18 APSDA GENERAL ASSEMBLY It was 9 am on February 15, 2012 and the venue Tango-1 of Taj Vivanta, Goa when the official representatives from APSDA member countries gathered and enjoyed good fellowship. Council Chairman of APSDA & IIID President Ar. Bankim Dave called the General Assembly to order and welcomed members present from seven Countries and added that we are a family and the strength of Design fraternity of this Region. He stressed on connecting with one another and the fraternity as a whole. He informed the General Assembly that the theme for the term in IIID is Connect & Spread and he urged the members present to accept the same as the theme for APSDA as well for the term till GA & Congress in Indonesia in 2014 which was appreciated and accepted unanimously. IIID President Bankim Dave was then unanimously elected once again to serve as APSDA Chairman for the term till APSDA 2014 in Indonesia; he conveyed his gratefulness for the faith shown and accepted the same. He further announced that Hon. Sec. of IIID Mr. Pratap Jadhav will serve as General Secretary as well. Mr. Geoff Patrick from Australia who also heads APSDA Communication Office proposed that in the current scenario the name Association sounds outdated hence we should amend it to Alliance ; a resolution was moved and the members present accepted the same; hence APSDA will be known as Asia Pacific Space Designers Alliance. Council Chairman APSDA Bankim Dave suggested to form sub committees and added that whomsoever takes the responsibility of heading the same will have to furnish a detailed report on the same within one month. Following sub committees were formed : a) Code of Ethics b) Constitution c) Exchange Program d) History & APSDA Logo design e) Awards Members from Indonesia extended invitation for the next APSDA GA & Official Representatives to APSDA GA Congress to be held in September 2014. Members from Australia made a presentation bidding for APSDA GA & Congress for September 2016 which was unanimously accepted. Further, the members felt that they must meet at least once a year and have better bonding. It was also suggested to have some publication of APSDA and work for making APSDA website more informative and vibrant. The meeting was adjourned with a vote of thanks to all present. The IIID Official representatives to APSDA GA were IIID President Bankim Dave, President Elect Nitin Saolapurkar, Vice President Tushar Desai and Hon. Sec. Pratap Jadhav.
insite story The Paradox of Change apsda 2012 The speed of change makes you wonder what will become of architecture. Tadao Ando s words on the effect of inevitable change resonated in my mind as I stepped into APSDA 2012 the International Design Conference of Asia Pacific Space Designers Association held in Goa on February 16-17, 2012. This sixth cycle of APSDA, a 23-year-old organisation founded in Taiwan, was hosted in India by its Indian official representatives the Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID). A pertinent theme Design for Changing Lifestyles provided the platform for some invigorating and enlightening discussions among a melange of fascinating speakers from the world over. Substantiating the significance of the theme, the commencement of change was initiated by APSDA itself in the General Assembly Meeting held on February 15, 2012, at Taj Vivanta, Goa, where the organisation was renamed the Asia Pacific Space Designers Alliance. The General Assembly further went on to reelect Ar. Bankim Dave as Chairman of APSDA for yet another term (2012-2014), making him the first Chairman of this newly formed Alliance. Lighting of the Inaugural lamp. L-R: Convenor Nitin Saolapurkar, Secretary General Pratap Jadhav, Keynote Speaker Karan Grover, Chief Guest Pradyumna Vyas, President Bankim Dave and Guest of Honour Vijay Sohoni By adopting The Paradox of Change by His Holiness the 14 th Dalai Lama as the theme anthem, the conference aimed to realise how designers, through better and sensible designs, could contribute towards the changing environment and demands in lifestyles. Architecture has been a medium for introspection and progression, and while the theme indicated how design has acclimatised itself to changing lifestyles, it interestingly also made everyone contemplate whether it was design actually that was responsible for these changes in lifestyles. Goa Student Workshops: Workshops for students organised by Ar. Rohini Mani & Ar. Rajeev Sathe were conducted on February 14 and 15 at the Kala Academy. The creations were on display at the venue. The students were trained by Mr. J. George (Bamboo/Cane Structures), Mr. Shrinivas Shivaram (Origamy), Ms. Verodina Ferrao (Terracotta) and Ms. Garima Roy (Product Design). Text: Ar. Apurva Bose Dutta Student workshops in progress Photo courtesy: Ravi Monkar 19
provided the venue, following its appropriately timed carnival, and the host of international visitors and the architecturally famous venue, Kala Academy, rose to the occasion as an inspiration for the 800-plus delegates the official representatives of APSDA member countries present at the conference. The emblematic Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir auditorium with its magnificent stage and scintillating screen resonated with grandeur as comperes Jeffrey Manuel and Ayesha Baretto offered some delightful hosting. The inauguration of the conference on February 16 saw on the dais Chief Guest Pradyumna Vyas, Director, National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad; Guest of Honour Prof. Vijay Sohoni, President, Council of Architecture (COA); Ar. Bankim Dave, IIID President and Council Chairman APSDA (2010-2014); Ar. Nitin Saolapurkar, President Elect IIID and Convenor of APSDA 2012; Ar. Pratap Jadhav, IIID Hon. Secretary and Secretary General APSDA 2012 and Ar. Karan Grover, Keynote Speaker. Following the traditional greetings, the National Anthem, an invocation to Lord Ganesha by Akansha Kamat, the lighting of the lamp and the walk of honour by the Goa IIID team amid the booming brass band, a thunderous start was bestowed on the conference. Ar. Nitin Saolapurkar welcomed everyone to Goa and christened the day as a glorious day in the history of IIID and APSDA. Referring to the paradigm shift in lifestyles in South East Asia, he branded these changes as perceptible or sudden, and sought to understand them better through dialogue. Prof. Pradyumna Vyas, backed by his 25 years of experience in design, advocated a shift in design thinking and reiterated that as a thirdworld country there was nothing that we couldn t achieve. His views of not wanting to be governed by technology, not wanting to go the Ctrl+Alt+Del way (sans any sentiments) were well received by all. He appealed to India, being rich in spiritual thought and leadership, to bring in responsible and ethical practices. Prof. Vijay Sohoni questioned the sifting of architects and their related organisations into separate entities of interior, urban designers, etc. COA having taken a direction in this step, Prof. Sohoni informed the gathering that in the newly proposed amendment to the Architect s Act 1972, it has decided to offer a seat on the Council to the IIID. He further went on to add that, based on his discussions with IIID President Bankim Dave, the Council will also consider recognising the IIID syllabus for education in Interior Design in the country. His words were met with applause. Ar. Bankim Dave noted that life is ever changing and so is style, which leads to changes in Anchor Panasonic found a novel way of holding on to the audience. After every tea and lunch break, lucky draws were taken out, and only those winners who were present in the audience could claim their prizes. lifestyle. He indicated that the beginning of these forces, which were responsible for generating these changes, could be traced to our ancestors. He professed that the Convenor APSDA 2012, Nitin Saolapurkar making his welcome address biggest predicament today is to make open the communication of design. Ar. Pratap Jadhav informed the audience of the progression of IIID and of a more structured APSDA, which would be achieved by the meeting of its members at least once a year and through intra-designer talks within the countries. The next cycles of the conference are scheduled to be held in Jakarta (2014) and Australia (2016). Famed Ar. Karan Grover, through his powerful and eloquent presentation, raised a host of questions of design being timeless, redefining life and tradition, reading more into spaces, architects changing lifestyles, etc. An apt background score, evocative of true Indian tradition and some pictures, lent a spiritual touch to his talk, concurrently encompassing implicit aspects of design the world over with examples like the Japanese Wabi-sabi, works of architect Geoffrey Bawa, and works in Bali, South Africa and India. He categorically believed that it was actually architects/ designers who had changed not only life but also lifestyles. Director of NID, Ahmedabad & Chief Guest of the Event, Prof. Pradyumna Vyas delivering his address. 20 Karan Grover delivering his keynote address President Council of Architecture and Guest of Honour, Prof. Vijay Sohoni addressing the gathering
insite story Conrad Gonsalves Jeremy Singer Vishvas Lele Sameep Padora Gerrit Schilder B. H. Rathi Kiran Venkatesh Michael Foley TECHNICAL SESSIONS - FEBRUARY 16 The four technical sessions of the conference were split on February 16-17, and included categories of Atria and Commercial Spaces, Residential Living Spaces, Hospitality Spaces and Leisure/Public Spaces. The sessions were moderated by past IIID Presidents and were followed by a panel discussion, which witnessed a stimulating critique of questions by the audience. Ar. Conrad Gonsalves, the moderator for the Commercial Spaces segment, brought to everyone s notice the S in the APSDA logo that keeps on attuning itself to its host country, and for 2012 bears a Paisley pattern that originated from India. Ar. Gerrit Schilder, Managing Director of GS Architecture, Rotterdam, expressed his surprise at discovering that as opposed to Indian design aspects coming from the West, it was actually Indian designs that were influencing the West. His presentation Architectural Void as Spatial Intermediator analysed atriums, their purpose, origin and benefits. He also highlighted the synergy of the plan and the section for a fruitful design. Ar. Jeremy Singer, Managing Principal of Woods Bagot New York Studio, USA, structured the drivers for changing lifestyles in workspaces as interconnectivity, technology, social networks, sustainable living and work life integration. He ideated on these changes in workplace design through some of his designed buildings, of note being the upcoming Delhi One a three-and-a-half million sq. ft. mixed development in Noida. Bengaluru-based Ar. B.H. Rathi, heading Rathi Associates, detailed out the functionality in workspaces and retail design changes, envisaging the factors leading to current lifestyle changes with India in focus. He also delved into some interesting proposals that he has been collaborating with Wipro Technologies for the security of its female employees. Ar. Vishvas Lele, who propounded the search for an independent cultural identity, moderated the afternoon session on Residential Spaces. Bengalurubased Ar. Kiran Venkatesh termed residences as acute index of architectural progress and through some of his projects elaborated on their shifts in aesthetic, ethical and material sensibility; organisational shifts in the section connecting varied aspects; shifts in the programmatic accretion of the clients; and the onset of technology. Mumbai-based Ar. Sameep Padora, in his presentation Wearing the Inside out, opined about the politics of space and observed that in residential spaces change was marked by programme and aspirations. His innovative projects like The Roddam house in Hyderabad, Tata Housing in Mumbai and a collaborative project with students of JJ School of Architecture and URBZ on slums were exciting experiments that reveal changes that design has witnessed. Michael Foley, India s famous product designer, presented Exploring an Indian Idiom and led the audience through a prolific spectrum of products, assimilating how design can affect one s living spaces. The talk was well etched in encapsulating aspects of designs greening, coexistence, experience, interaction, balance, dignity, sensitivity, intelligence and versatility, ably exemplified by his products. apsda 2012 21
TECHNICAL SESSIONS FEBRUARY 17 Ar. Frazer Macdonald Hay from Scotland, UK, the keynote speaker of the second day, proposed that people like him who were interested in spaces should be called Interiorists. His polished and intellectual speech embodied profound observations of elastic design, interventions in design, understanding the DNA of the building and an approach to reusing buildings involving working with memory. He concocted an interesting equation of the meaning of interior design Frazer Macdonald Hay Interior Design = Br (Brief) + Sp (Space)+ M (Memory) + A (Analysis) + DNA X (US) Sy (System) + De (Detailing) The third technical session on Hospitality Spaces was moderated by Ar. Nitin Killawala who termed them as the most fascinating typology. The session commenced with New Delhi-based Vibhor Sogani s amusingly titled presentation An Affair with an Alloy. Vibhor s familiarity with stainless steel and his dominant concepts came across deftly through his repertoire accessories for living and dining areas, art works/ installations, flexible lights and trophies designed for some famous sporting events. The morning session was further livened up by India s much loved Ar. Sanjay Puri, who held the audience s attention not only through his resonating voice and personality but also through his design acumen reflected in his four hotel projects in which Puri challenged constraints to convert them into opportunities of cerebral designs that were sustainable to the core. Ar. N. Mahesh, Principal Architect of Kerala-based Iyer & Mahesh, interspersed his talk with funny anecdotes, keeping the audience in splits while actually giving a most befitting talk corresponding to the theme. He spoke about the perfunctory changing habits in one s life and their effect on design. He furthered it with changes in trends and concepts in the hospitality sector, citing significant examples. Vibhor Sogani N. Mahesh Nitin Killawala Sanjay Puri 22 Ar. Conrad Gonsalves moderated the last session on Leisure Spaces. Ar. Phillips Connor, a strategic design consultant in Singapore, felt that the need to cultivate design thinking was a mandate for designers as well as clients. Dwelling on an architect s roles, he felt that an architect needs to restrict himself to creation and not strategise, market and do project management. He emphasised on the need to pursue an aspirational environment, citing two case studies and termed Experience Design critical to success. Ar. Sonali Rastogi spoke about her three award-winning projects The Delhi Art Gallery, the Harley Davidson Corporate Office in Gurgaon and the Chettinad Health City Auditorium in Chennai. However, the projects on the Delhi Interstitial Spaces (spaces which are forgotten, derelict) and the proposal of a new information mode for the Indian Postal Services conveyed that architecture could look much beyond the meaning of merely making a building. The Technical sessions were followed with the presentation of Membership Certificates to newly initiated Corporate Members of IIID and Media Partners INSITE and Architect & Interiors India. President Bankim Dave, Convenor Nitin Saolapurkar and Secretary General Pratap Jadhav went on to thank all those who had worked Sonali Rastogi Phillips Connor The information Counter of IIID displayed the Institution s memorabilia to delegates, while stalls of Godrej, Veneta Cucine, Lundhs, Crompton Greaves, Magniflex and Anchor dotted the conference venue, offering designers with new and innovative products.
insite story Members of the Host Chapter, Goa, taking a bow. L to R: Mangesh Pradhugaonkar, Chairman IIID Goa Centre Amit Zarapkar, Pratap Naik, Team Leader & Past Chairperson IIID Goa Centre Rita Mody Joshi, James Andrade and Executive Committee Member, Yatin Kandolkar (In absentia: Raj Kumar Kamat & Praveen Pai Raikar) The announcement of the Inamsterdam World Interiors Event 2013 in Amsterdam was made by Mr. Kees Spanjar. The event aims to look at openness in minds, spaces, forms, cultures, access, and forums through their theme Past, Present and Future of Interiors. apsda 2012 to put the entire event together, namely, Ar. Nandini Shankar, Ar. Vistasp Bhagwagar, Prof. Pradip Amberkar, Ar. Rakhi Takle, Ar. Bindi Saolapurkar, Mr. Paul Vijaykar, Ar. Rajeev Sathe, Ar. Rohini Mani, Ar. Sarosh Wadia, Ar. Azmi Wadia and Mr. Subhashchandra Arole. The work of the Goa Chapter was specifically commended by the IIID headquarters, particularly Ar. Rita Mody Joshi, Past Chairperson IIID Goa, Ar. Amit Zarapkar, Chairman IIID Goa, Mr. James Andrade, Mr. Pratap Naik, Mr. Rajkumar Kamat, Mr. Praveen Pai Raikar and the omnipresent Member of the Executive Committee, Ar. Yatin Kandolkar. Ar. Shrikant Nivasarkar, Past President IIID and IFI (International Federation of Interior Architects), in his closing remarks, stressed on the importance of IIID having a stronger role in the country. He also raised a plea to Asian countries to safeguard the huge craft community, which is gradually dying out. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Ar. Nitin Saolapurkar. Past President IIID Shrikant Nivasarkar making his concluding remarks The Conference Team L to R: Sarosh Wadia, Azmi Wadia, Rajeev Sathe, Mahesh Chadaga, Nitin Saolapurkar, Rakhi Takle, Nandini Shankar, Vistasp Bhagwagar, Paul Vijaykar, Pradip Amberkar, Pratap Jadhav and Subhashchandra Arole (In absentia: Rohini Mani) 23
IIID Past President Ashok Butala got lucky when he won the Veneta Cucine lucky draw, winning him a trip to Italy. Manish Dalal of Anchor, IIID Past President Rohit Ganatra and President Bankim Dave felicitate the lucky delegate winning a gift hamper from Anchor Secretary General APSDA 2012 Pratap Jadhav making a point A Session on at the Kala Academy 24 Delegates in the auditorium of the Kala Academy President - IIID and Chairman APSDA Bankim Dave addressing the audience
insite story apsda 2012 Light-hearted moments at the J. W. Marriot The technical sessions were complemented by some delectable entertainment through rich Goan culture experienced at the end of both the days in the form of dances by the local people, and a carnival upshot with the brass band, which was joined by a huge number of designers on the stage. Short tea and lunch breaks proved to be a communicative and interactive platform for many as did the two dinners held at Casino Carnival on the Mandovi River (Members of the General Assembly and special invitees) and JW Marriott, which served as ideal settings to witness the lighter unassuming side of designers swaying to music, intermingling with counterparts and discussing beyond design. A taste of Carnival to mark the end of the Conference The principal sponsors of the event were Godrej Locks, who made brilliant presentations of their products. Veneta Cucine, Lundhs, Crompton Greaves, Anchor and Magniflex Mattresses also made product presentations, while Hettich, Boral, Ashbee and Duro Ply were other companies that supported the event. APSDA comprises members from 15 countries and this conference is held every two years, indicating that India will next get a chance to host it only after 30 years. Huge accolades to IIID, who painstakingly worked to give an event of this magnificent scale such success. The present IIID term works on the theme of Connect and Spread and justifiably, through this conference, a lot of bridges were made. Keeping their efforts in mind, it would be then apt to conclude that Change is created by those whose imaginations are bigger than their circumstances. Bengaluru-based architect Apurva Bose Dutta is an architectural journalist and can be contacted on apurvabose@yahoo.com or www.apurvabose.com 25