostering ground for the spirit of congeniality and is flaunting its comfort zones, of late. The award-winning project not only takes care of this aspect; but also ups the quotient of pizzazz and aesthetics in office design.

Endorsing this further is the out-of-box office in Beijing that reinvents its ambience at employees’ will; thus exploring a new dimension every single day. Kudos to the client, who facilitated the designers with a carte blanche that turns office design completely on its head!

So while you ponder on the newbies in office environments, and browse the other stories with their distinctive take-home, we get busy with bringing you another new round of stories that will educate, inspire and regale you!

Happy reading!

Warmly,
Savitha Hira
Editor

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

DCA weaves tale of ingenuity in small spaces| IAnD’s best of 2016| Praxis’ designs urban penthouse with revivalist elements| and more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

We begin the year by bringing you a recap of some of our most trending stories of 2016; and my personal choices under art, design and architecture. Besides, there are new features with some fantastic interior styling ideas.

Readers’ feedback has been encouraging and though for the most part you (our readers) have been showering us with compliments, we would love to know what interests you would like us to pursue to give you that extra fillip! Do write in with your inputs. They help us set new benchmarks.

Team IAnD is continuously working on bettering your design reading experience. 2017 too will bring you a host of new features, special editions and the like. So stay tuned in; stay happy!

Warmly,
Savitha Hira
Editor

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Addressing social problems thru’ architecture| Top fashion designers speak on trends to ditch/ keep in 2017| Bblunt’s interior footprint| and more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

We are signing off this year with tons of hope for a brighter, bigger, more evolved 2017. We’ve hand-picked stories for you that endorse fortitude and gratification in a same breath. Mobile homes and disaster control construction as examples of evolution in the built form around us are ably supplemented with inescapable fashion trends that willy-nilly bog us, no matter who we are! They seem to be the barometers of a social decree that we all unwarrantedly cater to.

So ring in the New Year. Party hard and have loads of fun. We will soon see you with some newer exciting stories.

Wishing you a very warm, joyous, energizing and successful 2017!

Cheers!
Savitha Hira
Editor

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

If fine art inspires design – you must see the list-toppers at Kochi-Muziris Biennale | The all-black retail experience | Concert hall dedicated to electro nights| and more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

There is something hypnotic about the colour black! Whilst in fashion, it is a must-have; in interiors, a complete black envelope is a rare find. Hence, it is refreshing to see AN Design studio carve out an all-black poetic retail experience for Heike in China. The geometric juxtapositions endorse excellent spatial play as does the spell of materials and textures; a totally recommended must-read.

Taking colours to another level is yet another installation by Ar. Emmanuelle Moureaux, who has applied her signature ‘100 shades of colours’ to turn around a branding exercise for Japan’s leading bearings’ manufacturer. An amazing collaboration of papercraft and engineering!

You must have caught on by now, I guess; our stories this week revolve around colour, material and ‘design impact’ as one interesting feature follows another. Whether the new look concert hall especially for electronic music; or the most happening art biennale in India… there is something for each one of you to ‘take home’.

Wishing you loads of Christmas Cheer!

Warmly,
Savitha Hira
Editor

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Producing energy by design| A space designed to help ideate| A villa in dialogue with nature| Artist Subodh Gupta’s search within| and more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

Every individual seems to be involved in a search; search for a new idea, for success, for a breakthrough concept, for the sublime… So what are we truly searching for? And is there a duration or period of termination involved? The question remains the same across the realm- whether design, architecture or art.

If any of you have checked out Subodh Gupta’s utensil installations and his preoccupation with the cosmos of late, you will see that his is a continuing dialogue of material and immaterial; internal and external that is constantly searching the soul in the wake of societal paradoxes.

So whether it’s a new store in the neighbourhood, a panoramic vista from a luxe home that may seem idyll to you; or a renovated contemporary space with characteristic respect to history and sentiments, in this brick-and-mortar world, where emotions are the crux of life and living, we bring you an issue filled with many searches. Would you like to identify with yours?

Write to us - editor@indiaartndesign.com

Warmly,
Savitha Hira
Editor

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Is wood the construction material of the future?| Managing the cost of commercial spaces| Vertical gardens| Retreat in the skies| and more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

While on one hand material, process and technology become instrumental in the making of the built form; one sees a close nexus; almost ingeniously inculcated that guides its conceptual idiom. So what is driving new design? Material or fresh concepts?

Our bouquet this week has hand-picked concepts from façade design; breakthrough in building design using timber for high-rise; landscaping vide vertical gardens; contextual, traditional architectural typologies that use nature as their guideline; the charm of iconic buildings and lots more… With focus being on hard-core architectural practice, each story touches upon a characteristic feature of the built form and its engineering.

And amidst this ‘put-on-your-thinking-cap’ bent, is an exhibition design that breathes in a burst of fresh air to entertain you!

Read, assimilate, enjoy!

Warmly,
Savitha Hira
Editor

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Visit the remaking of Mumbai’s Royal Opera House | Learn about the creative side of business communication| Experience the octagonal building that helps you commune with the dead| and more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

When you browse thru’ our stories this week, you will see how different functions have elicited variegated design typologies. Yet, there is an underlying thread of commonality that runs thru' the disciplines – graphic design, set design, reverential architecture, and residential architecture. It is the contextual elements that become the foremost contributors to the design. Then come the inhabitants and their idiosyncrasies – prioritized for effect.

The resurgence of Mumbai’s grand theatrical experience, the Royal Opera House, is a magnificent piece of restored history. This is an engaging must-read. Communing with our dear departed adds another dimension to our philosophical caps – totally recommended. Ideas and ideas galore spew from various quarters as we visit the minimalist sets of ballet La Fresque and the signature home of Walter Knoll furniture brand…

Let’s leave you to enjoy the issue! Do continue to write in!

Warmly,
Savitha Hira
Editor

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Gurjit Singh Matharoo gets arty with stone | Mecanoo reveals early renovation plans of NY Public Library| Impressionist installations by artists, Sudarshan Shetty & James Turrell | and more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

Is an architect also an artist, and vice versa? Technically, they are different. But intellectually, their thought-processes are layered into abstraction, vivified, trite at times, sashaying into the untouched, unexplored realms of creativity. And the inspiration can come from anywhere! Ar. Gurjit Singh of Matharoo Associates (our trending story) has brilliantly translated allegoric horizontal book stacks on extendable book ends – the kind that come with a firm slider at the base – into playful architectural vocabulary, artistically drawing out the interiors amidst the slanting walls. On another note, India’s renowned artist, Sudarshan Shetty uses life-size architecture to illustrate his point of view that life is unpredictable and needs to be lived in the moment, to the full.

Going beyond these cross-references, architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen collaborate with American artist of renown, James Turrell to design the expansion of ARoS museum in Denmark. The boundaries between art installations and architecture blur here as they propose to introduce a new civic experience via their plan. Do check out the story.

And there’s a lot more! Products, home interiors, fusion café interiors…

Warmly,
Savitha Hira
Editor

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Mumbai’s trending gastro-pub, Koko| Mirage: the home under an infinity pool |Baloo: the playful font | Zaha Hadid Architects designs the greenest stadium in the world| and lots more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

A carte blanche is the ultimate in design freedom. It involves a discerning approach that capitalizes on the given in a manner that stands apart from the milieu, often breaking new ground. And the outcome is also a little exalted to say the least! This seems like the scenario this week with each of our stories toeing the line with the most dynamic aspirations.

Be it the rock-camouflaged home with its roof doubling up as an infinity pool on the Island of Madonna in Greece; or the attention-grabbing juxtapositions of texture and pattern at Mumbai’s newest gastro-pub, Koko; or the Zaha Hadid designed' all-wood stadium in Stroud, UK; or even the nature-driven pavilion-style sales lounge by Space Dynamix in Pune; they all depict a clear move towards the un-traversed or lesser traversed path. And there’s more…

We leave you to enjoy the stories and look forward to hearing from you at our usual haunt - response @indiaartndesign.com

Warmly,
Savitha Hira
Editor

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

New trump - water-carved architecture in Florida| Khosla Associates’ latest timeless home in Hyderabad| Self expression through art| and more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

Art never ceases to amaze. It is the ingenuity in the application that makes a mark. The droplet installation that demonstrates the properties of a patented façade finish material is the brainchild of Bureau de Change, who has surpassed expectations in making the intangible tangible. Beautifully executed; do read.

Breaking out the new – Carlo Ratti Associati does it once again- employing technology used in submarines to design a floating pier that will forge an important urban connect in Florida. The proposed plaza will seamlessly connect two cities above ground and below water.

Timelessness in design is almost consistently abided by in case of projects from Khosla Associates. They do it yet again with a a la tropical residence in Hyderbad; reinstating their signature style of climatically oriented architecture.

Let me leave you to discover the rest. Please do continue with your feedback; it’s humbling.

Warmly,
Savitha Hira
Editor

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Furniture that helps you carry your weight around| Scenography aboard world’s largest cruise ship| Award-winning Maritime Museum that can submerge into the ocean| and more

                       

Dear IAnDians,

How does one consistently leave a mark? Reinventing one’s own sense of design, styling and a sustained openness in thought is perhaps the answer to a lot of fresh approaches in design. Architect and designer, Natalia Geci’s solution to a nomadic urban urge is the perfect idea for folks in transferable jobs and those possessive about their passionate buys. Do check out the feature; it’s an amazingly fun design.

Another brilliantly used idea that you can take away from our issue is that of mirror cladding – studio Zero9 uses this on the sofa frames and augment the décor with glass sliding panels and reflective surfaces for that upbeat go-between from classic to contemporary. Likewise the themed architecture of the Maritime Museum that sinks into the ocean for that awesome experience of the ocean!

Why not I leave you to read and feel, rather than spell out, uh?

Cheers to new beginnings with the Hindu New Year!

Until next week,

Warmly,
Savitha Hira
Editor
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