Design Matrix Mar-Arp 2011 issue

DESIGN MATRIX • MARCH-APRIL 2011

X I R T A M

March - April 2011 VOL. 1 • ISSUE 3 • `80

RS DESIGN • INTERIO • E L Y T S E F I L • PEOPLE

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N G I S E D M A T R I X Publisher Managing Director Editor-In-Chief

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S ’ R O T EDI N O T E

W

hen I think of my first meeting with this handsome couple, I recall one aspect very vividly – enthusiasm and unshackled creativity. Having closely watched Kalhan & Santha grow as professionals, I felt they were an ideal

choice for the cover – their repertoire is a case study in itself. What really came across during the interview was how Planet 3 Studios is all about team-bonding, honesty and the joy of expressing themselves.

Our editorial team also enjoys being themselves and that usually means someone at the receiving end of our pranks! This time it was the design team (all guys!), who turned red, much to our amusement, when they saw the images for Musings, which I mustn’t reveal, and let you discover for yourself along with the myriad design forms held within the pages!

I must add that our debut on the stands was a resounding success. My meeting with many people last month began with, “Oh, I bought this issue from so-and-so place,” or “I saw it at such-and-such place.” To say that I have been walking like a proud mom would be an understatement, but I have to thank all of you who have made this possible.

I hope you have as much fun reading the issue as we had putting it together.

Send us your feedback, who knows you just might end up winning a special gift from Dreams Furnishing!

So long till the next issue!

Babita Krishnan

Issue Partners: Location: Le Sutra; Jewellery: Anmol Jewellers; Make-up & Hair: Rudra Spa

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 7

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MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 9

CON TEN TS 10 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

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8GVGTCP OCMGWR CTVKUVG 4CO 6KRPKU VCMGU WU FQYP OGOQT[ NCPG YKVJ KPIGPWQWU KPUKIJVU KPVQ VJG CTV QH OCMGWR YJKNG JKU JWOKNKV[ KPJKDKVU JKU EQOOGPVU QP VJG RTGUGPV UEGPCTKQ KP VJG CTVĹ— 9QTFU +OCIGU #PWLC )JQUCNMCT Anuja Ghosalkar is programme oďŹƒcer at India Foundation for the Arts, Bangalore and Mr. Ram Tipnis’ grand-daughter. To read more on Ram Tipnis check out Anuja’s blog: www.papaajoba.blogspot.com

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MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 75

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60 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-A

â&#x20AC;˘ Cover featuring: Santha & Kalhan Mattoo â&#x20AC;˘ Photograph by: Prashant Bhat â&#x20AC;˘ Hair & Make-up by: Anne Bharati Subba, courtesy Rudra Spa â&#x20AC;˘ Location: Le Sutra, Mumbai

30 98

COVER STORY Santha & Kalhan Mattoo on what make Planet 3 Studio a ďŹ rm to reckon with. Pg 16

AR. AAMCHER Ar. Aamcher accompanies Ar. Vikas Dilawari to Kotachiwadi in Mumbai. Pg 32

MUSINGS We trace the changing face of lingerie design in India with Suman Nathwani. Pg 33

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

ARTY-TECHTURE We celebrate Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day in the Shringar Room at Le Sutra. Pg 66

CONVERSATIONS

DESIGN ASPECTS

Veteran makeup artist Ram Tipnis walks down memory lane with ingenuous insights into the art of makeup. Pg 72

Rediscover FLIP â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the design symbol of the 21st century. Pg 102

GREEN SPOT Bengaluru-based Rainbow Drive Layoutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eďŹ&#x20AC;orts towards water sustainability. Pg 80

Akruti Designs transforms a decrepit home into a luxurious den in South Mumbai.

Pg 40

PHOTO FEATURE

CREATIVE IDEAS

TECH DIARY

mab architects create a recreational space atop a ďŹ&#x201A;at roof in Athens. Pg 54

Make food more alluring, get creative on the platter. Pg 86

PRODUCT LAUNCH All the news from the market. Pg 107

ETCETERA Information & news from the design ďŹ eld: Happenings, Organic Book Binding, Tech Review, Book Review, Website Review & Events. Pg 113

A low down on the Operating Systems of your mobile phone. Pg 96

LEISURE DESIGN

MY SPACE

Club Mojo designed by Keer Designs Group in Colombo. Pg 58

Bela Shanghviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insight into a sustainable approach to traditional skills & crafts. Pg 98 MAR-APR 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ DESIGN MATRIX 11

M A T R I X

Jan - Feb 2011 VOL. 1 • ISSUE 2 • `80

NTERIORS LE • DESIGN • I PEOPLE • LIFESTY

“I like to open the doors to people’s brain” A

presentation

This issue onwards you have the chance to win a special gift courtesy

We would love to have your views, comments and/or suggestions on what you would like to see or read in our pages.

Please email to: babitakrishnan@designmatrix.co or write to Design Matrix, MRJ Creations Pvt. Ltd., C-201 Shyam Kamal Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai-400 057 or Call on 022-26187132.

12 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

INBOX

As people say change is essential in life, I

been covered. It feels great to share space with

would like to congratulate you on this venture

a great designer like Philippe Starck. I wish all

and even wish you and your team the best.

of you the very best and looking forward to

Through your innaugural issue, it was good

some more great people and projects in the

to know more about Mrs. Brinda Somaya as

future issues of Design Matrix.

I have always been an admirer of her work.

Ar. Naresh Shah,

Reading about the step wells took me back to

Naresh Shah & Associates, Mumbai

college when we did a case study on them. I also found multi-form plateau and eco pods

wFirst of all I would like to congratulate you on

interesting reads. I just hope that the maga-

the first issue of Design Matrix and more on the

zine does not become an advertisement di-

commendable piece of editorial. I especially

rectory with less of content, though I under-

like the interesting bits of information that

stand that it is a necessity. I am sure it will be

you give in the magazine though I would like

handled perfectly..

better images. For example, the Kinect from Alpesh Haria,

X-Box is such an amazing application and I say

Zaha Spaces, Mumbai

this because I have it but the pictures don’t say

WINNER

much about how interesting or exciting it is. It

Congratulations on the second issue of Design

is the best thing I have played in a long time.

Matrix. I want to congratulate you for this won-

We could also do with some more information

derful enterprise. The magazine completely

on what’s new in the market. Rest everything

held my attention through to the last page. I

is great, Keep on the good work.

am positive that the magazine displays truly

Sheetal Jain,

international standards and will soon be rec-

Uniply Industries Limited, Chennai

ognized as a bible for the design world. Clean lines and crisp writing has only enhanced the

Thanks for sharing the issues of Design Ma-

features. I loved each photograph and the way

trix. The format is positively different and the

it was presented. Though the cover story on

variation makes interesting reading. I espe-

Phillipe Strack was done by many magazines,

cially liked the photo features. Since design is

in Design Matrix I did not only understand YOO

visual, your presentations surely catch the eye.

Design, but also got to know the people be-

Wishing you all the very best for the new chal-

hind it. I really like the language which is not

lenges.

too technical hence easy to understand. The

Ar. Rajeev Sathe,

magazine has the right blend of work and fun.

Mumbai

Neha Madaan, Durian Industries Ltd., Mumbai

Design has come alive with this issue. Good work, lots of potential and a great future. All

I am very happy with the way my project has

the best to the entire Design Matrix team.

been featured in the second edition. I also

Ramesh Iyer,

liked the way the international projects have

Gaiaka Mediaworks, Mumbai

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 13

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Babita Krishnan: The first question is to both of you. Was architec-

KM: Actually, it is not about the two of us agreeing, it is more

ture always your ambition?

about all of us agreeing to whatever is being created. For us

Kalhan Mattoo: When I was in the 7th or 8th standard, I had a clear

design is about collaborating. All of us together ideate and

interest in architecture. There are three reasons for that: firstly, I was

everything is discussed. Everyone contributes and the best pro-

a little creative and used to draw a lot and knew that I had to follow

posal thus created is taken forward. Though most of the time it

something creative for a living. But I come from an academically-

ends up being our basic idea, sometimes these kids also come

inclined middle class family (both my parents are professors). Had

up with wonderful ideas. But, between the two of us there never

I told them that I wanted to become an artist, they would have

is an issue, as all decisions are taken collectively.

thrown a fit. Secondly, I never scored high marks that could get me

SM: I don’t remember any major conflict. It is never his idea vs

into any top engineering college. Also it was not of my interest, so

mine…

architecture fitted the bill perfectly. Thirdly and most importantly, at a very impressionable age I saw the movie In Which Annie Gives It

BK: How big is the Planet 3 Studios team?

Those Ones. The whole mood of the movie was seductive and I liked

KM: We have a team of about 35 people working on different

that. Unfortunately, I didn’t know that it was SPA Delhi; I thought it

projects across the country.

was JJ and landed in Mumbai! So, architecture was interesting, to my liking and a profession – it fit all the requirements.

BK: Santha, professionally, you have a large team and husband as

Santha Mattoo: In my case, it was my dad’s idea. He is a civil

a colleague – it’s perfect. But now, as a mother with a small baby,

engineer.

how do you balance the two?

KM: …she got into medicine as well, but opted for architecture.

SM: Ho jata hai. I have never planned anything, never followed a

SM: Because I was destined to meet you (smiles).

time table. And Kalhan has always helped.

KM: We’ve been fortunate that there are a lot of people around

BK: So, you met in college?

to help. But on a daily basis, I keep the baby engaged in the

SM: After ten years of marriage, discussing this is very embarrass-

morning. That gives me about an-hour-and-a-half with him and

ing…

by then half the things are done. Also, when he comes to office,

KM: Yes, we’ve been together since college. First as friends, then

he gets the same real estate as I do – baby zone is as large as

as professional partners when we established Planet 3 Studios and

my cabin… there is always someone to look after babies in the

then – life partners. It is a 20-years-young relationship.

office. All babies are welcome.

SM: It is good that we get him to work (a privilege that is enjoyed

BK: So, how do the design sensibilities come together? Since you

by everyone in the office) and continue working. I’m sure a lot of

work closely, both personally and professionally, do the differences

people have to really plan their schedules, mornings, etc. with

hinder creativity?

the baby in mind, we feel truly blessed in that respect.

TWOGETHER

They have built a formidable reputation within the fraternity.

The young and dynamic duo – Kalhan & Santha Mattoo – is as vibrant in their attitude as in their projects.

Words: Babita Krishnan; Images: Prashant Bhat

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 17

BK: You have a very young team. Is this a deliberate step, since

we are working with, who clearly said that he wants to work

your projects reflect a very different approach?

only with us because he doesn’t need to work with different

KM: We want our work to remain consistently fresh. 20 years

architects to achieve different looks. For long, people didn’t

hence, we would want to win the young designers award once

understand that we had a large repertoire of work.

again (laughs). But seriously, it is all about being dynamic and constantly reinventing yourself. The average age around here

BK: Now fresh graduates want to join you, as your achievements

is about 25 to 30 years and the associates take their tone from

have become aspirational. Do you think it could be a trap that

the guys at the top. If you are solemn about work all the time,

they might fall into – of idealising your work?

working in a structured environment, they, too, would work like

KM: I have an issue with the fact that one needs to idolize some-

that and their age would only be incidental.

one else. What we are doing is unique to us. 99% of the work

SM: When some of the guys joined the Studio, they came in ties

in India is not design intensive and that is painfully boring. But

and then realized that though this is an office, they were the

if it works for you and you can find a market for it, then well

only ones dressed that way.

and good.

KM: We have never looked at any firm as a role model for our

SM: Maybe it was destiny, luck… being at the right place at the

office. We just created an environment that we were comfort-

right time and finding the right people. Even we could have

able in – like the crib, no dress code, everyone able to speak

fallen into the same trap. We never idolized anyone and have

their mind, etc.

done what we are comfortable with. You just have to be true to yourself; then there is a greater chance of success.

BK: But where did all this begin? I mean, your internship, training, before Planet 3 became a reality?

BK: Therefore, did the absence of influences and idols and/or a

KM: Oh, that was only for a few months. Though it could sound

formal training with a firm actually help you develop your own

very interesting as a story of how we struggled and started our

style?

own thing, the fact is that when we graduated in ‘96, the mar-

KM: I don’t think it would have mattered as working with some-

ket crashed and there were no jobs. In order to survive, we did

one can influence you only up to a limit. There is no formula to

some very low-paying assignments. We established Planet 3 in

our work.

’98.

BK: How much does work intrude on your private space – at BK: I recall our very first meeting many years ago when you had

home or with friends?

shown me the renderings of Vidyalankar project. How did you

SM: Only in case of emergencies does work get carried home –

break ice with the clients and convince them for such a maverick

not otherwise. He doesn’t like it and if I pick it up, “office ki baat

design for an educational institution?

office main karenge” is the response I get.

KM: For this we need to look beyond the question. Let me

KM: I like to do things intensively in small spurts. If work is inten-

explain something about us. Most people have their academics

sive at that point then I’d rather stay in office to finish it and then

fairly predictable – they know what needs to be done to work

go home, but prefer not to carry it home. We both like to read a

towards their degree. For us, actually, just me, since Santha was

lot; that is one of our hobbies.

a bit better in studies; I flunked each and every architecture and design paper from my fourth to tenth semester. So I learnt to

BK: There is a very involved work environment. What is the work

internalize the whole thing about how my designs were not

philosophy that you follow?

received out there. And once in the field, I became more prag-

SM: Sometimes I feel we are running a design academy here,

matic, kind-of let loose and did my own thing.

because of the way we train our associates in every aspect of

SM: We went into the presentation with the approach that the

design.

worst that could happen was that we won’t get the project. But

KM: That’s ok. Why shouldn’t we use them to their full potential

not only did we get it, it has become like a benchmark. And that

and give a client the benefit of getting 3-4 design options.

doesn’t mean post Vidyalankar, things have been easy for us. It

SM: Yes. Sometimes great ideas come from the youngest per-

created a kind of image that we are these funky architects and

son in the team.

we had to convince people otherwise. It gave us the reputation, but didn’t get us work. In fact, we got the next architectural

BK: So, how would you describe your designs?

project 3-4 years after that.

SM: We don’t attempt to describe them; we just design. It may

KM: We had to convince people that a design is governed by

not be very “safe” in terms of design (though we like to give that

requirements, so no two projects will be similar. Now people

option to our clients as well), we try to do different things and

understand this and it is easier. A case in point is this developer

that works for us.

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BK: When you say that, I am assuming your client is satisfied. So

SM: No profession should be static, small beginnings have led us

how important does the client-designer relationship become in

to where we are today. There are so many things that one can do.

the profession?

KM: The investment that goes into building this relationship is

BK: What do you feel about the attitude of today’s generation of

phenomenal – the client is putting in a huge amount of mon-

architects and designers?

ey, you are committing a huge amount of time and creativ-

SM: The fault lies with this whole culture of ideologies. I’m sure

ity to it. And many times these attempts fail from both sides.

even we had it then and didn’t realize it. I remember us telling a

When things click, it is special and if in your entire career span

client to take back the cheque - that was attitude.

you build 5-6 such permanent relationships, it is a precious

KM: Designers have always had an attitude. The kids look up to

achievement. But one needs to be careful so as not to become

some of the icons in the industry and listen to their anecdotes.

predictable.

The symptoms of the creative process are taken as the attitude that makes you creative. They think that unless you have attitude

BK: For example, any such learning experiences?

you are not creative. I don’t think it is necessary. We are quite

KM: The very first project that we were working on was an inte-

chilled out. I don’t think you need any of those perceived trap-

riors project. Even after developing many concepts, this gentle-

pings to be creative.

man kept us hanging in.

SM: He kept on postponing the project with some or the other

BK: So what pointers would you give them to hone their skills

excuse and we gave it up.

and make them better professionals?

KM: Then he approached us again six years later for the same

KM: One must remember that while it is a creative field, it is also

thing. He had not approached anyone else and we did it, not for

a profession where you work with others and clients. Secondly,

the money but simply because it was our first project. But we

you have to demystify every opportunity. It is not about becom-

have never fooled ourselves on one thing – the importance of

ing the next so-and-so, but about giving what the requirements

money. The relationships that we have built with individuals are

are. You need to have the right communication skills. Next, you

never at the cost of practicality. There was this client we worked

have to stay with your convictions, whatever they may be. Most

with for a couple of months and then it was time for our first

people tend to follow others, like spending lakhs for a Masters

payment. When I reached his office at 11.00 AM, he was on his

from a foreign university, sometimes mortgaging their parent’s

way out and said that he would return by 6.00 PM and could give

homes. But no one stops to think further. This trend scares me

me the money only on his return. So when he returns in the eve-

as I cannot understand the co-relation between architectural

ning, he finds me patiently browsing magazines at the recep-

success and a foreign Masters. Many of them later end up doing

tion. “You must really need the money,” he said, to which my

stupid work that is a sad waste of talent. As a designer, you know

simple reply was, “It is my money and I don’t mind waiting for it.”

how good you are; find your line of expertise.

SM: Whenever a project has come our way, we’ve never said no.

SM: Glory is not in building only iconic structures. Everyone who

Let’s try it, has been our attitude. Each one has taught us some-

passes out of design school wants to become the next Zaha

thing or the other.

Hadid or Charles Corea. I’m not discouraging that, but there

KM: RPG Group is now a regular client, but the first time we

has to be some introspection about what you are good at, that

worked with them was on a design-build (DB) small temporary

nobody can teach you, that has to come from within.

office to accommodate 42 people in a budget of a-lakh-and-ahalf to be completed in 20 days. You can’t be faced with a bigger

BK: And finally what do the two of you do after work?

challenge.

SM: We are always out. We try not to miss any of the latest mov-

SM: DB has been a learning process. It was our first design and

ies, we take the entire office and go. We also love to go for a lot of

build project and we had no clue about so many things. But we

trekking and camping trips. Not only are they fun it is also a great

asked, learned and completed it in 18 days, we even slept on

way to bond with your colleagues. We used to do this at least

site!

twice a year but, it reduced due to my pregnancy.

KM: When the manager saw us sleeping on the table and the

KM: But we will restart now. Even in office, post work we all

carpenter on the floor, he said that this is a great social equalizer;

sometimes sit and have wine together.

and when we got our cheque, it was really hard earned money!

SM: If someone is working late into the night, a break at about 8

While some of our contemporaries were doing their masters in

in the evening is fine.

the US, we were learning practical details on site. Not that the design part was not of interest, this just seemed more real to us.

BK: Drinks in office?

And that money at the beginning of our practice helped us go

KM: Most people act very responsibly when they are given the

a long way.

freedom MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 23

24 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-APR 2011

Glory is not in building only iconic structures. Everyone wants to become the next Zaha Hadid or Charles Corea. But there has to be some introspection about what you are good at, that nobody can teach you, that has to come from within

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 25

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PERCEPTION... and a touch of whimsy…

Reviewing their projects of the last few years, one realizes how progressive design can impact the thinking-mind, without disrupting the inherent tenets of conventionality Words: Savitha Hira Images: courtesy Planet 3 Studios

T

he art of translating a concept into a workable solution…with deft strokes of professional expertise, peppered with a dash of conviction… is perhaps the secret of success that Kalhan-Santha thrive on in their leadership of Planet 3 Studios.

Hand-picking a few from their diverse portfolio, we try to decode the mindset and

working philosophy of the duo as they sashay through life – ticking and fulfilling, both professionally and personally. Internationally recognized, their rapidly growing portfolio comprises a range of eclectic projects that span institutional buildings, mixed use and adaptive-reuse projects, housing complexes, corporate offices, retail outlets, hospitality segment, furniture, industrial products….

‘Self-appraisal’ seems the foremost virtue of this team. Applying a candid evaluation process to the success of their first major institutional project – Vidyalankar Institute – they reintroduced the student connect into a vibrant environment for the institute’s 35,000 sq. ft. bio-technology and life-sciences centre in 2008. Taking a cue from what was best appreciated in their former effort; various design elements were incorporated to corporeally image large student work displays, light sources and graffiti strips, etc. in the new structure. Whilst the new design borrows heavily from nature, it attempts to reiterate the intended use via the graphic quality of most constructs: a staircase with a railing evoking frayed, dried wheat stalk rendered in wood and steel; a meeting room with a twist, game board near the entrance; strategically punctured roof with skylights illuminating the interior corridors; ventilators as signage letters; etc. Amidst this pandemonium of whimsy-in-the-eye, are diametrically placed symbolic lotus petals – the seat of learning – and a few other such tongue-in-cheek discoveries that although a trifle blasé, bring the ‘aaha’ aspect into being!

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 27

Establishing the fact that an evolution is possible in set building typologies, and keeping pace with changing needs, Planet 3 Studios goes on to prove that thinking-out-of-the-box can be as much a subtle exercise as a blatant one. In their recent (2010) design of the reception, recreation and training areas at the RPG group headquarters at CEAT Mahal, Mumbai, traditional Indian ethnic elements of design and architecture blend with Grecian typologies in a contemporary idiom. The recreation area, marking the ethos of an informal active relaxation as the underlying narrative, is a contemporized interpretation of the Mykonos and Santorini architecture. The design evokes the pristine white vernacular feel and consistency of these Greek villages. Similarly, the reception area has a very distinct

character that syncretises modern planning and construction with local architectural tradition, delivering on the expectations that the building creates. Large parts of the space are left open and empty to receive art, and the only built space is an air-conditioned lounge with a distinct Rajasthani character. In absolute contrast and befitting its intent, is the training centre, which sports Spartan chic seriousness.“Communicating the progressive ideas of the group gives the employees a sense of pride of ownership,” says Santha.

A pride that they would like to evoke in the residents of Shirdi, where they are furthering the social initiative of the Somaiya Group, by building a science centre within the now derelict, original factory structure situated on 28 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

a 100-acre site. Awaiting its various mandatory approvals, the project poses the challenge of maintaining historical continuity while building a modern facility with a minimally invasive approach. Their proposed design retains and extends the industrial art deco character of original structures while newer additions in modern materials blend in via subtle design elements.

Within the confines of these structures, innovative technologies will be used to create futuristic displays and cutting edge science experiments, creating an experiential high among the users in this small town.

Using cutting-edge technology, the progressive architects have also elicited a ‘wow’ response to the proposed design of their upcoming luxury

residential apartments in a Mumbai suburb. Inspired by Antonio Gaudi’s forms, and marrying them with design details borrowed from traditional Indian architecture, the high-rise is conceived as a modular construct of interlocking solid surface acrylic panels anchored to the building frame, each thermoformed to create a fluid, soft character for the cladding. Columns of the same material, with a twisting fluted detail in various sizes adorn the façade and together with the thermoformed panels create a distinct character for the building. The cladding material will reduce the building façade maintenance to a minimum… something Mumbai buildings struggle with a lot on account of monsoons. Proposed as the first fully steel-framed residential building in India, integrating international influences, cutting-edge building technology and innovative use of materials in a thoroughly contemporary context, the path-breaking nature of this development is a bold attempt at rewriting the rules for such projects in India.

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 29

Pushing-the-envelope with design notions that challenge an established or conventional outlook is a trait that seems to come naturally to the duo

30 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-APR 2011

Another feather in their cap is the dramatic, spiralling design of a new panoramic resort in Karnala won through an invited competition. While local building codes restrict the structure to ground-plus-one, the client requirement of an iconic property provides the point of inspiration for this remarkable design. Radiating from a central core with luxury hospitality services and suites on the upper level, five arms extend into the landscape with out-facing rooms on two floors. The building skin is engineered in horizontal louvers to moderate harsh tropical sun; while the same louvers light up in subtle colours during the night, suggesting magical lanterns that float in air. The project is at take-off stage and envisages a 5-year completion period.

But ‘time’ is truly the essence of life and living. Back in 2007, when Godrej had announced a product design competition, Planet 3 Studios had deigned a modular portable workstation. They won the best product award but the workstation remained under production; until last month when Godrej rolled out the product after appropriate and adequate R&D. Christened ‘Out-of-the-box’, the workstation is a literal rectangular box, which opens up, much like a Swiss knife, to reveal two perfectly functioning workstations.

It takes no special skills and couple of minutes to install. The trick really, is in using the surface of the box as a jigsaw arrangement of components that unfold in a logical and sequential manner. Packed within is the requisite paraphernalia down to the smallest detail of necessary cabling. The portable box is mounted on lockable castors and can be shut with the same ease when not in use. The concept encourages multi-use space design by its mobility, while its compactness opens it up to alternate uses.

With the focus always on context, the constraints and the opportunities that a project presents, the incisive vocabulary of the space and the project per se communicates with the architects to evolve into a solution that balances wit with wisdom, keeping it fresh in visual appeal

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 31

VANISHING HERITAGE Conservation Architect Vikas Dilawari on his drive around the Mumbai metropolis with Ar. Aamcher is saddened at the insensitive management of heritage structures.

A

lthough Mumbai is well known globally for its Gothic Revival ensemble of public buildings and Art Deco residential districts like the Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Necklace, several areas

like the Banganga precinct, Kotachiwadi, Matharpakdi, and Bandra village, to name a few, that identify with the socio-economic and cultural patterns of the city and are symbolic of local distinctiveness, are fast vanishing.

It is pitiable to see areas like the Santacruz Catholic Colony and Kotachiwadi in a dilapidated condition, where buildings in a predominantly repairable condition are being neglected and instead pitched for redevelopment.

It is indeed a shame and a sham to simply observe that the government, instead of addressing the core issue of Rent Control Act, which many states have diluted or repealed, has provided no incentives to see that heritage buildings can be protected and repaired.

On the contrary, the government has introduced Section 33 (7) that encourages demolition and oďŹ&#x20AC;ers larger FSI for reconstruction. This may be true for the really decrepit buildings but this is being grossly misused for heritage buildings in repairable conditions. Even buildings worthy of being Heritage Buildings fall under the threat of redevelopment as there is no legislative protection. Certain areas of Girgaum are already undergoing transformation.

Special development laws are needed for redevelopment that acknowledge and address the character of the place and sociocultural values that are integral to the built form and its distinctive character. A good progressive nation/city is one where heritage and development go hand-in-hand To share more such designs or experiences, positive or negative, contact Ar. Aamcher at aamcher@designmatrix.co 32 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-APR 2011

Ar. Aamcher

Musings

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 33

34 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

A TALE OF

Satin& Lace Words: Sheena D’Lima Images: courtesy the designer

Suman Nathwani talks about her unique journey as India’s first lingerie designer.

P

icture this: it is late 1980’s Calcutta and a 17-year-old girl is accompanying a soon-to-be-married elder cousin on a lingerie shopping spree. The young girl, fortified with a knowledge born of several Mills and Boon romance

novels, boldly demands to have a look at the “lace negligees” and “baby dolls” on stock, much to the consternation of several shy shop owners. That little slip of a girl, Suman Nathwani, grew to be India’s First Lady of Lingerie and Loungewear design. “Everyone, including my cousin was amazed at my knowledge and the shocking words that I was throwing around,” Nathwani recalls. The feisty schoolgirl ended up designing her cousin’s wedding lingerie herself, even getting it stitched by the family tailor, much to her conservative parents’ dismay. That story definitely had a happy ending though. “My cousin loved my work. Those were my first designs, done in cut-work style,” she says. “That’s when I decided to choose lingerie design as my career.”

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 35

36 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 37

dards that my designs have,” she says. She designs for fashion outlets and also makes custom-designed lingerie for weddings and honeymoons. The inspiration for most of her designs comes from a lot of research of what works for the Indian woman. “I design for Indians and I try to cater to that sensibility – be it in the colour, fabric or design. For example, while European women love pastel shades and are partial to satins in off-white and white, those colours are a no-no for an Indian bride who prefers bright colours. While I may include shades like white in a honeymoon collection, I would never choose white for wedding night lingerie.” Nathwani’s personal favourite is purple, a shade she describes as “very in.” As for the material she uses, quality, she says, is everything. “I buy my materials abroad because the satin manufactured in India is of a slightly inferior quality,” she says.

Though the high from striking gold, both literally and metaphorically, has been thrilling enough, Nathwani is equally excited at the change in the attitude of women through the years. “Six years ago, I would describe the attitude of the average Indian woman as passionate but shy. Nowadays, she’s exposed to international trends; she’s aware of brands and has become much Still, if she thought that making this tal-

Nathwani

carved

a

bolder.” A good exam-

ent her profession was going to be as easy

niche for herself in the

ple of this change in

as using provocative words from a Marks

minds of women who

mindsets is the change

and Spencer store, she had another think

wanted

in

coming. “The first six months were the

what store-bought lin-

panions. “First women

most difficult,” she recalls, talking about

gerie could give them.

used to shop with their

how she wrestled with the condescending

Her ability to deliver just

toleration and mild disapproval of the tra-

what her customer had in

ditional circles in which her family moved.

mind, ensured that they kept

“Still, word went around that I was really

coming back for more and soon she had

good at designing comfortable lingerie

expanded her business base: begun de-

Suman Nathwani’s story is not unlike

and lightweight sleepwear and I started

signing sleepwear for men and earned her

those of great explorers who discover un-

getting orders from friends and even fam-

first runway spot (1991).

charted territory and claim it for their own.

ily. Six months later, I was ready to start my own factory.”

more

than

shopping

com-

mothers. That changed to sisters-in-law, and then to female friends. Now they shop with their fiancés,” she laughs.

Now Nathwani overlooks a workforce

Her sense of humour, determination and

that easily exceeds 200 tailors and crafts-

incredible eye for detail, quality and design

From there began a steep uphill climb

men, with four workshops both in Kolkata

has ensured that from now on, her path will

but the journey just got better as she went

and rural Bengal. “I am truly blessed to have

be forever strewn with satin and edged in

along. With her trademark cut-work and

loyal artisans, who have worked with me

lace. Whoever said that reading romances

light, flowing designs in sweet floral prints,

for over 22 years and who know the stan-

could come to no good?

38 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 39

Residential design

40 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

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42 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

Luxu ry s e co n d none team from The Aakruti design double Mumbai scoured a ing an whammy by revitaliz me in South almost decrepit ho ting it into Mumbai and transla a luxurious den. ho Words: Varun Godin , Images: Indrajit Sathe ns sig courtesy Aakruti De

t an interior t isn’t everyday tha car te blanche a designer receives him to “do as ing tell nt, from his clie etan Shah, Ashok you please.” While Ch th from Mumb aiMewada and Sanjay She re elated with we s based Aak ruti design y had to raise the t tha w this offer, they kne excellence. Their their hitherto set bar of s Hitesh Job alia, client for this projec t wa ing dire ctor of nag the promoter and ma s Limited, who tem Sys g gin Ma x Fle x & Ima a large 2,200 sq. had recently purchase d Road that could ft. pad on Napean Sea wer to London’s ans well pass off as India’s .

Billionaire’s Row ent was in a The 22-year-old apartm envisaged alia Job state of near ruin. But into a orm nsf tra uld that the proper ty wo m of tea ert exp the er und luxurious abo de Aak ruti Designs. confidence Starting out with this dge that wle kno the of the client and s and budgets geo graphical boundarie not res train them, were fac tors that did th set out to give Shah, Mewada and She und the world aro m Job alia the bes t fro ations. The ect exp his h in keeping wit Sat vario marble, flo oring is done up in rble, which is ma also known as statuary rble with rare ma ite wh a highly polished the quarries m fro ed ort veins and imp China, they have of Carrar a, Italy. From ins talling a large borrowe d the idea of mosaic in the hall ss gla SICIS hand-craf ted “Although Jobalia that has a floral pat tern. se to be done up initially wante d the hou

I

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 43

in cream and gold, we convinced him to go with white, which would serve the dual purpose of delivering an uber-luxurious feel and also of creating the impression of ample space within the house,” says Shah. The Ligne Roset signature lemon green sofa set with gatherings and pleated fabric is sourced from Dubai. “As we sifted through the different options, it was quite a task to decide on any one particular item as opposed to the next.

Each time Jobalia saw something he liked, we needed to evaluate whether it was the best that we could source and then advise him accordingly,” he continues.

Each part of the home is a marvel in itself. The living and dining rooms are fitted with bare minimum furniture, while the false ceiling conceals mood lights.

There were initially three bedrooms in the flat that Jobalia asked to be reduced to two – one for him and his wife, the other for his son. “While other people ask for two bedrooms to be converted into three, I went the other way and asked that the space from the three bedrooms be converted into two large bedrooms,” says Jobalia. His bedroom has been cleverly designed with a DuPont Corian wall that camouflages the entrance to a walk-in wardrobe. The bathing room and a smaller reading room that serves as his private get-away. The bathroom is not excluded from the opulence and grandeur of the rest of the home. Top-of-the-line material including a wall made from white onyx has been especially designed by the Aakruti team. There is even a chandelier in the bathroom to add to the defining touch of elegance. In his son Karan’s bathroom, the overhead shower panel is fitted with LED lights to serve as a therapeutic light massage shower. The wardrobes have sliding doors that are made of white back-painted glass. For the kitchen, the team has been instructed by Jobalia’s wife, Dipti, to keep the design extremely clutter-free. The cabinets are fitted with two-way storage compartments, Corian top

counters

with

appliances

from

Siemens and a wine-red finish to the wall 44 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 45

46 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

“The 22-year-old apartment was in a state of near ruin. But Jobalia envisaged that the property would transform into a luxurious abode under the expert team of Aakruti Designs.” gives the kitchen a sleek finish. The entire house and all its appliances are controlled by an automated system from Schneider Electric.

Major structural repairs have been undertaken across the entire flat prior to any of the interior designing work.

With almost a year of repairs, sourcing and designing, the project has evolved as planned, a little over a month ago.

Working in South Mumbai came with its fair share of problems too. “We had to adhere to a 30-page manual on the society guidelines and were careful to follow every norm while the work was in progress. We generally do not contend with such issues while working in the suburbs of Mumbai, where every other building in the neighbourhood has construction work underway,” informs Sheth. The Aakruti design team has outdone themselves and Jobalia and his family are thrilled with the look and feel of their new home. Shah reaffirms that it has been a privilege to work on projects such as these and on international ones too, including a row-house interior designing project in Hong Kong two years ago MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 47

48 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

le Sutra , the Indian art hotel was awarded “India’s Most Unique Hotel” at the Indian Hospitality Excellence Awards (IHEA) held at Hotel Westin, Mumbai on January 15, 2011.

It’s unique conceptualization is based on Indian philosophy and the implementation encompasses the thoughts and works of artists, sculptors, designers, visualisers, stylists and coordinators coming under the banner of Dr.Art+Design, a sister concern of Le Sutra.

Mitali Bajaj

It’s an accolade we would like to share with you and appreciate the labour of love, uniquely brought to reality in hospitality terra firma.

www.lesutra.in Join us on http://www.facebook.com/lesutra 14 Union Park, Khar(W), Mumbai-400 052. India # 91 22 2649 2995/7 MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 49

50 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 51

Leonardo Arts was started in 2001 as an attempt to blend art and affo rdability, without compromising o n aesthetics We offer end to end high quality art solutions on a variety of media different environments and design ideas.

(including acid free canvas) that suit

The versatile nature of our prints has made it possible to use them for everythin prints to individual custom portraits.

g from limited edition art

Some of our clients include: Hyatt Regency, Kolkata

Raj Bhavan, Hyderabad

Hyatt Regency, Mumbai

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Aditya Vikram Birla Hospital, Pune

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Grand Hyatt, Mumbai

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Grand Hyatt, Goa

Talwalkars

Please give us a call to see what we could do for you!

Leonardo Arts Pvt. Ltd. B/18 A, Ghatkopar Industrial Estate, LBS Marg, Behind R-City, Ghatkopar (W) Mumbai 400086 Tel: +91 22 6796 9078 / 79 Email: askus@leonardoarts.com

Ad Durian Doors

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 53

ROOFESCAPES Words: Savitha Hira; Images: mab architects

mab architects create a warm and inhabitable recreational space atop a flat roof in Athens, making a significant difference to the bio climate of the city, and the perception of its inhabitants.

54 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-APR 2011

Creative ideas MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 55

“In a city where the building stock is lowrise and with flat roofs, the latter represent a wonderful opportunity to be planted and utilized as recreational spaces.”

M

context based on the consideration of the

northern part of Athens, in

rived an indigenous wooden wrap with Iro-

Greece. Located at the foothills of mount

ko hardwood boards of standard dimension

Penteli, its advantageous raised position

– 12cm wide and 2cm thick – that wraps

provides beautiful panoramic vistas over

around the surface of the floor, folds and

the city of Athens and the Saronic Gulf

wraps the wall, where the wall becomes a

in the distance. Finding a home atop a

table or a bench, and a bench becomes a

small four-storey housing block with the

bed or a planter etc., creating a luxurious

exclusive right to use the flat roof as a

tableau, virtually in the sky!

elissia is a considerably green, middle-class district in the

programme and the client’s needs, they de-

private terrace was like a dream fulfilled

The main idea behind this monologu-

for a young couple looking to set up

ise vocabulary is to accomplish the design

home independently. Offering almost 360

and create a luxuriant ambiance by mini-

degree views of the entire city, the terrace

mizing the variety of materials applied and

was to be revamped into an intimate area

consequently limiting the variety of trades

for the couple and a place where they

used in the construction process. Work-

could hang out with their friends, organize

ing on a tight budget, everything is built

parties, etc. All of this had to be achieved

within this module to control the off-cuts.

on a tight budget!

Unsightly chimneys are for fire-protection

Enter architects mab - Rena Marioli,

reasons wrapped with metal sections of

Franky Antimisiaris and Branko M. Berlic,

the same dimensions. All furniture is built-

with their fundamental simplicity and

in, except two benches on wheels, which

logical clarity through an everyday think-

can be moved around freely. All planting

ing and working process. Understanding

is indigenous and sourced locally from the

the social, cultural, climatic and urban

Attica area.

56 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

With Athens having long hot summers,

floor provided the requisite protection

the couple plans to use the revamped roof

against physical damage and UV rays.

terrace on a daily basis for 4-5 months of the

Furthermore, rain water can flow through

year. It has become a large open-air exten-

decking onto the new sealing layer, which

sion of their apartment below, where they

meant that there was no need to change

prepare their meals in an open-air kitchen,

any existing floor falls and drainage out-

dine, relax and entertain their friends, sun-

lets. In order to achieve a uniformed look

bathe… and a conveniently placed shower

and to provide a feeling of luxury (on a

provides the much-longed-for cooling on

tight budget), it proved cost effective to

hot summer days after lying in the sun.

use the same material for all – floor and

Although the ‘roofescape’, as the ar-

Design mabarchitects Client young couple Location Athens, Greece Programme 75 sq. m. roof garden

wall claddings and furniture.

chitects choose to call it, is a handsome

In the present day city of Athens, there

private open-area that is a definite en-

is a critical lack of open green and recre-

hancer to any middle-class home irrespec-

ational spaces. In a city, which has such an

tive of its location, the design is driven by

advantageous location and mild climate, it

deeper issues: the building, which was

is almost impossible to find that little patch

just a few years old, had already devel-

of green where a contemporary urban

oped problems with water-leaking on the

dweller can relax and enjoy his time off. To-

flat roof terrace. The existing terrace floor-

day the city is characterized by locals and

ing was of ceramic tiling and the most

visitors alike, as being an endless concrete

cost effective waterproofing solution,

jungle, which spreads and fills every little

thus, was to pour polymer-type sealant

corner in the Attica basin.

over the existing tile flooring. However,

Maybe this conversion has planted a

this new membrane required protection;

little seed in the area and possibly more uti-

so it was decided to install floating wood-

lized and planted roofs will slowly appear.

decking over the entire floor. This type of

Hopefully some of them would be public

Major materials Iroko wood, galvanized steel sections

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 57

Leisure design 58 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 59

60 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

mojo DON’T LOSE YOUR

Words: Sharanya S; Images: courtesy the architect

Revitalising the night life and party culture of Colombo is Club Mojo, designed by Keer Designs Group.

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 61

62 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

“Walking into Club Mojo is almost like walking into a different world – a brighter, more colourful, non-linear world.”

A

bhijeet Keer could well be Batman.

Mumbai, InterContinental in Mauritius, and

Or a version of a design superhe-

several residential ones as well. Currently

ro, who swoops in, designs your

working on a host of spas and restaurants,

space exactly the way you want, makes it a

he talks about the bright and shiny jewel in

reflection of your personality and flies away

his crown, Club Mojo, Colombo.

into the vast blue sky. Keer is the perfect cli-

The nightlife and party culture in Co-

ent’s designer. “I don’t believe in leaving my

lombo began to be resuscitated post the

signature in everything I design. I’m not de-

unrest and civil war in the country and Ho-

signing for me; I’m designing for someone

tel Taj Samudra decided to resurrect the

else. So I like to keep their choice and their

night club in their basement. The owners

needs in focus,” he says.

Sanjay Punjabi and Tambi Fernando want-

Keer Designs Group started in 2003 and

ed their earmarked clubbing space to be

has an impressive line of hospitality proj-

up and running again. Keer visited many

ects including China Gate and Red Box in

nightclubs in the city and reveals, “I had MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 63

to design it so that even after reno-

entire lighting system can go from red to

Keer even solves the problem

vation, the other clubs wouldn’t be

blue to green depending on the kind of

most women experience when enter-

able to match up to Club Mojo. I like

sound the DJ is belting out.

ing clubs; that of where to park their

to be two steps ahead.” The drawings

Another striking feature is its curvilin-

evening bags or hand-purses. Special

were made in Mumbai with his team

ear forms. With a name like Mojo, it had to

lockers with individual keys have been

– Swapna Hankare and Navneet Keer;

be young and funky and have minimum

provided for the womenfolk; and this

and three months later, Club Mojo

straight lines. This is clearly incorporated in

feature encourages them to enjoy a

began with a bang.

the curved seating area around the circular

carefree evening, dating and dancing.

Walking into Club Mojo is almost

dance floor, the arched staircase, and a bar

While it is fairly obvious that the

like walking into a different world–

that has random lines of light reflecting the

lights, dance floor and split-levels are

a brighter, more colourful, non-

asymmetry of Club Mojo.

the soul of Club Mojo, it is the minute

linear world.

It is almost surprising to hear Keer list

details that actually transform it into

The primary focus of Mojo is the

the thoughts and little elements that went

a wanna-be-in space. The translu-

lighting – tables lit from the inside,

into designing – giving us a little insight

cent columns, the use of mirrors that

acrylic waves of light that make up

into the multi-faceted roles that a design-

encourage frequent self-appraisals, ,

the bar, bubble lights that line the

er has to play in modulating a project for

fabric on the walls and ceiling pan-

wall, even an LED flower motif on

his client. Nightlife in Colombo only picks

els that aid acoustics, laser lights

the ceiling that is almost the sig-

up after midnight, so Keer thought up a

bouncing off a disco ball, waves on

nature of Club Mojo. “Sometimes

clever ruse to rake in the revenue in the

the wall coupled with blue lighting

clubs are so crowded that you can

wee hours. A performance stage, complete

that give the upper lounge a sea-

see nothing ahead of you. But the

with a projector for live bands, screening

like effect, simple floors that gleam

ceiling is definitely something you

matches or movies was created. It is placed

oh-so slightly, a deck behind the

would notice. When people take

for convenient viewing from wherever you

curved sofas that accommodates

pictures of their parties, they try

may be seated. There is even the provision

additional dancers and even the

to include the motif, so that oth-

of a small hidden passageway and store

ample standing space provided

ers instantly know that the party

room that could double up as a green

near the bar... draw your atten-

was at Club Mojo,” says Keer.

room.

tion to the old maxim – God is in

While the number of lights itself

Hotel Taj Samudra is the official hotel

the details. An impeccable eye for

is quite impressive, it is their stra-

for the ICC, and cricketers frequenting Mojo

details and keen sense of light

tegic manoeuvring that is truly

created the need for a VIP lounge. A sepa-

and colour makes Club Mojo

amazing. All the lights, even the

rate level with its own bar has been made

stand out from a herd of generic

ones on the tables, can be syn-

that enables celebrities to view the entire

nightclubs and a must-hit on any

chronised to suit the music. The

club without mingling with the crowd.

partygoer’s list

64 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

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S

struct them. The final installation is nothing

phy reveals that beauty being skin deep,

The mirror installation by Pooja Purie in

it is with shringar that a woman attracts a

the bathroom represents the many different

man and his aura. Beauty is nothing without

facets and perceptions of a woman. The mir-

grace and shringar is that delicate union of

rors symbolize self-love, an important aspect

beauty and grace.

of shringar. Bindi is the symbol of a married

hringar is the art of adornment, romance, culture, beauty and enjoy-

short of stunning and does not miss evoking

ment. Indian culture and philoso-

a smile or chuckle from a guest,” she says.

The Shringar room represents the Ra-

woman and is said to keep away bad omen.

jsic guna, which is the attribute driving one

It highlights the ajna chakra (6th chakra), also

to action. It is the force that creates desires

known as the third eye. The Bindi installa-

for acquiring new things, which leads one

tion is by sculptor Anand Prabhudesai. The

to activity and expansiveness; it represents

Nathni or nose stud is the most seductive of

vibrancy and passion, being vivacious and

all the ornaments worn for shringar. The nose

stylish. The room had other design concepts

is said to be closely related to the sexual or-

initially – one of them with the solah shringar

gans and hence a woman wore a nose ring

elements of an Indian bride. But the team felt

to signify it. Product designer Mark Phillip

that they were all getting too literal, hence

created a Nathni lamp for this room. The

moving away from the mood. “Seema Kohli’s

Painting done by Seema Kohli showcases

painting with the lady and peacock really

the different moods of a woman. It portrays

set the compass due north and from it was

the idea of self-love. Self beautification adds

born the room,” reveals Mitali Bajaj, Head, Dr.

to the aura which is the energy that women

Art+Design.

use, to become powerful and significant in

The room was done by Dr. Art + Design

the eyes of the opposite sex. Peacock chair

under Mitali’s guidance. “We wanted to create

is by product designer Neil Dantas. The pea-

an installation of mirrors and thought it would

cock is the symbol of beauty and grace. The

be the simplest of things. So we went on a

Peacock’s feather, in the form of an eye, rep-

hunting spree to find the old hand-held mir-

resents knowledge. An attractive woman has

rors to give the classic touch. Surprisingly, we

all the three qualities – beauty, knowledge

found only a couple and had to literally recon-

and grace

ADORNED IN

STYLE Dressed in the symbols of beauty, the Shringar room at Le Sutra celebrates the woman.

Words: Babita Krishnan Images: courtesy Le Sutra

Arty techture 66 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 67

“The various symbols of beauty or forms of adornment are put together and translated as art to adorn this room. A stay here would truly have you surrounded with beauty. It’s the time to enjoy the shringar rasa”

68 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 69

70 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 71

72 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

Veteran makeup artiste Ram Tipnis takes us down memory lane with ingenuous insights into the art of makeup; while his humility inhibits his comments on the present scenario in the art…

Words & Images: Anuja Ghosalkar Anuja Ghosalkar is programme officer at India Foundation for the Arts, Bangalore and Mr. Ram Tipnis’ grand-daughter. To read more on Ram Tipnis check out Anuja’s blog: www.papaajoba.blogspot.com

74 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

Conversations

GLOSS TO...

GL A MOUR

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 75

Tipnis is nostalgic of his time spent with Shammi Kapoor and Sadhana and greets them even today on their birthdays

76 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

R

am Tipnis is a veteran makeup

oldest living make-up artistes of Bolly-

artiste of the Hindi film industry.

wood witnessed a time that is markedly

He is also a master story-teller.

different from the current one.

Perhaps, a trait inculcated into his persona;

Hailing from an eminent family of the-

he weaves the story of his sixty years

atre artistes (his father was the Marathi

(1941-2001) in the Bombay film industry

stage actor Madhavrao Tipnis, who also

with élan, not realizing that stories often

had his own theatre company), Tipnis

become history…

spent the first few years of his life travel-

Imagine a time when the superstar

ling across Maharashtra with him. He

of the film industry travelled by the third

would sneak backstage and watch thes-

class railway compartment with his make-

pians paint their faces with grease before

up man! Picture a film studio that func-

a performance. Says Tipnis, “Those days

tioned like an extended family… In today’s

there was no foundation so the actors

uber professional film industry, this seems

used grease and the more accomplished

unimaginable. But Ram Tipnis, one of the

ones applied loni (homemade white but-

ter). With the coming of cinema, and the

assisted. When Paranjpye joined V. Shan-

decline of his father’s flourishing thea tre

taram’s new studio, Rajkamal, Tipnis fol-

company, Tipnis, at the age of 19 had to

lowed. “Working under V. Shantaram was

support his seven siblings and ageing par-

like attending Art School,” he reminisces.

ents. Tipnis, who could perform lines from

“Back then, before Max Factor (the leading

his father’s plays better than he could read

cosmetic company) came to India, we had

school textbooks, decided to find work as

to make our own foundation and make-

an actor in Pune. He secured a miniscule

up. At that time there was only a German

role in the 1941 Marathi film Municipality,

company called Leichner that sold founda-

where along with acting, he also became

tion. But the shades of foundation did not

an assistant to the makeup artiste. Thus

match with the Indian skin tone; so at Ra-

began the colourful journey.

jkamal, we were encouraged to innovate.

A short sojourn in Pune, and Tipnis

We used to make our own colours: we first

was Bombay-bound with his mentor Dada

added coloured powder to water, then

Paranjpye, another makeup artiste he had

boiled it, strained it, allowed it to dry and

Imported shades of foundation did not match Indian skin tone; so at Rajkamal, we were encouraged to innovate

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 77

an actress’ face, or making Indian actors look Chinese, they had to invent new ways to make the fictional, believable. But the biggest hurdle that Tipnis faced was the advent of the colour film. Geva Colour, was a type of film that when exposed, resulted in a yellow tinge. Even though Tipnis had tested Geva Colour many times earlier, the Studio brought in a British make-up expert and Tipnis was refused entry into the dressing room to observe his “international technique”. Disheartened, Tipnis left the room and it was only after the intervention of a senior actor that the British expert apologized to Tipnis. Deeply aware of the entrenched hierarchies in the film industry, Tipnis continues his story saying, “My job was to make the stars look good.”

Looked good they did. Sadhana, Shammi Kapoor, Asha Parekh, Saira Banu, were some of the leading stars of the 1960’s who Tipnis worked with after the

He would sneak backstage and watch thespians paint their faces with grease before a performance. then mixed a bit of petroleum jelly in it,”

and the make-up incharge were discuss-

decline of the studio system. Tipnis is nos-

he explains the painstaking process with

ing the road block, Tipnis suggested us-

talgic of his time spent with Shammi Ka-

precision, testimony to the fact that this

ing the hair of a horse for the beard. Tipnis

poor and Sadhana and doesn’t fail to wish

90-year-old artiste’s memory is flawless.

explains, “Human hair is too fine to put

them on their birthdays even today. He

Age has also not withered Tipnis’ abil-

on a beard, but the hair on a horse’s back

has witnessed a range of transformations:

ity as a storyteller. He is the triumphant

is coarser and relatively easy to attach.”

from silent film to talkie, black & white

protagonist in all of them. One such is

Convinced by his suggestion, Shantaram

pictures to Technicolour, cinemascope to

of his ingenuity during the making of

instructed Tipnis to construct this beard

television… His latest foray being the suc-

V. Shantaram’s film Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Ka-

and throughout the film he was made re-

cessful makeup of actor Pankaj Kapur for

hani (1946) where the character of a Chi-

sponsible for each strand attached to the

Office-Office on SAB TV. He desists com-

nese priest had to don a beard with pre-

actor’s face.

menting on the current breed of artistes

cisely 36 strands of hair in accordance with

In 1947, Tipnis joined Filmistan Studio.

and their fare, choosing instead to brood

his religious stature in the film. This was a

In the sixteen years he spent there, he rose

silently. But his illustrious stories can con-

time when wigs and beards were largely

up to the rank of Head of the Makeup De-

tinue as long as he has an audience and

hand-made and not readily available.

partment. He recounts how improvisations

as he waves; one cannot help but imagine

While a generic beard could be designed

were a part of his working life. Whether it

how that hand was responsible for the

easily, a specific beard for a Chinese priest

was discovering innovative ways to make

shimmering faces of many a star, in a time

was hard to come by. While Shantaram

wigs, or masking unflattering features of

long gone

78 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 79

WHEN PIGS

FLY !

Words: Savitha Hira Images: Courtesy Biome Environmental Solutions

Rainbow Drive Layout’s efforts towards water sustainability have citizens at the centre of Integrated Urban Water Management.

A

citizens’ initiative can work wonders for pockets of the country and ultimately for the masses as a

whole. This is a story of design impact that struts through the rigmaroles of inconvenience and bureaucracy to emerge victorious as a self-sufficient gated community.

The phenomenal pace of unbridled growth in almost every sector has led to widespread urbanization of city and township suburbs; the eventual development is assessed and pragmatics fast implemented to make a community settlement comfortable to the extent possible. Yet, despite infrastructure and community services in place, many a time, water supply seems the last resource to be tackled as people often rely on the availability of tankers. With monetary implications ruling the day, it is heartening to see at least a small percentage of the layman rise up against the odds of inconvenience, turning away from tankers and bore wells and adopting innovative measures to contribute constructively to the betterment of his environment and his lifestyle.

One such gated community that sprung into action in the Rainbow Drive Layout, South East of Bengaluru, has seen a commendable citizens’ effort in addressing its water problems in a sustainable manner without resorting solely to shortterm coping strategies like buying tanker water or drilling more bore wells.

Rainbow Drive Layout Plot Owners’ Association (POA) sought the services of Biome Solutions, a company engaged in sustainable water management, to help

80 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

Green spot

them understand their water situation and

and implemented an incentive to harvest

put in place durable and appropriate solu-

rainwater by building it into the water bill

tions as they had no provision of Municipal

through a discount for those households

water. Due to the pioneering nature of the

who have implemented rainwater har-

work that was done, Arghyam, a non-profit

vesting. Rationalizing the water pricing

foundation supported Biome in an inten-

scheme, POA has restructured its water

sive monitoring exercise to develop the full

pricing scheme to recover costs and dis-

picture of Rainbow Drive’s water manage-

courage wastage. This has been accom-

ment regime and derive lessons for similar

plished by maintaining the base tariff

urban contexts and communities that did

of water quite high in order to motivate

not have access to Municipal water.

conservation, while a progressive pricing

urban community in managing its water in

The layout has been exploring the possibility of enhancing the output of existing bore wells or sinking new community bore wells using scientific methods.

In the absence of any institutional or le-

regime has been put in place with a higher

a more sustainable and integrated manner

gal framework to guide it, POA undertook

cost per litre, for households that consume

in the absolute absence of the Municipal

efforts towards comprehensive rainwater

more water.

water supply. Rainbow Drive has also suc-

harvesting and had several households

Despite this achievement, POA feels

ceeded in enhancing the financial viability

implementing the system by constructing

that more work needs to be done and is

of its water management regime by dou-

a large number of recharge wells and pits

looking to improve the output quality

bling monthly revenues. This is a vast im-

at the community level to capture most of

of waste water that is recharged into the

provement over its past pricing scheme. It

the water that falls within the area of the

ground, to the level where it can be used

has also succeeded in raising water literacy

layout. Desisting the propagation of pri-

for various non-drinking purposes. Consid-

with the residents, though this has not

vate bore wells; POA also enforced a ban

ering recycled water as an important sup-

necessarily resulted in reduced demand,

on them to protect the community bore

plementary source of water in the overall

and there is still work to be done to sta-

well supply. The layout has been exploring

water management picture, POA has taken

bilize the groundwater extraction and re-

the possibility of enhancing the output of

concrete measures to understand its wa-

charge balance. BIOME’s strength has been

existing bore wells or sinking new commu-

ter usage. It has been able to monitor and

in adapting the best suited technology for

nity bore wells using scientific methods.

get good data on the per-capita and per-

use in urban scenarios especially on small

Equally important – the sewage manage-

household water consumption. Reverse

plots as well as getting the customer’s buy-

ment system has been looked into care-

Osmosis systems have been studied to

in to treat their waste in their own gardens/

fully and alternate technologies like Soil

gauge water wastage. Excessive water use

rooftops. This has been implemented in

Bio-technology (SBT) and Decentralized

in car washing has thus been identified as

multiple homes in various layouts. Broadly,

Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS)

a problem and an awareness drive under-

the implementations are of different types

have been considered. These carry out

taken to reduce this. The real per-litre cost

based on the availability of space and the

the requisite maintenance, improving the

of water has been identified, by measuring

nature of input water (black or grey).

Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and ensur-

all the various sub-costs like the electric

One looks forward to Biome Solutions’

ing a higher quality of output water.

power consumption in running the bore

proposed computations involved in the

wells and the cost of maintaining the STP.

data gathered and the footprint to be ap-

The highlight of such commendable but routine transformations is that

This said, the Rainbow Drive story rep-

the community has gone much farther

resents impressive achievements for an

plied to similar urban contexts and communities MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 81

82 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

“Rainbow Drive has also succeeded in enhancing the financial viability of its water management regime by doubling monthly revenues” MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 83

Ad Rudra SPA

84 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 85

Photo feature

GOURMET DESIGN The importance of presentation in food is understood by all the moms of the world, but to turn it into a work of art is done best by a professional. We got Sameer Chawda to capture some of Svenska’s gourmet design secrets that they shared with us…

Svenska Design Hotels, F 73/74, Oberoi Complex, Off Link Road, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053, India; T: +91 22 4431 0000; F: +91 22 4431 0011; Email: luxury@svenskahotels.com

86 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

Tapas Smoked paprika scented confit chicken wings

MAR-APR 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ DESIGN MATRIX 87

Ghanasingh & Sons 88 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

Salad

(Opp. page) Maple Sesame grilled peppers with garlic croute; (this page) pan fried goats cheese and chilly figs

MAR-APR 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ DESIGN MATRIX 89

90 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

Main Course Parmesan and herb crusted pan-fried chicken breast with a white wine glaze, wilted greens and brava potatoes

MAR-APR 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ DESIGN MATRIX 91

Dessert

(This page) Citrus crema Catalana finished at your table (cream brulee Spanish style); (opp. page) Churros with hot chocolate 92 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-APR 2011

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 93

Drink

Water Melon Frappe 94 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 95

Tech diary

F

rom Donald Trump to the taxi driver, cell phones are a common sight. But ask the geek within you, have you ever wondered how these little phones do so much more than the true purpose that they were designed for? The operating system (OS) is

responsible for controlling the hardware and it defines the overall look and functionality of the device.

Earlier, there were only few smartphones available and most were Symbian-based devices, until Apple completely changed the smartphone market when it announced the iPhone in January 2007. With its sleek touch screen, friendly interface and the huge Apple fan base, it was a success from day one. In September 2008, the world got a taste of the first Android with the HTC Dream (also known as T-Mobile G1). Fast forward to January 2011, and everybody seems to have a smart phone. As things stand, the Symbian OS running primarily on NOKIA phones, the iOS running on every iPhone and the Android OS running on a wide base of handset providers are the dominant players in the smartphone OS market.

SMART

SYSTEMS Smartphones rule the mobile world. We draw up a low down of the Operating Systems that have made naught of the humble hand-held mobile phone.

Words: Jatin Hariani & Himanshu Hiranandani Images: HImanshu Hiranandani

96 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

SYMBIAN OS The Symbian OS pioneered by Nokia, the world’s largest cell phone manufacturer, holds the lion’s share in the market. With an advantageous head start in the smartphone market, the Symbian is still the alpha of the pack. The recently released Nokia N8 uses the Symbian^3, which is the latest version of the Symbian OS. With Java support a large number of Symbian applications are available through various sources including the Nokia OVI store. Though the Symbian interface seems old, the OS continues to sell handsets on its reputation for reliability.

ANDROID The Android OS, developed by Google rose to prominence in the market because its open source capability caught the eye of a range of manufacturers – tablets, netbooks and mobile phones combined. The Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) is the latest stable Android OS. It includes support for multi-touch based interface, video calling, and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality. The Android comes preloaded with applications such as Google maps and Gmail with a variety of applications available from the Android market and several others downloadable from external sources. Some analysts even believe that the Android may overtake the Symbian by end 2011. iOS The Apple iOS has carved a reputation for being fun and secure. Previously known as the iPhone OS, the iOS is the operating system that runs on the iPhone, iPod touch and the iPad; its latest version, the iOS 4.2, appears on the latest iPhone 4. It offers the ability to synchronize your music with the iTunes. The iTunes store, which lets you buy music online, is one of the most popular features of the iPhone. In addition to this, the iOS 4 enables an innovative folder system that automatically recognizes the type of apps concealed.

The iOS 4 has finally brought multi-tasking onto the iPhone. The retina display is another stunning feature of the iPhone 4. Apple keeps its shields up and only allows applications to be downloaded from the Apple app store, which boasts of over 400,000 applications.

There are various other operating systems but the aforementioned stand tall among the crowd; each OS with its distinctive set of advantages helps each person select a phone as per his need. Office-goers who do not need too much still prefer the Symbian, while the iOS is for the mobile-media-warehouse types; and last but not the least, Android is the wildfire spreading among people looking for a balance between business and pleasure

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 97

98 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

My space

NAMDA

OF KASHMIR VALLEY Bela Shanghvi gives us an insight into a sustainable approach to traditional skills via a personally initiated and monitored project in the Craft of Embroidery.

Namda Embroidery is a chain stitch pattern, done with a special needle inserted through the fabric and the embroidery thread is picked up from the back of the fabric with the help of the needle shaped like a hook. The craft necessitates that the needle is inserted at 45 degree angle for picking up the thread. The tradi-

Images: Ms. Bela Shanghvi & her team

tional needles used were very thick and would often make the fabric tear or would leave a hole in the fabric, when the needle was pierced at a

Ms. Bela Shanghvi is a Design & Business Re-Engineer for Textile & Craft. Her contribution to the handicraft industry is guided by a practicable approach with a single-minded focus on the empowerment of the craftspeople and sustainable solutions to keep alive the traditional crafts of India.

wrong angle. To combat this, thicker fabric was utilized traditionally, making the process a laborious eďŹ&#x20AC;ort.

Ms. Bela Shanghvi can be contacted on belashang@gmail.com /+919820042350 MAR-APR 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ DESIGN MATRIX 99

years of actively working with

27

a modern outlook. Little did I realize then

apparent problems, there were a host of

diverse craftspeople of India

that the simple and uneventful Namda Em-

related not-so-apparent issues that silently

have given me tremendous

broidery (basically using only a chain stitch)

wailed for attention.

insights into the ongoing shift in the Indian

would actually impact me as a socially

Firstly, considering both, marketing

and global markets. The pace has been

conscious professional as well as socio-

and production issues, the thick fabric was

phenomenal and mutually impacting.

economically foster the lifestyle of the said

replaced by a finer more flexible mate-

craftsmen.

rial that could take the needle pricks easily

The kaleidoscope of diverse cultures that India is has even the smallest village

It all began with a simple observation

without making any holes in it; secondly, lo-

endowed with its individualistic sensibili-

of the surroundings in which the craftsmen

cal craftsmen were taught to manufacture

ties, its unique exhilarating ambiance and

worked. When I visited them to evaluate the

these needles themselves to facilitate self-

its distinctive artistic expressions. Each

work and shortly prepare my design brief

dependence; and the most significant part

era has left behind a legacy of its classical

for them, I was forced to turn away from

– the ergonomics – were considered and a

impressions, evolving inevitably with the

the issue at hand and focus on their basic

wooden frame was especially designed to

challenging and changing environment.

working conditions instead. It was appalling

hold the fabric while the craftsmen worked

Embroidery craft, too, has not escaped this

to say the least: beginning with the pos-

on it. Special care was taken to fine tune

impact; although it has been unable to re-

ture of the craftsmen – most wore glasses

several little details. This facilitated inher-

spond to the evolving scenario at a corre-

due to strained eyesight and poor lighting

ent production issues, the prime one being

sponding pace.

conditions, sat bent over the fabric, holding

comfortable working conditions: the fabric

This is where the role of a designer is

the thick needles; feet cold and the general

was closer to the craftsmen’s eyes without

recognised. As designers, we can dynami-

work environment dusty. Even the sketches

the strain of hand-holding it; their elbows

cally weld the ‘design baton’ to impact

were done – back bent over, with paper on

now rested on the frame while working, so

many lives in a variety of ways. I got the op-

the floor. The poor posture had manifested

the tension on the spine was considerably

portunity via an assignment by the Jammu

major negative ailments of the spinal cord,

reduced; and overall cleanliness and good

& Kashmir Handloom and Handicrafts Cor-

Tennis Elbow and poor eye sight, to name

lighting significantly improved the general

poration to develop products suited to

just a few. While these were among the

working conditions.

100 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

My team did tremendous ground work

ity via a speedy production. The craftsmen

improved, resulting in faster production

as far as the economics was concerned: we

were trained to address various aspects of

and better quality, which culminated in bet-

tried to comprehend the requirements of

their craft viz., proper placement of the de-

ter per-piece-earning for the craftsmen and

the market by diligently studying the exist-

sign stencil; fabric and colour combinations;

the retailer along with the middle chain.

ing markets, trends and forecasts. Tradition

quality of stitches; tension of the fabric; etc.

The craftsmen were happy. The traders, too,

was studied. Meetings with the Kashmir

The significance of basic manufacturing is-

were happy as they got better production

Chamber of Commerce were arranged in

sues like ensuring cleaner work areas and

that increased their profits. A fresh range

order to address their needs.

the importance of better quality were also

was developed for the tourist markets. It

Designs were developed in accordance

explained to them. Finishing and manufac-

was a win-win situation for all.

with the aforesaid findings. But we wanted

turing of the prototypes were given special

By sharing this experience, I want to

to ensure the perpetuation of traditions.

attention. Special packaging was developed.

emphasize the need for our generation to

Out of respect for this issue, I created a

Enhanced marketing efforts were com-

bring about innovation and its own styl-

contemporary collection of products with

menced. A thorough documentation was

ization to evolve signatory designs, having

a traditional twist, addressing the needs of

done, so that even when I left, these condi-

impressions of India’s present era. Conse-

contemporary India and the saleability of

tions and designs would continue to be per-

quently, as in the past, India may evolve

the products, both nationally and interna-

petuated.

with a choice of the adoption of influenc-

tionally. The price range varied so that dif-

After all the new learning they went

es of other cultures and may make these

ferent ways of making price adjustments

through, it was indeed a joy to see the pride

choices of her own. No doubt, the world-

were understood by the craftsmen; and de-

in the craftsmen’s eyes when they viewed

renowned skills that we have in abundance

sign and product diversification remained

their finished products.

have evolved over generations, and need to

addressed.

Looking back, I realize that the income

be preserved and protected; yet, these skill

The change experienced was phenom-

for the craftsmen increased by at least 3.25

sets need to be adapted to contemporary

enal to say the least! This labour of love cul-

times. The negative health impact of their

sensibilities in a way that the industry and

minated in as many as 40 new products with

profession was minimized. Their sensibili-

all the stakeholders are benefited, along

a focus on better designs and better qual-

ties changed. The speed of manufacturing

with our nation, in a sustained manner MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 101

Design aspect 102 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

Rediscover what truly makes FLIP the design symbol of the 21st century.

Words: Tanya Siqueira Images: Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego

BOTTOM’S

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 103

I

f Optimus Prime making a seamless

rapidly towards the end. After the bow

of the vessel remains submerged. If neces-

transformation

to

(the front of the vessel) has reached its

sary, the platform can remain in this verti-

from

truck

mechanical warrior in the American

vertical position, 55 feet – almost as tall as

cal position for extended periods of time.

sci-fi action film Transformers had you

a five-storey building – it rises above the

To return to its original horizontal position,

at the edge of your seat, hold on to your

water surface while the remaining 300 feet

air compressed into the platform’s eight

eyeballs... Try imagining a large ship that

stretches underwater into a stable water

ballast tanks pushes seawater out and FLIP

is sunk in the middle of the ocean – on

column. Captain William A Gaines (Retd.),

resurfaces.

purpose! This isn’t the figment of the

Marine Physical Laboratory, Scripps Insti-

What is also fascinating besides the

overactive; but a routine mission for the

tution of Oceanography says, “FLIP was

platform’s ability to remain perpendicular

most unusual marine research vessel in

designed to be virtually motionless in the

to the ocean floor is the interior of the ves-

the world. FLIP or The Floating Instrument

ocean. This is significantly different from

sel. Much like a submarine, the confines

Platform, modelled after the Louiseville

a conventional research ship that will roll

have been built to maximize space and

slugger (a baseball bat), was the result of

and pitch in almost any sea state. The de-

efficiency by swinging into a functional

the combined genius of Dr. Fred Fisher

sign ensures that FLIP moves less than 1/10

mode irrespective of what position FLIP

and Dr. Fred Spiess. Created in 1962,

of the wave height when in the vertical ori-

is in.

by The Marine Physical Laboratory of

entation.” This is perhaps because some of

Dining, sleeping and bathing spaces

Scripps Institution of Oceanography in

the strongest waves dissolve just beneath

compete for floor space with expensive

collaboration with the US Navy, FLIP has

the surface leaving FLIP virtually unaffect-

equipment and crew. Refrigerators, shelves

completed close to 300 expeditions over

ed. This unique design of the vessel – slim

and bunks are fitted on swivels and trun-

the past 50 years.

at one end, fat at the other – also helps to

dles – pivoted support systems – swing-

stabilize the vessel in choppy seas.

ing into operation at short notice. Once

Although it is loosely referred to as a ship, the vessel is actually a manned float

Gaines adds, “When FLIP is going from

flipped, a few fixed structures like doors,

and needs another ship to tow it out to

horizontal to vertical or vertical to horizon-

shower cubicles and sinks sometimes also

the designated research site, where it can

tal, the crew is positioned on the engine

make the 90 degree move. While most

operate either while drifting or anchored.

room deck, the lowest external deck, oper-

equipment works without any manual

Although it has no engines, the platform

ating the valves on the ballast tank. During

intervention, certain fixtures need some

has a small hydraulically-operated orienta-

the transition periods, all equipment in the

manual repositioning before use.

tion propeller that rotates the vessel on its

interior of FLIP is secured, turned off and

The most significant challenge for

vertical axis to achieve the flipping motion.

the doors leading to the external decks are

those aboard is the limited space. When

closed.”

FLIP goes to sea for a research cruise, it

Once at the designated spot, the cylindrical end equipped with ballast tanks is

Made from approximately 700 tons of

carries a crew of five and a science party

flooded with over 1,000 tons of sea water

Tri-Ten steel, this 355-foot vessel shaped

of 11, a total of 16 members on-board.

to begin the flipping process. The transi-

like a spoon operates both horizontally

They share four small bunk rooms and

tion is completed in less than 30 minutes;

and vertically with equal ease. After the

two bathrooms known on-board as

beginning slowly and proceeding more

flipping process is complete, close to 3/4th

heads. “There is only one usable shower

104 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

when FLIP is in the horizontal and one

ing to a certain set of safety measures can

usable shower when in the vertical. Six-

be trying. However, since 1996, an aggres-

teen persons sharing one shower can be

sive inspection and preventative main-

challenging. Even so, after a very brief

tenance programme has been put into

period at sea, all aboard become ac-

place, including an annual inspection and

customed to the constrained quarters

refurbishment of the two ballast tanks.

and learn to work and live in harmony,” says Gaines.

Awe-inspiring ingenuity aside, the vessel is used principally for acoustics research.

Functioning as a micro-community

However, this does not limit its application,

in the middle of the ocean is helpful as

and the platform has helped scientists to

the crew can stay out at sea for anywhere

gather extremely precise measurements

between a week to a month without re-

for a number of projects. Studying things

plenishing supplies. Generating enough

like how storm waves are formed, depths

power for all the equipment on-board

to which whales dive and how heat is ex-

then becomes essential to the success of

changed between the ocean and the at-

the operation. Acting as the lifeline to the

mosphere are all part of the plan for FLIP.

entire operation are FLIP’s two 150 kilowatt

During the course of its research activities,

generators, with an additional 40 kilowatt

the vessel has spanned both the Atlantic

backup generator, responsible for power-

and Pacific Oceans and till date, remains a

ing all the equipment on-board. As FLIP is

versatile platform for oceanography, me-

a one-of-its-kind research vessel, conform-

teorology, geophysics and biology

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 105

10 106 06 DES DESIGN IGN GN MATRIX GN MA M ATRI T X • MAR-APR TR TRI M AR MA MAR-A R--A R-A APR PR 2011 20 201 011 1

T C U D O R P

H C N LAU The Charcoal Sussane Roshan Project by 14,000 sq. ft., this h two levels spread over s The Charcoal Project. Wit mis to d from all over ible ate oss cur imp has ost It’s alm ’s vision and dream. She han Ros ne san ns, Sus is re sof t furnishings, installatio impeccable interiors sto re, table linen, crockery, wa ner din nch s, Fre orie ess from g acc gin the world, home pieces. With furniture ran tion photo-art and accent Khosla and Andrew ep nde i-Sa artefacts, and limited edi Jan u Ab by ed ic, exclusive lines design antique to modern eclect re.

Martin make it to this sto Contact: 022 61936198 m ww w.thechardalproject.co

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 107

Kitchens from

Metrika upturn your y promise to completely the retail market and the into ed s combine nch ign bra des has a a’s trik trik Me details’ philosophy, Me the in is d ‘go the of ers kitchen of your dreams. kitchen experience. Believ at quality to bring you the gre and ity nal ctio styled fun te stock a range of Europeanbeautiful design, comple Mumbai and Pune, they in g ds. nin nee ope r es you tiqu all to bou er With flagship kitchens that will cat ww w.metrika.in Experience real quality wit h the new ultra slim LED range from Akai. With fea like natural Light Techno tures logy and a dynamic bac k light, brushed steel or finish, dynamic skin correc high gloss tion and motion compen sation, you’re left wantin Both models have Video g nothing.

USB, which enables you to have a brilliant cinem ence even without a DV atic experiD player. The range also allows you to pack in spo and games with an amazin rts, movies g backlit picture, amplifi ed and enhanced surrou nd sound, and the convenience of sleep timer and picture free ze. ww w.akai.com

LED from

Akai

Black & White faucets

from

Grohe Equipped with the patent ed Grohe SilkMove techno logy, these beautiful faucets give precise con trol over water flow and temperature and provid user with an enhanced erg e the onomic experience. Exu ding modernist appeal, sensual Velvet Black and the pure Moon White finishes on this collection of faucet bring with them the opp s ortunity to create bathro oms that are sophistica and truly individual. ted ww w.grohe.com

The standards for incredible design have just been upped. Eco Corners new range of kitsch clutches use vibrant colours, intriguing creatives, quirky and un-conventional cuts and styles. The collection is perfect for someone who wants to break away from the mould and step into the exciting world of pop culture and bollywood thrills. The Item Girls appliquéd on the clutches stand will create a bold style statement.

Contact: 022 24813450

Clutches from

Eco Corner

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 109

Dinner Plates from

Play Clan

asions are ner par ties and special occ out the good china for din e interior hom y zan n’s Cla y The days when you hauled Pla ing new and fresh. eth som for e com has ite bone e wh long gone and the tim dinner plates in stark ered. Their new range of ord tor doc erience the exp at an is wh t products are jus off tableware like this s inked onto them. Eating tion st have. stra mu illu ne ical ryo eve com e china, hav ww w.theplayclan.com

Running Shoes from

Reebok

Everything about Reebok ’s ZigTech technology is designed to conser ve and athlete for a sof t and spr return energy to the ingy ride. The one-of-a-k ind ZigTech bot tom unit fea weight foam that is engine tures innovative, lightered into a dramatic, geo metric, zig-zag shape.The from a heel strike and sen sole absorbs the impact ds a wave of energy along the length of the shoe pro pelling the athlete for ward with each step.

The bot tom unit is both light and flexible. ww w.reebok.com

110 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

Duriafiend

gets FSC certi

n certified Durian Industries has bee rnationinte the h wit nce for complia wardship ally-recognized Forest Ste ong the am are Council (FSC). They n this wo e hav to ia ver y few in Ind ion icat ded ir the for ion cat certifi bei and ng towards the environment ir entire The y. a responsible compan wood, ply , tes ina lam line of products, office and e hom as ll we as veneers dly rien furniture use environment-f e abl valu our ve materials and preser wood resources. ww w.durian.in

Siemens has introduced a minigard 4 in 1 appliance protector to make sure that all those electrical gadgets around your house and office aren’t affected by sudden power surges. The device has been designed keeping in mind not only functionality, but also with the aim of adding an aesthetic touch to the area where it will be installed. The protector is a combination of a miniature circuit breaker and a DELTA vega socket. It can support several appliances including air-conditioners, microwaves, geysers, refrigerators and water-coolers.

Contact: globalcomponents.in@siemens.com

Appliance protector by

Siemens

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 111

Crystal from

House of Raro

nt to insure stal so brilliant, you’ll wa a collection of bar ware cry is worth tion lec col new House of Raro brings you this lector or a great host, col a ’re you er es, eth Wh nes et. l show off your fi t win every glit tering fac tion by David Redman, wil lec col re in wa ce bar pie l sta ent cry tem consideration. The from a stunning sta their advantage. Choose to mgin cha t and gan isky ele wh to er tch pp brandy, sco h a clear crystal sto rling silver and finished wit pagne flutes in opal white. amethyst mounted in ste ww w.houseofraro.com

Jewellery from

Orra

in Orra, Established Jewellery cha ism is bol sym at wh clearly knows like cial spe s say g thin No all about. love ed ign des tely uisi exq , their new ose the Belbands. Whether you cho polished hly hig in gian diamonds set of metal rls swi the or en, platinum she h tiny sprays cur ved to form a ring wit love bands se of crystals on them, the are a must have. ww w.orra.co.in

112 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

etc.

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 113

Happenings

A3

FOUNDATION ULTRATECH PAINTS AWARDS The A3 Foundation Ultratech Paints Awards and Conference on “Contemporary in Sustainable Architecture” in Chandigarh.

114 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

F

and noted veteran architect who had

Foundation promotes sustainable ar-

designing

Sharma,

with the ‘Indian Architecture and Builder’

chitecture and with the combine association

presented

addresses.

magazine, Suparna Rajguru was awarded

and efforts of professionals, students, educa-

in his address, Dr. Yeang suggested that bio-

the “Best Architectural Journalism Award”.

tional institutions and other professional bod-

integration, restoration of ecosystem, and

Commendation certificates for sustainable

ies, it has floated an organization devoted to

integration with infrastructure were essential

design concepts were also given away to

the promotion of art and architecture.

components for sustainable architecture. Ar.

six students – Mohit Vij, Anuj Vijay, Rhythm

As a silver jubilee event, they organized

Sharma averred that national sustainability

Kataria, Harsimran, Gayatri and Vikas Pawar.

the A3 Foundation Ultratech Paints Awards

was devoid of technology and sustainable

Poetry and photography awards were

and Conference on “Contemporary in

and green architecture were complimentary

given to Pallavi Vohra, Harjot Singh, Rishi and

Sustainable Architecture” at Government

to each others. Ar. Vinod Gupta from Delhi

Anchal, Ishaan Pradhan and Sunaina Nargis.

Museum & Art Gallery in Chandigarh. Ms.

said that sustainable development calls

Chairman’s Choice award for photography

Geeta Bhukkal, Education Minister Haryana

for environmental, economical and social

was conferred upon Purneesh Dev Nikhanj.

was Chief Guest and Ms. Meenaxi Anand

sustainability which is for all people for all

Chaudhry, State Information Commissioner,

times. Other noted speakers included the

The objective of the conference was to

Govt of Haryana was the Guest of Honour. Ms.

legendary architect Charanjit Shah, who has

implement and use sustainable resources

Bhukkal honoured the architects and lauded

been former Chairman of Indian Institute of

to

the contribution of

A3 Foundation in

Architects and South Asian Association of

architectural designs to minimize impact

promoting the profession and congratulated

Architects, Ar. Ashok Kumar from Lucknow. Ar

on environment, explained celebrated local

Ultratech Paints for supporting the endeavour.

K.R. Jaisim, Ar Revathi Kamath, Ar Ranjodh, Ar

architect and Chairman of A3 Foundation, Dr.

Ms. Choudhry, asked the young architects to

Gagan Garg and Ar R.K Kakkar.

Sangeet Sharma. The event was a vision of Mr

ounded in 2004 by Ar Sangeet Sharma,

K.S. Anantha Krishna from Bangalore. The

an architect based in Chandigarh, A3

been engaged with Le Corbusier in

freelance journalist who earlier also worked

the

city,

the

Ar.

keynote

S.D.

create

environmentally-conscious

realize the importance of depleting resources

“SD Sharma Best Sustainable Design

Rohit Asthana, President Ultratech Paints Pvt

on earth and innovate to find environment-

Award” was conferred upon Anuj Vijay Kale

Ltd., the pioneers of introducing Green Paints

friendly solutions for future needs. The guests

from Nasik and “Best Innovative Concept

in India. CMD of Ultratech Paints Ms. Sandhya

also visited the exhibition put up by A3

Design Award” was won by Madhur Goyal

Asthana also graced the event. The event was

foundation.

from

Architecture

attended by students from 12 architectural

The father of sustainable bioclimatic

Teacher Award” was conferred on Architect

institutes and eminent people from the

buildings from Malaysia, Dr. Ken Yeang,

Sarbjot Singh Behl from Amritsar and Dr.

architectural fraternity

Gwalior.

The

“Best

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 115

1

116 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 117

Happenings

JALAR AM VENEERS & FLOORS Architects & interior designers discuss exquisite flooring options over wine & cheese at Jalaram Veeners & Floors showroom in Andheri, Mumbai, with bruschettas from Svenska Design Hotels.

118 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-APR 2011

T

he Jalaram Veneers & Floors show-

Deluxe Collection, the highest category of

room in Andheri, Mumbai, hosted a

5-star deluxe hotels, Svenska is a part of a

wine & cheese evening in associa-

network of nearly 500 properties across 300

tion with Svenska Design Hotels. The idea

destinations and 70 countries worldwide.

was to introduce the exquisite flooring

While enjoying the pampering by both

brands Finfloor, Faus and Travette to select

the Jalaram and Svenska staff, the guests

architects and designers from Mumbai over

were introduced to the various options of

some delectable bruschettas, cheese and

flooring available in India from the parent

marinated olives courtesy Svenska along

companies through JVAF, their sole distribu-

with some exotic white and red wines.

tors in India. The evening was attended by

Svenska Design Hotels are a collection

leading professionals from the city, Khoz-

of modern boutique 5-star hotels based on

ema Chitalwala, Kalhan & Santha Mattoo,

Swedish design philosophy and contempo-

Neilesh & Bhavya Kenkare, Parag Pandya,

rary European styling with clean lines and

Rajiv Kasat, Rupesh Baid, Kanchan Fagwani,

minimalist interiors. Their trend-setting con-

to name a few. In close attendance were

cepts and chic design elements combined

Suman Shah, Karan Jhunjhunwala, Pooja

with signature service and personalized hos-

Goswami-Kulkarni, Ashok Goswami and

pitality create memorable experiences for

Manohar Jhunjhunwala along with Babita

the guests. Member of the WORLDHOTELS

Krishnan, Editor-in-Chief, Design Matrix MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 119

Happenings

RESONANCE 2011

Resonance, the first-ever all-India competition for design students in two categories -- Cuboid (interior design) & Silhouette (architecture) by LS Raheja School of Architecture, saw a thumping response.

120 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-APR 2011

T

he final of Resonance was held on

At the all-India level, the jury decided to

4th February in the auditorium of L.

give a special commendation in Silhouette

S. Raheja School of Architecture. Mr.

to Sahil Sudon, an interior design student

T. Khareghat and Mr. N. Chandra were the

from INIFT Chandigarh for the effort. In

guests of honour while Mr. Prafulla Karkha-

Cuboid only one winner was announced –

nis, President IIA was a special guest.

Rahul Thakker & Nitant Hirlekar from Rachna

The evening had Mujib Ahmed and

Sansad, Mumbai.

Lalita Thadani of Collaborative Architecture

The winners from L. S. Raheja School

do a presentation on the way cuboids

of Architecture in both the competition

and iconic structures can be used. This

were: Silhouette – Akshay Kore & Rucha

enabled the students to understand

Kamat (Winners), Meenakshi Jessani & Ishita

the way the briefs would be handled by

Mordani (2nd prize); Cuboid – Meenakshi

practicing architects. Attending the event

Jessani & Ishita Mordani (Winners), Narahari

were members of the jury, architects

banvalikar & Tejasvini Nalavade (2nd Prize),

Aravind Sathaye and Seema Puri Mullan.

Gargi Karve & Ruchita Chandsarkar (3rd Prize).

were

The evening ended with Mr. Khareghat

architects Chandrashekhar Kanetkar and

interacting with the students and a vote of

Dhruti Vaidya, who were jurors for both

thanks by Mr. Khano;kar, Principal in charge

closed and open jury.

of L.S. Raheja

Conspicuous

by

their

absence

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 121

Book Binding

AN ORGANIC

ODYSSEY

Anupam Chakraborty’s Nirupama Academy of Handmade Paper uses organic materials to publish all of their books.

Words: Varun Godinho; Images: Courtesy Nirupama Academy

122 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

I

treat paper as a form of expression and

Chakraborty went to the Glasgow

Chakraborty employs, and enjoys. These

an entity in itself rather than a medium

School of Art in 2000, where he learnt the art

include: the coded multi-section technique,

to print written text on,” says Anupam

of using organic materials for bookbinding

the Japanese stab-binding method and the

Chakraborty, publisher, designer, artist

as part of the Charles Wallace Art Trust

accordion style as well.

and content developer – all rolled into

scholarship. On his return to India, he

Nevertheless, the process of making

one. Talking about his discovery of the

identified an ignorance of this specialized

these customized books is tedious and

organic medium of making paper and the

technique, but also realized the potential

expensive. Chakraborty’s first book was of

art of book-binding, Chakraborty opines

of propagating it in a country rich in natural

water-marked images of some photographs

resources. In 2004, he established the

that he clicked at Glasgow depicting the

Nirupama Academy of Handmade Paper

weather cycles during his stay. One of his

not only to produce paper from organic

favourites also includes Ratul Visits Our

materials, but also to publish books and

Photo Studio, an 8-page book chronicling

hold workshops where he could teach

his son’s visit to his printing studio. His latest

others the nuances of his trade.

project is a book titled Eyes Or Fingers, with

Chakraborty and his team have

raised printing to assist the blind through

identified and applied several organic

the Braille imprint. “It is mostly the art

resources to the art of book-binding.

houses and art house libraries abroad that

Of these, he considers cotton fibres and

are collectors for such books,” he explains.

pulp as the most superior. Cotton fibres

His books have found their way into the

make paper that is superior in durability

collections of the Chicago School of Art

and strength, as compared to wood pulp-

and the John Saltash Artists Book Collection

based paper; also, cotton paper is divest

as well as the Tate Modern collection in

of the acidic components that its wooden

London. Of the four books that Nirupama

counterparts often exhibit. Muga silk with

has published so far, each of these costs

its natural golden hue, obtained from a

between Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000 and there

silkworm called Antheraea assamensis

are usually below 25 copies published of

found only in Assam, is used as a covering

each edition.

fabric. The coarse copper-tinged tassar silk,

From March to August every year,

khadi and cotton fibres are also used to

Chakraborty conducts annual workshops

make book covers. Flour paste is a handy-

on organic techniques for bookbinding and

kitchen remedy that can be produced on a

papermaking. “Over the years, a number of

that organic bookbinding is an art form

large scale, too, to be used as an adhesive.

people from Pune, Bengaluru and Mumbai

that aims for more than mere aesthetics.

Vegetable dyes, especially from soya, are

have attended these workshops. Some of

It aims at design sensibilities just as

used as a printing ink. Apart from the choice

them are even planning to start a similar

much as it does at paving the way for a

of material for paper and binding, there are

publishing house within their respective

greener future.

several techniques of bookbinding that

cities,” smiles Chakraborty

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 123

Cascade Brewery www.cascadebreweryco.com.au

124 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

Website review

The new website follows on the footsteps of the campaign Reviewed by Sharanya S.

L

movement of the stamps without flash is a fact that only adds a

did the labels on the beer bottles; they made new print ads,

Arguably, it’s the customization that makes the Cascade

new television commercials and even changed the name of one

Brewery website interesting and interactive. But all of this is backed

of their classic brews. While the campaign was interesting in itself,

by its cool colour scheme and layout. The website has an old-school

repositioning Cascade as a brand that brews by ‘feel’, it was their

feel. The stamps are brightly coloured and laid out on a background

newly designed website that grabbed the eyeballs.

of brown wood and each page opens like parchment, or on muted-

ast year, Droga5 launched a new campaign for Cascade Brewery that they had acquired at the end of 2009. They re-

brilliant technical aspect to its already expert idea and layout.

Cascade Brewery is a legend in Australia and very often forms

hued backgrounds.

part of a tourist spot for the country. And rightly so, the area is

Click on a product and the page will give you an introduction

bubbling with history. The brewery was founded in 1824 and is

on the beer, its taste, ranking and also what kind of food you should

situated in the picturesque location of the hills of South Hobart

match it with. When you’re done reading, you can pick another

and Mount Wellington. It boasts of the famous Woodstock gardens

beer from the mini bottles that line the end of the page. Move your

and museums. Cascade brewery still produces its own malt for beer

mouse over one and it will quickly jump aside and unfurl a name

from locally grown barley.

plate. Again, to remind you - the page uses no flash.

Giving a new spin to a legacy this rich, is no easy task, but Droga5

Another cool thing you can find on this website is ‘The Brewer’s

has managed it beautifully. The new website follows on the footsteps

Nose’. It is an iPhone application created for beer lovers. You can use

of the campaign and lets you brew your own website by feel: On the

it to scan the barcode of any beer and instantly get a description

homepage, you are greeted by furtive looking dials and buttons. And

of the beer, meal suggestions, and a video explanation about that

under that, a collage of stamps, that link to various pages like the

particular beer style.

history of the Cascade, their various products and more…

The app enables you to upload tasting notes on Facebook as

The dials read products, brewing, homebrew and brewery and

well as geo-tagging the time and place you had the beer. You can

the three on/off buttons read stores and venues, history, and news

keep track of when you had which beer on an interactive map. A

and events. You have the freedom to fiddle with and choose what

‘Find a Cascade’ tool is included in the app, helping drinkers to track

you want to see on your website and the stamps will appear or

down pubs and shops nearby that sell Cascade varieties. Rewards

disappear accordingly.

and prizes to users of the app are also in the offing.

For example, if you only want to see all their products, you dial

There are also fascinating details on the site like the brewers

down everything else and switch off all the other buttons. Viola!

calculator that will let you determine alcohol content of your home-

Only your chosen product stamps will stay behind. Same goes

brewed beer and the illustrated brewing process is charming.

for reading tips and information on brewing your beer or reading

The website works as it successfully manages to execute a

up on news and events. While this may seem amazing, it is even

good idea, while combining a simple and attractive layout with a

more intriguing to know that this site functions without the use of

complementary colour scheme. Oh, and you can actually use what

flash. While there are no flashing pictures and texts, managing the

you read MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 125

Book review

Celebrating Collaborative Design

126 DESIGN MATRIX â&#x20AC;˘ MAR-APR 2011

PENGUIN 75 Designers, Authors, Commentary (the good, the bad…)

Publisher: White Flag, Rs 2,995 Editor & Introduction: Paul Buckley; Foreword: Chris Ware; Book Design: Christopher Brand Published by Penguin Group, paperback Penguin original; Pp 254; Price Rs 499/Reviewed by Udit Chaudhuri

A

book design must draw the reader’s attention amidst a huge stack of choices and trigger an initial curiosity – often before he gets the chance to read its review.

Here lies the challenge: from spine, cover, font, layout… to the choice of paper.

Celebrating 75 years of the Penguin Group’s legendary success Penguin 75 is a collection of 75 top stories in book design.

In his foreword, the eminent graphic novelist Chris Ware dwells on the fine line that design must tread to preserve a narrative. This means a dust-up – “collaborative design” to gentlemen. While the author has strong views on depicting his story, if at all; the artist provides his unique rendition of book and brief; the Art Director worries about style, standards and reputation of the publishing house; and the Marketing pitches on what look will sell. Finally, the embattled publisher plays match referee. Million-copy sales, author loyalties extending to 50 years and thereon have hallmarked all Penguin publications that once included Pelican and Puffin.

Penguin Books entered the paperbacks business in 1935 with emphasis on elegant design, quality and low price. Its huge success, selling a million copies over 100 titles by 1936, showed up a large audience for serious writing. While Penguin Classics carry the work of immortal writers, other titles on politics, the arts and science went on to fuel public thought across the English-reading world. Generations of students grew up on reading lists dominated by Penguin.

Paul Buckley, the creative head of Penguin Books holds the narrative of Penguin 75 via an entertaining and insightful selection, peppered with comments. Cover styles range from tattoo-like graphics to pure geometry: Caricatures on Little Women; Fashion treatment to Wuthering Heights; Comic-strips on Lady Chatterley’s Lover; Chinese-style ink-n-brush and wood-cut-like graphics… Simply amazing!

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 127

Interior Fit-Out

stairways and glass flooring, textile floor cov-

passions. In addition to instructors teach-

The Interior Fit-Out Exhibition will be held

erings, tools and maintenance, trade associa-

ing participants how to advance your skills

for professionals from architectural prac-

tions, vinyl, wood floors, parquet floors and

and send your imagination soaring, the

tices, department stores, interior design

laminates.

exposition will deal with the manufacture

companies, manufacturers, suppliers, own-

and sale of products for craft, needlework,

ers, proprietors and partners in commercial

Date: April 5th-8th

and art activities such as decoupage, quilt-

properties, retailers, wholesalers, distributors,

Venue: Crocus Expo International Exhibi-

ing, teddy bear and doll making, tapestry,

agents and other related professionals as

tion Center, Moscow, Russia

papercraft, sewing, cross stitch, stencil-

well as the general public. Everything from

ling, stamping, weaving, embroidery, spin-

blinds, carpets, rugs, cushions, decorative

Doors & Locks

accessories, fabrics, flooring, furniture, glass

Doors & Locks is for professionals related to

courses involving craft, art or needlework,

and ceramics, lighting, mirrors, pictures and

the field of windows and doors manufac-

craft kits, magazines or books, you must

prints, table and bed linen, tiles, wall cover-

turing, ventilation equipment, door panels,

have a presence at The Needlework, Craft

ings and more will be on display. The exhi-

materials, construction mounting tools and

& Quilt Fair – the exhibition for companies

bition will showcase companies involved in

equipment etc. While the exhibition is rela-

targeting people interested in crafts and

the manufacture, supply and installation of

tively new, the exhibitors are well-known

textiles.

interior fit-out and refurbishment solutions.

names. Exhibits will include automatic

The event will be held along with Retail-

doors, aluminum windows & doors, ventila-

Date: Mar 17th-19th

London.

tion equipment, revolving doors, gates, door

Venue: The Lakeland Center, Lakeland,

closer & panels, internal partitions, wooden

U.S.A

ning, painting, and knitting, training and

Date: April 5th –7th

windows and doors, interior doors, metal,

Venue: Business Design Centre, London,

fire-guard & armored doors, windows and

United Kingdom

doors manufacturing materials, glass packet

International Furniture & Craft Fair Indonesia

manufacturing

glass-fibre-

IFFINA is the answer to today’s challenging

Flooring Moscow

equipment,

reinforced plastic windows and doors, pvc

market for furniture business and indus-

Flooring Moscow will provide exhibitors and

windows and doors, light-transparent con-

tries. It serves as a one-stop buying centre

visitors to learn of new trends, technologies

structions, shutters, windows and doors ac-

offering both quality and uniqueness. IF-

and development in the flooring industry.

cessories and extrusion equipment.

FINA will showcase wide selections of fur-

Seminars and workshops will be conducted

niture and craft products, household and

offering a chance to enhance your knowl-

Date: April 5th-8th

accessories. The fair aims to reach Interna-

edge. The exhibitors profile includes main-

Venue: Crocus Expo International Exhibi-

tional potential buyers directly and gather

tenance/cleaning and laying techniques,

tion Center, Moscow, Russia

a rich source of new sales leads - both

carpets, ceiling and wall partitions, ceramic,

from new and existing customers. The

cork, linoleum, design and other services,

Original Sewing & Quilt Expo

fibres and yarns, flexible floor coverings,

The Original Sewing & Quilt Expo returns just

the living room, dining room, bedroom,

industrial flooring, rubber, slate and stone,

in time to energize and inspire your sewing

family room, office furniture, garden fur-

128 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

profile for exhibits includes furniture for

niture, kitchen furniture, bathroom, lighting

ing, research, electronics, computer, health,

brings together manufacturers, suppli-

and accessories, curtains and textiles.

cosmetics, design, architecture, engineer-

ers, traders and contractors working in

ing, construction, consumer goods, insur-

the wood industry. From timber process-

Date: Mar 11th-14th

ance, automotive, aeronautics and others

ing, molding, beading, finishing & fittings,

Venue: Jakarta International Expo, Ja-

will be showcased. This exhibition will be

wood & timber flooring, wooden crafts &

karta, Indonesia

held along with Retail London and Interior

art to fastening systems, sanding & polish-

Fit-Out

ing machines, sawing machines, splinding

The Great Bridal Expo

& turning machines, surface treatments &

The Great Bridal Expo is the ultimate desti-

Date: April 5th-7th

finishing tools and spraying equipment will

nation for all things bridal, offering the latest

Venue: Business Design Centre, London,

be showcased. Countries from all over the

in bridal garment style. Professionals from

United Kingdom.

world like India, Pakistan, U.K., France, Ger-

the fields of bridal accessories, jewellery,

many, Spain, Italy, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Unit-

tiles, sound, light and entertainment, pho-

Irish Furniture & Home Accessories Fair

tography and video production, floral and

With over 4000 buyers and 100 Irish and

Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China,

stage design, wedding stationary, wedding

international suppliers, the Irish Furniture

Thailand, Japan and Taiwan will participate.

cakes, confectionary, catering services will

& Home Accessories Show is a must visit.

be present at the event in order to discuss

The fair is a window to Ireland’s furniture

Date: April 5th-7th

trends and showcase their work. The pro-

industry and is packed with new products,

Venue: Dubai Airport Expo, United Arab

file of exhibits includes intricately designed

ideas and offers. It will showcase a range of

Emirates

bridal gowns and accessories, henna, dress-

products from beds to upholstery, sofas to

es, evening wear, bridesmaids and groom’s

soft furnishings, giftw are to occasional fur-

wear and textiles and fabrics.

niture, lighting to floors. The exhibition will

Innovative Beads Expo Seekonk

work as a meeting point for wholesalers,

The Innovative Beads Expo – Seekonk is a

Date: Apr 2nd

manufacturers and importers from various

one of a kind event that will showcase vari-

Venue: Los Angeles Sheraton Gateway,

sectors.

ous types of beads. Diamond, pearl, plati-

beauty and hair services and products, tex-

ed States, Switzerland, Holland, Portugal, Greece, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand,

num, gold, silver, antique jewelery, pearls,

U.S.A

Visual Merchandising & Display Show The Visual Merchandising and Display show is the trade fair that brings everything under one room. Products and accessories

gemstones - ruby, sapphire, opal, emerald,

Date: April 3rd-6th Venue:

RDS

Simmonscourt,

Dublin,

Ireland

Dubai International Wood & Wood Product Show

related to the world of telecommunication,

crystal and other elements will be available.

The visitor’s profile will include Jewellery designers and manufacturers, gemologists and watch or clock designers.

Date: April 2nd – 3rd

multimedia, integrator, instrumentation,

The Dubai International Wood and Wood

Venue: Johnson & Wales Inn, Seekonk,

audio-visual equipment, education, train-

Product Show is an exclusive event that

USA MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 129

GLOSSARY Inside Front Cover: Ventura Matlam

Pg. 22: Room for Every Room

Premium Metallic Laminates Ventura International Pvt. Ltd. 1/52, W.H.S. Kirti Nagar, New Delhi – 110015.

Tel: 45536715/56 Email: mktg@venturaindia.com www.venturaindia.com

Roomstyle Global Pvt. Ltd. A/106, Parijat C.H.S.L. L.T.Rd., Behind HSBC Bank, Borivli (West), Mumbai - 400 092 w roomforeveryroom.com

Pg. 1: Durian Home Furniture.

401, The Chambers, Western Express Highway, Vile Parle (E) Mumbai 400057 Tel : (022) 26269000 Email: info@durian.in www.durian.in

Pg. 3 : The Art Lounge Hodiwala Bhatehena & Co. 3, J. Tata Road, HP Petrol Pump, Near Ritz Hotel, Churchgate, Mumbai 400020 Tel: 22878787 Email: theartlounge@live.com

Pg 4: Jalaram Agar Bazar S. K. Bole Road, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400028. Tel: (022) 24318444/555 9/b, k, Laxmi Ind. Estate, New Link Road, Versova, Andheri (W), Mumbai – 400053.

Tel : (022) 26327733 / 34

Pg. 6 & 7: Faus Laminated Flooring MRJ Marketing Pvt. Ltd. 201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Bldg., Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai – 400057.

Tel : (022) 26187132 / 26131442 Email: flooring@mrjgroup.in

Pg. 10 & 11: Le Cdeor MRJ Marketing Pvt. Ltd. H No 8-2-293/82/A/1261, Road No. 36, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, AP 500033 Tel: (040) 2355 0868 Email: lecdeor.hyd@mrjgroup.in

Pg. 12 & 13: Travette Engineered Hardwood Flooring MRJ Marketing Pvt. Ltd. 201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Bldg., Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai – 400057.

Tel : (022) 26187132 / 26131442 Email: flooring@mrjgroup.in

Pg. 23: Uniply Elementz Decorative Veneers Uniply Industrirs Ltd, #52, Harleys Road, Kilpauk, Chennai – 600010.

Tel : 044 – 26605995.

Pg. 37: Le Cdeor MRJ Marketing Pvt. Ltd. H No 8-2-293/82/A/1261, Road No. 36, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, AP 500033 Tel: (040) 2355 0868 Email: lecdeor.hyd@mrjgroup.in

Pg. 46: Heritage Decorative Laminates Deco Mica Pvt. Ltd. 306, 3rd Floor, Iscon Mall, Star Bazaar Bldg., Jodhpur Cross Road, Ahmedabad - 380 015

Pg. 68 & 69: FINfloor Laminated Flooring MRJ Marketing Pvt. Ltd. 201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Bldg., Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai – 400057.

Tel : (022) 26187132 / 26131442 Email: flooring@mrjgroup.in

Pg. 70: RMR Marmo RMR Marmo (P) Ltd. D – 11, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi – 110027 Ph : +91 11 45131300 Karan Kinger : (M) 9311055003

Pg. 71: Durian Office Furniture.

401, The Chambers, Western Express Highway, Vile Parle (E) Mumbai 400057 Tel : (022) 26269000 Email: info@durian.in www.durian.in

Pg. 47: Le Sutra

Pg. 77: Uniply Platinum ATS Plywood

14, Union Park, Khar (W), Mumbai – 400052.

Tel : 91 22 32511447, 26492995/7 www.lesutra.in

Uniply Industrirs Ltd, #52, Harleys Road, Kilpauk, Chennai – 600010.

Tel : 044 – 26605995.

Pg 48 & 49: Bright Outdoor Media Pvt. Ltd.

Pg. 82: Rudra Day Spa and Salon

8th floor, Crescent Tower, Near Maurya House, Opp. VIP Plaza, New Link Road, Andheri (W), Mumbai 400053 Tel: (022) 67140000 Email: brightoutdoor@gmail.com www.brightoutdoor.com

Pg. 50: Leonardo Arts Pvt. Ltd. B/18 A, Ghatkopar Industrial Estate, LBS Marg, Behind R – City, Ghatkopar (W), Mumbai – 400086.

Tel : 67969078 / 79

Pg. 51: Durian Doors.

401, The Chambers, Western Express Highway, Vile Parle (E) Mumbai 400057 Tel : (022) 26269000 Email: info@durian.in www.durian.in

Kemps Boulevard, 1-3-5 Kwality House, Kemps Corner, Mumbai – 400036.

Tel : +91 22 23872530 / 2531 / 2363.

Pg. 83: Laminate Gallery 1 / 2, Hari Darshan, Opp. Shree Sagar Hotel, L. T. Road, Borivali (W), Mumbai – 400092 Tel : (022) 28922119 / 28918802.

Inside Back Cover: Durian Veneers 401, The Chambers, Western Express Highway, Vile Parle (E) Mumbai 400057 Tel : (022) 26269000 Email: info@durian.in www.durian.in

Back Cover: Ultratech Paints & Textures

Pg. 59: Stellar 8-2-293/k/308, Main Road, Kamalapuri Colony, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad 500073 Tel: (040) 66380007/66480007 Email: stellar@ptdstellar.com www.ptdstellar.com

F 213A/1, Lado Sarai, Old M. B. Road, New Delhi – 110030 Tel: (011) 46061549/50 Email: info@ultratechpaints.com www.ultratechpaints.com

FORM IV Statement of ownership and other particulars about magazine entitled – Design Matrix to be published in the first issue every year after the last day of February.

1. Place of publication: MRJ Creations Pvt. Ltd., 201, Shyam Kamal 'C' Building, Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai - 400057 2. Periodicity of its publication: Bi-Monthly 3. Printer’s Name: Mr. Karan Jhunjhunwala, Nationality: Indian, Address: MRJ Creations Pvt. Ltd., 201, Shyam Kamal 'C' Building, Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai - 400057 4. Publisher’s Name: Mr. Karan Jhunjhunwala, Nationality: Indian, Address: MRJ Creations Pvt. Ltd., 201, Shyam Kamal 'C' Building, Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai - 400057 5. Editor-in-Chief’s Name: Ms. Babita Krishnan, Nationality: Indian, Address: MRJ Creations Pvt. Ltd., 201, Shyam Kamal 'C' Building, Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai - 400057 6. Names and addresses of individuals who own the newspaper and partners or shareholders holding more than one per cent of the total capital. a) Karan Jhunjhunwala, MRJ Creations Pvt. Ltd. 201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Building, Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai - 400057 b) Manohar Jhunjhunwala, MRJ Creations Pvt. Ltd. 201, Shyam Kamal ‘C’ Building, Agarwal Market, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai - 400057 I, Karan Jhunjhunwala – Publisher (Design Matrix), hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date: 1st March, 2011 Sd/Mr. Karan Jhunjhunwala Publisher

130 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011

MAR-APR 2011 • DESIGN MATRIX 131

132 DESIGN MATRIX • MAR-APR 2011