Hall of Fame

C N Raghavendran

Architect, C N Raghavendran rao and associates

Born in 1944 to Civil Engineer C R Narayana Rao, C N Raghavendran completed his primary and secondary education in Chennai. Apart from studies, Raghavendran’s childhood was spent playing hockey, football and cricket with his friends and family. After successfully completing his pre-university course from Vivekananda College, Chennai, Raghavendran went to study Architecture at Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur.

Following his graduation, he worked with his father for almost a year, before attending University of California, Berkeley, for postgraduate studies in Architecture. He joined his father’s firm C R Narayana Rao & Associates upon returning to India with M. Arch. from Berkeley, USA.

Over the last 6 decades, their firm has gained immense recognition and expanded their business to cover all the 4 states in Southern India. As early as 1960s, the firm gained recognition for their innovative architecture for the prestigious Dunlop and Ashok Leyland factories. Besides industrial projects, the firm has also designed many educational institutions, textile mills and sports stadiums. Their loyal clients include some of India’s large scale global companies like Infosys, TCS, Wipro, Satyam, HCL, Oracle and Computer Associates among others. A landmark achievement for this firm has been the construction of Tidel Park, a 1.5 million sft building equipped with energy saving measures. A one-of-its-kind energy efficient building, it was inaugurated and praised by the then Prime Minister of India.

With a 250-strong team of dedicated employees, the two brothers, C N Raghavendran and Dr C N Srinivasan are giving face to many dreams.

Sectional daybed

KEY FEATURES
Eco-friendly synthetic olefin reversible cushion
Also includes reversible seat cushions, reversible ottoman cushion,
three 22 x 22 toss pillows and two 18 x 12 toss pillows and glass tabletop for use as coffee table
Loveseat: 80L x 44W x 58H inches; weight: 50 lbs.
Bench: 55L x 25D x 12.5H inches; weight: 18 lbs.
Ottoman/coffee table: 37.5 diam. x 12.5H inches; weight: 26 lbs.
All pieces together as a chaise lounge: 80L x 80D x 12.5H inches
Warm cocoa brown wicker finish in alternating dark and light shades
Canopy folds down when not needed
Cushions reverse from blue-and-brown paisley to solid spa blue
22 x 18-inch toss pillows reverse from solid spa blue to neutral
18 x 12-inch toss pillows have a blue and brown paisley design
Seat cushions feature foam core wrapped in poly fill for
durability and resilience
Do not leave the glass on the ottoman (under cushion) when
using in chaise lounge configuration
Chat set seats 6-8 people; chaise lounge seats 2-3 people
Virtually maintenance-free - hose off to clean; spot clean cushions

 Not only does the Sectional Daybed make your outdoor seating area look exactly like a page out of a home decor magazine, it also offers versatile seating options that are designed to fit all your entertaining needs. Push all the pieces together to create an oversized chaise lounge, measuring 80W x 80D inches, to work on that tan with a friend or two; or pull the pieces apart, remove the ottoman cushion and replace it with the glass table top (included), and you have a chat set where you can catch up with six to eight friends over chilled drinks! Between its upscale contemporary look and functional perfection, this set, which includes a loveseat with canopy, two curved benches, and an ottoman/coffee table, is sure to be the highlight of your patio, poolside, or sunroom.

Designed for years of outdoor use, this set features all-weather resin wicker in variegated warm cocoa brown tones, woven over a fully-welded, powder-coated aluminum frame. Featuring foam cores wrapped in poly fill for durability and resilience, the super-comfy seat cushions will envelope you and your guests in sheer luxury, encouraging you to spend most of your waking hours outdoors. The seat cushions reverse from blue-and-brown paisley pattern to solid spa blue to create a different look whenever you want, while the toss pillows, which are finished with piped edges, add a coordinated feel to the set. Perfect for those who prefer to sit in the shade, the matching spa blue canopy lets you stay cool on particularly hot days and folds down when not needed. You'll also be doing your bit for the environment because all the cushions and accessories are made from eco-friendly synthetic olefin fabric that is soft to the touch and has a canvas-type feel. The greenest choice for outdoor cushions, this cushion fabric is made from recycled materials and can be recycled at the end of its life. What's more, this set is virtually maintenance-free! Simply hose off the pieces to clean and spot clean the cushions to keep the set looking like new even years down the line.

The best possible combination of modern aesthetics and livable comfort, this sectional chaise lounge set makes the perfect choice for anyone who wants to move beyond regular patio furniture, without compromising on style and comfort.


WHAT'S INCLUDED
Loveseat, canopy, 2 curved benches, Ottoman/table, Glass table top, Reversible seat cushions, Reversible ottoman cushion, 3 22 x 22 toss pillows, 2 18 x 12 toss pillows


DIMENSIONS & SPECIFICATIONS
Frame Material
Aluminum
Material
Resin Wicker
Weight
18 lbs. (Each Bench) , 26 lbs. (Coffee Table) , 50 lbs. (Loveseat)
Bench Dimensions
55L x 25D x 12.5H inches
Seating
2 - 3 Person
Type
Double
Loveseat Dimensions
80L x 44W x 58H inches
Brand
Coral Coast
Position
Non-Reclining
Coffee Table Dimensions
37.5 diam. x 12.5H inches

CARE
Hose off to clean. Use mild dish soap and water to spot clean cushions. If the cushions do get wet (rained on), stand them on their side to allow water to drain out the seam. Do not use harsh chemicals. To prolong the life of  furniture and cushions, store when not in use.

Great Home Ideas

Tired with lots of guests??

check out the design in the picture perfect for a basement and all those sleepovers and house guests during holidays!! All tensions gone with this simple and easy makeover of the basement.

ANTILA - MOST EXPENSIVE HOME

Antilla, the home of Mumbai-based petrochemicals giant Reliance Industries head Mukesh Ambani, stand 27 stories high.

 Lobby
Nine elevators dot the lobby floor: Two are designated for parking areas, three for guest quarters, two for the Ambani family residences and two for service. The lobby opens to numerous lounges, reception areas and powder rooms. Dual stairways lead from the lobby floor down to the ballroom, which is designed in an open layout with a two-story roof.


Ballroom
The most striking features of the Antilla ballroom are the crystal chandeliers that will take up approximately 80% of the ceiling. The silver stairways lead to a central landing, behind which two retractable doors can open to display works of art. There is also a stage for entertainment or speeches, with a projection screen behind it. A kitchen, about the same size as the ballroom itself, can service hundreds of guests.


Bathroom
One of Antilla's key design themes is the mix of lavish features seen in worldwide homes and elements that are distinctly Indian. The Gingko-leaf sink designs are a good example. Native to India, the leaves in the sinks are shaped in such a way that their stems guide water into the bowl created by the basket of the leaf.

Traditional Lounge
Ambani's home features countless lounges, offering Reliance Industries guests a quiet escape. Chandeliers and mirrors are a common feature of these rooms, as are finely woven Indian area rugs.

Modern Lounge
Each space and floor uses materials not seen anywhere else. The idea is that spaces will blend into one another, giving the impression of consistency and flow, while at the same time displaying different influences and traditions. This furniture, floors, lines and dark woods of this lounge have a more minimalistic approach than the home's other lounges.


Entertainment Level
It's very common in large homes to have a theater or screening room, but usually they're just large projection screens with a few nice seats. The Ambani's theater is --a full-fledged theater, indistinguishable from a cinema. A wine room, snack bar and entertaining space, including couches and tables, fill out the room.


Health Level
The indoor/outdoor health level features a lap pool and Jacuzzi that take in views of the city skyline, as well as lounge chairs shaded by trees. Yoga and dance studios, changing rooms for men and women, gyms and a solarium with a juice bar fill out the interior space. There are plans to include an ice room in the center space, where the Ambanis could sit on a hot Mumbai day to cool off in a man-made snow flurry.


Garage
The first six floors of the residence will be dedicated to parking for the Ambani family, guests and employees. Hanging vertical gardens dot the exterior. While they make for good decoration, their key function has to do with energy efficiency: The hydroponic plants, grown in liquid nutrient solutions instead of soil, lower the energy footprint of the home by absorbing heat and sunlight and providing shade that helps keep it cool.


Roof
The top floor features a covered, outdoor entertaining space with panoramic views of the Mumbai skyline as well as the Arabian Sea. On those days when it's too hot, or cold, an interior space with floor-to-ceiling windows provides the same luxury.

CHANGING TRENDS IN ARCHITECTURE

ORNAMENTATION IN ARCHITECTURE

Architecture has transformed from a complex creative process of integrating diverse functions, structural systems, myriad services and utilities, inter-related spaces and exterior-interior visual connections into a game of appliqué where one cuts and pastes decorations and ornament onto four sides of dull boxes.

The building in the picture above has a facade that is completely covered with sheets of perforated metal and acryllic translucent sheets. Diffused lighting techniques have been used to illuminate the facade of the building.


All of us agree that when we evaluate a building for its overall appeal, the exterior facade takes the first place. The exterior aesthetics has gained more importance than the interior functionality. The building has to be made look good.

DISTINGUISH DESIGNER !!

The relationship between human being and the building being established, what develops and grows around becomes a measure for man and his society.

Architects Profile :

• Full  Name :  Uttam Chand  jain
• Born :  1934
• Business Name  :  Uttam C. Jain Architects & Planners
• Services   :  Architecture, Urban Planning
• Design Team :  15 members , mumbai
• website :  http://www.ucjain.com/

Qualification :

• Advanced study scholarship from the National University of Tucuman, Argentina, 1959
• First Class Honours degree in Architecture – Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, 1958

Key projects

• Capitol Complex, Naya Raipur, India, 2006-Ongoing, Institutional
• Shri Tirupati Balaji General Hospital, Panthawada, India, 2004-2007, Hospital
• Aga Khan School, Mundra, India, 2002-2006, Institutional
• Umaid Heritage, Jodhpur, India, 2003-2005, Master Plan
• Prerna Sthala, Yavatmal, India, 2002-2003, Memorial
• Landmark, Bombay, India, 1993-2002, Workspace
• University of Jodhpur, Jodhpur, India, 1969-1999, Institutional
• Universal Harmony Hall, Mount Abu, India, 1993-1995, Convention Centre
• Habibganj Railway Station, Bhopal, India, 1989-1995, Transport
• Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Bombay, India, 1985-1987, Institutional

Key awards:

• 2007, A+D & Spectrum Foundation Architecture Awards 2006, New Delhi, India
• 2005, Golden Architect Award 2004, A+D & Spectrum Paints Ltd., New Delhi, India
• 2002, Chairman’s Award – Architect of the Year 2001, J.K. Cement Ltd., India
• 1992, President’s Award – Baburao Mhatre Gold Medal, Indian Institute of Architects, India
• 1991, JIIA Awards, Indian Institute of Architects, Bombay, India
• 1969, Commonwealth Institute of Architects, London, UK

Philosophy

• In the operational realities, if an attempt is made to highlight the ideological postures leading to the directions of value as accepted in all design-decisions resulting into tangible architectural ambient, the efforts are also directed towards creating a preference in the public mind for consumption of good design in their day to day living.
• The immediate surroundings is  source of construction materials; snow, stone, straw, reed, wood or mud is the indigenous materials for constructing an enclosure.
• The relationship between human being and the building being established, what develops and grows around becomes a measure for man and his society.
• There is a place for everything and everything has its place.
• Spatial configuration in his design is an attempt to invoke a spirit that will establish a symbiotic bond between the present and the past.
• FORM : Realization of shelter form and its content are in response to a given place, climate, and time.
• AESTHETICS: It is the aesthetics of openness contrasted with enclosures that highlights the different features from the rest of the façade.

Conclusion :

Uttam C. Jain is one of the great contemporary architect of India . After studying his projects we understand his philosophy that “ The relationship between human being and the building being established, what develops and grows around becomes a measure for man and his society” . His project shows lots of good architectural solutions and their implications in Indian climate and behaviors. The use of arches , vaults , domes , squinched , pillars , cutouts in facades , courtyards , pergolas etc are the major elements of his design. His designs are mere a excellent response the site and surroundings. The Jodhpur university is one of his great works indeed . He has come up with a excellent solutions of the climate and space behavior. The stepped roofs , the sitting patterns , the use of stones , the use of cutouts for ventilation are his major features in it . Use of local materials with a good mixtures of modern technology make his building a completely excellent response . In the operational realities, if an attempt is made to highlight the ideological postures leading to the directions of value as accepted in all design-decisions resulting into tangible architectural ambient, the efforts are also directed towards creating a preference in the public mind for consumption of good design in their day to day living. A doctor buries his mistake and an architect builds his mistake. There are individuals who fail to understand what good architecture is all about. But U.C.Jain feels that, architecture begins after you put up four walls and a roof and that is what he call the non-manifest part. Architecture is like music. You can feel it but not see it. You have to comprehend and appreciate architecture. Architecture provides us with our basic biological needs but actually its realms go much further than that. His sense of creativity stems from what he add from his mind. There are the 3 ‘P’s of architecture, namely, the personality of the architect, the product and the place. These have to be in synergy.

''HOME SWEET HOME''

BEST DESIGN FOR THE MONTH

''HOME SWEET HOME''

This home  is the highlighted story for the month because of it extraordinary wood decor!! A elegant entry and waiting area, sophisticated seating area, delightful dining space, kosher kitchen, soothing study room, bare bath area, ongoing outdoors and heart soothing terrace luxury.. Just a perfect dream home !!!

Joyful & Serene property : the leela, goa

Sprawled between the Arabian sea and river Sal,The Leela Goa,

 nestled amidst 75 acres of

landscaped gardens designed to reflect

Portuguese and Indian heritage is tucked

away on the southern tip of Goa.

 the legendary elegance and breathtaking beauty set against the backdrop of an intriguing fusion of colonial Portugal and modern India 

BULGARI Milan

http://www.bulgarihotels.com/en-us/milan/rooms-and-suites/overview

Black marble from Zimbabwe, stone from Vicenza and Afyon, teak and oak: these and other precious materials combine to create unique textural juxtapositions and chromatic harmonies in a subtle balance of spatial rigor and atmospheric suggestion, accentuated by detailing and furnishings designed by the architectural studio of Citterio & Partners. The façade in white marmorino stucco, facing a lovely stretch of buildings in the style of the 1930s, is characterized by a quest for a weightless elegance, perfectly integrated into the original 18th-century façade.

The 58 rooms of the Bulgari Hotel Milan, which include 11 suites, are all extraordinarily luminous, thanks to ample windows looking out onto the beautiful garden or an exclusive Milanese courtyard, thus offering guests an unexpected sense of tranquility in the center of Milan. The furnishings and décor create a refined yet welcoming atmosphere, an expression of the constant attention to detail for which Bulgari is famous. Precious materials like teak and oak give each room and suite a feeling of warmth and intimacy.