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

High-end apartment interiors with a swimming pool| Reinventing biometrics in home automation| Colour psychology and office interiors| Spectacles that guard against face recognition| and more

Projects

Neogenesis+Studi0261 designs a plush weekend getaway in Surat, opening up the apartment to its highlight - an indoor lap pool right in the middle of the living area!

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, There are two marked leanings that one notices in lifestyle and society. Two developments that are moving hand-in-glove with mindsets across social strata. One is a marked need to reconnect with nature and to foster interactivity. This is being observed in all places - whether it is the home, a retail establishment, in institutions, hospitality industry or even the workplace. People want to connect with the outdoors, bring in plenty of natural light and vistas into their interiors - no matter how urbane. Also, social acceptability is at a high and interaction at all levels is fast becoming a norm - between known as well as unknown persons. The other aspect in question is the upped lifestyle quotient of several families, where bringing in the best indoors is not just a matter of plush spaces, but of having all conveniences at hand. Enjoying a materially fulfilling lifestyle has always been a hallmark of social status. This is now infiltering a base level - several once-wants are the new needs! We bring you a cross-section of such stories this week: a modern second home with an indoor swimming pool (our cover story); a biometric switch plate as the newest addition to home automation; colour psychology and employee performance in an office and more... Enjoy the issue. Warm regards, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

Superyacht interiors| Age is a mere number when the heart beats for art and design| A lifestyle called ‘luxury’| and more

Projects

For many people, luxury is beyond mere aesthetics; it is a lifestyle. HS Desiigns captures the essence of this term through the composition of this 5819 sq. ft. Chennai residence…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, We, at IAnD are an organically growing niche community of readers, contributors and writers with a shared passion for design. We are ever so thankful to you - our readers and contributors - for your continuous inputs and suggestions that keep us writers on our toes. We love all the content that flows in every single day. Many a time, we would love to feature it all too; but, various constraints mandate discretion. Yet, we urge you to please continue pouring through your love via your feedback. We value it immensely. It's probably only second to our love for design as it keeps us pushing the envelope. This week too, like we've been seeing of late, luxury dons the garb of indulgence as we visit the interiors of a superyacht in Germany; a bungalow in Chennai; and a senior couple's apartment in Mumbai. The strikingly singular desire for materiality and level of sophistication in all the three projects leaves us in awe: there definitely is an enigmatic similarity in design concepts that affects these otherwise individualistic projects. Over to you... Warm regards, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored In case you missed it earlier.