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

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

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

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

Threads of sensitivity at Kochi Biennale | Decoding computational geometry| Channelling green tones in your wardrobe for 2017| and more

Dear IAnDians, As we strive to bring you a daily dose of inspiration from the myriad design happenings around the world, we introduce to you a new segment called ‘insight’ starting today. Checking out the increasingly noticeable organic forms in modern building design, we speak to Ar. Vignesh Kaushik as the expert for the first installment in this segment - the niche topic of parametric design or computational geometry. Every fortnight, we shall touch base with a new expert to decode an interesting element in the gamut of built typologies. Do send in your feedback on this. We value it immensely. Besides, our issue this week brings to you a spattering from the fashion, art, and interior worlds with a highlight on the ‘Tower of Wood’ by the young and dynamic Ar. Hermann Kamte. Enjoy your read! Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor