The Inside Track December 2018

THE

Volume 12. Issue 12. December 2018 Rs. 25/-

INSIDE TRACK CONNECTING THE DESIGN COMMUNITY Now view our web edition at www.theinsidetrack.in

Cover Story

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rt Nouveau is an international style of art, architecture and applied art that peaked and developed in Belgium in the 1890’s and was prevalent up to World War One. Art Nouveau embraces a wide range of fine and decorative arts, including painting, graphic art, architecture, interior design, jewellery, furniture, textiles, ceramics, glass art and metal work.

Art Nouveau is an endearing style that broke away from all traditions and classism; something different from what people were used to. Aptly named Art Nouveau, it was a very ‘new’ introduction to the world. The conventional floor plan with specific space arrangements was abandoned and homes were built to suit the occupant’s needs.

Br u s s e l s b e c a m e a f e r t i l e breeding ground for Art Nouveau with many homes and even shops being built in the style. Victor Horta, Paul Hanker and Henry van de Velde are the most well-known architects of Art Nouveau.

Forgotten Heroes A fitting tribute to a forgotten art-style; Art Nouveau, showcased at a photography exhibition that displays landmark buildings of that era. BY NEERJA KAPADIA

Overflow on the first floor in the Solvay House ( 1894-1898)

Victor Horta used this style extensively throughout his professional career. In a short span of time he grew into the architect for new affluent classes. The wealthy industrial class was mainly settled in Belgium’s capital Brussels and they had a desire for luxury.

Art Nouveau became the new-fangled style and Horta became the architect that catered to this demand. Between 1893 and 1914 he designed numerous houses, departmental stores, a public house and also a kindergarten.

Horta liked to create open spaces and let light enter to make structures seem more spacious. To do that, he cleverly adopted the use of industrial architecture, iron constructions and metal structures in his methods.

Renowned Belgian Art Nouveau architect, Victor Horta (1861-1947)

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

THE

INSIDE TRACK

CONTENTS

december 2018

COVER STORY Forgotten Heroes 1 Friction Free 6 UN/Breakable 8

Dining room in the Solvay House (1894-1898)

An Icy Affair 10

continued from page 1 Huge glass windows provided insights to the richly decorated interiors that bathed in natural light. In addition to architecture, Horta also partook in interior design and furniture design.

A prominent style called ‘biomorphic whiplash line’, a stylized curved motif is a dominant feature and characterises every interior element from forging over the furniture to wall decorations.

With the use of whiplash, the interiors exude a sense of colour harmony. This style was e x t e n s i ve ly u s e d throu ghou t his buildings, furniture and décor pieces.

One more unique feature of his style was the prominence given to staircases. Instead of shunning them to a corner like most houses did, he made them the central focal point. continued on page 4

Client Turns Designer 12 Blurred Boundaries 13 Tribal Vibes 14 Heat & Plumb 16 Stress Free 18 The Latest On Recent Launches And Products 20 Excuse My French! 23 A Tale Of Tilts 24

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Published at B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green Road, Mumbai 400 033 Tel (022) 23736133/1, 23743069 Editor Mr. Anish R. Bajaj THE INSIDE TRACK Volume 12. Issue 12. December 2018. English - Monthly.

This issue contains 24 pages including both covers.

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

continued from page 2 Often infused into the theme and right in the midst of the living room, the grand staircases were always beautifully ornate and organic; Art Nouveau style!

The First World War One signified the end of Art Nouveau which had laid the foundation for the ne w emerging style, Art Deco and subsequently modern architecture.

On the occasion of the European Year of Cultural Heritage and the Belgian Year of Victor Horta, an exhibition and conference had been arranged on ‘Art Nouveau in Belgium’ at the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Mumbai. The custodian, this time, was Brusselsbased aesthete and jewellery designer Nupur Tron.

Staircase ramp in the entrance hall in Frison House. (1894-1895)

Staircase in the Tassel house (1893-1896), a house that Horta designed for engineer Emile Tassel

Born to parents of Rajasthani and Kolkata descent, Nupur has spent most of her life abroad.

Belgian Consulate General, Mr. Peter Huyghebaert was contacted

by Nupur, who purchased one of Horta’s houses herself about 1.5 years ago. He believes that there was a strong connection between the Art Nouveau style and Rajasthani palaces. He made the connection to India because of this and decided to aid in the organisation of this exhibition.

View from the drawing room upon the staircase and the dining room in the Studio House of Victor Horta (1898-1901)

Held on 27th November, 2018, the people who have been integral in the successful execution of this exhibition are; Prof. Dr. Werner Adriaensses - Curator of collections , 20th century art and history museum, Brussels, Prof. & Architect Barbara Van Der Wee - specialist in Horta Heritage Conservation and Ms. Nupur Tron - Curator and Founder of Foundation Frison Horta.

Winter garden in the Frison House (1894-1895)

All the exhibited pictures were taken a hundred years ago and have never been used or displayed before now. A German photographer clicked these photos right after World War One. He was part of an organisation that comprised of a group of photographers that were tasked to preserve heritage art.

They made an inventory of art and buildings back then.

The Studio Residence that Victor Horta built for himself (1898-1901)

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

Some of the famous photos displayed were; Solvay House (18941898), a wealthy industrialist’s not so humble abode which was made by employing an iron and stone façade with elaborate iron interiors.

The Tassel House (1893-1896), a house designed by Victor for engineer Emile Tassel. The Tassel house was extremely famous and designed with a semi open-plan floor layout for a house of the time, and incorporated interior iron structure with curvilinear botanical forms.

The Solvay House (1894-1898)

The Frison house was a home, originally built by Victor Horta for his friend, Maurice Frison in 1894 and then re-emerged as Maison Frison Victor Horta, the museum that ‘bridges the cultures between the East and West’.

The Van Eetveldehuis House (1895-1899) was built for the Secretary State of the Independent Congo who was at the service of King Leopold 2. This was a plush house that was used to entertain receptions and grand dinners.

As they say at some point, an architect has to have his own ‘business card’ and the Studio House was just that for Victor. Some beautiful photos of the Studio house were displayed in which one can see Victor’s studio connected to his home. Having gone through multiple renovations over the years, the exhibit lets you wander back to what it was and what it became after its several restorations.

Bringing back bitter sweet memories of a lost art form; a style that made way for Art Deco and today’s modern architecture; a luxury eliminated due to the postwar austerity truly brings back the marquee of Victor’s buildings and beauty of this style; learn-worthy for today’s contemporary architects.

Contact web: www.india.diplomatie.belgium.be

Dome in stained glass at the Van Eetveldehius (1895-1899)

L’Innovation was a departmental store located in Rue Neuve of Brussels. In it, Horta pushed the skeletal and tensile metal structure to the limits of its capabilities, exposing it to the elements with the simple infill of glass panels on the facade.

The result is that the entire facade functioned as one massive shop window, allowing everyone outside to see in, and vice versa. Tragically, it burned down in the 60’s.

Front facade of the Tassel House

The Frison House was made for Victor Horta’s friend Maurice Frison

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

Spot Light

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he Stuttgart University’s ICD Aggregate Pavilion 2018 presents the latest results of ten years of research into designed granular materials for architecture. It consists of the first ever enclosed architectural space which lies only in loose frictional contact. Made from over twelve thousand recycled plastic stars that create a self-supporting structure bonded only by friction, the ICD Aggregate Pavilion is a one-of-a-kind structure standing three meters tall and seven meters long. Building on the 2015 pavilion that was made of thirty thousand particles, the researchers and students have created an even larger and more complex structure with two interconnecting vaults forming a fully enclosed space inside.

Demonstrating the inanimate nature and large masses of granular substance, their construction potential has been emulated to its fullest.

Friction Free A structure that demonstrates how

designed granular materials open up a new perspective for a design paradigm of productive forms. BY NEERJA KAPADIA

The Pavilion stands three meters tall and seven meters long

It is made from over twelve thousand recycled plastic stars that create a self-supporting structure bonded only by friction

To construct the pavilion, 725 inflatable yellow spheres were used as formwork

Injection moulded recycled plastic was used to form the twelve thousand hexapods and dekapods which were then poured like concrete to rapidly interlock and form load bearing shapes.

To construct the pavilion, 725 inflatable yellow spheres were used as formwork onto which the spiked particles were poured and after the form was created, the balloons were deflated and removed. The resulted rectilinear form has a cave-like interior with a triangular archway that can accommodate several visitors.

With the white spines sticking out at angles, from a distance the pavilion appears to rest like a square but fluffy white cloud.

T h e G e r m a n Un i v e r s i t y’s industrial storage space was converted into a storage space to construct this pavilion and was cast in situ. The boxes used to store the particles were emptied and stacked up to create the boundaries for the construction process.

A custom-built, cable-driven parallel robot was fixed to the walls and beams of the space. The robot moved along the cables and deposited the particles to the exact point selected by the modelling system and deposited them.

The robot is controlled by an interface that uses a parametric modelling environment and the design and construction process uses an image-segregation algorithm to check the structure’s geometric accuracy. Because no external bonding materials or process is required, the pavilion can be dismantled and the pieces are used to create entirely different configurations.

Previously, drones and robots were used to weave a carbon fibre pavilion in a method similar to the way that moth larvae weave silk webs. In 2016 robots were deployed to stitch together a laminated plywood pavilion structured like a sea urchin.

Contact web: www.icd.uni-stuttgart.de

The resulted rectilinear form has a cave-like interior with a triangular archway that can accommodate several visitors

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

Interview

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rimarily an auction house, Christie’s, whose reputation precedes itself, sources, values, sells, and buys exclusive art pieces from all over the world and provides them to the collectors and connoisseurs of art.

UN/Breakable

Leonie Mir has successfully organized UN/Breakable, the first-of-its-kind ceramics auction at Christie’s in London.

Leonie Mir - Senior Specialist and Director at the post-war and contemporary department Christie’s London

Leonie Mir, senior specialist and director at the post-war and contemporary department gets up and personal with The Inside Track about her latest ceramics auction at Christie’s London; Give us a little background about you and your affiliation with Christie’s?

After having graduated from photography school in Munich, I started my career as a photographer, first living in Madrid and later in Portugal and New York. I returned to Munich, where I became involved with helping young artists and then eventually joined Thaddaeus Ropac’s gallery in Paris in 1998, where I became a Sales Director.

Tall Bowl by Alev Ebuzziya Siesbye

Unbreakable was held at Christie’s London on 2nd October 2018

I moved on to Phillips de Pury in 2005, where I set up their Paris offices as a Senior Specialist. I then joined Christie’s in December 2011. I specialize in international Contemporary Art, with a strong passion for Post-War Art, and have worked closely with artists including Jack Pierson, Alex Katz, Anselm Kiefer and Georg Baselitz.

I am currently working with a number of international collectors to build museum collections.

Finding perfect works for clients, helping them give their collections direction and focus is what’s best about my job.

What is the story behind the organisation of UN/Breakable for Christie’s this fall?

UN/Breakable was inspired mainly from the 50’s, a very traumatizing time for people due to the World War 2. We started off with two pieces from the late 19th century.

During the 50’s, people found it therapeutic to work with clay. It was cheap, humble, modest and had soul.

What is beautiful about pottery is that anyone can do it and if one is creative, the transition from natural to modern becomes simple. A groundbreaking time for the creation of art, the 50’s evoked intensity in the art created then. I also have a love for Greek antiquities and Indian calligraphy in addition to ceramics.

If art is meaningful and soulful, no matter in what form, it will have a place in my heart. Ranging from artists from the 18 th century to young artists of today, the auction catered to a distinctive group of collectors.

There seems to be hype towards ceramics at the moment. How do you perceive/intercept this?

Ceramics are back and thank God for that! Someone once said, “Clay fills the gap between earth and space”. Truer words haven’t been spoken. Clay has soul, it has personality and the most beautiful part about is that anyone can do it.

Vessel by Dame Lucie Rie Vessel

Vase Porte Bouquet Atahualpa by Paul Gauguin

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

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Which were some of the thirtyfour auctioned pieces that were an audience favourite?

Ever y piece, sourced and handpicked by me over the three years it has taken me to make this dream come true, are special to my heart. From already famous to newer rising talent, every piece was spectacular.

With pure genius that traces back 140 years of ceramic art, some of the pieces on auction were; Crocifisso by Lucio Fontana, The Red-black slipped gold kairagi shino egg by Takuro Kuwata, Metal force by Linda Benglis, Ceramic sketch by Thomas Schütte, Portrait de Jaqueline and Grand vase aux

Golden Ghosts by Grayson Perry

I Gessetti by Fausto Melotti

In a world where machine made art is on an all-time rise, ceramics bring about that human touch that most collectors and connoisseurs appreciate.

Can you name an emerging artist/s to watch out for in the near future in the ceramic art segment?

They are all so talented that it is extremely hard to pick one but there is a Japanese artist, Shio Kosaka, who makes ceramic pots and vases. Her husband is a painter who’s images she uses on the surface of her crafts. An artist power couple, their work showcases innate beauty and refinement.

Grand Vase aux Femmes Voilees by Pablo Picasso

Ceramic Sketch by Thomas Schutte

femmes voiles by Pablo Picasso, Golden ghosts by Grayson Perry, Hourglass vessel by Hans Coper, Vase porte-bouquet “Atahualpa”

by Paul Gauguin, Deux Figures

by Fernand Léger, Bowl by Lane Lucie Rie, Corinne by Junior Schnabel, Colourfield by Edmund De Wal, Moon Slippers by Nermin Kura, Two Tile Panels by Bernard Leach, Ohne Titel by Martin Kippenberger and Vaso Pavone by Fausto Melotti.

Moon Slippers by Nermin Kura

Lastly, how did UN/Breakable do in its sale?

We sold thirty four out of the thirty seven pieces displayed and made around four million dollars. In today’s economy, that is a major success.

A ninety-two percent success rate is high for any auction let alone a first-of-its kind ceramics one in today’s economy.

Contact web: www.christies.com

Red Black Slipped gold Kairagi Shino Egg by Takuro Kuwata

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

Spot Light

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very so often, we witness outof-the-box architecture and the brains behind such structures that render us speechless. The sheer ideologies and thought processes that evoke such unequalled and unique constructions are mind-boggling.

One such firm that is a mĂŠlange of art and architecture is Studio Other Spaces. Established by artist Olafur Eliasson and architect Sebastian Behman, SOS has been imperative in breaking the stereotypical architectural structures.

One such structure that has grown out of this collaboration of art and architecture is The Illulissat Icefjord Park which is a centre that inhabits the landscape in the form of a park.

The diverse programme of the park is scattered throughout the terrain, anchored in two distinctive buildings; the Sun Cone which houses the visitor centre and the Ice Void which contains the exhibition space.

Both are connected by a 360-degree outdoor path called the Circle Walk. SOS has created a unique design strategy wherein the ice is the formwork of a concrete structure and the focal point of the resulting space.

For the park, naturally calved icebergs are harvested directly from the nearby fjord to create the Ice Void exhibition building, which harbours the memory of the ice that was used to shape it within its walls. The park craftily uses the melting of ice to shape the space.

How clever is that?!

Along with the Ice Void and linked to it by the Circle Walk, the Sun Cone building defines the Illulisat Icefjord Park.

An Icy Affair Illulissat Icejford Park is a centre that inhabits

the landscape in the form of a park. BY NEERJA KAPADIA

The park makes this experience comprehensible by offering visitors a scale for contemplating what they have seen

The glass structure of the Sun Cone positions the visitor centre directly in the landscape and offers the visitors a spectacular panoramic view

The glass structure of the Sun Cone positions the visitor centre directly in the landscape and offers the visitors a spectacular panoramic view of the surroundings. The tremendous scale of the fjord is visible from the Sun Cone while made graspable by the program of the park.

A visit to fjord is an encounter with an immense natural phenomenon that changes one’s perspective on the relationships between humanity, climate and nature. The park only makes this experience comprehensible by offering visitors a scale for contemplating what they have seen.

Contact web: www.studiootherspaces.net

Along with the Ice Void and linked to it by the Circle Walk, the Sun Cone building defines the Illulisat Icefjord Park

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

Interview

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ith the vision of simplifying ever growing complications of the interior design world, Mr. Yash Kela, Founder at Arrivae, gets into a tête-à-tête with The Inside Track about his ideas that can develop this profession furthermore to stay in plumb with current times.

Mr. Yash Kela - Founder, Arrivae

Give us a synopsis about your company.

Arrivae helps customers execute interior designs conceptualised by them through a wide network of Interior design partners and vendor partners.

Launched in December 2017, Arrivae was initiated to solve the problems of its stakeholders, customers, designers and manufacturers through offline and online space design solutions.

Right from providing a favourable financial plan to designing the space and executing it through its project management team, Arrivae curates India’s best design talent to help customers express better, design better and live better with a product range that includes home interiors, office interiors, modular kitchens and wardrobes.

Client Turns Designer

A new concept which allows the client to conceptualise as well as execute their own interior design requirements.

Arrivae curates India’s best design talent to help customers express better, design better and live better with a product range that includes home interiors, office interiors, modular kitchens

What prompted you to initiate this concept? How does this work?

We spearhead each and every aspect of the business roadmap and align it with the company’s overall vision. From taking charge of the design and furnishing, financing, consultations to technology, productions, logistics, partnerships and acquisitions, I am personally involved in ever y key aspect of Arrivae.

Driven by the ambitin to bring exponential value creation across industries, I have now established Arrivae with a vision to empower people through designs that can make lives easier and better as well as democratize designs by making them accessible and affordable to all.

The visualisation tools are backed by a real-world assortment of core materials, finishes and shades to deliver spaces designed by customers and executed by Arrivae

Why must one opt for Arrivae?

We at Arrivae differentiate our brand through our EMI-based home interior solutions and easy payments for residential, lease and design build options for commercial segments. Customers including both home buyers and office owners can leverage our services for visualizing various interior elements on their respective floor plates of homes, checking the price points and quality of products because of direct brand involvement.

Arrivae helps customers execute interior designs conceptualised by them through a wide network of Interior design partners

How do you plan to stay ahead of the current market competition?

Considering the present market

trend of smart kitchens and smart appliances, we are extending smart solutions to curate not only technology but the best accessories from German manufacturers, best products from interior material manufacturers and specialised talent for installing the same.

Arrivae’s platform called ‘Delta’ will enable the customers to design and visualise their kitchen through kitchen specialists in two minutes. The visualisation tools are backed by a real-world assortment of core materials, finishes, and shades to deliver spaces designed b y c u s t o m e r s a n d e xe c u t e d

by Arrivae.

Contact email: atul@arrivae.com web: www.arrivae.com

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

Photo credits: Patricia Parinejad

The interplay between open and semi-open spaces orchestrate most of the built form’s visual focus over the panoramic views surrounding the site

The clubhouse is conceived in multiple levels according to the contours on the site and to capture the view around. Care has been taken to cut a minimum number of trees and insert the building into the natural fabric. It comprises of an arrival area, the roof of which is inspired by flowers in a forest.

For this canopy, using flowers as an analogy the form is conceived to rise up from three distinct points to form a large overhang.

This entire structure is made out of metal and draped with a coating

Photo credits: Patricia Parinejad

The clubhouse has multiple levels according to the contours on site

Blurring boundaries between the inside and outside, Java Rain Resort becomes one with nature. BY NEERJA KAPADIA Photo credits: Patricia Parinejad

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he scenic forty acre coffee estate in Chikamagalur at the foothills of Mullahangiri Hills overlooking the gorgeous valley lies the Java Rain Resort. With a mesmerizing natural backdrop for each built form, the development comprises of a clubhouse, single villas, twin villas, a spa, a restaurant and a tree house in addition to other ancillary facilities.

Cadence Architects’ biggest challenge in this project was to insert built forms into the existing landscape and softening the edge seamlessly like a graft. The landscape is treated as a visual and tactile element. The surfaces of the buildings are rendered with earthy and rustic materials to accentuate their contemporary forms. Local materials available on site are extensively used to not only help the architecture blend with the context, but also make the project sustainable.

Blurred Boundaries

Cadence Architects’ biggest challenge in this project was to insert built forms into the existing landscape and softening the edge seamlessly like a graft

of Ferro-concrete to give a smooth sensual feel.

The underbelly of this canopy houses the waiting area and the reception offers beautifully framed views. A grand helical staircase takes one to the lower level into the restaurant, which peers into the valley. Just below this level, is the infinity pool which thrusts itself amidst the trees.

The villas have a butterfly roof and are extensively glazed to capture the views. Each one has a large infinity deck.

While the rooms enable a strong visual connection with landscape, the decks enable a strong tactile connection with landscape. The roof becomes a critical element as the large exaggerated overhangs make it theatrical.

An elevated café, aptly named the ‘tree house’ is perched on the edge of the property over a rocky outcrop enabling picturesque views. The spa, shaped organically has massage rooms that open into private courts.

Contact web: www.cadencearchitects.com Photo credits: Patricia Parinejad

Spot Light

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The villas rooms enable a strong visual connection with landscape the decks enable a strong tactile connection with landscape

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

Spot Light

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esigned by Studio for Habitat Futures (SHiFt), the Bamboo Research and Training Centre is located in Chandrapur, a tribal area in Maharashtra. Conceived as one of India’s largest training centre, the entire structure is built in locally available bamboo. Clients (TATA TRUSTS & Forest Department, Government of Maharashtra) recognized the importance of creating livelihoods with indigenous technologies and therefore worked out the project for this Centre at Chichpalli.

SHiFt is a group of building technologists oriented towards design for the future. Not a future that is extrapolated from the past with high consumption and high waste but a future that is sufficient, regenerative, and efficient. They are known for their innovative approaches to architecture and project management.

They add to the value that their work creates through energy-efficient architecture, eco-friendly design, and people’s participation in planning, as required. For over thirty years they have been working with passive and low energy architecture, hybrid air-conditioning, autonomous energy and water systems, earth construction, community-based design of common property, and computer-aided design.

Their teams comprise mainly of architects, engineers, and project managers with varying backgrounds. This multidisciplinary mix helps them remain innovative and efficient at the same time. Keeping their ethos in mind, along with the client’s requirement, they have constructed this monumental structure.

Hostel Block

Tribal Vibes A gargantuan educational campus which is

slated to be Asia’s largest training centre built in locally available bamboo. BY NEERJA KAPADIA

Academic Bird’s Eye View

The centre which is expected to be completed by 2019 shall provide such training at a minimal investment and sequester about 8400 Tons of carbon

The tribal people here depend upon non-timber forest produce for livelihoods. This is best provided by training and research into converting indigenous and abundant bamboo into useful products. It was fitting that such a training centre be designed and built in local structural bamboo, which the design team has done.

The centre which is expected to be completed by 2019 shall provide such training at a minimal investment and sequester about 8400 Tons of carbon.

The project creates an opportunity for disenfranchised tribal communities of central India, an area with a bamboo-based culture going back to ancient times, to transfer their skills

Academic Courtyard at theEmployment Centre

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

from traditional slash-and-burn agriculture and harvesting nontimber forest produce to crafts and manufacture.

It is important that this work is being proposed by using a local material like bamboo and skills that can be retrained from traditional ones to come up to date in modern workshop-like settings. Indigenous people need to work with technology that they can identify with and own.

India needs to create new opportunities for high quality job creation with economic growth while working within global environmental limits. The idea that this can only be accomplished with creation of sustainable livelihoods is not new but the provincial government is finally putting this idea into practice by promoting a training and research centre that will produce about 1,000 alumni annually trained in bamboo structures, furniture, small products, crafts, and related technologies.

It would be a missed opportunity to house such a centre in a concrete and brick building which is the mainstream in construction today.

They add to the value that their work creates through energy-efficient architecture and eco-friendly design

Conceived as one of India’s largest training centre, the entire structure is built in locally available bamboo

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The campus is designed using materials that are low in embodied energy and easily available on site.

Excavated soil was used extensively to create rammed earth walls while Bamboo has been used as the primary structural element for columns, roof, and beams. Identifying appropriate species, engineering of joints and treatment were some of the key aspects of the design that were mastered through research, trials and exploration.

Contact web: www.shift.org.in

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

Interview

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s. Anna Viegener Chief Strategy Officer and Viega Shareholder gets conversational with The Inside Track about Viega, leading producers of plumbing and heating.

Heat & Plumb

Renowned producers of plumbing and heating installation technologies, Viega is creating new innovations for consumers every day.

Ms. Anna Viegener - Chief Strategy Officer and Viega Shareholder

Please tell us a little bit about Viega.

Viega, a family owned international manufacturer of plumbing and HVAC solutions has been active in India since 2005. Viega sells PEX for radiant heating and plumbing s y s t e m s a l o n g w i t h c o p p e r, stainless steel and metal alloy pipes along with mechanical pressure fitting products.

The company has invested 20 million euros for the logistics centre, research & development depar tments and a customer experience centre. Our plan is to produce all the three product categories that we operate in India viz piping systems, drainage systems and flushing systems.

Viega Tilable inlay for drains

What are some of the new products that your company has made in the bathroom products segment?

We have launched our new product range named Viega Pexfit Pro piping system that gives flexibility to the planner for installing a pliable piping system. We have introduced the drainage system Viega Advantix triple inlet drain which was designed especially for the Indian market.

In flushing systems, we have recently launched Viega Concealed Cistern Smart.

It is one single cistern which has front/top actuation, left/right water inlets, and it can also be used for low height application as well. This product is loaded with benefits giving architects and planners design freedom.

How do you keep in tune with current trends?

Being satisfied with what has already been achieved has never been Viega’s way of doing things. Every day, our team of researchers and developers devote their energy and brainpower to the job of improving products and raising standards with new approaches.

Viega products have won over 100 international design awards. This in itself tells a story.

What are some of the measures you have taken towards eco-friendly solutions?

Being a global market leader in installation technology, we always strive for betterment. Our concealed cisterns have a dual flush with best in class performance for water conservation. In the field of drinking water installations, the use of smaller piping systems in combination with flow-enhancing components is extremely advantageous both in terms of hygiene and cost-effectiveness.

On the one hand, you can prevent an increased use of material, and on the other hand you are able to reduce the amount of water in the pipes.

In this way, we intend to become a driving force in terms of product and service quality in India.

What do we look forward to from Viega in the near future?

With rapidly growing economy, the Indian market offers enormous potential for us to grow. In line with our sales growth, we intend to expand our Indian employee base, add production lines, increase our market penetration and be one of the top plumbing brands in India. In fact, in the coming years, Viega is actively implementing a strategy to export the products to China and South East Asia making India as a major hub.

Contact email: Amar.Kirale@viega.in web: www.viega.in

What is the average Indian customer’s reaction towards Viega products?

Advantix bathroom drain for renovation

The company’s research and development centre is designed to focus on local product requirement therefore our product and design innovations are well appreciated by the Indian market.

Reddot design & IF Product product design winner Advantix Vario Shower Channel by Viega

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

Interview

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n the fast paced world of hectic routines, fitness regimes and medical issues, our sleep is the one natural thing that can determine our efficiency. We get into a conversation with Sabina Bhanpurwala of Foam Home, India’s leading mattress suppliers.

Stress Free

Foam Home aids our sleeping patterns with their award winning mattresses which are the need in today’s stress induced world.

Sabina Bhanpurawala CEO & Marketing Head Foam Home India

When was your company incepted and who founded it?

We have introduced many technologies to the Indian market such as the Gel technology, Memory foam and even our most popular cervical pillows

Foam Home (India) Pvt. Ltd is a forty year old family owned business started by my father Mr. Huseni Bhanpurawala. Over the past four decades it has emerged as a leading mattress manufacturer, retailer, franchiser and licensor for premium bedding and sleep products. It is also a recipient for a Global Patent on its Ergoshell range of mattresses.

Our latest launch the Ergoshell Mattresses has added another six models to our range and is capable of further customisation.

The unique factor about ErgoShell is its inner construction which is made of three parts, the mattress shell, support blocks and the comfort layer. Apart from this, we have introduced many technologies to the Indian market such as the Gel technology, Memory foam and even our most popular cervical pillows.

What are some of the new and popular innovations that your company has made in the recent past?

What are the challenges when providing your products to the Indian market?

Our range comprises of 15-20 types of distinct models made of various sophisticated materials.

The Home furnishings and Mattress market has seen substantial growth in the past few years.

Thanks to the Internet, consumers are a lot more conscious about their investments and make very educated purchases. The recent spread of awareness on the importance of sleep has given rise to small to mid-sized mattress firms, both, online as well as offline. This has increased the percentage of organised sellers in this space.

Mattresses manufactured by Foam Home are capable of this correction or adaptation post a sale. It is very important to us that our clients are comfortable. After all, Goodnight is not just a wish, for us, it is a promise.

What are you marketing strategies to compete with other brands in the market at par with you?

Foam Home’s ErgoShell Mattress Technology

Also, I’d like to highlight is the cost of Logistics. Mattresses are a bulky product and expensive, we do not have affordable transport companies to handle the same. This restricts our markets geographically and forces us to run our own vehicles for the purpose of delivering.

Do you have an after sales service in place?

The range comprises of 15-20 types of distinct models made of various sophisticated materials

There are times when after a purchase, a customer realises that they would’ve preferred it a little firmer or softer.

We have carved a niche for us in the market which mainly comprises quality conscious and luxury-centric clients. Our major clientele comprises business tycoons, celebrities, politicians, doctors and business families. Moreover India is a huge market and I believe there is enough for everyone so rather than trying to beat competition, I prefer focusing my energy on how I can do and deliver better for my customers compared to yesterday.

Contact web: www.foamhome.in

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

Dash Square Launches Their New Living Room Ensemble

It Products Osim’s uLove Massage Chair Osim India introduces uLove chair, the most pampering and technology fulfilled massage chair. Equipped with three complementing elements to deliver an exceptional experience that tantalizes and satisfies all the senses, this majestic chair will take you to a substantial space in its own unique own way, massaging from mind to body, head-to-toe for deeper mental relaxation in just 15 minutes.

This beautiful chair has the most innovative massage technology that provides an intelligent and precise massage based on the human body contours. The uLove massage chair has an elegant, cozy and a comfortable seat. Osim uLove uses a V hand with 7 degree lower with a 3D massage and is in plumb with the connection of smart phones and Bluetooth appliances.

The roller rotates 360 degrees both vertically and horizontally to apply good pressure on every part of your body. It also has a unique butt and neck massage and feels firm but gentle at the same time.

A single click button feature can hide the foot and head massage from view and the chair appears as an addition to your furniture. This exotic massage chair comes in two different hues: handsome brown and dashing copper to suit your decors.

Contact www.osimindia.com

Sans Souci Launches New Statement Lights - Pomposity

Dash Square launches their new Living Room ensemble, Gypsum from their Urbanology collection.

The collection introduces a modern loft living and farm styled living for contemporary homes with an industrial flair giving a concrete touché and a distressed wood feel to the entire collection.

The “gray flannel suit” fabric is tailored to perfection to create the Gypsum sofa. The tweed-like upholstery, is a new experience.

The low-profile arms lend a distinctive appeal to the sofa with exposed feet in faux wood finish.

It comes with back pillows,throw pillows and lumbar pillows with feather inserts.

The Gypsum chair is a perfect accent piece with its bold paisley pattern giving the space an edgy look. Its low-back structure and sloped, recessed arms indicate fine craftsmanship. Its soothing hues allow it to beautifully blend with the rest of the palette. The Mallacar end table adds just the right bit of drama. Beautifully turned legs, solid wood planks and thick veneer merge to create an eye-catching style.With its vintage Moorish lattice pattern, the rug sets an interesting stage for an inviting space.The Saffi table lamp is a gorgeous.

Contact www.dashsquare.com

Kurlon Launches A New Range ‘Home Komfort’

Sans Souci, the Czech lighting giant combines creative designs with dexterity to transform homes with the dynamic beauty of glass and crystal. As the festival of lights nears, they are introducing more statement lights from their vast repertoire.

This Diwali bring home the enigmatic noir with touches of dazzling gold create a stunning visual in this chandelier. A conglomeration of hand-blown crystal, flat glass and glass trimmings, this design by JiríKrišica, has fleeting brass finish that is very charming.

By presenting the features of a timeless classic style in a contemporary manner, the

designer makes this design universally appealing. Using surprising new guises for classic designs and there by turning them into something unique is the forte of this designer, who believes that “Forming light out of glass is a symbol of eternity”.

And eternity is where his creation belongs.

San Souci’s unmatched expertise in manufacturing extraordinary light fixtures comes into play in this product as well, making it a must-posses article.

Be inspired to add a touch of enigma and class to your space this festive season.

Contact www.ss-gd.com

Crafted with stylish designs and colours, the Home Komfort sofa collection offers diverse variants to choose from in leather, other premium upholstery and fabric.

From ‘Palette’, a single seater sofa cum bed which offers the perfect combination of utility to ‘Armada’, a complete set of 3, 2 and 1 seaters, the range is comprehensive to meet vastly different tastes, homes and budgets. The product range has been crafted to perfection using high quality pinewood and ash wood for its strength and durability.

Foam and poly fibre seat fillers for maximum comfort and zigzag springs and pocket springs for flexible tensile strength have been used. In addition to this, whole wood structures have also been used for durable leg support.

Whether it is used as a conversation starter at family gatherings or just a place to unwind after a hard day’s work, as the name suggests, the Home Komfort sofas provide for all things comfort.

Contact www.homekomforts.com

THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

It Products Book Match Tiles by Orient Bell Limited

Orient Bell recently added Book Match Tiles to its product portfolio. These tiles have been launched pan India as part of Orient Bell Limited’s new product development in August 2018.

With a premium and classy Italian marble look, book match tiles take on the look of abstract art and create beautiful finished effects with stunning designs which are often used as floor tiles.

Book Match Tiles are categorized under Polished Glazed Vitrified Tiles which are scratch and stain resistant with a consistent design, pattern and structure. Available in two different sizes 600X1200 and 600X600, the Book Match Tiles provide the most unique way to showcase the natural beauty of marble and stone and can become statement pieces of art. Due to their multiple uniform patterns, these tiles also give the impression of a bigger and wider look to spaces. Additionally, with the long lasting quality of Italian marble, book match tiles offer limitless design options for creating stylish spaces.

Contact www.orientbell.com

Stonelam®Laminam Redefines Luxe & Finesse Stonelam Laminam, India’s foremost destination for versatile surfaces, introduces Bathroom Worktops & Floorings; a new concept in decorative surfaces with universal potential for the construction industry.

Stonelam®Laminam porcelain slabs are naturally hygienic, require little maintenance and are resistant to chemicals; these surfaces do not suffer wear and tear and their properties remain intact over the years. The colours remain unaltered and the material does not absorb humidity. These ceramic slabs are perfect for use in the most sensitive places where the utmost care needs to be taken with cleanliness. ®

Owing to their hygienic nature, they require very low maintenance are immutable upon contact with chemicals.

These slabs can be applied to cover both the walls and the floors creating an enveloping sense of spatial continuum with a strong visual impact, demonstrating the versatility of application of this product in even the most sensitive settings such as bathrooms, spas and bath-suites to emphasize the architectural feel of the restrooms.

The aesthetic virtues and the large size offer a major artistic advantage, guaranteeing material continuity throughout the settings, in sophisticated, natural shades.

Contact www.stonelam.in

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Meuble India Presents Their New Range Of Sofas And Chairs Meuble India presents their new range of exquisite sofas and chairs. Ranging from chic and vintage sofas for your living space to quirky chairs for your office, this range promises to meet your design cravings. This collection defines modern meets contemporary!

Their collection consists of Houndtooth chair; a contemporary chair handcrafted in India using a mortise and tenon joint made of solid wood for a lasting investment in style, the Origami sofa; Italy inspired origami sofa that incorporates geometric lines and a sleek cast iron base with legs capped in teak wood for an elegant look, a three-seater blue couch that is a space saving grace at 78” by 34” depth making it the cosiest for nooks and tighter spaces, a blue and tan bench; a modern style bench made in polyester faux leather creating comfortable design with rich navy blue and

tan leather upholstery, the velvet upholstery chair which as the name suggests, is made of plush velvet upholstery in addition to metal black powder coated legs with frame and a plump silhouette worth sinking into and lastly, the Verona sofa in Navy blue.

Contact: www.meubleindia.com

Ttk Prestige’s E Gas Hob Top Enables Hassle-Free Cooking

The evolution of the kitchen is often linked to the invention of the cooking range. TTK Prestige’s E gas hob top glass is India’s first electronically controlled convertible gas stove which allows the freedom to not keep track of cooking time.

The user merely has to program the gas stove to the time required to cook the dish and automatically the stove turns off at that specific time. This is a world class cooktop, which

comes equipped with a unique dual purpose design and can be used as a gas stove and a hob.

The E gas hob top glass has an advanced one touch auto ignition and digital display to make life easier and simpler.

The body and contemporary design will make this hob top the biggest attraction of your kitchen.

It is available for purchase at all Prestige smart kitchen outlets.

Contact www.ttkprestige.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

India’s Largest Living Biowall At Brigade Opus

It Products Earthly Creations’ Vintage Planters For Your New Year Earthly creations introduces some beautiful and mesmerizing ecofriendly Vintage Planters.

These Vintage Planters are a definition of sophistication and will enhance the look of the indoor as well as outdoor living space. These terracotta pots are so beautiful and eye catching that it is a perfect idea for gifts and giveaways. This is the best way to include nature around you while you welcome the New Year. Doing this you will also encourage the movement of saving our environment at a very

minimal cost.

Specially designed to give your New Year a green start, these vintage planters ornate any part of your home or office. You can place them at the entrance to generate a gentle inviting vibe, on your dining table or centre table as a centre piece or even just add to your bed of plants in the balcony. Perfect for self-use as well as gifting, these unique vintage planters are a win-win.

Contact www.earthlycreations.in

This bio-wall houses seven different species of plants.

The plants in the walls work as a natural air-filtration system that building occupants can enjoy. Living green walls are natural air-filters, creating a cleaner, more invigorating work environment that will lead to better overall employee health and production.

The Greenwall has all systems in place, including recycling, rainwater harvesting and ensures zero wastage of water.The water system is designed and engineered keeping in mind constant recycling, rainwater harvesting and no wastage of our most precious resource.

Brigade Group’s Greenwall at Brigade Opus is indeed one of a kind masterpiece of design, architecture and urban agriculture.

Contact www.brigadegroup.com

Brigade Group has created India’s largest living Biowall at Brigade Opus, a LEED Gold precertified Grade-A commercial office space in Hebbal, Bangalore.

The Biowall at Brigade Opus is measures 400 sq. meters which is currently India’s largest.

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Reimagining Wood

By Evowood

&

& No. of Issues

Launched in 2017 by Mr. Atul Marwah, a 4th generation woodpreneur, EvoWood is a wood engineering brand that provides versatile solution for manifold interior and structural applications in homes, offices, hotels etc. The brand aims to simplify woodworking and provide unprecedented solutions and applications to the industry. The name ‘EvoWood’ comes from the word ‘Evolving’(Evo) and the core product ‘Wood’, which is the essence of the company meaning ‘Woodworking Evolved’.

From trading in timber to processing it into finished products, EvoWood comes with a rich legacy of more than a century in the lumber and manufacturing

vertical. With an array of unique products and concepts, EvoWood combines experience with expertise to produce innovatively designed solid wood products that blend aesthetics with practical utility distinguishing it from the rest of the interior industry.

EvoWood offers products ranging from economical to premium, making them affordable and viable for all kinds of applications. The brand is the first ever entity that has introduced 3.5mm thick solid wood sheets in the world known as EvoLlae, which come in various species of solid wood making it versatile and easy to use.

Contact www.evowood.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

Spot Light

S

Excuse My French!

The theme for the January 2019 edition of Maison & Objet may be a humorous one, however the design fair always takes it distinctive sense of style very seriously!

Photo credits: Gaby Gerster

ince 1995, MAISON&OBJET has been the world’s foremost event for professionals of the lifestyle, interior design and design industries. Presented twice a year, the iconic fair highlights inspiration and shares insights into current and future trends. As a result, the event has become an effective catalyst for brand development and business growth.

For each session of MAISON&OBJET, the Parisbased forecasting agency NellyRodi analyses the latest consumer trends and sociological phenomena, and encapsulates them in a theme. The topic chosen for January 2019 may have a humorous note to it: “Excuse My French!” but, it looks very seriously at a re-emergence of France on the international scene.

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The topic chosen for January 2019 may have a humorous note to it: “Excuse My French!” but, it looks very seriously at a re-emergence of France on the international scene.

Maison & Objet will honour Sebastian Herkner as “Designer of the Year 2019” The German has created exceptional products and embarked on an ever-growing number of collaborations

“There’s a renewed curiosity about the French abroad, a sort of fascination at the moment, in a world where things are becoming standardized, people are looking for something different,” believes Vincent Grégoire of NellyRodiAnd. And where better to celebrate that than at MAISON&OBJET. Foreign visitors will be given the opportunity to discover new French brands and designers, while others will better understand how to take full advantage of the Made in France phenomenon.

MAISON&OBJET has always sought to honour designers whose originality and excellence impact their generation, this year the design event has chosen German designer Sebastian Herkner who

is on a astonishing career path of collaborations with the world’s leading design houses (with no less than 21 projects in the pipeline during 2018 for Moroso, Dedon, Thonet and Lintello to name but a few).

A regular at the fair - “I never miss a session”, he says, Sebastian Herkner will unveil some of his latest creations whilst simultaneously showcasing the manufacturing processes that have always been so close to his heart.

Maison & Objet will open its doors from 18th to the 22nd of January 2019 to design aficionados from the world over.

Contact Maison&Objet Raj Anand & Associates 4 6 / 2 , S i n d h i S o c i e t y, Chembur, Mumbai 400071 Email: raj@rajanandassociates.com web: www.maison-objet.com Tel: +91-22-25224081 Cell:+91-9833685256

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THE INSIDE TRACK December 2018

A Tale Of Tilts Balanced on just one pole, the inhabitable

The project, called ReActor, is a 42X8 foot rotating home that balances on a single 14-foot tall concrete column. A hinge connected to the column allows the entire piece to tilt and rotate around a central point as the weight of its inhabitants shifts. The balancing structure comprises of a wooden frame with floor-to-ceiling windows, with a look reminiscent of modernist houses.

Photo credits: Richard Barnes and Dora Somosi

Photo credits: Richard Barnes and Dora Somosi

A hinge connected to the column allows the piece to tilt around a central point

ReActor house inclines and spins around according to internal movements. BY NEERJA KAPADIA

The balancing structure comprises of a wooden frame with floor-to-ceiling windows, with a look reminiscent of modernist houses

Symmetrical living spaces occupied by each artist made up the plan.

Each half of the house includes basic cooking amenities and a shared central bathroom. The duo calls this art form “social relationship architecture”. Both participants lived in the sculpture for five days in full view of the public. As each participant went about their day while subtle changes in balance directly influenced the other.

They observed that the structure rotated in response to its occupants’ movements, exterior forces, and interior conditions, making visible the intimate relationship between architecture and its inhabitants.

The performance in the spinning and tilting house opened 27th July 2016 and ended five days later, on 31st July 2016.

Photo credits: Richard Barnes and Dora Somosi

A

rtists tend to get type-cast as eccentric or whacky by many who don’t understand the genius of unique creativity.

Somewhere along the rolling hills of upstate New York at the outdoor sculpture park, Art Omi, one such artist duo has managed to create a fully functional house with a special slant. Alex Schewder and Ward Shelly are this ‘whacky’ duo who have not only built this house but also lived in it.

The project, called ReActor, is a 42X8 foot rotating home that balances on a single 14-foot tall concrete column

Photo credits: Richard Barnes and Dora Somosi

Spot Light

They observed that the structure rotated in response to its occupants’ movements, exterior forces, and interior conditions

The Architecture Omi program is conceived to facilitate projects exploring the intersection of architecture, art and landscape. It provides artists and architects with the opportunity to build installations on its vast tracts of land. The site encompasses 300-acres of farmland, forests and wetlands.

Schweder and Shelley have collaborated since 2007, focusing on ‘performance architecture’, a practice of designing, building, and living in structures for the purpose of public observation and dialogue. Though the artists are currently presumably residing in more stable housing, the tilting house remained on view at Omi until August 2018.

Contact web: www.alexschweder.com www.wardshelley.com