In a rendezvous with WFM, Architect Arunjot Singh Bhalla, Managing Director, RSP Design Consultants India Pvt. Ltd, spoke about his company’s Indian operations, evolving designs and trends in façades and fenestration, and much more. WFM:Please give us a brief introduction of your firm and few of your recently completed important projects? Arunjot Singh Bhalla: RSP Design Consultants India Pvt. Ltd is an International Design Company with close to 60 years of successful track record in a diversified range of projects. The Indian operation of RSP Design was established in February 1996 with Bangalore as its main office and over the years we have forged a competent team of over 370 professionals in 5 offices across India. As Project Consultants, RSP Design provides multi-disciplinary Design Services including master planning, building planning & design, interiors, MEP and landscape design services for a wide range of projects in the institutional, residential, commercial, IT...

Arunjot Singh Bhalla is a graduate of Chandigarh College of Architecture and a Post graduate in ‘Architecture & Urbanism’ from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA. In his extensive 27 years experience as an urban designer and architect in India and internationally, he has worked on a wide range of projects ranging from mixed-use developments to IT Campuses, commercial, retail, residential developments and interiors. Besides winning several academic awards and prestigious research grants, he has also delivered public lectures at the Confederation of Indian Industry, Indian Institute of Architects and Association of Furniture Manufacturers of India and other public forums. Arunjot Singh Bhalla is a registered architect, Council of Architecture; international associate, American Institute of Architects; fellow, Indian Institute of Architects; licensed architect, Bangalore Mahanagara Palike and Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad and licensed surveyor, Corporation of Chennai. Arunjot was associated with RSP Singapore for three years as a key member of its...

Facade Cladding, while essentially being the skin of the building, should not merely accentuate the aesthetics but also serve as a shield from extremes of weather and the external environment. This protective layer, while being functional, should also permit the building to breathe while defining its significance and character. The Facade Cladding industry, today, is undergoing many changes in terms of functionality and performance parameters. To create an optimal artificial environment inside the building, the cladding material has to ensure a reduction in energy consumption through the wall of the building. This also means that the cladding material and system have to perform in all types of climatic conditions giving rise to more robust, energy-efficient, innovative and adaptable façade systems some of which are explained below: Rain Screen Façade Cladding (Back Ventilated Façade System):   [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="300"] Functional wind protection and privacy along with design sophistication[/caption] Rear-ventilated facades...

The extravagant use of tempered glass facades in buildings have led to the rise of what is known as urban heat islands, areas that you may want to avoid if you are on the lookout for a home. The trend of using tempered glass caught on after the Telangana statehood protests intensified post 2008. Faced with the threat of stone pelting, builders started using this thicker glass, which is generally used to manufacture windshields in the automobile industry. This prevents the windshield from shattering into shards upon impact, thus preventing injuries. But scientists point out what the builders forgot - that tempered glass reflects more heat back to the roads than regular glass, leading to a rise in temperature in the immediate surroundings. In fact, urban heat islands (UHI) cause a city to be warmer than its rural surroundings, all thanks to rapid urbanization. The phenomenon was first investigated in...

  No matter where it originates, from railways, aircraft or factories, noise is all around. Future trend research suggests that traffic and noise in general will only get worse. The careful and considered selection of glass can be crucial in helping to reduce noise level and meet noise requirements. In a fast urbanizing society, sound is one of the most significant causes of stress and fatigue. The irony here is that sound is a silent killer and most people do not know its significance. Many new buildings are using glass extensively, and many without any consideration to how well a glass façade will block sound. Sound Sound is a vibration that propagates as a typically audible mechanical wave of pressure and displacement, through a medium such as air or water. In physiology and psychology, sound is the reception of such waves and their perception by the brain. The two factors...

Ozone, one of the top manufacturers of architectural glass fittings, door closing devices, door locks, etc. offers a wide range of designer spiders crafted in sheet metal with forms inspired by nature, aimed at offering a whole new perspective and innovative approach to glass facades. Manufactured in Stainless Steel 304/316 grade, these spiders are without fin type spiders giving a new age look to the modern facades. Sheet Metal Spiders from Ozone with other modular components and tubes are used to create pellucid at the same time extremely stable facades for any kind of building structure. The range includes: Dew Drop Spider Fittings: Crafted in the design of a dew drop, this spider fitting is an expression of elegance, strength as well and optimum functionality. The fitting comes in matt finish with 4mm to 8 mm thickness and an arm distance of 120mm, 160mm and 200mm. This fitting can be...

French decorative insert door panels designer and market leader EURADIF unveiled many innovative products in the market. EURADIF has developed France’s extensive line of decorative panels for PVC and Aluminium main doors for the past 20 years. EURADIF insert door panels for main doors which are easy to set up. During the production of a window, manufacturers use their own uPVC or Aluminum frame and insert the glazing which is held by a bead. To produce a door with a beaded panel, the double glazing needs to be replaced by the insert door panel. Insert Door Panels for uPVC Doors Insert door panels are available from 20 to 60 mm in thickness. Different types are available to suit the products of profile manufacturers in the market (DECEUNINCK, KÖMMERLING Windows, REHAU Polymer, VEKA, LESSO, etc.). The insert door panels are all adaptable with all profiles, regardless of the thickness. Another advantage...

Kohinoor Square Tower, Kohinoor Group, Mumbai Kohinoor Square Tower, Kohinoor Group at Mumbai, India is planned as a mixed-use commercial high-rise tower. The source of inspiration for the design concept is the meaning of the name Kohinoor: mountain of light. Kohinoor is also the name of the largest diamond in the world -the hardest substance found in nature. At 52 stories, one of the towers will be among India’s tallest office buildings. The structure comprises a concrete core and post-tensioned concrete slab and spandrel beams. The tower's design objectives challenge the typical glass office building with the abstract pattern created by diamond geometry and triangulation. The triangular shapes are layered onto the building's mass and façades, through clearly defined planes and opposites: void and solid, opacity and transparency. The glass surfaces of the Kohinoor Square Tower are an abstract pattern inspired by the geometry and triangulation of a diamond. Technological...

Event Location: Zak World of Facades at ITC Maratha, Mumbai on 10th April 2015. After many successful and highly motivating events all over India, another exclusive Forum on Façade Design & Engineering was held as a part of Zak World of Facades at ITC Maratha, Mumbai on 10th April 2015. The former conferences created a benchmark in the city in its earlier editions in 2013 & 2014. Zak World of Facades conference is determined to propagate awareness of the newest cutting-edge technology and perspectives in the field of façade design. A hot topic of discussion at the conference this time was the new Mumbai Fire Brigade regulations on glass façades. The conference expedited a platform for networking, necessary in the professional world. The first session of the conference saw discussions on ‘Efficient design of façades on high rise towers’. Case studies on Ocean Heights in Dubai (twisted) (310m), Entisar Tower...

At the core of every design is functionality supported by objectives, requirements and possibilities. While some spaces are content being functional, others evolve into aspirational art forms. The difference is not in technology – the difference is DESIGN… Designs should be sensitive to Context, Client, Environment and Business Processes and the same principle goes in designing a beautiful yet functional façade. In fact, the first gesture of an architect is to draw a perimeter; this perimeter which separates the micro climate from the macro space outside, yet is an ode to the communication between finite and infinite. Conveying this idea, there are various factors which are considered important while designing, specifying and selecting a window or a façade solution. Presented hereafter is some of our best Architectural Work that represents factors that architects need to consider while selecting window/ façade systems. Framing views: Referring to the strategic positioning of the...

When Sabyasachi Sen &Associates(SSA) was approached by ITM University to build the new academic block to their existing building, it posed an enormous challenge. The existing building was built in the 1990s in the neo classical style of Architecture. The proposed site of the New block was immediately abutting and at right angles to the old building. ‘The owners wanted the new academic block to reflect vision of the future without jarring & conflicting with the old one.’ [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="340"] ITM University[/caption] Challenges Faced A seamless and continuous visual impact was desired from the façade having good thermal performance combined with high visual transmittance keeping in mind the comfort and needs of the inhabitants of the building. It was particularly desired,that the ugly staining/ bleeding effects of external silicone based façade systems which plague many modern buildings, should be avoided. Innovations applied The Design team at SSA had...

Gone are the days when stone, clay bricks, composite panels were the only options to look at for cladding. In the current scenario, there is a drastic shift in the way cladding is perceived and the architects, developers as well as the end users are looking for something which is new, has good quality, is sustainable over a period of time, can survive all kinds of weather conditions and at the same time is cost effective.This is where products like FunderMax have a definitive edge over contemporaries as they provide customized cladding solutions to the user. With a diverse and beautiful portfolio to offer their customers for both exteriors and interiors across the segments of residential, commercial spaces, retail, hospitality, etc., FunderMax High Pressure Laminates enjoy a reputation of being the numero-uno brand in the genre of new age cladding material and can be used for numerous applications.  Individual Decors:...

Façades and the Built Environment Long, long ago as I walked into the makeup room of a theatre and introduced to an actress and even as I admired her beautiful face and hardly listened to the words of greetings exchanged, the makeup artist grimaced his face and with a deft touch applied a black spot on her cheek, and all heaven broke loose as she magically transformed to an ethereal beauty and my eyes could just not take off, my tongue tied , my eyes frozen, I took a deep breath and with a sense of dizziness strolled away- the memory never to be forgotten. These and similar memories often awaken me as I sit along with my 3D designer and try to manifest a plan and section into the third dimension. What makes beauty beautiful and aesthetically appealing? These are the Challenges that infuse that touch of the spirit...

20th September, Pune : After the 1st highly successful edition in Bangalore, Zak – World of Windows conference moved to Pune and rendered another success story where close to 250 delegates from architect, developer, window contractor fraternity attended and witnessed the enlightening presentations and thrilling panel discussion. Windows are in integral part of timeless architecture, crucial in enhancing the functionality of the buildings. A typical fenestration component suffices the basic requirements of light and ventilation, but along the way faces the challenges of heat/sound and air/water ingress. The 2nd edition of ZAK world of Windows aimed at Design complementing functionality; Security requirements for mechanical burglar resistance; Possibilities and limitations of window ventilation; Modernization v/s cost effectiveness; Safety, security, sound, solar & savings; Installation – the missing link. The intriguing session of presentations and discussion started at 7 in the evening and lasted till well after 11 PM. About 250 representatives...

Event Location: ZAK world of Windows 5th July, Bangalore 5th July, Bangalore: The 1st ever conference exclusively focusing on windows was recently concluded in Bangalore with a record turnout of 300 delegates from the architect, developer, and window contractor fraternity. Windows are an integral part of timeless architecture, crucial in enhancing the functionality of the buildings. A typical fenestration component suffices the basic requirements of light and ventilation, but along the way faces the challenges of heat/sound and air/water ingress. The 1st edition of ZAK World of Windows aimed at a proper understanding of fenestration and addressed issues like design and application challenges, measuring the performance of windows and doors and their affectivity in bringing life to the interior spaces. The intriguing session of presentations and discussion started at 7 in the evening and lasted till well after 11 PM. About 310 representatives from architects, developers, specifiers, contractors and other...

Abstract Structural analysis of laminated glass has evolved significantly in recent years. However, it still remains to be a debatable subject among most façade designers and structural engineers in India. With multiple analytical approaches prevalent in the market, there are various different options of glazing available for specific projects. The simple approach of adding up the thickness of glass layers and ignoring the interlayer thickness is commonly followed by engineers in India which often results in over engineered solutions. Finite Element technique based software packages, which can model the viscoelastic behavior of the interlayer in the laminates are more rational and thus are getting wide acceptance worldwide. They help in distinguishing the pre breakage structural performance of laminates made from different interlayers. Post breakage structural performance, which is very critical in frameless glazing applications like point fixed glazing and cantilevered glass balustrades, has been studied through impact tests at elevated...