Zaha Hadid Architects, in collaboration with A-lab and Sweco Architecture, has been shortlisted as one of the top contenders to design a new concert hall in Bergen, Norway. The prestigious competition, organized by the Norwegian Architects’ National Association, attracted 32 applications from leading architectural firms. The other four finalists vying for the opportunity are Snøhetta, Henning Larsen Architects, Mad arkitekter with Kengo Kuma, and the Nordic Office of Architecture. The ambitious Griegkvartalet project aims to establish a remarkable concert venue at Edvard Grieg’ Place, an integral part of a burgeoning cultural quarter in Bergen’s city center. Rambøll has already conducted a comprehensive feasibility study for the development, setting the stage for the design phase of the competition. Each of the five shortlisted teams will receive £48,200 (NOK 600,000) to participate in the design phase, providing them with an opportunity to present their innovative concepts for the concert hall. In February...

The pandemic presented unique challenges to the architectural hardware industry. Post Covid, homeowners and businesses invested in upgrading their spaces, including the installation of better façades, doors, and windows for energy efficiency, sound insulation and enhanced aesthetics. The hardware market gradually started recovering. The pandemic also increased the emphasis on health and safety measures in buildings. This led to increased demand for products like touchless door solutions, antimicrobial coatings, and improved ventilation systems. Manufacturers have adopted digital technologies for sales, marketing, and customer engagement. E-commerce platforms have gained prominence, enabling manufacturers to reach a wider customer base. Key Factors Driving the Growth of the Architecture Hardware Industry [caption id="attachment_52316" align="alignright" width="362"] Smart home product integration[/caption] Urbanisation and Population Growth: Rapid urbanisation and population growth in many regions of the world drive the demand for architectural hardware. As cities expand, there is a need for new buildings, infrastructure, and urban development,...

Architectural hardware is an essential component of any building, providing practical functionality and aesthetic appeal. Hinges, locks, catches, knobs, and handles are all vital elements that aid in the opening, closing, and locking of doors and windows. But beyond these basic functions, architectural hardware also one of the most vulnerable aspects of building design is the façade. Because the majority of the populace is unaware plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of the building’s occupants. When it comes to safety, locks are perhaps the most important component of architectural hardware. They provide a secure barrier against unwanted intrusion, ensuring the safety of those inside. High-quality locks are particularly important in areas with high crime rates, or in buildings where valuable assets are stored. In addition, architectural hardware such as hinges and catches can also contribute to the overall safety of the building. Properly installed and maintained...

Please tell our readers about your design practice. Studio3eight is formed by an award-winning team. It is an international architectural practice that harnesses the power of design to create exciting and innovative built environments. Our practice is a melting pot of global perspectives and diverse experiences, with offices in Dubai, Australia, and Vietnam. As a forward-thinking design studio, we are passionate about pushing the boundaries of traditional architecture and embracing new technology and sustainable practices. We believe in creating buildings that not only respond to their surroundings but also inspire and connect with the people who use them. [caption id="attachment_51567" align="alignleft" width="500"] Green Diamond Development project sustainability diagram, Vietnam 2[/caption] Our team of talented architects and designers are experts in their field, and their passion for creativity, innovation, and excellence is evident in every project we undertake. From concept design to project delivery, we are committed to delivering exceptional design...

“Where access control is concerned, architects and design teams must find the right balance between aesthetics, functionality, and security” - Daniel May. Following a period of innovation and integration, access control has developed into an ever-prominent facet of building design over the past decade. Where systems were once rudimentary, modern user requirements have led to several operational and technological advancements, resulting in a versatile selection of options that move beyond the limited capabilities of centralised deployment architecture. The push for smarter buildings has played its part too. In fact, according to a 2022 report, the number of smart buildings worldwide is projected to climb from 45 million to 115 million by 2026, with global market size estimated to hit $201.16 billion by 2031 - and this growth shows no signs of slowing down (omitting another global pandemic). In order to meet growing market demand, manufacturers continue to modernise access control...

Façade lighting designs have evolved significantly in recent years, driven by advancements in technology, increasing demand for sustainable solutions, and the growing interest in creating visually striking and immersive environments. Some of the latest trends and technologies in façade lighting design include: 1. Interactive lighting: Interactive lighting designs have gained popularity in recent years, offering a dynamic and engaging experience for viewers. This type of lighting utilizes sensors, programming, and projections to create interactive experiences that respond to movement or touch. 2. Energy efficiency: With a growing focus on sustainable design, energy efficient lighting solutions have become increasingly popular. LED lights, which are highly energy efficient, are now commonly used in façade lighting designs. 3. Dynamic lighting: Dynamic lighting designs use changing colors and patterns to create a unique and immersive experience for viewers. This type of lighting is often used to highlight the architecture of a building, creating a...

The approach shall be to study the ARCHITECTURAL intent with respect to the building envelope. Emphasis needs to be made with respect to the cladding materials used in the interior and exterior of the building. The design team needs to ascertain the active and passive fire safety measures in the buildings after scrutiny of the future power supply requirement and the guideline for the materials used in the building. We need to understand the building codes which have clearly defined the materials and the fire safety provisions to be provided in the building. The real challenge is to ensure the systems are maintained and the people staying are well educated with the nuances of fire hazards in a building. We would emphasize the use of non-combustible materials for the exterior cladding and interior finishes. [caption id="attachment_51287" align="alignright" width="500"] Dry system[/caption] Provide passive fire strategies like a smoke seal and firestop...

We had the pleasure of interacting with Ar. Vishal Kakkar and Ar. Meena Murthy Kakkar. Both spoke about a range of subjects including their architectural practice - Envisage, their take on sustainability, recent projects, the latest trends in façade and fenestration designs and technologies, and the way building façade and cladding will take shape during the 21st century. [caption id="attachment_50731" align="alignright" width="113"] Ar. Vishal Kakkar Business Head & Partner, Envisage[/caption] Could you tell us about your educational background and career? Vishal: Both of us are architecture graduates from the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi. We co-founded Envisage in 2007, an interior and architecture firm specializing in design and build projects that offer turnkey solutions from conceptual design to execution at the site. Meena is also an associate professor, and I am a guest lecturer at the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi. What inspired you to pursue a career...

In an interview, Ar. Alejandro Stochetti talks about his design career, major projects, the latest trends in façade and fenestration designs and materials, and much more. Could you tell us about your educational background, career and architectural experience? I would start with noting the obvious. Our family, society and immediate context, as well as our life circumstances and our responses to these conditions, are our premier educators. I grew up in a poor country, in a large family, where making the right decisions on the use of resources was always critical. We needed to be efficient with the use of materials, energy and time. That required a lot of ingenuity and curiosity. I needed to find better ways to do things, achieving more with fewer resources. This was “CREATIVITY” at its most meaningful expression and purpose. By the time I had to decide on a professional career, I was interested...

Founded in 2016, Saugaat Inc is involved in diverse business activities, glass processing materials being the core source of business. It has emerged as the broadest portfolio of innovative advanced Glass-Laminating Solutions providing safety, security, sound insulation, UV protection & decorative applications across India. Further adding on it has recently introduced primary & secondary sealants for insulating glass improving the values of glass solutions. Headquartered in Nashik, Maharashtra, the company has a warehouse in Bhiwandi near Mumbai to cater to all the customers with on-time deliveries. Saugaat Inc works in tandem with Kuraray & H.B. Fuller|Kommerling. The company is also involved in developing various Kuraray & H.B. Fuller | Kommerling products and resolving technical issues related to glass. As the west India distributor for Kuraray, the brand provides its customers with high-quality products. Kuraray Co., Ltd is a Japanese manufacturer of chemicals, fibres, and other materials. Being a 96-year-old company,...

Every structure has a story to tell, and it often begins with the façade of the building. To narrate this story effectively, it is very important to enhance the façade with an appropriate lighting design. A well-lit façade not only serves the purpose of being a landmark, or providing security, but also accentuates significant architectural details - imparting a character to the building as well as its surrounding. Today, effective façade lighting can be a means of conveying context-specific information or promulgating a message by narrating the story of the structure, the surroundings and the overall city, leaving a memorable impression on the viewer. Since façade lighting plays a pivotal role in architectural expression, it is significant to devise a holistic façade lighting design scheme, bespoke for varied typologies. In order to design an ideal façade lighting scheme for any building, it is first and foremost very important to understand...

Façade, also known as the skin of a building, can be decorated in many ways by using designs, shapes, materials and through illumination. Materials that are available in the local or international market are used by façade experts to give life to those designs, keeping important aspects in mind such as safety, maintenance and longevity. An aspect to enhance the look of the façade is illumination/lighting. The purpose of façade lighting is to transform buildings, reveal their forms, and add value to the view. By a good lighting design, the aesthetics and beauty of a structure can increase. The character, story and history of the building and its surroundings must be thoroughly understood and studied before implementing the final dressing.Façade experts encourage in achieving beautiful aesthetic looks and that is where façade lighting comes into the picture. In short, illuminating/lighting the skin will give a new life to the building...

What is the demand for glass in niche and low-rise applications? Recently, glass has been used on building façades more frequently, accounting for a larger portion of the façade area. While this approach has been adopted for a while in a high-rise, commercial, and office buildings, we are now seeing it in residential and other domestic low-rise buildings as well. The need for a better view of the outdoors and more natural daylight to enter the building is, in my opinion, the primary driver of such high demand for using more glass in façades. While improving daylighting entering through the façades can greatly reduce the need for artificial lighting and accordingly reduce the associated energy consumption and heat dissipation, however, increasing GWR (Glass to Wall Ratio) in buildings’ envelopes can have adverse effects such as increased solar heat gains and glare, particularly in hot climate zones like the Middle East...

THE ILLUMINATI Gurugram, India Cityspace’ 82 Architects - a well-known residential architecture firm, has worked on various façade projects incorporating exceptional lighting designs. The Illuminati, one of their remarkable projects, includes sustainable façade lighting designs. It is designed to construct a residence with robust attributes and voluminous light-filled living spaces. The house is entirely based on the concept of zero maintenance. The most exceptional feature of this façade design is the use of fiber-optics integrated into the front façade, which gives it a glistening effect of twinkling stars with different intensities. [caption id="attachment_50164" align="alignright" width="300"] The most exceptional feature of this façade design is the use of fiber-optics integrated into the front façade[/caption] Furthermore, this residence is the first in India to install fibre optic lighting on the façade. The house reveals a scene in which, on the days of festivals or parties, the entire house can be lit with...

Established in 1988, XingSanXing Cloud Technology Co., Ltd. is well known for its brand and has spent the last 30 years focusing on architectural hardware for aluminium and uPVC windows and doors, curtain wall systems, and door control systems. A paradigm shift has occurred in the nation, and in the future year, the market for modern homes will extend all the way down to tier 3 cities. Previously, they were only available in Tier 1 cities. Advanced, dependable, noise- and pollution-free homes can only be attained with aluminium doors and windows and can’t be completed when we are discussing modern residences. The smoothness of its appearance being premium, quality, and dependability of safety and long life are the things they offer in operation, but these things can’t be achieved or accessed without mentioning the hardware because it defines facade appearance and the elegance indoors by handling vibrant colour design the...

Architectural hardware plays an essential role in every type of construction, whether it is for residential, commercial, or industrial. The story covers the growth of the architectural hardware industry in India and the various factors influencing the same, the latest developments in the industry, challenges faced by brands, and tests and test methods for deciding the quality of the hardware. We spoke to many industry experts from various brands regarding these topics. Presenting their views, solutions and suggestions which will help the AEC industry members to make informed decisions. Market Growth and Demand for Architectural Hardware [caption id="attachment_49494" align="alignleft" width="113"] Deepak Chugh Managing Director LGF Sysmac India Pvt Ltd[/caption] The growth of architectural hardware is synonymous with the growth of the window, door and façade industry. Architectural hardware has evolved a long way since the year 1998 when the aluminium façade market started to make a mark in the Indian...