GA Infra Office, Keshav Nagar, Jaipur The project GA Infra Office involves designing an office space spread across three floors, along with a penthouse that will serve as a party area. The entire complex is accompanied by a basement parking floor to cater to parking needs. VARIOUS ELEMENTS The architectural design will encompass multiple elements to create a functional and aesthetic space. These elements might include the layout of workstations, meeting rooms, lounge areas, circulation paths, and special features like the penthouse/party area. COLOR SCHEME [caption id="attachment_57120" align="alignright" width="250"] .[/caption] The chosen colour scheme for the project is a combination of blue and grey. These colors symbolies water, which is relevant to the office’s focus on water-related work. The colour palette aims to evoke a sense of calmness, professionalism, and the connection to the theme of water. FURNITURE The interior design of the office space will feature modern furniture. This...

In the ever-evolving world of architecture and construction, the façade has emerged as an architectural canvas for innovation and imagination. In particular, futuristic façades are redefining the boundaries of design and functionality, playing a pivotal role in shaping the fenestration landscape of residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. With rapid changes in technology and access to international brands, fenestration trends include the use of large-span glass (individual glass panels of 2.5m wide X 9.0m height) with slim line sections, thinning the gap between interiors and exteriors. Also, the use of performance glass and DGU sections helps manage thermal conditions within a space without compromising on the quality of light. New-age materials include super strong aluminium, factory-made wooden windows, bronze window sections, etc. Nanotechnology infused with glass helps in managing solar gain effectively. Sealants are also available to ensure complete protection from climatic vagaries. Windows and fenestrations are probably among the most...

The façade plays an important role in a building as it is the primary interface between the interior and exterior. The façade therefore becomes the crucial element that manages entry for light, heat, sound, dust and a view to the world outside. Additionally, it sets the tone and theme for the design as it is a visual statement for the entire building, like a cover wrapping the book. Especially in the case of public buildings where people enter into an unknown context, the façade can play a role architecturally to invite or ward away, to tower above or to stay grounded, to look rigid or feel playful and the like. From the point of view of sustainability, façade and roof design are of paramount importance in cutting down energy needs. The approach to façade design can be vernacular, that is, using locally available materials and construction technology. This generally tends...

Today’s high-rise buildings are shedding their static skins and embracing a new generation of intelligent systems that redefine comfort, performance, and environmental responsibility. This in-depth analysis delves into the world’s most widely installed cutting-edge façade solutions, exploring their general and specific design parameters, performance characteristics, and the materials shaping this exciting evolution. The future of high-rise buildings is being reshaped by intelligent façades, a new generation of cladding and glazing systems that go far beyond aesthetics. These dynamic systems integrate cutting-edge technologies to optimise comfort, performance, and environmental impact, setting a new standard for sustainable and responsive architecture. General Parameters and Specific Considerations for Façade Design Sustainability: Minimising environmental impact through energy efficiency, resource conservation, and responsible material selection. Comfort: Optimising thermal and acoustic insulation, daylighting, and indoor air quality for occupant well-being. Thermal: Maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures through passive and active solar control, natural ventilation, and efficient insulation. Visual:...

In modern architecture, with its evolving designs, materials, and complex structures shaping urban landscapes, ensuring fire protection poses a challenge. The integration of glass façades and other glazed structures presents both technical and commercial hurdles for designers. However, an increasingly employed solution to address these challenges is performance-based fire safety design. Understanding the Challenges Architectural advancements, environmental concerns, and the integration of renewable energy technologies like photovoltaic panels pose significant challenges to fire safety in modern buildings. Traditional fire safety standards often struggle to address these complexities, highlighting the need for a more adaptable framework. Performance-based fire engineering emerges as a viable alternative, offering a comprehensive approach tailored to the unique characteristics of each building. By prioritising safety targets through flexible and innovative solutions, performance-based design strategies empower architects and engineers to navigate the intricacies of modern architecture while upholding fire safety standards. Performance-Based Fire Safety Design Performance-based design in...

What is the size of the present architectural glass market globally and in India? [caption id="attachment_56363" align="alignright" width="200"] SUHEL KACHWALA, Managing Director, FG Glass[/caption] Suhel Kachwala: The global market for performance glass used in the façade and fenestration industry is expected to grow by a good value and roughly the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2023 to 2032. Tariq Kachwala: The growth of the Indian architectural glass market is estimated to be around CAGR 7.5% for 2023-2027. What are the driving factors of the architectural glass industry? Suhel Kachwala: The increasing demand for energy-efficient buildings is a major driver of the growth of the performance glass market. Performance glass can help to reduce energy consumption by up to 50% by controlling heat gain and loss. [caption id="attachment_56365" align="alignleft" width="365"] Lupin Research & Development Centre, Pune[/caption] Additionally, performance glass can improve the thermal comfort of...

Efficient façade design stands as a crucial component in contemporary architectural methodologies, extending beyond superficial aesthetic considerations. Its impact goes far beyond mere visual appeal, exerting substantial influence over a building’s holistic energy performance. This integral facet of architectural ingenuity plays a central role in mitigating energy consumption, bolstering sustainability efforts, and delineating the environmental footprint of structures. [caption id="attachment_56345" align="alignleft" width="300"] Façade design and materials have profound implications on building energy performance[/caption] In the context of this discourse, Architect Gagandeep Kapila, director of Workshop for Metropolitan Architecture, critically examines the profound implications of façade design on building energy performance. This exploration aims to shed light on the multifaceted advantages it offers, emphasising its indispensable role in advancing sustainable construction paradigms. By delving into the intricacies of façade design, this scrutiny not only highlights its functional and practical significance but also underscores its pivotal contribution to the overarching goal of...

In today’s fast-paced & environmentally conscious world, the concept of modern façade design has transcended its traditional role. Modern façades are no longer just about the external appearance of a building; they have evolved into dynamic systems that integrate sustainability, energy efficiency, safety, & aesthetic appeal. Meeting the demands of sustainable construction, heat ingress control, energy conservation, safety, cost-effectiveness, ventilation, and daylighting, contemporary façades are pushing the boundaries of innovation and reshaping the architectural landscape. SUSTAINABILITY: THE CORE OF MODERN FAÇADE DESIGN At the heart of modern façade design lies the imperative to embrace sustainability. With a growing awareness of climate change and the need for energy-efficient buildings, modern façades are designed with eco-friendly materials and innovative technologies. Architects and designers are now increasingly turning to sustainable materials such as recycled steel, low- emissivity glass, and photovoltaic panels that harness solar energy, contributing to reduced carbon footprints and enhanced energy...

How would you explain the role of façade lighting in enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of a building? Façade lighting is inseparable from the architectural façade itself. It renders the nighttime perception and identity of the façade forms and elements to appear as per the architects' vision. Without lighting, the architecture would appear dark and unnoticed, as its existence and beauty cannot be appreciated at night. Lighting highlights the aesthetics of the building materials and colours. It also picks up different moods and reinforces statements of the architecture that do not appear during the day and even conveys messages to communicate with the users. In some projects, a generous amount of glass façade allows the interior lighting out and contributes to the façade lighting expression. Therefore, the perceived façade lighting is precisely what is curated inside the architecture. Intense collaborations between various parties are required to devise a good façade...

In a triumph of architectural innovation, Foster + Partners has secured victory in an international competition to conceptualise the new terminal for Abha Airport in Saudi Arabia’s Aseer Region. The design, inspired by the nearby Rijal Almaa village, marks a paradigm shift in airport architecture by transforming the terminal into a series of interconnected human-scale clusters, outdoor courtyards, and walkways. Stefan Behling, Head of Studio at Foster + Partners, described the design as a “complete reinvention of the airport,” integrating traditional Aseeri details, local materials, and terraced landscaping. The terminal guides passengers through inviting, human-scale spaces, connecting them with green courtyards that embrace the open environment. This pioneering approach sets a new benchmark for airport design, prioritizing fresh air, greenery, and natural light to enhance the travel experience. The modular form of the terminal is strategically arranged in clusters between the drop-off zone and the apron, utilizing varying heights and...

In a groundbreaking achievement, Arcadis has clinched the NAIOP Real Estate Excellence Award for Office Development of the Year, recognizing its stellar work on the office building at 65 King Street East in Toronto, Ontario. This architectural triumph, crafted for Carterra Private Equities, has not only garnered acclaim for its avant-garde design but has also set a new standard for sustainable construction, aiming for international LEED Gold/Platinum certification. The 18-story building, strategically positioned in Toronto’s bustling financial district, boasts an innovative design prioritizing sustainability and employee well-being. Google Canada is slated to occupy a sprawling 400,000 square feet of cutting-edge office space across several floors, complemented by retail spaces at street level. Arcadis’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the building’s features, such as indoor bike parking, shower facilities, and car-sharing options in the below-grade parking. The exterior showcases green roofs, contributing to the structure’s eco-friendly profile. Respecting the site’s...

Over the past few decades, façade design has witnessed a paradigm shift with the advent of innovative methodologies, and one such approach is Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA). With 16 years of hands-on experience in façade design, engineering, testing, and inspection, this article aims to explore the significance of DfMA in the context of façade architecture, shedding light on its advantages and impact on the industry. Having spent more than a decade and a half immersed in the intricacies of façade design, engineering, testing, and inspection, I have witnessed firsthand the evolution of industry practices. The challenges posed by complex architectural visions, stringent performance requirements, and the need for sustainable solutions have spurred the exploration of innovative methodologies such as DfMA. Understanding DfMA Façades DfMA is a methodology that focuses on optimising the design process by integrating manufacturing and assembly considerations early in the design phase. In façade design,...

Weatherproofing, a cornerstone of architecture and construction, goes beyond mere protection against the elements: it signifies an unwavering commitment to a sustainable, enduring future. Regardless of location, from the relentless monsoons of Southeast Asia to the Arctic’s biting cold or the desert’s scorching heat, weatherproofing ensures that structures stand strong, efficient, and able to resist the inexorable passing of time. Compelling statistics underline the global importance of weatherproofing: buildings worldwide account for 40% of total energy consumption; implementing effective weatherproofing measures, such as insulation and air sealing, can reduce building energy consumption by up to 30%, curbing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. Moreover, construction activities contribute approximately 13% to global GDP, with weather-related damages incurring significant costs yearly. Robust weatherproofing not only safeguards these substantial investments but also reduces long-term repair expenses. In regions prone to natural disasters, resiliently weatherproofed structures can suffer up to seven times less damage,...

In the visionary landscape of 2050, the world of architecture will witness an awe-inspiring transformation in façades and fenestrations. The fusion of cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and artistic innovation will give rise to structures that not only redefine our skylines but also our relationship with the built environment. The aesthetics of future façades will be a testament to human creativity and innovation. FUTURE DESIGNS - 2050 [caption id="attachment_55759" align="alignright" width="500"] A façade that’s built around the existing trees[/caption] Envisioning 2050, the future of façade and fenestration design promises to be nothing short of a revolution. We’re poised for a transformation where building exteriors will no longer remain static. Instead, they will evolve dynamically to respond to their surroundings. Imagine façades equipped with smart materials like self-tinting glass and shape-memory alloys, enabling them to adjust to changing lighting and temperature conditions. Augmented reality will turn these surfaces into interactive canvases, offering endless...

The façade industry is very diverse and keeps on upgrading. Keeping in mind the current scenario and regulations that are being followed, the façades in the future will be more energy efficient/harvesting by using glasses with integrated solar panels and with auto tinting properties which will further help in saving energy. Moreover, the aluminium profiles will become sleeker and more intricate. [caption id="attachment_55589" align="alignleft" width="500"] Visualising future façades – renderings[/caption] As aluminium is considered the best material for façades due to its properties like lightweight and durability, it will still play an important role in the coming years. Considering the need for utilizing more sustainable materials, recycled plastics and metals, bricks, pre casts, and reclaimed wood to name a few can be an alternative. With the technical advancements in the current times, future façades are likely to have automated weather adaptability by controlling solar heat and harnessing energy from natural...

Insta Hardware stands as one of the well-known players in architectural innovation, guided by the visionary leadership of Satish Gupta. With a remarkable 30-year legacy in civil construction, his decision to diversify the family business in 2008 led to the establishment of the company. Since then, Insta Hardware has been on an inspiring journey of growth, setting new industry standards along the way. The company’s foundation is built upon unwavering commitment and professionalism. Their team comprises highly talented, experienced, and award-winning architects and designers who continually strive for improvement. Every aspect of our operations reflects the highest standards, ensuring that the clients experience unparalleled satisfaction. [caption id="attachment_55502" align="alignleft" width="225"] IAMH-04[/caption] Insta Hardware takes pride in offering an extensive and diverse range of architectural solutions. Its expanding list of satisfied customers bears testimony to our commitment to delivering only the best to the discerning Indian market. Insta sources its products exclusively...