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Dani’s centimeters -Architecture in Socialism

Transportation of Concrete panels for construction of prefabricated dwellings Text : Gjergji Islami | Photos: Archive of Albanian National Radio and Television
Assembling of Typical dwellings’parts
The State Design Institute Following the communists’“victory” of the Second World War,
Albania was faced with challenges of constructing socialism.
Development of urban centers was accompanied with
housing needs, which became growingly acute. The long and
endless self-isolation of the country caused a difficult economic
situation. After the deterioration of relationship with the
Soviet Union and China everything had to be produced by
their own forces, although capacities were minimal.

There was no doubt whatsoever, that the construction sector
was part of a society that was all by itself, in face of the whole
world. In a centralised system, the state had to take care of
every aspect of life, where housing was not an exception
either. Houses were designed in the State Design Institutes
and were built by the State Construction Enterprises. Land
was state-owned. Everything belonged to the state. The state
belonged to all. Growth of population in the urban areas led to
a quick growth of the need for housing.

The situation was becoming ever difficult and it was not rare,
when there were over ten people living in tight apartments of
only two bedrooms. Overpopulation of the existing buildings
was accompanied by the insufficient building rhythm of the
new blocks. Under these conditions, the only solution for
a quick and less expensive construction was found in the
typization and industrialization of the construction process.

The designs of typical layouts populated the roads and
corners of towns with their 4-6 floor facades. Such housing
facilities were designed for a socio-cultural, economic and
political reality that was very different from the reality of our
days, providing the minimal space and comfort. The Party
leadership mobilised masses for compulsory “voluntary work”
so that the construction process was run expeditiously.

The working class had to contribute in construction in order
to have a decent house. When free construction sites were
identied, there was a rush to label and plant the typical
buildings, sometimes even with no prior urban studies.
Typization of construction in general and of the housing
facilities in particular was a natural phenomenon in a society
where it started with the individual and ended up with the
town.

ENDRI DANI Project Executor : Christophe Cake
Born in Shkodra, Albania in Berlin bazed photographer
the year 1987, Endri Dani
works as an artist and graphic Texts : “182cm – an anthropological trip through a not so distant past”
designer in Tirana, Albania. by Edi Muka
Having a strong foundation in (Curator and founder of TICA - Tirana Institute of Contemporary Art)
painting, Dani now concentrates
predominantly on photographic, : “Architecture in Socialism” by Gjergji Islami
video and installation practice, (Lecturer and researcher in the Polytechnic University of Tirana)
which tend to incorporate found
objects, artefacts of ordinary life,
elements of Albania’s history and
souvenirs of his travels.Also a co-
founder of MIZA gallery in Tirana,
he attempts to incorporate experientially-derived insights
into his works, creating a space that slides between reality
and fiction.

May 2017 | Design Detail 105

BEAT THE HEAT

VARIABLE From the Editor’s Desk:
In today’s age, like plumbing and electrical works, air
conditioning is increasingly becoming a fundamental
design element that enters early on in the residential
design process. We continue our focus on this critical
aspect through our Beat the Heat section.

REFRIGERANT FLOW
AIR CONDITIONERS
Text and photos : Rakesh Kumar
the temperatures at which the compressor is
We are all familiar made to stop and start is the ‘differential’ of
with fixed speed air the thermostat.
conditioners at our
offices and homes. From the occupant comfort point of view,
In these ACs, the the differential should not be too large. The
compressor (which is the heart of the larger the differential, the more the occupant
AC system) runs at a fixed speed, and discomfort. On the other hand, a smaller
consequently the system produces cooling at differential means more frequent starts
a constant rate. and stops of the compressor, which shorten
compressor motorlife. A 2oC differential
Air conditioning requirement in a given (±1oC from the set temperature)is generally
space keeps changing during the day and considered a good compromise.
across the year, as heat ingress to the space
and heat generation within the space keep From the energy consumption perspective,
changing. For example, the intensity of the any start/stop of the compressor wastes
sun varies from morning to evening, and energy. And from the occupant comfort
from summer to winter. So how does an AC, perspective, a constant temperature would
that produces constant cooling, address this be ideal. A variable speed compressor is the
situation? solution. Instead of a thermostat, there is a
sensor that senses the cooling requirement
ACs use a thermostat to match the cooling and modulates the compressor motor
produced to the requirements of the speed steplessly. Since the compressor
conditioned space. Once the user sets the speed governs the amount of refrigerant
desired temperaturein the thermostat, it compressed per unit time, such a system
senses the room temperature and stops the is called a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF)
compressor when the temperature drops a system.
little below the set temperature. Once the
compressor stops, space temperature starts VRFs are equipped with a DC inverter that
going up, which is sensed by the thermostat. varies the compressor motor speed. By
When the temperature rises a little above the operating at a speed modulated in line with the
set temperature, the thermostat starts the
compressor again. The difference between

ONE OUTDOOR UNIT OF A VRF SYSTEM BLUE STAR SPRINT
CONNECTED TO SEVERAL TYPES OF
INDOOR UNITS

106 Design Detail | May 2017

DAIKIN VRV IV OUTDOOR UNIT SAMSUNG DVM SINGLE

LG MULTI-V IV cooling requirement, VRF units work at the projects, which can grow in stages).
exact required capacity, allowing substantial
energy saving and enhancing human n Architect-friendly: VRF systems
comfort. They typically have one outdoor are unobtrusive, and are suitable for
unit coupled to a number of indoor units, each both new construction and retrofit
serving a different zone. Each zone may have applications. Their application areas span
different temperature requirements. a large number of sectors like schools,
offices, retail, hospitality, healthcare
Daikin had invented the technology in and premium apartments. Hence they
1982, and registered it under the trademark have caught the attention of architects
Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV). All the and engineers. VRF technology is now
prominent Heating, Ventilation and Air penetrating large projects also.
Conditioning (HVAC) manufacturers in the
world now offer the technology as VRF. n Growth in infrastructure, educational,
The major VRF players in the Indian HVAC healthcare, hospitality, banking and
market are Daikin, LG, Toshiba, Mitsubishi manufacturing sectors: The ability to be
Electric, Blue Star, Hitachi and Samsung. integrated into third-party air handling
Some currently popular models of outdoor units is also driving the growth of VRF
units are depicted here. technology. These sectors, which require
such integration, are growing fast in the
VRF is the fastest growing segment in the country.
HVAC market in India. The major growth
drivers for the VRF segment are: n Premium Apartments: Multi-storey
premium apartment projects have been
n Economy of Operation: The a mega-driver for VRF technology in
energy efficiency, design flexibility, the last two years, since VRF equipment
environment-friendly refrigerants and with its smaller footprint allows the
technology and low total life cycle cost of developer a larger saleable or leasable
VRF systems make them a hot favourite space, while giving the project a unique
in the Indian HVAC market, helped by differentiator.
the growing footprint of Green buildings
that emphasise energy efficiency. Rakesh Kumar is the Managing Editor of
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Journal,
n BMS Integration: The ability to be published by the Indian Society of Heating,
integrated into a building management Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers
system broadens the appeal of VRF (ISHRAE). He is a mechanical engineer from IIT
technology. Delhi, with 45 years of experience in the field of
air conditioning and refrigeration. He worked at
n Modularity: Ability for modular Voltas for 35 years. For the last 6 years, he has
expansion (especially useful for large been working with the Journal.

May 2017 | Design Detail 107

BEAT THE HEAT

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS

FOR RESIDENTIAL APARTMENTS AND HOUSES

Text : Alex Cyriac temperature is attained. Because of un- the sea breeze, as the capacity will get
stabilized voltage we should always use reduced since the fan has to work against
In a residential application, it is good quality stabilizer. the sea breeze.
preferable to use simple split
air conditioners of any reputed The usage of ceiling fans at a low speed It is preferable to give separate machines
make rather than using expensive along with the air conditioner gives for drawing rooms and bed rooms. When
complicated systems such as VRV the advantage of two to three degree architectural aesthetics is concerned
machines or mini chillers. The main centigrade chilling effect, thereby concealed split units will be most suitable.
reason for this is that split units are maintaining the thermostat at 26 degree Most of the manufactures in India have
economical and simple functioning. Also centigrade giving enough comfort and been collaborating with multinational
any failure in the complicated system power savings. Indoor units shall be brands, and the quality of their air
leads to total shutdown of the whole positioned to face the bed or the seating conditioning products match world
plant thereby requiring expertise and position. standards. However, the price range
time to rectify the same. Depending upon varies depending upon their trade names.
the usage factor only we may think of Architecture that suits Air conditioning
buying high efficiency machines at extra Conclusion
cost, as most of the household ACs need Optimum size of the room must be
to work only four to five hours to bring designed to avoid unnecessary cooling The usage of VRV system and ductable
down the entire heat load. This makes the of a large area. It is preferable to cool
surroundings quiet cooler, especially in adjacent rooms or rooms above or below machines may be considered only for
the night time, and fresh air system will as it helps to reduce the heat load. As the
be good enough to cater to our comfort masonry walls, ceiling and cupboards very high end villas or apartments. The
level. can reduce the tonnage, the exterior wall
shall preferably be with a material of average cost / tonnage for VRV works
About the machine insulation property. Balcony, sunshade
and good ceiling height also help reduce out to around 80000 rupees, where as
It is important to buy inverter type the heat loads. When exposed roofs are
compressors which are the present trend thought about, a flat false ceiling has inverter split units will be in the tune of
for better power saving as well as ozone to be provided. Heat loads in the upper
friendly refrigerants. The cooling and floor tends to be more as compared to the 35000 rupees onwards. Practically, most
condenser coil made of copper helps better ground floor, as there is no heat pick up
heat conduction while coated aluminum from the ground level. of the high end villas remain closed for
fins withstand corrosion, especially in
the saline atmosphere in coastal areas. From the servicing point of view, indoor most of the time or maximum one or two
Nowadays, indoor units are available with and outdoor units should be installed in
drain pump in case of difficulty of gravity an easily accessible point. It also prevents rooms working. As a result, the machines
draining depending upon the location of the electric and plastic materials from
the indoor units. Always buy a slightly rodent attacks which otherwise leads to remain mostly in the switch off mode and
higher capacity machine to avoid any short circuiting. The outdoor units shall
wear and tear as well as not to overstrain preferably be rain protected due to the leads to improper working at the time of
the compressor. The higher capacity heavy monsoon. The direction of the air
machine shall cutoff when the necessary flow of the outdoor shall not be against requirement. Also there is a fixed charge

to be paid as electricity bill irrespective

of the usage and connected load. Taking

into account the above mentioned facts,

it can be presumed that inverter split

units of a good brand is the most suitable

air conditioning system for residential

apartments. dd

Mr. Alex Cyriac is the Air-conditioning &
Engineering Consultant for Alex Cyriac
Associates Pvt. Ltd., which is one of South
India’s biggest HVAC solution providers.

108 Design Detail | May 2017

OUR PARTNER SPEAKS

Eyecatcher
A new trend in the bathroom

Team Duravit has always been keen
on focusing on designs that strikes
one’s eyes while entering a room.
Fascinating bathroom elements,
be it small or large eye-turners in
terms of shape, colour, light, surface or material,
catch the eye and essentially are a clear
nonconformist statement. The possibilities to set
individual accents are versatile - take a coloured
front, striking ceramics, a free-standing bathtub
or small accessories. The company is now
ready with their new trend of products named
‘Eyecatcher’ which includes vanity unit fronts,
bathtubs, washbasins, mirrors and many more.

The Jade-coloured front surface of the L-Cube shape contrasts the rectilinear space concept. But then again, the matte look and
vanity unit defines the overarching design feel of DuraSolid A seems to calm and relax. The double washbasin of the ME by
concept in space. Greens hues seem soothing Starck series is a striking focal point in the bathroom. The filigree edge provides the
and relaxing, as we associate them with life, washbasin with elegance and a light touch, although it measures 130 cm and has a
nature and health. 30 different L-Cube surfaces comfortably deep inner basin.
provide an almost limitless freedom in colour
selection. Wall board, vanity unit or tall cabinet - the diversity of
L-Cube helps create individual highlights. The boldly shaped Cape
Cod bathtub has a strong statement of its own. Its monolith-like

The new c-bonded method seamlessly bonds the washbasin with the furniture.
Initial trials with Darling New and L-Cube surpassed expectations. The L-Cube
vanity unit and the patented special ceramics DuraCeram® form an almost
seamlessly connected unit. Large surface areas on resistant ceramics ensure great
comfort in use. This completely new look makes the basin the highlight in the
bathroom.

The L-Cube mirror with its circumferential non-glare 480 LUX LED light frame
stands out and perfectly sets the scene, whether built into or mounted against the
wall. Many different widths offer great installation flexibility, too. Home accessories
such as textiles, wall boards or lights, also transform a bathroom into an impressive
living area.

For more information, contact Pradeep Nair, Ph: +91 7966112338, mail:[email protected] or visit www.duravit.in.

May 2017 | Design Detail 109

OUR PARTNER SPEAKS

CERA opens new area by Mr K Lava (Managing Director, SFS
Homes). Lighting of the lamp was done jointly
CERA Style Studio in Kochi by Mr. Cyriac Davies, Managing Director Kitco;
Mr. T A Joseph, Managing Director, Confident
CERA, India’s most preferred CERA Style Studio was formally inaugurated Group; Mr. John Thomas, Managing Director,
premium home solutions provider, by Mr. Vikram Somany, Chairman and Noel Villas & Apartments; Ar. Jeff Antony;
has opened its new CERA Style Managing Director, CERA Sanitaryware Ar. V N Ramachandran; Ar. Manoj Kumar M;
Studio at Kochi in the Marine Limited in the presence of invited guests of Mr. G Ramachandran, GR Tech Consultants;
Drive area. CERA Style Studios are architects, developers, trade associates and Mr. Arun Das, Bhavani Consultants; Mrs.
company display centres, meant for providing customers. Designed by Ar Manoj Kumar, the Deepshikha Khaitan, Vice Chairman, CERA
architects, designers, developers, consultants, displays were segregated for different product and Mr. S C Kothari, Chief Executive Officer,
traders and customers a holistic touch and segments of CERA and inauguration of each CERA,
feel experience of the entire CERA range area was done by a prominent personality. The
of products. Spread over an area of 12,500 sanitaryware display area was inaugurated Mr. Vikram Somay, Chairman & Managaing
square feet, the new CERA Style Studio in by Dr Najeeb Zackeria (Managing Director of Director said “This CERA Style Studio is the
Kochi showcases the entire range of CERA’s Abad Builders), tile display area by Ar Jose K largest in India and provides one-stop solution
sanitaryware, faucets, tiles, wellness products, Mathew, Wellness display by Ar S Gopakumar, to all the needs of our customers. This will help
kitchen sinks, mirrors, sensors, cabinets and kitchen sinks & mirror display area by Ar B them make an informed decision regarding
also its newly launched Italian luxury designer Sudhir, faucet display by Ar N M Salim, Isvea their home solution requirements.” Apart
sanitaryware, ISVEA. display by Ar Jabeen L Zacharia and office from Kochi, CERA has another company
display centre in Thiruvananthapuram. CERA
Style Studios are also operating in Chennai,
Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata,Ahmedabad,

Chandigarh and Mumbai.
In addition to this CERA also
operates an innovative CERA
Style Studio on wheels, to take
the products to the offices of the
architects and developers.

CERA Sanitaryware Ltd., India’s
fastest growing sanitaryware
company, has been at the
forefront of innovation right
sinceitsinceptionin1980.CERA’s
innovations have become
benchmark for the industry like
the water-saving twin-flush
coupled WCs, 4-litre flush WCs,
one piece WCs. Its latest products
include green faucets, Curtis
EWC, thin rim wash basins,
clean rim EWCs and the like.
CERA was recently recognised
with the Trusted Brand Awards
from Reader’s Digest for both
CERA Sanitaryware/fittings and
CERA Tiles.

For any further information,
please contact:

Mr N Jayadeep
General Manager Sales
9349184114
[email protected] or

Mr Abbey Rodrigues
Sr Vice President Sales
9349184106
[email protected] or

Mr P K Shashidharan
Sr Vice President Marketing
9327674111
[email protected]

110 Design Detail | May 2017

OUR PARTNER SPEAKS

2017 iF Design Rankings:
Hansgrohe Group Top German Company

With its brands AXOR and hansgrohe, the Hansgrohe Group takes sixth place in the
2017 iF rankings and is the iF design leader of the sanitation industry

The Hansgrohe Group once over competitors in the sanitation industry. AXOR Uno
again ranks among the ten best The iF “company” ranking combines the overall
companies in the world in the field results of the iF awards received by a company The construction design of the AXOR Uno is
of design. In the current “company” over the past three years. true to the uncompromising design principles
design rankings published by the of the original Purist movement: two precisely
renowned International Forum Design (iF), the The iF Awards of the International Forum shaped cylinders joined together at a right angle.
taps and showers specialist – the Hansgrohe Design (iF) is considered one of the world’s most
Group, ranks sixth among some 2,000 listed important quality ratings for product design. Spouts and handles are available in radical or
companies. With 1,040 points, Hansgrohe In 2017, eight AXOR and hansgrohe products gently rounded versions. The precise contours
improved on its 2016 position, moving up four were awarded, which was decisive for the and the raised proportions in the golden ratio of
places and surpassing Audi to become the top- company’s move to sixth place. Moreover, the the mixers are their defining stylistic features,
listed German company. The internationally international jury of 58 experts distinguished lending them a special aura and giving them a
active Hansgrohe Group from the Black Forest the AXOR Uno taps with a Gold Award. This sleek and elegant look in any setting.
also places ahead of world-famous brands such year, a total of 5,575 products from 59 countries
as Apple, BMW and Siemens. By securing a top were submitted for consideration. With its brands AXOR and hansgrohe,
position in this list of “good design”, the taps and the Hansgrohe Group, based in Southern
showers specialist also further expands its lead “These nine iF DESIGN awards, including the Germany, enjoys a reputation as a leader in
quality, innovation and design within the bath
Gold Award, clearly confirm and kitchen industry. The 116-year history
of the company is marked by unique product
our ongoing commitment innovations, 17000 active property rights, with
34 subsidiaries and 21 sales offices supplying
to combining the aesthetic products in more than 140 countries. The
brands and products have received numerous
design of a product with awards, including more than 500 design prizes
since 1974.
quality, ease of use and high

customer benefit,” says Jan

Heisterhagen, Vice President

Product Management,

Hansgrohe SE.

For more information, contact
Hansgrohe India - Public Relations - Pooja Khar, P +91 20 6625 9556,
F +912066259558, E-Mail: [email protected] or visit www.hansgrohe-
group.com, www.axor-design.com, www.hansgrohe-int.com.

May 2017 | Design Detail 111

OUR PARTNER SPEAKS

Saint-Gobain’s innovative glass
technology adorns Indian Railways

Saint-Gobain’s Glass business in India that comprises of two different kinds of glass
started operations in the year 2000 variants. The rooftop panel is made of SGG
in Chennai. It has cumulatively Priva-Lite, a glass that becomes transparent/
invested over Rs 3500 crores with translucent at the click of a switch. This glass
manufacturing plants in Andhra is paired with SGG Planitherm Ultra a thermal
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. insulation glass that helps maintain optimum
Saint-Gobain pioneered several Product, day lighting without glare and helps maintain
Marketing, Manufacturing, Application, the indoor air-conditioning at a desired
Sustainability and Human Resources temperature irrespective of the climate outside.
Innovations that helped in the emergence of The composite unit that measures to 33mm
product differentiation, segmentation and thickness also provides acoustic insulation.
knowledge / skill development in what was
seen as a commodity industry. These specially designed panels provide for
stellar views to commuters, while giving them
Saint-Gobain’s state-of-the-art Electrically the comfort of solar and thermal control on
Operable and thermal insulation Glass adorns exceptionally sunny days. The coach features
the Glass Roof of Vistadome Coaches launched a dome design with large windows and an
by Indian Railways. Saint-Gobain specifically observation lounge for panoramic views
designed and supplied glass panels for the roof enroute ArakuValley.

For more information, contact:
Shruti Rashmin, Senior Account Executive, [email protected], ASIA.MSLGROUP.COM,
Old No. 121/2, New No. 275, (Near Studio Cell), TTK Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, ZIP Code 600018, DDI +00 44 42251717, MOB +00 91 9600133931

112 Design Detail | May 2017

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