DD29 LOW

September 2016 | Vol 3 | Issue 29 | `200

FEBRUARY 2015
the architecture magazine

PARALLEL PROGNOSIS

SKETCHES BY AR. SERGEI TCHOBAN

LIFE AMONG THE DETAILS

AR. HASMUKH C. PATEL

September 2016 | Design Detail 1

2 Design Detail | September 2016

editorial

T he idea of drawing by hand, sketching concepts to define form seems obsolete in contemporary
architectural practices. So it was a change to hear one of the speakers the other day at the IIID
Baroda Knowledge Series, acknowledge that he had made it mandatory for all young interns, to
draw by their hands during their first three weeks of joining his firm. For us in Design Detail, to
put a sketch on the cover is a first – but when you see the sketch by Russian and German architect,
Sergei Tchoban, we are sure that in our position, you would have also done the same. Nothing can
rival the imagination of a sketch.

And talking about sketches, Street Art is the new art! Where artists don’t have to fit their art into
architectural structures but where the structure itself is designed to serve as a canvas.

It is not possible to live and practice in Western India without acknowledging the role of Ar.
HasmukhC Patel, whose work is “woven into the views of Ahmedabad.”Simple, crisp, smart
and unpretentious, his work stands out instantly, amongst the mediocrity that is the bane of
architecture today.Simple materials, brick, concrete – were the hallmark of his craft.They are also
reflected in the work of his son Bimal and daughter Cenna.He is a no nonsense human being and

one of my heroes.

Two contrasting projects compete for your attention
– the tallest building in the world in Jeddah by Adrian
Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, 600 feet taller than the
BurjKhalifa (which we thought we could not make any
taller) and a tiny brick Orthodox Church in Kerala by my
friend Vinu Daniel with its exquisite geometry.The three
petal footprint of the tower and its sleek streamlined form
can be interpreted as a reference to the folded fronds of
young desert plant growth.This tower which disappears
into the clouds, houses offices, a 200 room Four Seasons
hotel, 121 service and 360 residential apartments – creating
a unique multifunctional space.

ArchitectMridul’s Gandhi Teerth sitting in the Jain hills
in Maharashtra projects the Gandhian philosophy of
simplicity in its use of materials. Symmetrically designed
along a central axis, this building clad in Jodhpur stone
brings an order to the otherwise chaotic site.This project has
been awarded the GRIHA-ADaRSH Award for low energy
application for its use of fly ash bricks, low VOC paints, recycled plastic sheets, LED lights and
cavity walls.

The idea of recycling buildings is taken to its limits, where the underground tunnels with its 150
year old brick arches below the railway lines out of Waterloo Station is now an art gallery; a music
centre which can accommodate 850 listeners; and a tunnel for skate boarding. It is a unique and
extraordinary reuse of what has remained a useless and ignored space.

The father and son duo of Kamal S Malik and Arjun Malik, house at Alibaug is confusing at first
sight. But when you get under the skin of this C-shaped structure, the spaces that unfold are
simple, and flow into each other and the vistas beyond. The landscape over the roof integrates the
complex contours of the land with this rather special residence.

One of the world’s most celebrated architects, Steven Holl has built an extraordinary ”Raffles
City” in China with a built-up area of over three million sq. ft., which include five towers
thataccommodate offices, service a apartments, cafes, hotel and most importantly a large
public plaza. This project connects directly with the public transport, is people friendly and the
Sliced Porosity Block is a key contributor to Chengdu’s open spaces. It also uses strategic energy
conservation practices which is unusual for such a large commercial project and is a LEED GOLD
project – a lesson that our overzealous developers must learn to acknowledge and practice.

We also have a lot to learn from the architecture and environmental sensibilities of the inhabitants
of Jaisalmer. In this city, the recognition that water bodies were not just aesthetic but perform
larger ecological functions manifested at Gadisar and BadaBagh. Cultural heritage is established
in response to non-negotiable environmental responsibility, which is long forgotten in our pursuit
to be modern.

In summation, we have a lot to learn from our heritage and culture and the architecture that was
manifest with their sensibilities. This is an appeal not to blindly follow the West but look inwards
to build a Smarter India of the future.

Architect KARAN GROVER
Chief Editor

September 2016 | Design Detail 3

OUR READERS RESPOND...

Temple in Stone and Light Inspirational Master

India has many temples which are I am a regular reader of the Design
centuries old. The art and architecture
of these temples attract architects and Detail magazine. The feature on one of
culture enthusiasts from the world over.
The article on the ‘Temple in Stone and independent India’s finest architects, the late
Light‘ that appeared in the August issue
of the Design Detail magazine throws Ar.HabibRahmanwasaninspirationalread.
light on India’s architectural past, and
how Space Matters drew inspiration He brought modern architectural trends to
from it to create a truly remarkable
temple structure that relates to India through his New Secretariat Building.
Northern Nagara temple architecture
style. I enjoyed the feature, and would It was remarkable to note that he stressed
like to thank you for publishing it.
upon environmentally suitable designs
Archana Todkar
Mumbai decades before it became a subject of the

Royal Green present. I am thankful to Design Detail for

In the modern era when sustainable publishing the feature.
architecture has gained greater importance,
it was a wonderful experience to read about Karan Singh
the magnificent PARKROYAL on Pickering,
designed by Singapore based Architecture New Delhi
of WOHA. The feature that appeared in the
August issue of the Design Detail magazine Exemplary Renovation
shows how the project is an exploration
into the intensification of greenery within The story that appeared in the previous
a densely built up high-rise city centre. I issue of the Design Detail magazine
am thankful for giving me the pleasure of under the ‘Redefined’ section portraying
reading the article. the renovation of the 135 year old haveli
was a brilliant read. Originally built in
Kavitha Ramaru 1880, the feature shows in detail how
Chennai the structure and its interiors were
transformed into a boutique hotel and
restaurant by Ar. Kapil Aggarwal. I would
like to forward my gratitude to Design
Detail for publishing such detailed stories
on renovation.

Jospeh George
Bangalore

Readers’ views and comments may be sent to:
Design Detail, Designer Publications, DPK Towers, R. Madhavan Nair Road, Ravipuram, Kochi-16, Kerala
or mailed to [email protected].
4 Design Detail | September 2016

September 2016 | Design Detail 5

Vol. 3. Issue 29. September 2016

EDITORIAL : Ar. Karan Grover CONTRIBUTORS DEVIKA HEMALATHA DEVI
Chief Editor : Ar. L. Gopakumar
Editor & Publisher : Dr Rema S. Kartha Devika Hemalatha Devi is an architect and
Group Editor : C. J. Punnathara urban planner, active in the field of heritage
Consulting Editor : Sudeep Moothamana and environmental planning for over a year
Sub Editor : Deep Das Gupta now. Her work acid-testing urban space is
Head of Design : Rahul Raj compounded by writings on cultural identity,
Designer : Soumya S. Warrier urban regeneration and urban policy. A soon-
Architecture Writer to-be published academic researcher, Devika is
an alumnus of the Centre for Environmental
STRATEGY : Sumitra Nair Planning & Technology (Ahmedabad) and
Magazine Strategist has completed her B. Arch from the College
of Engineering, Trivandrum.
MARKETING & ADVERTISING
HIMANI AHUJA
Group General Manager : R. Rajeev
Delhi based Architect by education and
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profession, she believes in enhancing the
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wants to contribute to elevate the stature of
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is somewhat hidden and unknown to many.
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Having written for various publication
Asst. Manager : A. J. Sebastian, R. Rajesh houses and newspapers of the country, she is
the winner of the A3 Foundation Journalism
CIRCULATION : C. K. K. Nair Award 2015-16. You can get connected
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Officer : Rakesh N. K.
Executive
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Copyright : All rights reserved by Design Detail. Any part of this publication may
be reproduced only with the written permission from the Editor.The Editors do
their best to verify the information published but do not take responsiblity for
the absolute accuracy of the information. All objections, disputes, differences,
claims & proceedings are subject to Ernakulam Jurisdiction.

6 Design Detail | September 2016

September 2016 | Design Detail 7

CONTENTS

10 NEO URBAN PERCEPTION 36 BLUEPRINT OF JUGAAD - A NEW WAY TO DESIGN
SocialOfflineatNehruPlacebyChromedDesignStudio
Giving more emphasis to people-friendly open spaces seamlessly integrates the uber chic vibe of an urban
rather than just towering up, Ar. Steven Holl proposes stadium with the authenticity of Old Delhi.
a modern alternate through the Sliced Porosity Block.
52 TUNNELLING THE TRACK
30 PARALLEL PROGNOSIS Ar. TimGreaterexredefinestheartofskateboarding
SketchesbyAr.SergeiTchobanexhibitedin“Bridges through House of Vans in London
& Spires: Reflections on Past and Future” held in
Bangalore.

22 LIFE AMONG THE DETAILS

Ar. Hasmukh C. Patel, the man who forged his own brand of
architecture; honest, elegant, contextual, climate-responsive and
timeless.

8 Design Detail | September 2016

62 EMBRACING THE ACCLIVITY 44 THE WATERS OF A DESERTTOWN
Hilltop residence in Alibaug by Malik 80 VERSIFIED IN STONE
Architecture taking full advantage of 90 CONQUERING VERTICAL LIMITS
the arresting views 98 INVOKING THE TIME-HONOURED ART
112 NOSTALGIA AND DOMESTICITY
111 ARCHITECTURE’S ARCHETYPES
A look at Simon Unwin’s book, ‘the ten Cover image
Courtesy:
‘ mostinfluentialbuildingsinhistory: Ar. Sergei
Architecture’s Archetypes’ followed by Tchoban
an interview of the man of incessant
architecture. September 2016 | Design Detail 9

“DESIGN DETAIL IS A COMMITTED FORUM THAT
INSPIRES DESIGNERS, ARCHITECTS AND STRATEGIC
PARTNERS TO NURTURE OUR HERITAGE AND
CULTURE TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE INDIA”

IN DETAIL

PeNrecoeUprbtiaonn

10 Design Detail | September 2016

©Shu He

©Shu He

SPREAD PAGE L Text : Ar. Nikitha K Paul
ocated at the heart of Chengdu, the
The Raffles City Raffles City encapsulates a number
consists of five towers of public plazas each with different
within a three million functions and a built up area of over
sq. ft. area three million square feet. The structure
consists of five towers that accommodate
ABOVE offices, serviced apartments, cafes,
restaurants, retail, a hotel and a large
The three plaza levels urban public plaza. The Sliced Porosity
at the Sliced Porosity Block is an important contributor to
Block featuring the network of open spaces in the city
water gardens. of Chengdu, by providing 11,000 sq.
m. multi-level plaza that is open to the
public. The Block connects directly with
Ren Min Nan Lu (the north-south artery
of the city) and neighbouring network of
streets and passageways.

September 2016 | Design Detail 11

T4 - APARTMENT T3 - HOTEL T2 - OFFICE

ABOVE Giving more emphasis to people-friendly are in fact the result of its design concept
open spaces rather than just towering which is based on distribution of natural
Elevation of the East up, the building becomes a part of the light.
side of the Sliced streets and transportation network of the
Porosity Block neighbourhood. The required minimum An effective tool for giving identity
sunlight exposures to the surrounding and place making has been used in the
BELOW urban fabric calls for precise geometric expansive central plaza by breaking it down
angles that slice the frame of the structure. into three valleys. Taking inspiration from
Open spaces of the Hollows that look haphazardly scooped out a poem by the city’s greatest poet, Du Fu
Raffles Citytowers
merge with the city ©Shu He
transport networks

12 Design Detail | September 2016

© Steven Holl Architects

ABOVE (713-770), who wrote, ‘from the northeast © Iwan Baan
storm-tossed to the southwest, time has left
Sliced Porosity Block is a key stranded in Three Valleys,’ these spaces are
contributor to the network of accentuated by level differences. The three
open spaces in Chengdu plaza levels feature water gardens based
on concepts of time — the Fountain of the
RIGHT Chinese Calendar Year, Fountain of Twelve
Months, and Fountain of Thirty Days.
The open spaces are people-
friendlybecoming a part of streets
and transportation networks

BRIDGE 23 LONG SECTION

September 2016 | Design Detail 13

BUS 99 TO CHENGDU ZOO

LINE 3 LINE 1
(IN PLANNING) (UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

BUS 16, 34, 303

TO NORTH LAKE

RENMIN BEILU

LINE 2A
(IN PLANNING)

LINE 2B BUS 27, 34 LINE 5 STEVEN HOLL
(IN PLANNING) (IN PLANNING)
JIN RIVER
BUS 19 AMUSEMENT PARK

DUFU QING YANG TIANFU PLAZA
ER TEMPLE

QING SHUI RIV PEOPLE’S
PARK

LINE 4 RENMIN NANLU
(IN PLANNING)

1ST RING ROAD

RAFFLES
CITY

2ND RING ROAD JIN BUS 27
EAST LAKE
TO AIRPORT

= SUBWAY BUS 16, 99, 303 BUS 19 Steven Holl was born in 1947 in Bremerton,
= BUS Washington. He graduated from the Univer-
sity of Washington and pursued architecture
A map of Northern Chengdu showing the bus and subway network connected to the Raffles City studies in Rome in 1970. In 1976, he joined
the Architectural Association in London and
Raffles City spotted on the satellite map of the Chengdu established STEVEN HOLL ARCHITECTS in
New York City. Considered one of America’s
most important architects,he is recognised for
his ability to blend space and light with great
contextual sensitivity and to utilise the unique
qualities of each project to create a concept-
driven design.
Steven Holl has been recognised with archi-
tecture’s most prestigious awards and prizes.
He has received the 2014 Praemium Impe-
riale International Arts Award for Architec-
ture, the 2012 AIA Gold Medal, the RIBA 2010
Jencks Award, and the first ever Arts Award of
the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge
Award (2009). Mr. Holl is a tenured Professor
at Columbia University’s Graduate School of
Architecture and Planning.He has also taught
at the University of Washington,the Pratt Insti-
tute, and the University of Pennsylvania. Ste-
ven has lectured and exhibited widely and has
published numerous texts.

REDUCE HEAT ISLAND EFFECT GREEN ROOF
THROUGH HIGH-ALBEDO SUR- 25% OF SITE IS PLANTED WITH

FACES AND VEGETATED AREAS NATIVE OR ADAPTED VEGETATION

DAYLIGHTING THERMAL MASS
PERIMETER AREAS OF BUILDING EXPOSED CONCRETE FACADE
WILL RELY ON DAYLIGHT TO
REDUCE ENERGY USE STORES PASSIVE HEAT

CHILLED WATER STORAGE SYSTEM ENERGY EFFICIENT
WATER CHILLED AND STORED DURING HIGH EFFICIENCY LED LIGHTING AND
THE NIGHT TO REDUCE ELECTRICITY
DEMAND DURING THE DAY OCCUPANCY SENSORS REDUCE
ELECTRICAL LOAD
GREY WATER RECYCLING
REDUCES SEWAGE WATER GREEN POWER
NEEDS BY 50%. A RAINWATER 468 GEOTHERMAL WELLS,
TANK STORES WATER FOR 90 METERS DEEP, 1500 KW
FLUSHING AND IRRIGATION
HOT WATER STORAGE SYSTEM
RUNOFF HEAT FROM HVAC CONDENSATE IS
RAISED PAVER SYSTEM CONTROLS
WATER RUNOFF TRANSFERRED TO TAP WATER

MICROCLIMATE
CRADLE OF TOWERS REDUCES NORTH WINDS
IN THE WINTER AND MAXIMIZES WEST WINDS IN
THE SUMMER

14 Design Detail | September 2016

LEGEND

RIGHT CURTAIN WALL SECTION ATAUDITORIUM © Shu He

The view of one of the These three ponds function as skylights to
towers of the Raffles City the six-storey shopping precinct below.
from the Plaza
The building’s integration with Chengdu’s
BELOW transportation system allows visitors
to access the site without using private
Viewof the Light Pavilion transport means. The project is directly
on the Sliced PorosityBlock connected to MTR’s Line 1, and to 12 public
as seen at night bus lines within a quarter-mile radius.

© Steven Holl Architects

September 2016 | Design Detail 15

© Steven Holl Architects

ABOVE © Iwan Baan

The staircase pattern The massive volume gets subdivided into
on the Light Pavilion humane segments through the concept
at the Sliced Porosity of ‘micro urbanism’. Monotony of the
Block otherwise blank facades is eliminated by
providing transparency from street level
RIGHT into the building. Shops being double-
fronted look out into the plazas as well as
The light element inside of the shopping centre integrating the
on the Light spaces and bringing in human interaction.
Pavilion Chiselled out through the concrete mass
are three large cut-outs eluding distinct
BELOW characteristics. These form the sites of the

Viewof the
Light Pavilion
from above

© Steven Holl Architects

16 Design Detail | September 2016

PLAN: LEVEL 03

PLAN: LEVEL 02

September 2016 | Design Detail 17

LEGEND

FACT FILE

PROJECT : SLICED POROSITY BLOCK

CAPITALAND RAFFLES CITY

LOCATION : CHENGDU, CHINA

BUILT UP AREA : 309999.98 Sq. m

CLIENT : CAPITALAND, CHINA

ARCHITECT : STEVEN HOLL ARCHITECTS

pavilion of history, designed by Steven Holl
Architects, the Light Pavilion by Lebbeus
Woods, and the Local Art Pavilion.

The project uses the following strategies
for energy conservation and sustainability:
ground source heat exchange pump
system, heat recovery system, thermal
water storage system, energy management
system, rainwater recycling system, green
roofs, as well as the use of regional and
recycled materials. It has been awarded
the LEED Gold Pre-Certification by the US
Green Building Council (USGBC).

© Steven Holl Architects

LEGEND

LEGEND

18 Design Detail | September 2016

ABOVE

View of the Light
Pavilion as seen from
outside the Sliced
Porosity Block

OPPOSITE PAGE

Viewof the Light
Pavilion from
above

© Steven Holl Architects

Artisticelements on the plaza

Amodel of the Raffles City

© Iwan Baan

© Steven Holl Architects

September 2016 | Design Detail 19

© Steven Holl Architects

RIGHT

Viewof the open space
of the Raffles Cityfrom
the Pavilion of History

BELOW

Chiselled out through
the concrete mass is
the Pavilion of History

OPPOSITE PAGETOP

Interior of the
Pavilion of History
on the Sliced
Porosity Block

OPPOSITE PAGE
BOTTOM

Staircase leading
to the Pavilion of
History

The Sliced Porosity Block is heated and cooled methods employed to reach the LEED Gold
with 468 geothermal wells. Large ponds in rating. This, along with water thermal storage,
the plaza harvest recycled rainwater, while daylight control, CO2 monitoring, efficient
the natural grasses and lily pads create a interior lighting and high performance building
natural cooling effect. High performance envelope, result in an overall energy savings of
glazing, energy-efficient equipment and the 20 percent, with largest savings on space heating
use of regional materials are among the other (68 percent) and space cooling (29 percent).

© Steven Holl Architects

20 Design Detail | September 2016

© Steven Holl Architects

© Steven Holl Architects

Microclimates are created by the three

ponds and by the selection of native

vegetation species such as Ginkos,

Osmanthus and Bamboo. The potable

water consumption has been reduced by

43 percent, after the adoption of rainwater

collection and re-utilisation for landscape

and ponds irrigation, grey water recycling

system and re-utilisation for toilet flushing

and low flow plumbing fixtures. dd

September 2016 | Design Detail 21

MASTERS

Life Among

the Details

Ar.Hasmukh C.Patel O Text : Ar. Devika Hemalatha Devi
ne is likely to encounter the buildings done
by Architect Hasmukh C. Patel, woven into
the veins of Ahmedabad in rapid succession.
They are placeholders in the interstices
of a dichotomous city, equally recognised,
utilised, and held in pride, by young and old.
Be it Patang that dominates the skyline as a
herald of the City’s hospitality,or Newman
Hall and St. Xavier’s Library which highlight
the city’s reputation as a center of learning –
these buildings fit comfortably into the niche
of contextual architecture, while nudging
design forward. The man behind these
landmarks is a much-revered personality -
not just within the construction industry, but
across the state of Gujarat. His name holds
coin as much today among architecture and
design students across India, despite them
never having met him; such is the legend.

22 Design Detail | September 2016

ABOVE AND RIGHT Hasmukh C. Patel, for all his present glory, © Catherine Desai © Premsharan Patel
came from humble beginnings in a rural
Newman setting. Though afflicted early by polio in the SeptAemugbuesrt22001166||DDeessiiggnnDDeettaaiill 23
Hall left leg, rarely has Hasmukhbhai conceded
to the fact , instead choosing to reminisce
about cycling several miles to a nearby village,
running errands for his mother, cricket in
the ‘pols’, and playing truant to escape to the
movies. His father who was one of the few
civil engineers at that time ingrained in him
a sense of fastidiousness in workmanship and
construction, from a very young age.

His education at the Maharaja Sayyajirao
University in Baroda, and his two-year Master
of Architecture stint at the Cornell University,
all served to enhance the meticulousness
he cultivated as a young boy. The careful
consideration he bestowed to design is still up
on display for anyone who chooses to dissect
his architecture. Says Dr. Bimal Patel, of his
childhood home designed by Hasmukhbhai,

ELEVATION

© HCPArchives was green-lighted to head the firm, taking

over responsibilities from an ailing Gajjar.

Armed with the realisation instilled in him

by his professorM. B. Dave that every line an

architect draws costs money, Hasmukh Patel

went on to add his strokes to the ongoing love-

story between architecture and Ahmedabad.

10

9 67 5 The stark honesty of Patel’s work ethic9 shines

through his architecture. His long and beloved

association with the academic fraternity
8 in Ahmedabad began with the Centre for

Environmental Planning and Technology

(CEPT). It remains a fondly-alluded

partnership in the annals of that institution,

bearing the likes of Balkrishna V. Doshi and

Dr. RasuVakil, and shaping much of the

gestalt of contemporary Indian architecture.

Bordering on brutalism but not quite getting

there, the beauty of Hasmukhbhai’s works

is stamped with his signature style that

11 12 express3es itself in the form of s4oft daylighting,

compounded with warm, earthy interiors

that highlight expansive vistas. Though often

accretive, his designs radiate integrity like that

of Sir Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings. They

ABOVE “the realisation that the dining bay is exactly stand tall, rooted in strong convictions and
three-fourths of the living room bay, that grounded by their geographic realities, never
Newman the rhythm of the aluminum strips in the once betrayed by the flights of fancy that
Hall

flooring unfailingly aligns with the measure sometimes mar the most functional buildings.

of the structure, that the shuttering pattern in

the concrete is rigorously ordered, all subtly NEWMAN HALL, AHMEDABAD

enchant the intellect.” Designed as a hostel for the priests of St.

9 His architecture is partly a result of the Xavier’s Mission, Newman Hall adopts
extensive travel that he has undertaken in his 10“H-shap1 e” in te2rms of its s1p0 atial pl9anning,

lifetime and is also a reflection of the elaborate around the time-tested quadrangle for

soul-searching in the works of architectural assembly. The dynamic balance between

stalwarts such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis the chapel and the office core provide a

Sullivan, Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, directional axis to the quadrangle. The ‘arms’

granted him the clarity he required. Though of the structure are an ingenious climatic

greatly inspired by van der Rohe’s elemental shield. Protection from harsh weather

and linear designs, by his own admission he conditions is afforded by a brick colonnade

was reluctant to ascribe to any contemporary framing external windows. These support
movement. He chose, instead, to forge his concrete slabs at lintel height, shmatd0ing 2the 5
own brand of architecture – “honest, yet internal corridors from rain, andftpr0ovid5 ing 15

elegant; contextual, climate-responsive and architectural interest in an otherwise stoic

Ground Floor 1.Entrance 2.Parlour 3.Corridort4im.Oelfefiscse”. 5.Dining 6.Kitchen 7.Pantry 8.Store 9.bRuoioldmin1g.0.ETxopiloetssed11.bCriocnkfeuresnecde 1w2it.Chionurtthyaerd
building lends softness to the dominating

The 1960s witnessed his return to India concrete facades, effectively juxtaposing

and professional engagement with the stolidity of the Mission with the warm

AtmaramGajjar. Within six months, he nurture of benignity.

24 Design Detail | September 2016

BELOWAND RIGHT BHAKTI HASMUKH HOUSE

Bhakti-Hasmukh Perhaps his most rewarding work, the Bhakti
Residence Hasmukh House is a spartan two-storeyed
structure in brick and exposed concrete. With
an almost symmetric plan (barring the later
addition of a ground floor studio), the house
is inarticulate along its external façade. In
contrast, the inner spaces display the architect’s
well known work ethics and approach to a well-
lived life. The house has never seen stasis itself,
between a burgeoning garden and the constant
modifications to elements that no longer serve
their purpose.

Flanking porches on the ground floor are
shaded by a projecting upper-storey that is
supported on columns. The porches subtly wrap
the house in myriad shades of green imparted
by an exquisite garden. The altered design of
the glazed doors emptying into the porch, and
the design studio with its verandah and garden
views, are all by-products of the deliberate
consideration he afforded to his architecture.

© Dinesh Mehta

September 2016 | Design Detail 25

© HCPArchives

THIS SPREAD CHINUBHAI CENTRE & PATANG
Hosting one of Ahmedabad’s novelty
Chinunbhai Centre restaurants, the Chinubhai Centre is a
& Patang landmark that stands as a fine example of the
city’s love for thoughtful architecture. It was
26 Design Detail | September 2016 designed as a multi-functional commercial
complex and houses large showrooms, shops
and offices with terrace frontage. In tune
with the climatic sensibility endowed to
Patel’s architecture, the building’s eastern
façade is stepped to create garden terraces.

D
C
B

A

SECTION

2 4 3 5
4 4

1 3

SITE PLAN

mt 0 10 20
ft 0 30 60

Site Plan 1.Office Entrance 2.Parking 3.Restaurant Entrance 4.Shops 5.Parking

8 3 These also cordon off the sun and heat,
7 3 while welcoming the strong breezes
6 blowing off the Sabarmati, in a manner
5 4 reminiscent of Correa’s Leela Kempinski
at Thiruvananthapuram.
DC
Defining the Sabarmati riverfront skyline
RESTAURANT FLOOR PLANS since 1984, the building is also the effort
of a close and successful collaboration
2 of structural engineering with design.
Patang is an umbrella-shaped, one of
1 a kind revolving restaurant, modeled
upon the chabutara. Almost poetic in its
conception, the structure was constructed
using the slip-form method enabling
an uninterrupted, ‘no joint’ concrete
structure. The revolving platform seats
135 people, offering up the cityscape and
riverfront in a blissful 90 minute rotation.
Eight arches of beaten copper cast a
diffuse glow upon the interior.

AB

mt 0 2 5
ft 0 5 15

Restaurant Floor Plans 1.Kitchen 2.A.H.U 3.Toilet 4.Entrance Lobby 5.Pantry 6. A.C. Duct 7.Stage 8.Restaurant

September 2016 | Design Detail 27

© HCPArchives DENA BANK

The DENA Bank building, located on a linear
site, houses the local, regional and zonal offices
of DENA. The building is a massive structure,
backed by a simple plan and structural system
which was designed to reflect the corporate
image of the bank. The multi-storeyed office
tower rests towards the rear of a two-storeyed
platform; the platform then forms a forecourt
of sorts, much like an embrace that reaches out
to the visitor. The podium achieved through a
grand staircase, is split vertically by a suspended
concrete mezzanine and forms the banking hall.

Due stress was laid on an easily navigable and
open work environment. 1.5 m. x 5 m. flexible
floor plates enable an even, deeper penetration
of daylight, while close-set and deeply recessed
windows evoke a sense of security. In addition
to an image of corporate respectability, several
structural considerations dictated the design
– the most notable being the absence of a false
ceiling. Lighting and air-conditioning services
pass through cutouts, never once marring the
linearity of the building. The strict verticality of
the building houses the working offices of DENA
Bank, while cleverly incorporating storage
spaces.

Architect Hasmukh C. Patel’s architecture is,
above all, pragmatic – transcending the built
form, he is a manipulator of living spaces at
various scales, as seen in his UNCHS-awarded C.
G. Road Redevelopment Project, Eden Gardens
in Kolkata, or the Birla Cellulosic Township.
However, “exquisitely balanced living spaces”, as
Ar. Canna Patel attests, was his specialty. Never
a line astray or a material out of place, he has
managed to imbibe his clients’ lifestyle into the
designs he churned out with an approach that
reflects his devotion and love for architecture.
While he has taken a backseat in active
architecture, his love for crafting lifestyles has
never dimmed – choosing, instead, to spill over
into sketches, painting and the creative potential
of his computer.

8

ELEVATION SECTION

57

64

28 Design Detail | September 2016

5 4

22

87 7 1

54

87 7

9 2 1
6 3

GROUND FLOOR PLAN 5
15
mt 0 2
ft 0 5

Ground Floor Plan 1.Public Entry 2.Banking Hall 3.Agent Room 4.Store 5.Telephone Exchange 6.Strong Room 7.Toilet
8.Electrical Room 9.Staff Entry

OPPOSITE PAGEAND A complete collection of Ar. Hamukh C. Patel’s
ABOVE works can be availed from the upcoming
‘The Architecture of Hasmukh Patel’ - an
Dena Bank illustrated and annotated compendium of 51
of the architect’s most significant projects,
RIGHT many published for the first time. The
buildings included reflect Patel’s profoundly
Bookon complete practical methodology, combined with
collection of an intuitive appreciation for the power of
Ar.Hamukh C. form and space. He recognised that every
Patel’s works commission, regardless of budget, scale or
type, came with opportunities to further
architecture’s formal, civic and social agenda.

The book is both a tribute to the architect and

a contribution to the ongoing documentation

of modern Indian architecture; the gathering

of magnificent work done in the realm of

architecture that has inspired and created an

awareness among the younger members of

the architectural fraternity. dd

September 2016 | Design Detail 29

FREEZE FRAMES

Two worlds No.3,film stage design project,
St Petersburg,2013,pencil,watercolour,490x700

PParroagllnelosis Ar.Sergei Tchoban
S ketches by Ar.Sergei Tchoban exhibited in

“Bridges & Spires: Reflections on Past and
Future” held in Bangalore was featured in the
August issue of Design Detail.

Curated by globally renowned Author and
Curator Vladimir Belogolovosky, this was a
first of its kind exhibition held in the Indian
sub continent. We bring forth more drawings
and watercolors of existing and imaginary
structures and ruins, as well as futuristic
fantasies envisioned by the very talented
architect, artist, and collector Sergei Tchoban.

30 Design Detail | September 2016

© Copyright Drawings by Sergei Tchoban

The Urban Layers II, watercolour, ink on paper, 598x398

September 2016 | Design Detail 31

Architectural capriccio,Roman Forum or Two worlds Future Bridges I,2014,ink,
No.1,film stage design project,St Petersburg,2013, watercolour on paper,405x603
pen,Indian ink,drybrush,watercolour,500x700

32 Design Detail | September 2016

SERGEI TCHOBAN

Born in Saint Petersburg in 1962, Sergei is
a Russian-German architect. While he con-
stantly worked as an architect, Sergei Tcho-
ban , throughout the span of his career has
been engaged in architectural graphics. His
love for architectural graphics has projected
itself as inspiring artwork and drawings and
has been exhibited in leading galleries and
museums throughout Europe.

Future Bridges II,2014, Urban Layers IV,watercolour,ink on paper,600x395
ink,watercolour on
paper, 405x604

September 2016 | Design Detail 33

Fantasy drawing for the project of the Museum for Architectural
Drawing or: Evolution of form 1,2010,charcoal on paper,395x590

Architectural capriccio,Piazza Venezia in Rome or Two worlds No.2,film stage design
project,St Petersburg,2013,pen,Indian ink,drybrush,watercolour,pencil,500x700

34 Design Detail | September 2016

Fantasy drawing for the project of the Museum for Architectural dd
Drawing or: Evolution of form 3,2010,charcoal on paper,535x340 September 2016 | Design Detail 35

INTERIORS

ABluenpreinwt ofwJugaayad- I Text : Ar. Himani Ahuja
to Design nnovation is the key to design. A lot of
experimentation goes into designing an
Food &Beverage space and since it is directly
associated with people, it has to be flawless.
Social Offline at Nehru Place by Chromed
Design Studio is one such example to emulate
for all F&B designers, which seamlessly
integrates the uber chic vibe of an urban
stadium with the authenticity of Old Delhi.

“Social Offline is a space that blends the best of the
office and the café. Combining work and play, it’s
an urban hangout designed to take you offline while
still keeping you connected. Social is a collaborative
workspace, a hub for artists and innovators.” This
was the client brief.

36 Design Detail | September 2016

SPREAD BELOW

Varying materials and
colours of the cafe
present a visual
treat to the visitor

RIGHT

Exposed nature
of brickand wood
defines the space
dynamicity

BELOW

Interiors designed
to reminisce a
metro station

September 2016 | Design Detail 37

Ar. Abhigyan explains the idea of how it was
conceptualised to be an everyday inspirational
space which also stressed upon the use of things
through “jugaad”; in tune with the brand theme,
yet being distinctive in character from the rest.
The ceiling height given to Team Chromed was
17 feet. So, the design had to utilise the height and
convert itself into an ample carpet area. They
replicated a conventional stadium by layering
and segmenting as it proceeded upwards to the
mezzanine level.

All corners were curated with everyday stuff, yet
innovatively covering minute details to make it
look unaccustomed. The essence of Nehru place
is intelligently coalesced with the ideology of
Social Offline, painting an unusual experience of
desi jugaad and in house innovations. Desi items
with sprawling creativity can be seen woven
together in a harmonious blend.

38 Design Detail | September 2016

The main entrance facade is an expression of FACT FILE
this theme with upcycled windows of different
sizes and styles, seamlessly integrating them as a PROJECT : SOCIAL - CAFÉ & BAR
single entity. As we enter Social from the indoor LOCATION : NEHRU PLACE, NEW DELHI
entry, it cuts off and “offlines” one from the BUILT AREA : 4490 sq. ft.
luxurious walkways of epicuria and transforms TYPE : HOSPITALITY
into a rustic setting, taking a person through the STATUS : COMPLETED IN MAY 2016
rugged street or a desi gali laminated with local ARCHITECT : AR. ABHIGYAN NEOGI
posters and khokhas. DESIGN TEAM : CHROMED DESIGN STUDIO
CLIENT : IMPRESARIO : HANDMADE
The wall near DJ embraces the tech-world of RESTAURANTS
Nehruplace,withplantersservingaswallgreens
growing inside monitors, CPUs and printers. fitted with bulbs, while the ceiling lights in front
The DJ console is just another innovative idea of the DJ are furniture with bulbs illuminating
combining the local essence of band baajas with on each leg. Every corner is uniquely done for a
modern sound installations. The bar lighting is different experience.
done using air conditioning copper pipes tangled
with bulbs. Lighting insulations used for the A very exposed feel can be experienced through
stadium seating are actually bike head lights the various tones of earthy woods, white painted

SPREADABOVE

Viewof the cafe from
the mezzanine level

OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM

DJ console forms
a perfect blend of
local band baajas
with modern sound
installations

RIGHT

Ferris wheel seating in
the cafe with furniture
hung from the ceiling

September 2016 | Design Detail 39

GROUNDFLOOR LEVEL

BELOW bricks and some dollops of colour namely green, air are the Ferris wheels; hanging from the
yellow and blue on the Ferris wheels oscillating ceiling and crafted into a cosy seating. The
Amphitheatre seating seating space. unicycle stools at the bar are yet another
as viewed from the fancy of the crazy minds at Chromed.
ground floor level In terms of space planning as said; the Outdoor concrete benches similar to a
essence of Nehru place is vivaciously staged garden space at the main entrance are ‘in
BELOW RIGHT with the character of Social. Dramatically loving memory of’ 90s pirated enthusiasm of
designed are the various kinds of seating, walkman and MS DOS; also enhancing the
Walkways given a each different and unique. Oscillating in the space’s vernacular character.
desi gali character
using local posters
and khokhas

40 Design Detail | September 2016

ABOVE

Jugaad character brought
in to the seating spaces
byusing furniture of
conBtEraLOstWing character

DJ console forms a per-
fect blend of local band
baajas with modern
sound installations

MEZZANINE FLOOR LEVEL

September 2016 | Design Detail 41

ABOVE & RIGHT The amphitheatre seating enthrals with 180
degree view of bar and dance floor. A long
Scrap electronicwastes seating pavilion is created atop. Taking you
used for completing offline is another seating area, functioning
the interiors as workspaces during the day. As the night
descends, the floor transforms into a dancing
arena, with the furniture hovering in midair,
nothing but a levitation spell!

42 Design Detail | September 2016

ABHIGYAN NEOGI

Founding Principal, Chromed Design Studio-New Delhi

The want to be a sculptor,the craze of a traveller and the thrust of
an artist in Architect Abhigyan Neogi pushed him towards archi-
tecture.He started working at an early age of 18 when he was still
exploring what architecture encompasses and worked on to ad-
vertising projects and set designs for plush names like Reliance &
LG to name a few. Furthermore after graduating from TVB School
of Habitat Studies, New Delhi in 2008, he stamped his belonging
in the fraternity with a name like Morphogenesis. With a distinc-
tive experience in various arches of architecture,interiors & design,
there was a humble beginning to his firm Chromed Design Studio
in 2010 with a large scale F&B project “Hive” in Gurgaon and a
Farmhouse in Delhi.

Since then,Chromed Design Studio has successfully completed
many popular projects under the able leadership of Abhigyan.
Some of which include Fio CookHouse & Bar, Nehru Place; La Bo-
dega, Khan Market; Impromptu, Gurgaon; Office space for names
like Housing.com & Uber and some very recent ones like Social
Offline, Nehru Place and Number 8, Sunder Nagar in Delhi. He is
fascinated with the variety and scale of each project that
the firm undertakes and delivers it with utmost pas-
sion and drive.He has also been acknowledged
with a Young Designer Award in
India.Now with an experience of
more than a decade,he push-
es the boundaries of archi-
tecture and design and
is working on projects
like Prankster in Sec-
tor 29 Gurgaon, Social
in Cyber Hub Gurgaon ABOVE The exposed finish of materials, rugged industrial
and an international lights and playful use of Nehru metro station’s
residential project in the Outdoor seating takes character, extenuates the classy look and uplifts
heart of UK. one backto the 90’s the ‘grungy’ character of this jugaad space.
world ofWalkman and
MS DOS

Social Nehru Place provides a thorough walk

through experience which screams of a young

and passionate design, delivered with simplicity,

yet buzzing oodles of uniqueness. dd

September 2016 | Design Detail 43

REMINISCENCE

I Text : Ar. Devika Hemalatha Devi
n theseenlightenedtimes,urbanpractitioners
often face the irrational need to instate
architectural symbolism and enforce design
where it never existed. Urban disciplines
were born from selfless needs to improve the
quality of life and ensure equitable resource
distribution. Instead, we have examples
like the M10 motorway construction
across Ireland’s Tara-Skyrne Valley that
caused widespread uproar, prompting Irish
newspapers to call the Valley’s preservation
a ‘national obligation’. Increasingly, there is
a tendency to exalt self-expression, at the
expense of collective memory. Creating
objects and spaces engendering community
dialogue is a fundamental cornerstone of

TDheeWseatretrsTofoawn

44 Design Detail | September 2016

SPREAD PAGE

Gadsisar’s unpopulated
banks

ABOVE

Cenotaphs of Bada
Bagh

September 2016 | Design Detail 45

46 Design Detail | September 2016

OPPOSITE PAGETOP urban design. While designers continued to GRAPH SHOWCASING HOW
find ‘iconic’ ways to express space, cultural THEYOUTH RESPONDSTO
Contemporary rituals instating sanctioned symbols WATER RELATEDISSUES
buildings eschew often fell by the wayside. Touted today as
traditional sand- cultural heritage, urban practitioners often
stone construction fail to see the lessons offered by the past.
for concrete
Perhaps one of the more worrisome
BELOW examples of forgetting cultural lessons
is embodied at Jaisalmer – that lone
Guides and outpost of urban civilisation in the Thar
tourists in the Desert, beloved of architects. Located
northen banks along the north-western Indo-Pak border,
of the river Jaisalmer prospered in the early 20th
century; it was a crucial stop along the
ancient Silk Route. By the end of 20th
century, Jaisalmer’s harsh climate and
strategic location afforded it only neglect
on developmental fronts; its population
remained dependent on traditional
customs of water use. Community spaces,
systems and codes of conduct surrounding
water were numerous, and knowledge of
water harvesting was zealously guarded
by native folk.

Today, following the furore around the Indira
Gandhi Canal Project, water is no longer
a central resource at Jaisalmer. Cultural
heritage originally established to protect
water is languishing, defenceless up against
the more economically ‘viable’ heritage
of tourism. At this crossroads, it becomes
crucial to reiterate the lessons proclaimed by
Jaisalmer’s silent cultural heritage, established
by toilsome generations of living in the desert.

September 2016 | Design Detail 47

RIGHT THE TWIN LAKES OF JAISALMER

Rooftop channels Jaisalmer’s adaptations to limited water
overlooking stone- resources were largely cultural, manifesting
lined depressions in as a series of man-made lakes, deep narrow
the ground wells, collecting tanks and courtyard
channels. For an arid zone, the sheer
BELOW number of Jaisalmer’s water tanks – or
talabs – appears to be a hopeful aberration
Bada Bagh at first glance, with large populations - even
-Cenotaphs maharajahs – involved in their creation.
line the lake
boundaries GADSISAR

The biggest of these talabs is Gadsisar, with a
three-mile long drainage basin of 11 sq. km.
area. A process called medbandhi was used to
build a dike - 8 km. long – to direct water into
the lake. Veteran educator, Natwarlal ji Vyas,
recalls that three-fourths of collected water
was made available for agriculture, while
the remaining flowed into Gadsisar. A stone
curtain was built further down to break
the force with which this huge quantity of
water would arrive. Once the water reached
Gadsisar, a portion of it was held within a
retention pool; the remaining filled the lake.
After Gadsisar was filled, the excess water
exited via a spillway and was directed to a
series of nine interconnected lakes.

Designated paths (panghats) led down to
Gadsisar, lined by refreshment and shops,
forming well-populated promenades.

48 Design Detail | September 2016

ABOVE Stepping off these paths was unthinkable,
since they were laid by the side of the lake’s
Rooftop channels catchment; dirtying the catchment by feet
for water harvest- was punishable, as it potentially endangered
ing clogged with the entire town’s water supply. The waters of
debris Gadsisar were protected by a lone military
outpost, where a battalion was permanently
RIGHT stationed. Several beautiful raised platforms
were laid out on the banks, where colourful
Interconnected bazaars were organised and private gardens
tanks to reduce (bagechis) were instated. Practitioners of
water loss public space will recognise the Jane Jacobs
principle of Eyes on the Street at work here.

BADA BAGH

Bada Bagh is a famed attraction at Jaisalmer,
lying 7 km. west of the core town. However,
few tourists are aware of its legendary lake
that never runs dry. The lake is protected by a
series of beautiful cenotaphs, epitomising the
erstwhile maharajahs. Additionally, several
bagechis lent much respite, ensuring that
the lake was never left unattended. These
structures provided the requisite buffer
space between the lake and settlement,
while functioning as a floodplain.

Striking fear into the hearts of a superstitious
lot was Jaisalmer’s most common (yet
unnoticed) architectural feature – the
gorbandh. A stone column consecrated near
any water source, it was used to indicate
the presence and sanctity of water bodies.
Basawal Dan - a farmer from the nearby

September 2016 | Design Detail 49

EVOLUTIONOF THETOWN

50 Design Detail | September 2016