The architecture of the amazing new International terminal, T2, at Mumbai by SUJITH.G.S

Recently I had the good fortune of travelling to Mumbai for the jury for the IIA National Awards for Excellence in Architecture 2015. I had always wanted to visit the new Internatinal Terminal designed by SOM and this was a lucky opportunity to do just that. 

Airport architecture in India is generally characterised by a pseudo-contemporary approach to design, an attempt to create an international language,one which would supposedly portray the global ambitions of the Indian cities. Though the inherent idea behind this approach is noteworthy, the end results leave much to be desired. An airport, as with any other space should respond to the local context even while espousing a contemporary vocabulary. This however, has not been achieved with most of the new airport designs, including the larger airports in the metros. The designs even though nice, are not something one would classify as jaw-dropping, and the response to the local context is totally missing. It is in this background that the design for the new airport in Mumbai gains significance.

The airport, at first glance is simply amazing. The thing that really stands out is the wonderful fractal inspired columns which seamlessly merge into the ceiling as a pattern of coffer slabs. The wonderful concept is detailed out well to create a unique pattern on the ceiling, which combined with the interesting lighting detail, creates a truly amazing space. Long slender spots radiate out from the column capital, creating a dynamic ceiling design. Thus the columns and ceiling create an enclosure which defines the entire space. There are strong references to the traditional stone work so common in Indian architecture, which provides conceptual framework rooting the design in the larger context.

The interiors are well detailed out, with attention paid to even minute things. This attention to detail creates a sense of exclusivity and luxury. The design is unapolegetically contemporary in essence, yet provides references to our past through patterns, materials and colours.

In spite of such a wonderful design, the main attraction for me was the amazing art collection which was featured on a long linear wall on the way to the boarding gates. There is an extensive display of art from across the country, which was painstakingly curated by Rajeev Sethi, right from traditional woodwork which displays the intricacy and refinement of our crafts to contemporary installations, all referencing the richness of our art and craft traditions. The linear wall rises to a height of over 3 levels, creating a scale for the display of such grandiose art works. The passengers can also have a much intimate experience of the smaller sculptures which dot each level. There is no better way than a well curated display of art, to portray and celebrate the vibrancy and richness of our culture and that too in such a terrific setting. Hats off the the GVK group for having the vision and supporting such a complex, diverse and expensive collection.

Ar.Sujith.G.S at the T2 Terminal in Mumbai, in front of the amazing art collection

SUJITH.G.S is an architect and writer, with a passion for travelling, experiencing cultures, studying vernacular architecture as well as contemporary currents, which form the basis for his writing and blogging. You can contact him at ar.sujithgs@gmail.com

PROGRESS PROFILES FOR FLOORS, WALLS AND A HOST OF OTHER APPLICATIONS!

PROGRESS PROFILES

Came across these fantastic profiles from Progress Profiles, an Italian company whose products are available in India. Beautiful profiles for a variety of applications, which are elegant and finely crafted. Profiles are available in materials like brushed steel, brass, stainless steel etc, which are classy. Do check out the below details –

PROFILES FOR WALLS

PROJOLLY SQUARE 

POLISHED, SUPER POLISHED and SATINED STAINLESS STEEL AISI 304/1.4301-V2A and POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL AISI 316L/1.4404-V4A 
 

PROJOLLY SQUARE is a square shaped as a right angle that is versatile and suitable for various laying solutions, both for floors and coverings. It is used as a staff angle for external corners of tile coverings. It facilitates laying and eliminates the brittle unpredictability of ceramic tiles. It is also used as a finishing square for finishing wall coverings, raised platforms, steps, and baths, and is used as an edge and a skirting board for parquet, natural stone, moquette and epoxy resin coverings. It guarantees flawless work done with care that is of great aesthetic merit. It strengthens tile edges with a square finish, protecting corners efficiently, avoiding chipping and breakages resulting from knocks. This is required by the new European regulations on safety and accident prevention in public and private places 

PROBORD 

POLISHED and SATINED STAINLESS STEEL AISI 304/1.4301-V2A 
 
PROBORD is a rounded angle corner guard in stainless steel AISI 304-1.4301 used to protect and cover the outside corners and edges of tiled walls. It is applied while laying the tiles, thereby ensuring a precise “flush” finish with the covering. Extremely attractive, it is recommended for premises open to the public, schools, hospitals, kitchens and food industries. It is in conformity with accident prevention and health and hygiene directives. Can be matched with PROLISTEL and PROSHELL AISI 304-1.4301 stainless steel profiles with polished or satin finish

PROTERMINAL INT 

ANODISED AND POLISHED ALUMINIUM 
 
PROTERMINAL INT is a profile cover protection for internal angles also to decorate inside corners of porcelain tiles, could be used to finish tiles connected to doors ,windows ,tables .Available in silver and titanium anodized aluminium, or polished chrome and titanium in different heights H:08-10-12,5mm. Two and three way corners or in development. Available from January 2016 

PROFILES FOR FLOORS

PROLEVIGAL 

NATURAL BRASS 
 
PROLEVIGAL BRASS are separating profiles used to create the technical joint in the special types of pavements such as marble- Venice- palladium ones, that must be smoothed after their laying process. The particular “L” shape with the cut/drilled base and 2,5 mm thick vertical edge consent the perfect smoothing and constant thickness as well. Available in natural aluminium and natural brass, various thickness, as well in outlined/bent PROLEVIGAL CURVES BRASS versions. 

PROSQUARE

NATURAL BRASS 
 
PROSQUARE is a range of profiles in natural solid brass with a square or rectangular section used to create a decorative joint between wood and tile coverings. It allows the wood surface to be sanded without ruining the tile surface. 

PROCANAL 

NATURAL, POLISHED and CHROMED BRASS NATURAL and ANODISED SILVER ALUMINIUM 
 
PROCANAL is a channel for joining floors and also for use as strips in wall coverings. This profile is made in natural, polished and chromed brass as well as natural or anodised silver aluminium. It is also used as a cable channel for the insertion of wires and conduits in all types of floor. 

PROELEGANT 

NATURAL, POLISHED and CHROMED BRASS 
 
PROELEGANT is a refined profile, with 6 mm visible surface, designed to cover the joint between two types of floor covering, tiles - parquet, marble or granite, bestowing a prestige aesthetic effect that is ideal for indoor and outdoor finishes, even when subject to considerable loads. PROELEGANT is available in polished, natural and chromed brass. It is available in various heights in order to satisfy all technical, practical and, in particular, decorative requirements. The chromed version may be used as a decorative strip in the wall covering.

PROFILES FOR LAMINATE, PARQUET AND CARPETED FLOORS

PROSTYLE GRIP ACC

SATINED AISI 304/1.4301 -V2A STAINLESS STEEL 
 
PROSTYLE GRIP ACC is a non-slip profile in AISI 304/1.4301–V2A satined stainless steel, consisting of a 40 or 60 mm horizontal top with a groove for the insertion of a non-slip carborundum stripe and a 20mm vertical flat side. The profile can be fixed with adhesive film or with screws. The particular design of this profile makes it an elegant and appreciated solution also for modern stairs

CURVE AND BENDABLE PROFILES

PROFINAL CURVE 

NATURAL BRASS CURVABLE 

PROFINAL CURVE are a range of edging and joining profiles that may be curved/shaped. They feature a special system of perforations allowing them to be bent easily so that particular geometric shapes may be easily obtained in situ. This allows decorative patterns to be created at will according to technical and aesthetic requirements and with a separation of 8 mm of sandable profile. The product is made in natural brass in 2.7 m bars and heights of 8, 10 and 12.5 mm. 

PROTERMINAL CURVE 

STAINLESS STEEL AISI 304/1.4301-V2A CURVABLE 

 
PROTERMINAL CURVE are a range of edging and joining profiles that may be curved/shaped, with a special system of perforations allowing them to be bent so that particular geometric shapes may be easily obtained in situ. This allows decorative patterns to be created at will according to technical and aesthetic requirements and with a separation of 3 mm. The product is made in stainless steel AISI 304/1.4301-V2A in various heights (6, 8, 10 and 12,5 mm) in 2.7m bars

SKIRTING BOARDS



POLISHED and SATINED STAINLESS STEEL AISI 304/1.4301-V2A 
 
SKIRTING made in stainless steel AISI 304/1.4301-V2A in height 80 mm. Available with or without adhesive. Superior aesthetic quality, extremely strong and easy to lay, it is ideal for all public and private environments that require high standards of hygiene and image. Used increasingly more often in contrast combinations with wood, carpeted floors, etc. for an unmistakeable hi-tech effect. In order to facilitate and to perfect the laying process, internal and external angles, plugs and junctions are recommended

SKIRTING FOAMED VINYL RESIN


FOAMED VINYL RESIN 30 WOOD FINISHES, AND 3 IN SOLID COLOUR

SKIRTING 7016 is a vinyl resin foam profile with a height of 70 mm, available in 30 different wood - effect finishes and 3 finishes in solid colour that could be matched with the PROINSERT SYSTEM’s profiles. The profile, suitable like skirting for floating and glued wood floor, laminate and LVT, could be laid with suitable adhesive, nails, screws or using the pre-punched support fixed to the wall with screws every 50 cm. Its special section, that allows to cover a 16 mm perimetral joint, and wide range of finishes make it a very requested, elegant and econimic skirting board profile. 

CONTACT –

Jerry Cherian
Quality Architectural Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Plackattu Colony,

Cochin - 682017

M: +919633422922
M: +919900585588
E: jerry@weareqas.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION – http://www.progressprofiles.com/

SUJITH.G.S is an architect and writer, with a passion for travelling, experiencing cultures, studying vernacular architecture as well as contemporary currents, which form the basis for his writing and blogging. You can contact him at ar.sujithgs@gmail.com

'Cattiva' - mobile blood bank designed by Ar.Gurjit Singh Matharoo

By SUJITH.G.S

Came across these old pictures of 'Cattiva', the mobile blood bank, which was designed by Ar.Gurjit Singh Matharoo. It was a tremendous experience to work on this project when I did my training with Gurjit, learning to work with the fabricators to transform the drawings into such a beautiful, futuristic vehicle, to be constantly at 'site' fine tuning and tweaking the design to make it perfect. I still remember driving down from Ahmedabad to Chennai for delivering the vehicle to the client and being greeted by shocked looks from the people on the way, who had never seen anything quite like it!!!

SUJITH.G.S is an architect and writer, with a passion for travelling, experiencing cultures, studying vernacular architecture as well as contemporary currents, which form the basis for his writing and blogging. You can contact him at ar.sujithgs@gmail.com