The Embassy Post

THE

EMBASSY
POST

APRIL 2020

CORPORATE 1

FROM THE
CHAIRMAN’S DESK

Jitu Virwani COVID-19 has re-ordered virtually every Our plan of action to combat
Chairman & Managing Director industry in the world and real estate is COVID-19 is focused on 5 key
Embassy Group all likely to have several transformative areas - People, Education, Healthcare,
2 changes and business resets. Operations, and Communication.

Setting an example We are very happy to have ensured
Business Continuity for our tenants at
At this unprecedented time, it is our Business Parks. Over 250 of our
important for all large corporates and multinational clients in the IT/ITES
businesses to come forward and bring Industry, working from home during the
lockdown have continued access to the
Prior to the lockdown, at Embassy we infrastructure such as data centres housed
connected our teams together from at our premises.
across locations, to garner help and bring
about relief to all segments of citizens. With the gradual lifting of the lockdown,
An advisory board had been established we are focusing on preparedness
right from the start of the outbreak to at our Business Parks for employees
ensure a holistic view of preparedness, returning to work. As a part of this
response and continuity plans. We had readiness, we have introduced touchless
also activated our collaborative model for lifts, management of food courts,
conducting social responsibility projects. temperature checks, sanitization and
social distancing across all platforms.
At Embassy, our Embassy Services It is essential in the long run to have a
(ESPL) facility management team is safeguarded approach and to continue
actively front lining on resolutions and with the precautionary measures.
measures required to face this crisis.
ESPL has been working relentlessly to Reaching communities
ensure that our facilities - Commercial,
Residential and Industrial - are operating To combat COVID-19, Embassy
with maximized safety and precautionary
measures to make these spaces safe for the extended lockdown in order to
our clients.

encouraging to see that corporates and lining. As every extraordinary crisis is industrial corridors along with suitable
the government have collaborated to followed by extraordinary opportunity, roadways make for easy accessibility
help the daily wage workers and the COVID-19 would also unfold a plethora across the entire country. We have seen
underprivileged families. In line with of new opportunities for all sectors. a huge transference in the purchase
its corporate ethos to work with local behaviour of consumers with e-commerce
We are thrilled to witness the sheer and online payment being the preferred
cities of Bangalore, Mumbai, Noida and success of the Embassy REIT, which order of the day. Warehousing serves
Pune with a focus on extending support as the backbone for online grocers and
REIT in terms of area with a 95% e-commerce players who not only have
on the frontlines of the pandemic. occupancy rate and a value of INR 327 to meet the heightened loads but also
bn (circa US$4.4 bn) at the end of the need to scale up as soon as possible.
e police task force are among the ones year. Such bold decisions paying rich Due to sanitation, safety, compliance
who have risked their safety to serve dividends is one of the hallmarks of the and social distancing norms, companies
us during this time. Keeping this in Embassy ethos of envisioning new futures would prefer dealing with enabling
mind, we set up hydration stations for and charting new, brave courses. Grade A warehouse developers. We have
the police across cities in the country. recently also witnessed a new change in
the importance of self-sustainable, the functioning of the workforce, this
To ease the distress faced by the migrant controllable, safe and secure ecosystems will impact the geographical layout of
workers and daily wage earners, Embassy businesses and create even more regional
activated its Corporate Connect the people’s need to venture out. Embassy demand.
program to collaborate with corporates Education has risen to the challenge and
to come forward and contribute to our formulated interesting and engaging ways Going forward, crisis management and
Community Outreach initiatives. Our to conduct distance education in these adapting to the new socio-economic
existing strong relationships with our times. Stonehill also hosted a virtual situation will be the key element for
corporate tenants and government graduation ceremony for its students all businesses. Having no precedent to
authorities has enabled us to amplify our last month, showing us the Stonehill follow, this pandemic has brought to light
reach and impact during this time. way of triumph amidst adversity. For the importance of business continuity
the residential sector, it is imperative to and the proactiveness required in future
We have invested over 115 Lakhs to rethink ways in which a home can be to set protocols for any challenges in
combat the COVID -19 crisis, with future. Considering India is set to be
is this crisis that has made everyone the next global manufacturing hub, our
Embassy Cares program, around realize the value of owning a home. A country will see more jobs, infrastructure
4,50,000 meals have been distributed to home can transform into your workplace and foreign direct investments. It is
daily wage workers and migrant families indeed exciting times ahead!
across several locations in Bangalore. of living in an Integrated Township/
Community is being recognized for
need of safety, security, facilities and
conveniences.

Silver lining is set to be one of the quickest, most
tactical asset classes to recover from
Amidst all the chaos around the the current pandemic. With the sharp
COVID-19 pandemic, we must remain increase in domestic demand and a
positive and look towards the silver possible global major manufacturing
shift, India is transforming into the

3

CONTENTS 05
11
C O R P O R AT E 12
14
INTERIORS 16
COMMERCIAL 20
EMBASSY OFFICE PARKS 23
WEWORK 33
RESIDENTIAL 37
INDUSTRIAL AND WAREHOUSING 43
H O S P I TA L I T Y 47
SERVICES 54
STONEHILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 58
EMBASSY INTERNATIONAL RIDING SCHOOL 63
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
TESTIMONIALS

4

CORPORATE

The rise of smart infrastructure

Above: Embassy Lake Terraces Take a minute to think about how much Smart cities on the rise,
CORPORATE time we spend in buildings. A recent but smart building are the
study suggested that the average urban backbone
dweller spends 90% of their entire lives
in buildings. Given these staggering According to a report by Energy
numbers, it’s fair to say that there is Manager Today, the number of smart
a strong impetus to work on ‘perfect cities throughout the world is expected
spaces’, since it has been shown how good to grow, driven in part by population
interiors have a profound impact on well trends that show more people leaving
being. How do we build these perfect rural areas for urban ones. Europe and
North America are expected to account
comes into the mix. Smart Infrastructure for about half of the world’s smart cities
intelligently connects energy systems, in the next 10 years. Let’s revisit that
buildings and industries to adapt and number we discussed at the outset, 90%
evolve the way we live and work. Smart of our entire lives in buildings, which
Infrastructure is part of a larger shift we accounts for around 30% of the world’s
see in the urban landscape towards smart energy according to the latest studies.
city projects and planning that is driven
by smart solutions. begin with smart buildings. Improving

5

energy management in our buildings will Are your ready for the future? abilities of the medium, especially for our
go a long way towards conserving energy customers.
and saving money across the planet. Building smart infrastructure requires
a paradigm shift in the way we look at With our townships like Embassy
the simple example of the thermostat in Springs we have laid down the template
a method that entails looking at your for integrated, smart and self-reliant
its too hot. Smart infrastructure addresses townships of the future.
the energy consumption question while being and applies a technology roadmap
still keeping people happy. Systems can that will guide you in supporting its With our luxury homes like Embassy
be upgraded to detect changes in the Boulevard and Four Seasons Private
time, temperature, and environment and Smart data from smart infrastructure has Residences, we have introduced a smart
then respond accordingly. the potential to give the infrastructure a way of looking at luxury.
brain and a voice. It allows infrastructure
e growth of the smart to play a major role in supporting the Embassy Co-living and Senior Living
building mission of the organization. It helps drive are being designed keeping in mind the
top-line results by providing optimal highest global standards of smart living,
expected to grow from $5.37 billion environments, increasing equipment and promises to revolutionise the way
to $24.73 billion by the year 2021, uptime and reliability, and lowering people regard community-based urban
according to research published by operating costs. dwelling. Our industrial parks utilise AI

compound annual growth rate (CAGR) e Embassy touch last-mile delivery and our hotels aim to
bring you the most seamless experience
has been at the forefront of this new Here at Embassy, we are proud to be as a guest.
change. Over the past 10 years, HVAC, early adopters when it comes to AI
lighting, physical security, life safety, and and IoT. We have moved forward with We are ready for the future; are you?
other building systems have tapped into a strong vision for the transformative

a result, systems can access and share data

e bottomline

However, true smart infrastructure is Above: A view of the modernistic
more than software analytics and new Embassy Edge Club House facade.
technologies? Smart infrastructure is
based on a robust, open operating system
that supports a well-connected and
integrated network of building systems
and controls. Smart infrastructure
includes a data analytics platform
that turns a whole array of data into
meaningful information. It requires
powerful cable networks and a trained,
responsive service team to support the
backbone of such an ambitious project.

6 CORPORATE

Pedalling for a Better World

Above: Competitors for a good cause the Planet’ was held at Embassy Springs in the special eco – friendly edition of
CORPORATE on 27th August. We saw the robust
participation of over 1200 cycling and market that invigorated people with its
music, art, organic products, homemade
of Embassy Group, which seeks to foster food items, and more. Another attraction
a “Cycle to Work” culture and pledge was popular Kannada movie star &
for a greener planet. People from diverse cycling enthusiast Diganth Manchale
walks of life were also seen indulging participating in the 40K Pro Elite
category as well.

7

The NAR Annual Convention Event
and the ET 40 Under 40 Event

Embassy was proud to be the gold “We are looking at young people, who Below: ET 40 Under Forty Event
sponsors at the 11th NAR-INDIA are the strength of our country when
Annual Convention held in HICC,
Hyderabad on 24th & 25th August, smarter and faster at realising their
2019. potential.” said Jitu Virwani, Chairman
and Managing Director of Embassy

including realtors, developers, investors,
and other stakeholders in the real estate
industry, from India and around the
world come together to interact, learn and
forge meaningful business connections.

We also had the Embassy kiosk which
was a platform for good networking
opportunities and helped us to showcase
our residential portfolio to potential
investors.

Embassy was also the associate sponsor

on 30th August, 2018 held at the St.
Regis in Mumbai.

age of 40, across various industries and CORPORATE
backgrounds from lawyers to consultants
and entrepreneurs to managers and
functional leaders of large companies.

8

The Awards Keep Coming

Above: Jitu Virwani bags the Lifetime held on Tuesday, 24th September, 2019, services in their market during the past
Achievement Award. at Lalit Ashok in Bengaluru.
dedication and commitment to delivering
Pradeep Lala, the MD and CEO of Grade A real estate projects across all
Embassy Services received the awards spheres of operations. On November
for Embassy Group for the Top Builder
and Embassy Lake Terraces for the Most at Hotel Four Seasons hosted the 4th
edition of the CREDAI CARE Awards
Real Estate Survey 2019 saw its 15th 2019. Developers from all over Karnataka
annual survey of the global real estate had submitted their nominations across
markets where it canvasses the opinions various categories before an eminent
jury panel. Jitu Virwani, Chairman and
assessed respondents’ opinions on which Managing Director of Embassy Group
came away with a lifetime achievement
providers of real estate products and award.

CORPORATE 9

Embassy’s Pride, Fouaad Mirza CORPORATE

Fouaad Mirza from Embassy
International Riding School was honored
with the prestigious Arjuna Award by
the President of India on August 29th,
2019 for his outstanding achievement in
equestrian sport.
Fouaad won an individual silver medal
and another silver for the team event at
the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.
Speaking about the prestigious moment,
Mr. Jitu Virwani, Chairman & Managing
proud moment for the Indian Equestrian
sport. I am delighted to see Fouaad Mirza
being honored with the Arjuna Award.
We at Embassy Group acknowledge his
consistent performance and dedication to
the Equestrian sport. We wish him all the
best and support Fouaad in his journey
leading to the Olympics 2020.”

Right: Fouaad accepting the honour

10

The Next-Gen Co-Living Community

Embassy Group has ventured into the nonexistent purpose-built co-living connect with other members, join
co-living segment with the introduction supply for this growing consumer activities and take advantage of exclusive
of Olive by Embassy. segment, especially for the migrant
population who have multifaceted Bengaluru projects include large facilities
29 years as its current median age, India challenges in a new city. in the vicinity of Embassy Manyata
is expected to be the youngest country by Business Park and Embassy TechVillage;
the end of 2020. With 40% migration community building in housing Magarpatta and Hinjewadi in Pune and
amongst the Millennial workforce, and accomodation, each Olive property will OMR in Chennai.
34% urbanized population, demand feature unique wellness and recreational
amenities ranging between cafes, leisure of 20,000 beds in total - 15,000 in
urban areas. areas, cook and shared kitchens, cinema, Bengaluru, 2500 in Chennai and 2500
gaming, music and karaoke rooms,
and while it caters to basic needs, laundry, convenience stores and co- Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR.
there’s a compromise on privacy and working spots among others.
independence which millennials seek. Above: At the launch of Olive, the new
With Olive’s core focus on convenience, way of co-living.
So, the need of the hour is organized, a cutting-edge mobile application will
allow members to manage their contracts,
communities that will address the pay bills, avail maintenance services,

11

THE VISIONARY
MINIMALIST

More than just an internet trend, this aesthetic
may be the future, with good reason

Above: Reduce the clutter, free the If you’ve kept your pop-culture one that is inaccessible and almost
mind. Minimalism is using the best of antennas up, you might have seen mysterious.
nature— an ethos more in touch with the VOGUE interview where Kim
our surroundings. Kardashian describes her home interiors Back to basics

an answer that allowed many of us to be Let’s zap back into history and see where
both amused and puzzled. In the same the minimalist aesthetic came from. It
video interview, we get a sneak peek into has very strong 20th and 21st century
the estimated 60 million dollar house. roots that include art movements,
visionary architects, and international
Belgian furniture. What’s more, is the sub-cultures. For example, look at the
stunning absence of objects you expect De Stijl movement which started in the
‘ daily living’ would incur. Perhaps it’s
these memories of pop-culture that allow the back-to-basics spin, where visual
our idea of the minimalist aesthetic
to seem like an impossible aspiration, forms and did away with anything

12 INTERIORS

ornate and excessive. In fact, fans of De minimalist approach to life, and without a project that is looking at the future
Stijl movement have an appreciation understanding this, we reduce it to a
for negative space, clean lines, and materials, thereby creating low heating
geometric shapes. And you can develop term sustainability rests on are economic, energy bills and lifting low-income
an eye for this taste even in industrial social and environment.
spaces, books, artwork, sculptures, and looking at having over 80 percent of
music! By the time we got to the mid- to see and create a better, more equal,
1920s, the international understanding and imaginative world. Who are the minimalist has walked a long path, and
of minimalist had adopted to using people and communities that create the its ability to be evolved and furthered can
white, black and grey as its primary resources for the materials in your house? lead us towards imaginative solutions for
set. It allowed other primary colors our lifestyle and aesthetic appreciation, as
like blue, red and yellow to also mix to see if you can address unfairness in well as the health of our environment, on
things up but they rarely intersected or the market and source from more ethical which we all depend to thrive.
fused. Most agreed that no clutter and spaces. Sometimes, downsizing can make
a stern shift from anything excessive or more economic sense for you and your Enter Embassy Interiors
family, you can still have style and fun
the minimalist. by pairing down your needs. For some Embassy Interiors is an endeavour
focused towards breathing new life
A way of life in Japan House in Barcelona, Spain. into living spaces to create completely
tailor-made environs that elevate
Japan has a lot to do with the Eco-friendly design material might everyday moments into the realm of the
international understanding of the seem like it comes with a very high sublime by providing holistic bespoke
minimalist. However, it would be a price tag, but things are changing and
mistake to think it’s just an aesthetic. manufacturers are addressing the need tastes. Embassy has created a strong
In fact, it’s the approach to life that for sustainable materials. Now you can identity for the business by building
forms the aesthetic. Japanese culture look into things like Bio-Glass and even
is centered on principles of zen and Veneer Cork Flooring that will add involves a unique identity in terms of
simplicity. It matters not only how you intense original style and function.
prepare something to eat, but how it is our customers, versatility in the services
presented, how it is eaten together and e future
how it is disposed of after. Every part of commitment. Last but not least, we pride
the process is honored because to achieve Sri Lanka and visit the Wind Power Park, ourselves on the after service, which plays
Zen one must be in the present moment you’d start to see the limitless potential a very critical part in today’s customers
expectations.
a minimalist is more an approach than Oculus bungalow has been built right
it is aesthetic. When you are planning near a windmill and is a guest house for With our technical expertise, we
your own home, see what principles of visiting engineers. Its design is simple, are providing assistance in design
function, process, and zen makes sense to recommendations and evaluations on
your life. thought-out via its ceiling structures and current ongoing projects.

Keep it functional and
sustainable

Visionary architects, both modern power source is to in the core of the living to the minimalist side of things. e
and past always saw the need for true quarters there, therefore mirroring what future looks bright!
the minimalist vision is all about.

INTERIORS 13

COMMERCIAL

Embassy Commercial

At Embassy, we have been developing We have expanded our geographic reach Embassy TechVillage, Bengaluru
over the past few years – this edition we
parks in India for two decades. While We’re very excited about Embassy
the Embassy REIT focuses primarily – located in Bengaluru, Chennai and TechVillage joining hands with Hilton
on completed and income producing Trivandrum – totalling potential for a brand new project in hospitality
assets as regulatory REIT requirements development of some 257 acres.
mandate a maximum of 20% assets can collaborations with Hilton at Embassy
be underdeveloped. We are experiencing very encouraging Golf Links and Embassy Manyata. We
provide hotels in our business parks
Embassy Group continues to look to the of the quality of the product – a total as part of the philosophy of providing
future and create a supply of multiple business ecosystem for 21st Century a total business ecosystem to enhance
next-generation, best in class parks to India, the location and of course, our business productivity for our corporate
cater to the business community needs reputation as India’s leading developer of occupiers through the provision of on-
site hotel and conferencing facilities.
14
COMMERCIAL

Construction of this new hospitality being built to LEED Gold standards and healthcare services, e-commerce lockers,
project is expected to begin this year. the project will be a Smart District with
Additionally, the proposed eight-acre Phase 1 of the project, which is 0.9
Central Park is designed to be a part facilities. We are encouraged by the
of the integrated development and will response from the Trivandrum market and Accenture have already moved in
and Wells Fargo and BNY will be moving
and abundant open spaces alongside leasing discussions in hand. Embassy is into the park by Q3 2020. Phase 2 of
entertainment options for the park glad to be treading a new path, we hope the project 1.2 million sq. ft. is scheduled
employees. At Embassy business parks, to keep soaring as we always do. for delivery by Q4 2021 and we are in
we believe in integrated spaces that discussions with a number of other high-
cater to every desire and need. We are Embassy Splendid TechZone, quality multinationals.
constantly looking at introducing new Chennai
Embassy Business Hub,
commitment to provide an integrated Embassy Splendid TechZone (ESTZ) Bengaluru
ecosystem to our park users. To this moving along at an advanced stage.
end, at Embassy TechVillage, we have Keeping in mind the way the business
launched a fully equipped Sports Zone spaces, ESTZ is strategically located hubs of the city are being reimagined,
close to Chennai’s international airport Embassy Commercial wanted to put
cricket, a running track, yoga decks, with excellent road, rail and light metro its foot in the direction with Embassy
volleyball, badminton and functional Business Hub at Venkala Village located
and technology seamlessly. ESTZ will on Bellary Road. e project is located at
Embassy Taurus TechZone, boast of daycare, information desk and ideal proximity to the airport with great
Trivandrum kiosks, incubation space, bicycle stands, connectivity to the city. At 110 acres,
and a potential 12 million square feet
Coming to life now is Embassy Taurus
TechZone (ETTZ) in Trivandrum which an indelible mark on the new business
will be operational this quarter. We landscape in Bengaluru.
launched our new incubation center,
Keystone, a 62,000 sq. ft. plug-and-

to help businesses begin work and get
up to speed before their space becomes
operational. Some of our clients have
already started operating from this

million sq. ft. of inspiring and productive as experiences.
workspaces and is complemented by
over 860,000 sq. ft. of global retail,
entertainment, food and beverage
outlets, a 230-key business hotel and
world-class serviced apartments and
work-life amenities including daycare

COMMERCIAL 15

EMBASSY OFFICE
PARKS

The REIT journey

publicly listed Real Estate Investment park supplying renewable energy to park and our market capitalization stood at
Trust (REIT). Listed in April 2019, we occupiers. ₹271 billion (c.$3.6 billion) as on March
own and operate a 33.3 msf portfolio
Revisiting our journey since After a successful listing, investors
of Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, and the listing continued to see value in our business.
National Capital Region (NCR). Our With 25% total returns since listing on
portfolio comprises 26.2 msf completed In 2019, India witnessed the launch of
operating area, runs at 92.8% occupancy
as of March 31, 2020, and hosts many in April 2019 on the National Stock REIT outperformed both the Sensex and
of the world’s leading companies as Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock the BSE Realty Index as well as numerous
Exchange (BSE), providing domestic and REIT benchmarks globally.
strategic amenities, including two international investors the opportunity to
operational business hotels, two under- participate in the growth of commercial Summarizing Embassy REIT’s
construction hotels, and a 100MW solar real estate in India. Our IPO in March annual performance
2019 for ₹47.5 billion (c.$680 million)
was oversubscribed 2.6 times. Currently, Our full year results delivered on the
expectations we set when the REIT

16 EMBASSY OFFICE PARKS

listed in April 2019. Embassy REIT • Delivered c.1.4 msf of new

since listing – a record 2.4 msf in new which c.62% is already committed
leasing, 15% y-o-y growth in NOI, early • Launched the Four Seasons hotel in
delivery and healthy pre-commitments
on our 1.4 msf on-campus development, prior to travel restrictions from
all of which culminated in full year COVID-19 pandemic; and
distributions of ₹18.8 billion (c.$250 • Acquired c.0.6 msf of leasable area
million) for our Unitholders. upon completion in June 2023 at

In FY2020, we: located within the overall Embassy
• Achieved our highest absorption Manyata campus, which is our key

msf new leases signed with 25+ inherent growth potential and strong
occupiers, 53% re-leasing spreads fundamentals of Embassy REIT.
on c.1.1 msf of re-leases and 19%
renewal spreads on c.600 ksf of
renewals during the year
• Achieved c.12-15% contractual

from 50+ occupiers

EMBASSY OFFICE PARKS 17

Below: Embassy REIT’s focus areas for
social development include the spheres
of education and health.

Focus on environment, social assets. It is of utmost importance to including IBM and SwissRe at Embassy
and governance GolfLinks Bengaluru, are embracing
footprint of our assets and provide a and expanding solar energy production
At Embassy REIT continued focus on greener and safer work environment through installations of rooftop solar
environment, community engagement panels.
and upholding highest standards We also own a 100 MW solar park which
of governance is paramount to our provides renewable energy to all our In all our parks, we have implemented
operational philosophy. rainwater harvesting, water recycling
has an electricity generation capacity of through sewage treatment plants, water
Environment conservation practices, integrated waste
Embassy REIT is committed to to 173 mn kg of CO2 annually. Further, management and energy optimization
conserving the environment and during the year, we have installed a 525 techniques that focus on reduction of
encouraging sustainable development by KW solar rooftop system at Embassy overall energy consumption.
247, Mumbai, which has the capacity to
many of which are rated by the As part of our green initiative, we have
Leadership in Energy and Environmental increasingly, our corporate occupiers, introduced eco-friendly CNG shuttle
Design (LEED) as Platinum or Gold buses at Embassy Oxygen, Noida that ply

18 EMBASSY OFFICE PARKS

between our park and the nearest Metro free of cost. Joining Embassy REIT and these skill sets. Every aspect of the global
stations. We have also adopted 100% Cerner in this initiative was a consortium technology landscape has a foothold in
electric vehicles in Embassy GolfLinks of corporates, including Cognizant, Swiss this country because of the ability of the
for employees of the park, and we utilise Re and Luxoft. Indian technology professional to deliver
an app-based car-pooling service ‘Green
Rider’ at Embassy Manyata. Governance compromising quality. Rents that
Embassy REIT has adopted world class multinationals pay in India are a fraction
carbon emissions owing to our green corporate governance standards and we of the global rents they pay overseas,
initiatives and energy management are subject to various REIT regulations but the quality and scale of assets like
practices. aimed at protecting the interest of our Embassy REIT’s are truly irreplaceable.
unitholders. To be able to hire skilled technology
Social talent at scale to respond to the needs
Embassy REIT’s focus areas for social minimum 80% of REIT value is from of global businesses is the core reason
development include the spheres of income-producing assets, restricting
education and health. As part of our speculative land acquisitions, leverage our business parks and properties for
restrictions and ensuring minimum 90% over a decade. To deliver this talent in
Connect’ Programme, we bring together a cost-competitive manner makes India
corporate leaders in social impact from are further governance rules for Board unique, because India delivers a winning
across the private and public sectors on constitution of the manager, related party combination of talent and cost.
a common platform to discuss and work safeguards and items requiring unitholder
towards shared challenges and visions. And third, Embassy REIT remains the
unitholder value is always protected. preferred institutional landlord for global
partnered with 21 corporates for 41 Further, through regular communication corporations to further their business
projects in the spaces of health, education with unitholders, we have led to an objectives. Embassy REIT owns a world
and public infrastructure. improvement in transparency, disclosure
We signed an MoU in July 2019 with standards and professionalism within the reputation over time, and developed
Cerner - a global health platform and real estate sector.
innovation company – to enhance the business needs through our ‘total business
health & hygiene infrastructure of 14 Looking Ahead
Government Schools in Bangalore. Going While the near-term leasing outlook speaks for itself: approximately 80% of
above and beyond, we jointly impacted might appear cloudy and occupier needs
over 25,000 students in 133 Bengaluru, may vary given the pressures on their Given the demand for Indian talent and
Pune, and Noida Government Schools businesses due to the pandemic outbreak, the paucity of high-quality landlords
during the last academic year. we believe the foundations of Indian and premises, Embassy REIT is
well positioned in the coming years.
In addition to providing preventative for the years to come for the following
health measures in the form of health reasons: in-class management team, prudent
kits, awareness sessions, nutritional
supplements, safe drinking water First, India is a young country with a to deliver regular distributions to
and the daily maintenance of 189 graduate population that represents a unitholders.
classrooms and 200 toilet stalls, we have world-class workforce. Our graduates are
highly educated, they are analytical, and
including for dental and vision with the they aspire for career mobility. Global
maintenance of medical records. Medical corporations hire talent in India for
interventions, if required, were provided

EMBASSY OFFICE PARKS 19

WEWORK

Here to change the future of work

For many years it was believed that WeWork is for everyone, from a larger businesses need and has evolved
the real estate industry was immune to freelancer, a growing business, to
disruption. It was a common notion large enterprises looking to open a Here’s how WeWork attracts enterprises
that innovation in commercial real estate to its space:

advanced majorly in terms of aesthetics WeWork. • A fully customised layout designed
with the member: Where most
working sector began to boom in India
and brought workspaces that weren’t just it has a productive and collaborative layouts, WeWork keeps aside warm
more beautiful, but were thoughtful in environment - where people are able
terms of comfort, design, and the ease of to network, work, and feel comfortable to create a tailor-made workspace
teamwork. in a community that helps its members for them from scratch. A member
can choose the number of desks, the
player in coworking spaces, WeWork, grow. Its primary o ering is customisation ratio of common spaces, IT servers,
customises and personalises a fully where, with a mix of space and private entrance etc. Completely
serviced workspace for members - from experience, businesses grow. customised to their business needs.
sourcing, designing, building, and
Since 2017, WeWork has studied what workspace outside a WeWork

20 WEWORK

Left: A look at a collaborative future.

for a client, taking the custom to changes in their organisational global and Indian locations, allowing
structure. them to work remotely and set up
• A fully serviced product: • Grade A properties in the best of
Once a member moves into a locations: We know of the high cost a consistent employee experience.
WeWork location, all admin, IT, and low supply of good commercial
properties in CBDs across cities in to grow up to 130-140 mn sq. ft. by 2025,
operations are taken care of by the India. With WeWork, enterprise with India accounting for nearly one-
third of the global coworking inventory.
focus on the business and avoids the the properties of the best quality, WeWork is pioneering this change with
in a central location, with great a member base that has 50% enterprise
• design that nurtures their employee clients, including some of the biggest
experience and helps the business brands in their respective industries, like
company can occupy the space only One Plus and Practo in Bengaluru.
on a need basis. Members also sign • Global access: WeWork has over Other enterprise members include Zee
700 locations across the world and Entertainment, Decathlon, Air Asia,
of increasing and decreasing the 34 locations in India. A member at Sony Music and Uber.
number of desks they have at WeWork has access to all of these

WEWORK 21

Adapt to the changing Scan the QR code with your iPhone
business environment camera or use Google Lens on your
Android phone
WeWork helps the largest of global businesses grow in a workspace
customised to their business and safety requirements.

Check out WeWork’s locations across India
at wework.com or call at 180 123 555 666

RESIDENTIAL

The changing consumer dynamics
in real estate

COVID-19 has taken the world by investment that will address their needs Above: A view of the Embassy Springs
surprise and has brought a new set of of comfort, safety and convenience. entrance.
priorities and values to the fore. In these Buyers will now be open to paying
times, Embassy has been leading from for premium products and features in
the front, undertaking many projects a home purchase. While the idea of
premium features once included the likes
our spaces for the warriors on the of pools, balconies and terraces, today it
frontline. On the residential front, we has rapidly evolved to keep wellness at
can anticipate an important shift in the
minds of our customers who seek more townships and gated communities to
security in precarious times. reduce commute time, meditation rooms,
green jogging paths, medical facilities and
In the post-COVID era, it is safe to say the like will be on the rise. Senior living
that people are looking more towards communities with integrated facilities
will also be in demand and Grade A
made everyone realize the value of a builders are evaluating these specialized
home and home buyers now have a long- segments to cater to their needs. Besides,
term view of securing their future with an ready-to-move in products in luxury

RESIDENTIAL 23

gated communities where there is no A new look at luxury and the adoption of smart home devices,
disruption in services and hospitality- technology in turn driving the smart home market
driven projects will also witness the growth in India. With Embassy Edge,
sustained interest of consumers. has seen a new class of Indian citizens we have already glimpsed at the future of
We have already seen that millennials, these smart homes, where many processes
forming 47% of the working population, explains why India is among the top 3 like paying utility bills, receiving
investing in rent yielding assets. We are most brand-conscious nations, globally.
on the cusp of a rental revolution that Property developers sporting brand name from the management, engaging with
other neighbours/residents, connecting/
all across the board, catering to both known hotel operators and hospitality monitoring various common areas within
brands have long dominated this the township/project or even managing
millennials, emboldened by a healthy niche segment of the housing market. the safety of your home, can be executed
income source and looking towards Leading Hoteliers such as Marriott, Four on a common integrated platform
real estate as a safe haven for capital in Seasons, Hyatt etc account for 86% of remotely.
uncertain times, will chart a new course the completed projects and a whopping
of asset classes. 96% of those in the development e nature of residential
pipeline. Four Seasons is the brand properties is changing
e birth of new asset classes leader in branded, serviced and managed
residences across the world. With the Design interventions in residential
We are seeing a sharp global shift, with complexes will now include planning
global patterns of soaring urban property a home in Embassy One, we are looking out a strategy by going back to the
prices and stagnant wages. Coupled with at exciting times ahead. drawing board and deciding to relook at
the rise of digital nomads, we are on the
cusp of the global ‘sharing economy’. People are considering residences that be the focus both for residential and
In India too, this rising gap between are ready to move-in, in good central commercial real estate by implementing
where and how people want to live and locations, professionally managed and social distancing norms. We can look
a focus on bespoke amenities, tech led forward to the growth of better-designed
development of concepts like co-living. homes, modern and chic environs, and
However, these shifts not only pertain to a focus on exclusive communities. By holistically distributed (business centres,
millennials, but also Senior Living. With 2023, India is expected to see a growth work from home facilities), well-planned
improved healthcare and precautionary of 39% of High net-worth individuals logistics when it comes to essential service
measures, the life expectancy of the with 344 Lakh crore value in this delivery, and the rise of green and smart
average Indian has vastly improved, from segment with real estate being the most buildings. At the moment, Embassy has
41-42 years in 1960 to around 68 years preferred form of investment by this already ensured our residential projects
in 2018. We are also seeing a general demographic. Needless to say, luxury are well integrated, with good light
increase of seniors from around 7.5% in needs to keep up with the interests of and ventilation, homes with private
2001 to almost 12.5% by 2026 (173 workspaces, as well as meticulously
million) and expected tosurpass 19.5% . home market is expected to surpass US$ planned vehicular movement paths
by 2050 With over 100 million elderly 9 Billion by 2025 with key metros like within the properties.
people in India at the moment, and the Delhi NCR, Pune and Bengaluru gaining
supply of residential Senior Living Units maximum traction. Factors such as Embassy’s customer forward
not keeping up with demand, we need to improved lifestyle, increase in disposable outlook
create far more livable, humane, tech- income of people and surge in awareness
powered and functional spaces for the about automated systems have boosted Embassy has consistently believed in
elderly. moving ahead with our customers

24 RESIDENTIAL

showing us the way. In this context, landlords. With our Four Seasons Above: A new kind of private residence.
we have catered to a diverse set of Private Residences, we have our eye on
demographics constantly gauging the the luxury customer, attending to their
mood, tastes and changing dynamics
of our customers. Our residential bespoke living experience along with our
portfolio, ranging from ready-to-move impeccable concierge service.
in to under-construction properties
across prime locations in Bengaluru With the launch of new asset class of
Senior Living at Embassy Springs, we
curated collection of residences that cater hope to make a mark in this burgeoning
to a plethora of lifestyles at varied price space and imbue it with the trademark
points. Embassy quality of service, space, and
humane standards. We want to move
With Embassy Edge, we cater to forward with our customers.

functional smart homes and a sense of As the real estate sector unfolds post
community living. the lockdown, it will take a while for
the industry to stabilize and get back
With Olive, we hope to address the on track. However, indications point to
need of the hour, co-living, subverting the fact that things are looking up – a
previous norms about rent and boost from the government, in terms of
targeted measures will be the shot in the
arm the sector needs.

RESIDENTIAL 25



The BLVD Club is your window to the world

Above: A view of the entrance to the events at the BLVD club that saw us
BLVD club. Next: A painting workshop going from the royal kitchens of Mewar,
at the BLVD club to the Hunan province, and all the way
to the Colosseum in Rome.
attempts to elevate, to attune you to the
vast tapestry of cultures that have made to vary from city to city, town to
their mark on this planet. We want for town, sometimes even village to village!
you to reach out and make a connection It was this element of culture that the
you never thought of before, but feel BLVD club wanted to pay homage to for
right at home with. We want you to their Republic Day Brunch on the 26th
rediscover what ‘home’ means in these of January.
highly globalised times. Ever since its
inception, the BLVD Club has always
sought to transcend provincial limitations

with global cultures and sensibilities. With a spread that evoked the chaat of

At times like these, when it is advisable
to keep out social gatherings smaller,
what can be better than the taste of the
exclusive with a small group of like-
minded people?

RESIDENTIAL 27

Chowpatty beach, the kheema pav of the Martin sponsored F117 workshop where always remain your window to the world.
many Irani cafes of yore, all the way up 8 teams attended the 6 hour workshop We were also thrilled to celebrate our
to the hills for a traditional and simple and took home a nighthawk model 2nd anniversary in December, and it
roasted chicken, the BLVD club brought plane.
out Indian cuisine in all its opulence. the processes that have made the BLVD
club what it is. Our ideas have not been
For Valentine’s Day, we did a little November also saw our Halloween
something special! Can you picture a Sundowner with perfectly spooky- the BLVD is a process of synthesis to a
more romantic setting than sitting under themed snacks and treats to keep our larger community, one that is untethered
by the strictly contemporary. Located
drink, as the regal Audrey Hepburn by Lexus, and saw guests leaving with in Bangalore, our vision carries a global
implores to Gregory Peck, “Rome. By snacks, gifts and vouchers. ideal, and our events are carefully
all means. Rome!” Well, this was exactly curated keeping this ideal at our core.
what the guests were treated to on We ended the quarter our newest Moreover, the BLVD Club community
Valentine’s day for ‘Love Meets Laughter seeks to bring together a global group
Clubs, bringing us to a total of 21 of like-minded and forward-thinking
Gala Lawn was transformed into a cozy, reciprocal clubs globally. In the near individuals, connected with a common
future, members of the BLVD Club way of living. To belong to the BLVD
d’oeuvres were served to the guests. can now look forward to the prestigious community is to be exposed to a curated,
Capital Clubs in Dubai, Bahrain, East bespoke lifestyle experience that is
It was quite a day for the ladies on
Women’s Day on the 8th of March. On Seventeen and the Matador Club. We So come, belong!

of complimentary desserts for all women’s
dining at the restaurant during lunch and
dinner. We also hosted a Women’s Day

Coveted and Get Gorgeous. Every single
lady who attended had the opportunity
to luxuriate with massages, or a makeover

the Coveted Designer collection on
display. To take things over the top, we

membership for the people attending the
brunch.

World Health Day also saw our Healthy
Recipe competition, with Gauri Bafna

recipe. A selection of gift vouchers for
the BLVD club was presented to her by

universal in their appeal, utilising the
best common practices of contemporary
healthy ingredients.

28 RESIDENTIAL



Embassy’s Unwavering
Commitment to the Environment

Above: Celebrating world environment We, at Embassy Priority, are promoting Eden Café, Embassy Springs and were
day in style! sustainable practices amongst its program educated on making compost from their
members ever since and in the same kitchen waste and growing their own
regards, we have been organizing events microgreens at home. We also conducted
and workshops that educate members on in partnership with Village Story and My
adopting sustainable ways of living. Dream Garden, a community farming
event, where the participants enjoyed
Apart from all our projects being a sumptuous brunch and learnt about
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) home gardening, best green practices to
follow daily for a sustainable lifestyle and
engage our residents and customers in planted more than 500 seeds.
bringing more ‘green’ into their lives. A
few of such ‘green’ events are mentioned Apart from this, on Ganesh Chaturthi,
here. Embassy Priority in association with
Village Story invited Priority members to
On World Environment Day we celebrate the festival and educated them
organized ‘Green Workshop’ to promote on how to make eco-friendly Ganesh

were treated to a lavish brunch at pots would grow into plants!

30 RESIDENTIAL

e launch of Embassy e Embassy Lake Terraces Below: Handing over the keys to the
Maximise handover

Embassy always keeps the customer front new landmark in our brilliant journey
and centre. Conceptualized as a one- with our clients.
stop solution for our customers' asset
management needs, Embassy Maximise It brings us immense joy to announce the
helps unlock the full potential of their
property. We provide end-to-end services our very elated families beginning their
new lives at Embassy Lake Terraces.
tenant retention, and facilitating hassle-
free moving in. Other services include Embassy Lake Terraces has been planned
resale, property management, interior and envisioned meticulously as the place
design and risk management. to be for the discerning homeowner, a
place to soar amidst the clouds.
We also assist with site visits, oversee
rental agreements, provide property We were also happy to announce the
advice. Embassy Maximise derives handover of the Four Seasons Private
its expertise from the experience of Residences, to homeowners who can
managing over 30 million sq. ft. of expect an unparalleled luxury residential
property. If anyone can help you experience.
maximise your returns and minimise
your worries, there’s no doubt it’s us.

RESIDENTIAL 31

Republic day celebrations

at Embassy Lake Terraces for Republic On the landmark occasion of the 71st was displayed in a three-day sequence
Day. Republic Day, Embassy Group celebrated run-up to the Republic Day starting
the spirit of patriotism by lighting two January 24, 2020.
of its iconic properties with the Indian
tricolours, igniting pride and patriotism on Embassy Lake Terraces and Four
in every Indian. Customary that iconic Seasons at Embassy ONE underlines
buildings around the world celebrate the solidarity of India and its people,
momentous occasions, Embassy Lake strengthened by bonds of cultural unity.
Terraces, Hebbal and Four Seasons at
Embassy ONE was lit up in the tricolour early evening on 24th Jan, 2020 and the
grand display of lights was viewed by a
Day in the city of Bangalore and India as euphoric crowd of visitors.
a whole.

electricians who worked all through for

32 RESIDENTIAL

INDUSTRIAL AND
WAREHOUSING

Solving Last Mile E ciency

last-mile delivery and rising delivery New approaches with an eye IoT devices to predict where and how
expectations are here to stay. Real estate on innovation demand will shift and allocate packages
into the last-mile distribution chain
mile facility as one from which goods Given this shortage of space, retailers
are delivered directly to the consumer, and logistics companies are trying other Warehouse automation used to be
this also commonly happens to be the approaches to work around the last- about speed and or how fast a piece
costliest leg of the journey. mile challenge. New approaches such as of equipment did its job. Today, it’s
hyperlocal partnerships, co-warehousing, about how smart the system operates.
Growth in e-commerce sales, an entire as well as a spike in short term leases Can the system orchestrate complex
generation used to a one-click delivery seem to be the order of the day. One logistical manoeuvres to ensure your
lifestyle, along with a sharp rise in package reaches multiple locations?
business inventories, will drive demand been the multi-story warehouse, which Can the system predict when a cog or
for more than 850 million sq. ft. of addresses a lot of the problems that a component bearing or a conveyor
challenge us. Switching from traditional is about to fail so you can address the
according to Deloitte. warehousing to multi-story warehousing problem before it shuts down your line?
Solving problems like these is the result
With this fact in mind, how do we rates. Moreover, a single consolidated of sensors that monitor conditions and
ensure last-mile delivery that meets warehouse practice can considerably save collect data and software that optimizes
the customer’s standard? To succeed transportation costs by improving the operations, and not mechanics. We are
distribution in prime logistics locations. moving towards AI and software over
machinery.
demand exists, but is there space? In such Automation Is In
situations, innovation is the order of the How Embassy makes a
day, we must make space. Automation, in various forms and di erence
permutations ranging from delivery
After all, 64% of consumers already aren’t drones to smart warehousing technology, So far, we imagine the warehouse
willing to pay anything extra for two-day will revolutionize the way people to be static, almost monolithic. A
shipping, according to a new study by 500,000 sq. ft. facility located in
Deloitte. Warehouse Execution Software (WES) a distribution hub near a major parcel
is designed to better integrate with

INDUSTRIAL & WAREHOUSING 33

shipper, just chugging along its course. parcels of lands; hence the procedure can Above: Modern last mile delivery for a
To meet modern delivery standards become slicker when experts handle it. better future.
however, we need to start thinking of the Owning warehouses in all locations could
warehouse as an evolving, dynamic being. be huge capital investment which start-
One that is capable of being adaptable, ups prevalent in the e-commerce space

Industrial Parks manages to be adaptable To ease businesses in appropriate
applying of capital where needed, we
client on board, we understand their
requirements for better functionality. largely aided in the progression and has
We as a company are known to have helped the businesses to focus on their
extended our relationship to other centres operation sparing them the extra sweat
where the client has a requirement of
another warehouse. Our biggest challenge warehousing sector supports businesses
has not only been managing the smooth like 3PL, manufacturing, ecommerce,
operation of the client facilities but also auto and ancillary amongst other sectors.
to acquire new ones. In 2019, warehousing has attracted a
3 % hike of INR 43,704 crores in PE
lengthy processes of taking multiple
approvals to acquire the appropriate contribute to the industry growth.

34 INDUSTRIAL & WAREHOUSING

Awards & Achievements

Left: Aditya Virwani bags the Under
30 Super Achiever Award.

Aditya Virwani bagged the recipients of the award. Given the We welcome new clients at
under 30 Super Achiever award breadth and depth of the unique Chakan
experiences each jury member brought,
‘30 under 30 Supply Chain Awards’ by there were stringent parameters to arrive We are elated to have the 6th largest
Celerity is a novel and distinct event at a winner list, supported and vetted by international automotive parts
conceptualised to honour the young manufacturer, Faurecia added to our
achievers in the Supply Chain industry. on 6th August, 2019 at Taj Santacruz, clientele. Serving the likes of Ford,
With a distinguished jury panel from the Hyundai and many more, Faurecia
industry who went through an exhaustive where the superstars of supply chain inaugurated their facility at Embassy
process to choose the most meritorious industry gathered under one roof. Industrial Parks in Chakan, Pune on 19th
August, 2019.

Embassy Industrial Park won
Best Warehouse award for
Bilaspur this year.

Embassy Industrial Park Bilaspur was
awarded “Best in Class Warehouse
Facility in India” at the Warehouse
Excellence Awards held in Delhi on 20th
June, 2019.

Embassy Industrial Park Bilaspur has
been master planned to exceed global

conceived, designed, and completed
with all its amenities, all necessary
statutory requirements, regulations, and
compliances within a time span of 12
months. A truly best-in-class warehouse
facility was 100% leased out even before
completion of the project.

INDUSTRIAL & WAREHOUSING 35

Scan for Menu

For reservations, call +91 76191 46006 or email [email protected]
Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE

8, Bellary Road (Near Mekhri Circle), Bengaluru - 560032, India

HOSPITALITY

Artificial Intelligence, IoT and the future
of hospitality

the path for the future of hospitality. At the heart of the hospitality industry is wave of responsive, customer-centric
HOSPITALITY the satisfaction of the customer. Loyalty hospitality.
drives the cog of the industry, and it is
crucial that we stay ahead and gauge what Machine learning and
personalisation
intelligence is on the horizon and has
the potential to play a pivotal role in Machine learning capabilities make
the industry. On one hand, it is able to
carry out traditionally human functions in hospitality allow for a whole new
which means that hotel owners can save idea of hospitality. Machine Learning
in AI tends to observe the shifts and
and deliver superior service. consistency in trends along with delivered
responses of previous interactions before
However, the way that it can truly it begins to produce its own accurate
illuminate and change the industry
lies in its ability to become even more suggestions that complement the guest’s
personalised to customer demands.
Automation has the ability to streamline industry.
processes, provide valuable insights and
optimize experiences, it’s driving the new

37

e special touch Our rooms are getting smarter Mapping new futures
too
touches such as a guest’s preferred In the past, we have heard fables about
reimagination with the coming of AI how the Holiday Inn group opened up
preferences keeps them happy and also and IoT. a map of the vast American continent’s
incentivises them to come back. Many highway system and mapped out where
luxuries were often only reserved for the Many homes have smart devices making they could possibly expand their brand
top echelon of guests and customers, life a lot easier. to. AI’s ability to parse multiple databases
some rooms just came with a bottle to provide valuable context can help drive
of champagne because the guest was become smarter in a manner that best the future direction of the industry. It
considered important. Here is where suits the guest? can map population density data against
circulation data to identify hotel “deserts”
identifying the personal touches that Right now, the industry is looking to a or areas where demand is exceeding
draw people to your hotel and tailoring future where a guest can enter a room,
your experience to the individual. immediately connect to the WiFi, have inform your next expansion.
seamless check-ins, have light, heating,
You can also use AI to personalize your water and television customised to Demographics and local review data can
rewards program, not just for what to their preferences.water and television be used to determine what kind of hotel
customised to their preferences. you should build and what exactly would
work with your target audience.

38 HOSPITALITY

Seasons.

e growth of sustainable e customer always reigns and what is more fascinating is that these
hospitality supreme hubs are faring far better than ones in
traditionally strong hubs like the Central
Technology not only gives us better, more one whose complexities we are yet to Business District. It is by taking this
seamless solutions. unravel entirely in the near future. If smart approach, backed by data, that
the hospitality industry keeps its eye Embassy hopes to identify our customer’s
If we leverage our technology in the right towards what it has always championed, desires precisely.
manner, we are better equipped to handle its customers, we can be sure to change
both energy consumption and waste the nature of the industry itself but keep Our hotels are also moving towards smart
the soul of its core belief intact. It is with rooms and even introducing smart tech
A.I allows us to control minute details in the luxury segment. Luxury is, after
like lights and water, which go a long way independent micro-markets utilising AI
With comprehensive data analytics,
practices. snarls, whole new clusters have opened we tailor unsurpassable experiences for
up for hospitality, with steady demand. our guests. At Embassy, we have always
We also gain a deeper insight into the At the ORR- Sarjapur belt, where taken a customer forward approach, the
data behind the waste we generate, Embassy TechVillage is situated, we are next big step is to incorporate this ethos
which help us come forward with better developing the 500 keys dual-branded
solutions to handle it. Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn hotel. Intelligence.

HOSPITALITY 39

Gourmet in the Garden City

left: Chef Colibri Jimenez in collabora-
tion with Chef Vikas Seth at Sanchez

Chef Colibri Jimenez with chef main course dishes including Red Salsa alone restaurant and the only one she
Vikas Seth at Sanchez, and Enchilada with pickled onions and collaborated with during her visit.
Sriracha, Indiranagar fresh cheese inspired by Oaxaca culture,
Shrimp Ceviche or Butternut Ceviche, Awards & Accolades, 2020
Chef Vikas Seth of Sanchez, Taqueria and special Asian Tacos, Pink Fiesta Mole.
Cantina, Indiranagar collaborated with Sanchez won the “Best Mexican in
the globally-renowned Mexican Chef For desserts, Chef Jimenez charmed Casual Dining” and Sriracha won the
everyone with Mexican Vanilla and “Best Pan Asian in Casual Dining” at
course Mexican sit-down dinner on the Honey, a dessert made from Greek the Times Food & Nightlife Awards on
8th of December, 2019. yogurt, butter crumble and raspberries the 22nd December, 2018 and
17th December, 2019 at ITC Gardenia,
Renowned for preserving Mexican Bangalore.

Rubi Chakravarthi described the evening Sanchez also won the “Best Foreign
saying, “Needless to say, the guests Cuisine Restaurant of the Year –
were over-awed and delighted with the Mexican” on 17th December, 2018 and
experience, and the fresh and piquant 16th December, 2019, at the Franchise
India Restaurant Awards.
comprised appetizers, entrees, and

40 HOSPITALITY

Four seasons magic... and more. and Copitas….the two new outlets that image from one surface to another,
comprise of the stylish Level 21. presents us a map of the city. Iranna’s
luxury Four Seasons here in Bengaluru… To sample a bit of the art, you walk into work outside the ballroom resonates with
one of the most awaited hotel openings Four Seasons and see Saju Kunhan’s every person who loved the erstwhile,
work, a true instance of bricolage, made lush Bangalore. Iranna evokes the time
One realm is the art on display, from hands, the soul, and the intellect. this was a town of tank beds, lushness,
and another is the excellent dining verdant landscapes, and seems to ask us,
CUR8 and the launch of Far & East Who belongs to this city and why? “Well, where did it all go?”.

Kunhan, who has mastered the technique We often forget, this is not a story of just
of image transfer – a process that involves people, this is a story of ecology too.
a meticulous, manual transfer of an

HOSPITALITY 41

settings for memorable meals.

CUR8 is rede ning dining pick…the fresh seafood, pizza, grills or land of their provenance.
experiences the irresistible cocktails... a caveat
worth adhering to. Leave room for dessert! Take the peking duck for instance, or
A leisurely Sunday in the Garden City even the impeccable maguro or Japanese
means one has the wonderful outdoors to e launch of Far & East tuna, carefully turned into masterful craft
enjoy - soft gold sunshine, white cotton by expert chefs. Executive Chef Stephane
clouds and all. of the city, and a dining experience like Calvet continues to oversee the culinary
no other. Far & East is niche in the city brigade, bringing to the stage his decade-
On the other side of a few laps in the
stunning outdoor pool, a great appetite and Chinese cuisine prepared by native In his last assignment, Chef Stephane
awaits! Breeze into the expanses of was in Chiang Mai where he explored
CUR8 in your stylish best and treat the Private dining rooms for intimate groups,
senses to a dramatic display of freshly and the compelling ‘Fat Ladies’ artwork his motorbike, forging friendships with
prepared gourmet dishes by a team of on the walls juxtapose well with a farmers and artisans, learning numerous
beautiful sit-out overlooking the cityscape
artisanal pizza from a giant, custom-
built pizza oven, a Spanish parrillada menu has been curated to provide you Yonaha and Chef Leong bring in the
style charcoal grill replete with juicy nothing but the best and most authentic magic touch of their native cuisines.
meats and grills and the alluring aroma
of freshly baked bread. Whatever your

42 HOSPITALITY

SERVICES

Technology’s impact in the service industry

A little lesson closer home IT hub, Bengaluru has always been a helped a lot of organizations to reduce
service economy. Right from back when unnecessary expenses and uncertainties.
No less than Adam Smith, the Scottish entire neighbourhoods or Palyas came up Today, and due to the emerging impact
to serve the needs of mercenaries at the of technology, we see more and more
economics as we now know it, hailed the height of military entrepreneurship that examples of self service and automated
Services industry as a “non-productive
endeavour”. We can allow the pioneer subcontinent, all the way to any services must be aware not to alienate customer
a few lapses, in his time after all, the segments not comfortable using self-
city before heading elsewhere, Bengaluru service and automated technologies as
struggling to identify itself in any scalable has shown us how tech steers services well as balance the danger of losing the
manner. Little did he realise that a few towards the direction of customer’s human touch as part of the process.
decades after his death a little outpost demands.
in India would seek its own modern We are on the horizons of the fourth
identity, one that was and is largely e expanding role of tech industrial revolution, considering the
premised on the services sector. In many
ways, the city of Bangalore has a lot to times now, with tech accelerating Globalization, IOT and AI are just
teach the world about the impact of our preciseness in identifying our minuscules of what constitutes these new
tech on services. From the colonial era, customer’s interests. Moreover, the role strata of social and economic growth.
to its avatar as a hub for public sector of technology in service industry has Integrated Facility Management as a
industry, to its modern-day turn as an

SERVICES 43

this new world era, not at ease though. ESPL at par with change. Automation of Below: Warehousing tech solutions for
While the potential that lies amidst the operational assets, customized technology dynamic change and growth.
growing need for human assistance will
forever be on a rise, adapting to newer to day operations, a skilled manual
tools, ideas and ensuring maximum force to ensure the competency of the

is at the crux of the dynamic change in these assure
our ethos. us a secure future at ESPL.

Embassy on the frontlines Embassy Services currently managed a
portfolio of 70+ million sq.ft. across 12
Embassy Services has always been on the states PAN India and is complacent to
front line of adaptation and reformation. reach the 100 million milestone by end
of 2020.

as Commercial, Education, Residential, economic and social growth of the nation
Co-Working, Warehousing; the and the globe on a whole.
reforming landscapes have always kept

44 SERVICES

Leadership Achievments

CEO of an Integrated Services Man- Integrated Services management Embassy bags the “Excellence
agement Company’ at the Marketing company Award in Environment, Health
Maverick conference & Safety (EHS)”

Management Company’ at the Marketing ESPL won the Confederation of Indian
Maverick conference at Leela Palace Industry (CII) South Region’s EHS
Excellence Award with a 5-Star rating
by leading it towards achievement of for excellent Environment Health &
Safety practices at Embassy Manyata
Business Park and Embassy TechVillage.

and lasting relationships with clients, program is to sensitize, facilitate, and
approach! motivate corporates to adopt innovative
practices in EHS. Embassy Services was
also honored with 2nd place in Sectoral
Awards - Excellence in Services. ESPL

SERVICES 45

was also awarded the “Most Promising including “Freedom from Hunger” in management, power monitoring systems,
Brand” presented by Economic Times. collaboration with NGO Akshayapatra workplace intelligibility and digital
to strive against starvation by feeding 73 transformation of RE/FM have helped
Our commitment to innovation is driven children from the CSR sponsored Hegde add value amongst the employees to cope
by our focus on our customers, attending Nagar School. A blood donation drive with the fast-paced change in the sector.
to their every need! conducted in partnership with Rotary ESPL also hosted the Corenet Global
Manyata was a record of sorts collecting
ENERGIZE - Engagement over 1.2 lakh litres of blood from 395 for networking and thought leadership
program building vibrant employees of 70+ companies. platforms is a growing trend and ESPL
communities has ensured to mark its presence through
A year of networking, collaboration on a global scale.
Energize – the community engagement collaboration & knowledge
program powered by ESPL was a huge sharing of ESPL and Nucleus Business parks,

‘Xmas Gift A Smile’ raising gifts to LeAP is a knowledge sharing platform platform was held in Jan 2020 at Trident,
support over 8000 children across initiated by ESPL, with an aim to Learn, Mumbai with an intent to discuss
the country. ‘Embassy’s Got Talent’
witnessed legendary bands Agam and led by industry experts who impart management services.”
Lagori perform at the parks. ESPL also wisdom on areas related to the IFM
continually engaged in CSR initiatives sector. Topics like water treatment, risk

Left: A peek at Energize, the communi-
ty engagement program.
46 SERVICES

STONEHILL
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

The Question of University Placements

Above: It’s a wrap for Stonehill’s Class the clamour in any school only concerns are living in an interesting time of an
of 2019! university placements. In an increasingly important shift in global education,
competitive world, the buzz around this a move towards a certain sense of
subject is broached a lot earlier, with internationalism, with school students
parents and students themselves having keenly aware of the best opportunities
and how to extract most of them. In
these heady days, there is much to keep
in mind nonetheless.

between national GDPs and university Our maps are getting smaller,
education enrolments, most starkly seen our opportunities bigger
in Canada, Japan, China, South Korea
and India, where the correlation is above shaped by an increasingly integrated
70% per cent. Global tertiary enrolments world economy, new information and
reached 170 million in 2009 (UNESCO communications technology (ICT),
Institute for Statistics). Four countries the emergence of an international
alone – China, India, US and Russia – knowledge network, the role of the
have a combined share of 45 per cent English language and other economic
of total global tertiary enrolments. We

STONEHILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 47

promising students around the world that we are moving towards new and IB DP and the available opportunities
are increasingly embarking on journeys exciting! Here’s hoping we can learn and
overseas, primarily to the U.S., U.K., more crucially, unlearn, as the future at Stonehill International School
and Australia. According to Studyportals, marks its path. was attended by school principals,
the number of internationally mobile coordinators, counsellors, teachers,
students is expected to increase from 4.5 e Stonehill di erence educators and over 150 leading
million in 2018 to nearly seven million universities.
As a growing number of students
universities are increasingly attractive look to foreign universities to pursue Stonehill is attempting to reach out to all
to international students, with the their undergraduate and postgraduate schools to promote career guidance as an
wealth of experience they bring from degrees, the need for a comprehensive,
challenging and global education IC3 Regional Forum at Stonehill created
becomes all the more necessary. an awareness about career guidance,
college counselling and career readiness
has seen a sharp decline in its growth excellent example of such a foundation. programmes for students. It enabled the
of international students, which some participating schools to train and inform
link to stricter immigration policies, but be academically challenging, allowing their principals, teachers, and counsellors,
students to acquire a vast breadth and
scale. depth of knowledge and understanding. families in their college search.

e shift in learning

personalized and project-based learning. connections across traditional academic Stonehill’s presence on a large platform
Individualized skill building has been such as the IC3 Regional Forum has
bolstered by adaptive and small group of Knowledge course and undertakes brought its students and community on
in-depth academic research through the the global map. Stonehill aims to nurture
student-centered, with a combination of its students’ abilities and celebrate
directed tasks and open-ended challenges approach to education helps students diversity through the many unique
that provide more learner voice and enhance their personal and interpersonal available opportunities to prepare its
development, as well as open up an learners for college and beyond.
is to be welcome given the international array of academic interests for students
character of education in the modern
young adults who live in a world where
income backgrounds, cultures, and today’s careers may become obsolete by
approaches to learning and problem the time they join the workforce.
solving, the shift is a welcome one.
Students from Stonehill International
Towards a new world School who graduated High School in
2019 pursued undergraduate degrees
It is hard to say what the outcomes of that ranged from Medicine, Veterinary
these fundamental changes in the nature Science, Business Management,
of education will be. Yet, one can hope Economics, International Relations and
that we come out with richer learnings, Law to Interior Design, Communication
ones that teach us sensitivity, empathy, & Media, Behavioural Neuroscience,
and lend us a richer sense of the world. Psychology and Cinematic Arts.
At the very least, we can be sure to say
to the diverse and dynamic nature of the

48 STONEHILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

STONEHILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 49

STONEHILL AT
ITS BEST

Celebrating friendship, diversity & innovation

2019 IBDP visual art inclusive culture, Stonehill celebrates this village of Tarahunise; Morningstar
exhibition Ashram, an orphanage for street boys
IFF is one such annual event that allows with mild to severe mental and physical
Stonehill’s Grade 12 Visual Arts students the entire Stonehill community to come disabilities; and the IKSHA Foundation,
exhibited their eclectic collection of work together in harmony.
at the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat. treatment and rehabilitation for children
For the past two years, these Visual Arts school caters for families who want with Retinoblastoma (eye cancer).
students artists have worked on creating an education that promotes global
their artwork, putting together their Nurturing the f lame of
curatorial statements and working on event that celebrates the best of India innovation
display techniques. All the hard work and enables guests staying in the country
to share their culture and cuisine. It is was held on the 22nd and 23rd of
by the work of these young artists. a great way to celebrate diversity and March, 2019.

e Stonehill PTA International share food and learn more about the Canadian International School, National
Food Fair - celebrating cultures represented in our community”. Public School, Oakridge International
diversity through food and School, TRIO World School, Neev
friendship Proceeds generated by the IFF were Academy, Greenwood High International
donated to the three charitable School and Stonehill International
Stonehill International School hosted organisations supported by the Stonehill
its annual PTA International Food PTA - Stonehill Government School, a
Fair (IFF) at their campus in North government school in the neighbouring
Bangalore. Known for its diverse and

50 STONEHILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL