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

Spark your entrepreneurship –play the Startup Game| Photovoltaic ice skating rink| Traditional joinery revived in furniture design| and more

Dear IAnDians, Technology is making new inroads and the multitude interested in the building industry and architecture seems to be growing – our readers are growing and we are growing with them. It is a learning curve – as we explore some new tangents of content presentation, we request your constructive feedback in helping us up the quotient. Do continue to write in and tell us what you like, dislike, want-more-of and do-not-want. Your suggestions and comments are instrumental in maintaining the balance of our relationship. Meanwhile, this week the focus is on ‘revival’ and ‘technology’ – opposite poles. Whilst the Gounod Apartments and the patio design by Martine Brisson bring out the best of both worlds – historic and modern, this young designer Rooshad Shroff, who has travelled far and is in-the-now, goes back to traditional methodology in an attempt to elevate art! Taking technology to the highest of prospects is the ice skating rink by Ar. Margot Krasojević, whose cutting-edge design complements her strategic design thinking to the core. Wonder whether we are looking at another Zaha Hadid in the making?! And lastly check out the Startup Game. It is fun; can be inspiring and definitely a great help in shedding your inhibitions and helping you think openly and freely. Until next week, ciao! Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor

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

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

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