Somerset Museum’s new permanent exhibition| Sustained research into fibre-reinforced concrete| Public installation as a communication tool| and more

Signature

Vincent Leroy reveals "The Sun Always Rises in the East" in China, a symbolic installation that mirrors the brightest star, its restful rhythm evoking introspection.

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, The aptitude to probe - research and dig deep into a subject often helps curate and integrate various approaches, mindsets and explore hitherto unthought-of tangents to the issue at hand. And this aspect seems universal - as we've observed in our stories this week. From Studio Kossmanndejong exploring modern museum ideas in Somerset, England, incorporating technology to enjoy the story of gardens in its new dedicated permanent exhibition, to the footwear designer trying to revisit the historic Indian jutti and revive it as a modernised comfort wannabe; from the research explorations of ZHA studios working with continuous organic forms and French artist introspecting about the elusive elements of nature via his signatory public installation in Kumming, China - our cover story - the most evident emotion that surfaces is that of thirst - unquenchable thirst for something that we don't know; something that we seem to be constantly seeking. This inherent need to learn, assimilate and improvise is what keeps one going in life. Our research initiative #KyaBola is toeing the same line. With responses being varied and tangential, you have just two days left to make yourself heard. So, click on the link on the banner alongside and be a significant change catalyst. Have a great week! Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

Have you participated in the #KyaBola campaign yet? Last date approaching soon| Storytelling via Design| and more

Insight

Renowned for curating graphically remarkable and experientially transformative spaces, Hong-Kong based design firm One Plus Partnership transfixes users as they give form to the abstract…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, As our #KyaBola campaign gains ground, we have our expert panellists voicing their thoughts on the subject. Dr. Shefali Batra – behavioural psychiatrist, Shanoo Bhatia – design strategist and communication expert, have both shared their views, drawing various tangent to the seemingly simple problem of excessive honking. Catch them in the ezine or on social media and add your voice to theirs. There seems a lot to be said and there seems a lot that has been done in the past to combat excessive honking. But, more on that later. On the design front, we bring you a peep into both ends of the spectrum - Fran Silvestre Arquitectos, who celebrates monochrome and minimalist design in each of his projects; and the dynamic duo Ajax Law and Virginia Lung of One Plus Partnership, who are aces at innovative theme design for interiors of all kinds, exploring the tenets of maximalism in unexpected ways. Team IAnD interviews them for their contribution to cinema house design in China. Interesting read. And the king of quirk comes in the form of burger-scented candles from none other than McDonalds! Take a look. Enjoy the issue and leave us your feedback. And not to forget, the last day for participation in the #KyaBola campaign is March 5, 2020. Details and participation at http://bit.ly/KyaBola Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

Inviting participation in a design-led research initiative related to the act of honking | and more

Projects

Honouring a 30-year legacy of excellent service, Dipen Gada and Associates style the interiors of Vadodara’s Narayan Jewellers showroom as an elegant boutique…

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, It is amazing how a random thought gains ground and translates into a knowledge-driven learning exercise. Our research initiative, "KyaBola??" with reference to the act of honking (what did the horn say?) is as much a call for design resolutions to curb honking, as it is to assist the evolution of the modest horn. With several tangents to the problem of increasing honking and noise pollution on our roads, a diverse Panel of Experts will be approaching the subject from the angles of behavioural psychology, design of the honk horn and its evolution, the role of communication and on-road etiquette and related issues of governance and policies that be. The initiative is open to all creative minds. We urge you to participate and voice your suggestions. So spread the word and participate here http://bit.ly/KyaBola Besides the highlighted campaign, we bring you stories that exemplify the role of inspiration in spatial planning and design: a jewellery showroom in Vadodara; a home in Ahmedabad and an office in Qingdao, China. Enjoy the issue. Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

An achromatic bachelor pad in Kiev| Jewellery for the connoisseur| Dialogue between built form and landscape| and more

Projects

This residence embraces the tropical context of Vietnam, intensifying interactions between architecture and nature, negotiating form, function and experience.

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, Our cover story - a multi-storey home in Vietnam repeats an oft-visited premise - that of a synergistic existence between the built form and the landscape. Seamlessness between the indoors and outdoors somehow always appears to align a refreshing take on the design despite the underlying feeling of déjà vu. The dialogue of the positive spaces and voids builds the spatial organisation to an altogether different level here. A must-read. Toeing the line of minimalism is the other project from Kiev - a bachelor pad that celebrates achromatic colour and the use of restraint in interior design. Moving on to the opposite end of the spectrum - we have for you the restaurant Masala Republic in Hyderabad - a potpourri of indulgences. And the Westin Spa and Resort in-the-making at Jaipur - a la tropical Balinese style... And for the ultimate indulgence - jewellery, and bespoke designer at that, check out designer Meet Kamdar Avlani's latest ring made from a rare Zambian emerald with a cabochon cut! Enjoy the issue. Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored

India’s perfume capital in the limelight| Reviving the traditional Kanjivaram sari| Titan’s just launched Khadi Collection| and more

Heritage

Kannauj, India’s perfume capital plays host to UPSIDC’s Perfume Park and Museum, giving impetus to the time-honoured expertise and craft of perfume making.

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Editorial Dear IAnDian, Four diverse stories fill your plate this week as we revisit nuances of heritage and how we continue to establish continuity till date. Team IAnD had the opportunity to visit the oft-spoken-of textile revivalist, K. Radharaman and his work with the mix-blends of Kanjivaram – making it a luxury wanna-have with the millennials. The fantastic job he is doing is endorsed by our architect and design fraternity as well, as we present two representational opinions here by Ar. Brinda Somaya and interior designer, Lipika Sud. I totally recommend this 2-minute read. With Atelier Zebulon Perron refurbishing Le Germain’s Hotel in Montreal, layering the old Brutalist architecture with as much respect as his commitment to contemporary mandates; and Titan watches launching their Khadi Collection, the trail of visiting the old in a new avatar continued. Do check out the simple yet charming interventions. And our cover story. Ar. Amit Gupta is designing the Perfume Park and Museum – and out-of-the-ordinary homage – intriguing in more ways than one, bringing India’s oldest ittar-manufacturing city into the global limelight. Do let us have your views on this. Wishing you a leisurely read. Warmly, Savitha Hira Editor								sponsored