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

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

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

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

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