Vol 2 Issue 6, Mar’11
your connect with
Inside
Fantasies on glass l Sailing vacations
l Cuckoo about cookies
l
l
Teen room tricks
For private circulation only
trend
setters
Making an
unconventional mark!
A Google search for the design practice,
Atelier, will hardly throw up a few lines.
A reclusive bunch, you’ll think, but
they’re happy to let their clients and most
importantly, their work, do the talking.
w
Walk into the Atelier office and you realise
that this is a workspace that’s ‘different’. The
cobble-stoned path meanders through the leafy
foliage, leading you to an open reception. The
conference rooms are like glasshouses, with an
abundance of natural light. We are told that the
work stations function without artificial lighting,
during daylight. And what’s more, the cafeteria
offers home-made meals to ensure a healthy
diet for the staff!
The unique office, designed by the founders,
Tony Kunnel and Seema Koshy, gives us a
glimpse of the unconventional practice of this
18-years ‘young’ firm, and the design team only
reiterates it. “At Atelier, we do not follow a
pre-established aesthetic approach; our
endeavour is to uncover the full potential of each
project’s requirements by challenging accepted
forms of design,” says Tony Kunnel. “We believe
in creating holistically-conceived branded
environments and innovative paradigms,”
he adds.
And this is apparent in their portfolio. Take
the case of Eka, a company that creates
software for commodities trading organisations.
“Our design concept was based on the
boomerang — the only predictable manmade object that, when thrown correctly,
returns to the starting point. For Eka’s clients,
UST Global campus, Trivandrum
Left to right: Ayesha Sultana, Tony Kunnel, Sharath
Ravindran, Seema Koshy, Girish Shettigar, and
Arun Sam Varghese
2
editorial
predictability is an important value, and the
analogy of the boomerang fits in well,” explains
Ayesha Sultana. The boomerang-concept,
therefore, comes alive in the office plan,
structural elements, custom-designed lights,
etc. “The work stations were also especially
conceptualised for the project,” she adds.
BNP Paribas office, Chennai
Glass appeal
For centuries, stained glass has lured
people to churches and cathedrals —the
rose windows in Notre Dame, the walls
of glass in the Sainte Chapelle, or the
windows at St Vitus Cathedral, Prague.
g
Glass is challenging on many levels: it breaks,
it is heavy, scratches easily, and can be
dangerous to work with. But glass also brings
together charming art forms, colour and a
captivating play of light. Its ability to transmit
and reflect light adds another layer of intrigue
and meaning. And in the hands of a true
craftsman, glass can be infused with life. Meet
Saarus Nirhali, the mind behind Glasshopper.
From Tiffany shades and panels to
sun-catchers and chimes, her intricate patterns
and pieces leave you mesmerised.
“We look at the overall effect that the design has
on the performance of the end-user. When you
have a happy end-user, productivity increases,
and thereby, your business goals are achieved,”
says Zeeba Khan Kunnel.
So, while creating environments that enhance
organisational performance, Atelier also brings
a focus on green buildings and sustainability.
The UST Global campus in Trivandrum is
emblematic of these principles. The campus is
constructed on low-lying agricultural land, which
gets flooded during the monsoons. “Instead
of filling the land, we dug deeper and created
mounds to reclaim the land. We, thus, created a
natural lake, which covers one-third of the
36-acre property,” explains Sharath Ravindran.
The buildings, too, are indicative of
sustainable design. “We brought in ‘fresh
air architecture’, with the common services
housed in a central core, and the periphery
space marked for the work areas. Thus, all
the work areas look out into the open,” adds
Sharath. In addition, the campus boasts of
energy-efficient networked systems, cooling
This issue also introduces you to the core
design team at Atelier. These unconventional
minds are constantly challenging the norm and
resolving ordinary problems in extraordinary
ways — a fact that is apparent in their portfolio.
While they don’t follow a pre-established
aesthetic approach, they do bring a special
emphasis on green buildings and diversity with
Indian references.
Our décor section helps you wade through
teen tantrums to set up your teenager’s room
for the three basic needs: sleeping, studying,
and hanging out with friends.
Finally, we chew on the history of cookies and
the delectable spread available today to end
the issue on a sweet note.
Happy reading!
Cheers!
Shiraz Ibrahim
Managing Director
3
techniques, and zero requirement of artificial
light during the day.
The development of the campus veers off
traditional solutions to make community
development an integral part. The work
areas were cordoned off to set up a gaming
zone on the campus, which is open to the
public. “Through our design, we saved
So, how differently do the brains behind these
awe-inspiring designs, tick? Seema Koshy
states that there is a conscious effort to be
innovative each time. “We constantly push
the envelope,” she adds. And rightly so, as
their portfolio tells you that every interior or
architecture environment is radically different
from the other. “We can’t put a finger on it to
say this is a trademark of Atelier, but when it is
Atelier office, Bangalore
the environment, contributed to the local
infrastructure, helped the community, and
added value to the company.”
something different, something cutting edge,
or standing out, it has to be an Atelier job!”
says the proud team.
The Mahindra Reva Assembly Plant in
Bangalore is yet another example of Atelier’s
green commitment. “This building brings the
focus on biodiversity and renewable materials,
harvesting nature to the best,” says Girish
Shettigar.
Ethics, intent, and innovation are the hallmarks
of this dynamic firm and are firmly ensconced in
the logo and the way they work. “We are proud
to be ethical, a trait that is difficult to sustain in
the market,” says Seema.
Apart from this emphasis, Atelier takes
pride in bringing diversity with local Indian
references. “While designing the BNP Paribas
office in Chennai, we worked with local artists
to create a screening element. We also used
graphic images of dried leaves, an idea that
stems from the concept of hanging dried palm
leaves on doorways, a custom prevalent in
Tamil Nadu,” says Arun Sam Varghese.
4
As we trail off our cobbled stone path, we
leave behind a bunch of design minds that are
challenging the norm and resolving ordinary
problems in extraordinary ways — creating
innovative urban strategies, pushing the
relationship between art and architecture, and
challenging ideas. If their convictions provoke
thought and their ideas inspire, their beliefs will
surely change the way emerging architects will
look at the practice!
odds
despite
Fantasies on glass
A criminal lawyer, who’s
cleared the civil service
examination. You wonder
what she’s doing running
a stained glass studio. Art
with a criminal bent of mind?
Definitely not, as Saarus Nirhali shows you
around her colourful ‘courtroom’ and lets her
creations do the defense.
w
When Saarus Nirhali moved to Bangalore postmarriage, she decided to use her sabbatical
from work to indulge in an art that fascinated
her. Little did she know that this little tryst would
become a passion, resulting in ‘Glasshopper’!
Quite surprising for someone who hadn’t
dabbled in anything related to art, except in
biology journals in high school!
“Who hasn’t gazed in awe at beautiful stainedglass windows of a cathedral?”
asks Saarus. “Stained glass
enchants you with the
unique play of light that filters
through the rich spectrum of
colours and textures,” she explains.
Saarus follows the original
Victorian stained glass
method where she cuts
pre-coloured glass
and fuses it
together.
Her work ranges
from traditional
to contemporary,
abstract to figurative,
using techniques to
enhance the feeling
and mood of the art.
While her Tiffany shades
speak timeless beauty
and elegance, it’s the smaller pieces — candle
holders, sun-catchers, chimes, etc, which she
adores. “Tiffany shades tend to be expensive,
and not all can own one. I want to make stained
glass accessible to all,” she says.
And this, she does, creating spontaneously and
allowing the work to develop, change, and grow
based on instinct, emotions, and the energy she
is experiencing at that moment in time.
Any regrets about the career switch? “Not
anymore,” she says, “I feel more
peaceful. I did feel guilty to
come down ‘thud’ from a
high-paying job to making a
new beginning, but it’s been fun.”
Saarus also conducts classes for
enthusiasts. You can call her on
98458 71013 or check
www.glasshopper.in,
for an unusual art
experience.
5
medley
Sailing
vacations
There’s nothing quite as indulgent as a
cruise holiday. With summer vacations
here, it’s time to make plans for that
family holiday, and a cruise may just
be up your stream!
p
Planning a vacation this
summer?
Then go for a cruise
vacation, and be
rest assured, it will
be one of the best
experiences of your
life! Now, a cruise
vacation does not
mean that you spend
all the time on the
ship; there are shore
excursions where
you get off the ship
to explore different
lands and cultures.
But take care to select
the right type of cruise
for you because there
are cruises for different
crowds, including singles,
honeymooners, and families, with varied
activities and facilities.
Here are some of the best cruises to sail on,
offering great in-ship indulgence:
Caribbean cruise. There’s no better way to
explore the Caribbean than on a cruise —
travelling from one stunning destination to
another. The Sea Dream Yacht Club offers
packages of varied durations in the azure
waters of the Caribbean. You can sun-bathe on
the Balinese beds on the deck or have coffee
and pastries at the Top of the Yacht Bar, or
indulge at the spa. The gourmet food is said to
rank among the best at sea.
Alaska cruise. A cruise through Alaska packs
in awe-inspiring sights and excursions. Luxury
on this route is defined by Regent Seven
Seas and Silversea, which offer large suite
6
cabins, private balconies, and excellent food
and service. Indulge in whale-watching and
dog-sledding on this cruise, apart from the
incredible views from atop a glacier.
Mediterranean cruise. The itineraries on
this cruise blend the old favourites with
off-the-beaten-path ports of call. Crystal
Cruises offers a range of special cruises
—Mediterranean Treasures from Venice to
Barcelona, Epicurean Discoveries from Athens
to Istanbul, Connoisseur’s Collection from
Rome to Barcelona, Empires and Odysseys
from Istanbul to Venice, and more.
Australia-New Zealand. Kiwis and kangaroos,
coral reefs and rainforests, cruises in this
region combine luxury and adventure.
Orion Expedition Cruises boasts of itineraries
such as the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania,
and Kimberly.
@work
thoughts
Teen room
tricks
what’s out
what’s in
A teen bedroom is a fiercely guarded space;
it’s all about non-conformity. Yet, this room
can be made a comfortable zone for teens
and parents alike.
Name: Bhaskaran Subramaniam
Designation: Proprietor and Designer,
Axis Design
I begin my day with… a half-hour walk.
My mantra is… simplicity. It is very difficult to
achieve, but it’s the best that could happen to
any space.
I draw inspiration from… nature. Nature is
blessed with a great sense of proportion, which
can be translated into any design.
As a designer… one’s thought process should
flow into any space to create a harmonious and
simple design that facilitates good vibes.
My first thoughts when I walk into an empty
space… is how to get the best out of it by
retaining the natural features of the space.
I hate to see rooms or spaces… that are
cluttered and filled-up with too many things. I also
dislike jarring shades and brightly-painted walls.
My favourite room to design would be… the
reception area, as it is the face of the company.
Three ways to see green… using natural and
recyclable products and non-toxic paints, and
by creating a self-sustainable space.
White walls or coloured… white.
One secret no one knows… I keep everything
I need right in front of me. So, yes, the spaces I
live or work in are a little cluttered.
Every home should have… a pet. They infuse
joy and animation into solid walls and make a
home very vibrant.
My dream house… would be a tiny, little, neatand-tidy house, situated in a vast expanse of
land in a peaceful vicinity. The house will be in
tune with nature and will be made of natural or
recyclable material, with open-to-sky spaces.
t
The Barbie theme in your daughter’s room
looked cute when she was young. But now
that she’s a teenager, chances are she’s
ready for a new look. There is no thumb
rule to design a teenager’s room because
teen years are all about breaking rules!
Moreover, their interests are short-lived.
Just ensure that it fulfills the three basic
needs; sleeping, studying, and hanging out
with friends!
lFor a teenager, a single bed is best, as
it also gives enough space to move
around in. Futons are also a good idea:
a bed by night and a sofa by day, where
friends can hang out.
lSince a significant amount of time is
spent studying and surfing the Internet,
give a large work station to
accommodate a computer and study
books; give ample elbow space.
lBookshelves are important as also
space to tuck magazines and stationery.
Stackable boxes and shelf racks are a
great space-saving idea.
lFelt boards to pin up favourite pictures
and other memorabilia, help keep clutter
at bay.
lLeave as much floor space as possible
for free movement. Throw in a few bean
bags or rugs for additional seating, when
friends come visiting.
lIt’s also a good idea to put up hooks on
the wall for jackets, bags, and scarves.
spike it with vibrant cushions and bed
linen.
l For the walls, go for a neutral tone and
7
light
weight
Cuckoo about
cookies
Chocolate chip, peanut butter,
oatmeal, gingerbread, oldfashioned sugar, brandied fruit
drops, cinnamon twists, rocky
road, walnut biscotti… there is a
cookie for everyone, in the cookie jar.
What’s your pick?
t
They are called galletas in Spain, kels or keks in
Germany, and biscotti or ameretti in Italy. But the
actual name for the cookie was derived from a
Dutch word — koekje, which means ‘little cake’.
The word ‘biscuit’ comes from the Latin word,
bis coctum, which means ‘twice baked’.
The first cookie dates back to seventh century
Persia, one of the first countries to cultivate
sugar. At the end of the 14th century, you could
walk along the streets of Paris and buy little
wafers.
The British took to cookies in the 19th century,
incorporating them into their daily tea service and
calling them biscuits or sweet buns.
As people started to explore the globe, biscuits
became the ideal traveling food, because they
stayed fresh for long.
It was the Dutch who popularised cookies in the
United States. Legend goes that in the 1930s, a
Massachusetts innkeeper ran out of nuts while
making cookies. She substituted a bar of baking
chocolate, breaking it into pieces and adding
the chunks of chocolate to the flour, butter, and
brown sugar dough. The Toll House Cookie, so
named after the inn in which it was served, was a
hit. And the innkeeper, Ruth Wakefield, is credited
with inventing the classic — the chocolate chip
cookie.
lCookies are most often classified by method
of preparation — drop, moulded, pressed,
refrigerated, bar, and rolled.
lTheir dominant ingredient, such as nuts, fruits, or chocolate, can also be the ground for classification.
lAmericans consume over two billion cookies a
year, or 300 cookies for each person annually.
lUnagi Pie, a specialty of Hamamatsu, Japan,
is a cookie made with fresh butter and crushed
eel bones, eel extract, or garlic.
lNabisco produced 16 billion Oreo cookies in
1995 at its factory in Chicago, Illinois, the
largest of its kind in the world.
Transteel Seating Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
# 47, Linden Street, Austin Town, Bangalore: 560 047, India.
Ph: +91 80 2556 8868 Fax: + 91 80 2530 2861 Email: [email protected]
# 25, Gems Court, G15, Ground Floor, Khader Nawaz Khan Road,
Nungumbakkam, Chennai: 600 006
Ph: +91 44 2833 2595 Fax: +91 44 2833 2596 Email: [email protected]
www.transteel.com
Cochin 0484 2354539 l Calicut 0495 2744658