Architects Behind the Big Projects Behind the Big Projects

heila Sri Prakash is a pioneering practitioner-researcher who identified and first woman and Designer defined the field of Spaciology– the impact Sin , who, in 1979, founded her of space and planning on society. own Architectural Design firm ‘Shilpa Her work probes the powerful reciprocal Architect , Architects,’ in which has now impact linking the built environment to emerged as a forerunner in environmental- human behavior, through , friendly design and sociologically sensitive , and sociology. Planners planning. In a career spanning more than three Graduated from School of Architecture decades, Sheila has designed over 1,000 & Planning, , in 1977, completed architectural projects. She is Designers and also having attended the 12 weeks one of a 16-member team of international executive education program at Harvard experts on the ’s University’s Graduate School of Design, Global Agenda Council on Design and Ar. Sheila had faced several obstacles to Innovation and serves on the Role of establish herself in a male-dominated Arts in Society, in recognition of her profession. Her hard work and dedication signature works of Visionary architecture towards architecture and design have paid that features art, culture and heritage. her back and today she is internationally Besides, she was named among the Top acclaimed for her trendsetting indo-centric 100 most influential architects in the , thought-leading contributions to world by Il Giornale dell’ Architectura, environment-friendly design and is also an Italian Journal of Architecture. Her renowned for developing world through recommendations to the United Nations socio-economically sensitive planning. 2012 Rio+20 Summit in Brazil, have been As a global leader in sustainable design adopted in the mandate for Sustainability that blends sensitivity for the environment presented to heads of nations. The with socio-economic progress for the sustainability matrix titled “Reciprocal underprivileged, she is also known for Design Index” prescribes parameters and introducing vernacular and culturally metrics surrounding sustainable design relevant techniques into contemporary to factor the environment, sociology and designs. She is regarded as the founding economics. Based on her research, she

“I take my role as an architect seriously because my thoughts and actions are bound to have a lasting impact on people, society and the planet. What I’m striving to achieve is holistic sustainabil- ity through design. Space can make or mar the quality of life. My sensitivity to space comes from dance. In dance, a notional space and characters are created. In architecture, one creates the ambi- ence and elements that give expression to the residents’ dreams. Dance has influenced my thinking as an architect.” Ar. Sheila Sri Prakash

2 MGS - Modern Green Structure & Architecture MGS - Modern Green Structures & Architecture 3 April 2014 April 2014 Architects Behind the Big Projects Architects Behind the Big Projects

Architect Pavitra Sriprakash, Shilpa Architects Planners Designers

has spearheaded the “Reciprocity Wave” Stone Lotus. Being focused on green and movement, which uses art to create sustainable architecture, the firm has been awareness about social and ecological a steering member of the Indian Green issues that need immediate attention. Building Council (IGBC). With its own LEED Sheila’s award-winning international Certified professional in house, Shilpa is in Architectural Design firm, Shilpa Architects the advantageous position of designing and Planners is acclaimed for pioneering work simultaneously facilitating the process for in environmentally and socioeconomically LEED Certification. sustainable design. The firm’s portfolio Truly a multifaceted personality, spans the entire range of the real estate Ar. Sheila has not only received several industry which includes residential accolades in the world of architecture but buildings, custom designed villas, mixed also has proficiency in Indian classical use townships; infrastructure facilities; dance and music with training to the highest leisure, health and hospitality projects; performance levels. She was fortunate to industrial assignments; retail, commercial have been trained by masters like Guru and IT related buildings; educational Dhandayuthapani Pillai who taught her campuses, stadiums and sports facilities Bharathanatyam, a classical Indian dance amongst others. The firm worked form; and Kuchipudi, another classical with—and is working for—Developers, dance form, from Guru Vempatti Chinna Foreign Direct Investment funds, Multi- Sathyam. She has performed in over 700 Nationational Corporations, leading Indian Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi recitals Business Houses, Government, Private all over India at both solo performances and Public sector companies, Co-operative as well as in dance dramas with school societies and NGOs and has received troupes. Besides this, she has danced with several recognition for its design. professional and renowned personalities A big advocate of sustainability and urban In 2009, Shilpa acquired SGBL Studio like Ms. Kamala Laxman, Ms. Padma (Sri Prakash, Gullo, Brossa & Leenknegt), Subramaniam, Ms. Hema Malini & Ms. design, Ar. Pavitra Sriprakash believes that which is an Architecture and Urban Design Lakshmi Viswanathan etc. sensitivity to local ethos is crucial in designing firm. With offices in , New York and Moreover, also being a Veenai artist, she space that people respond to. Her design Seoul, this company has executed projects has the distinction of playing, composing philosophy focuses on innovative solutions globally including the US, Belgium, and recording Radha Madhavam and for environmental and socioeconomic Norway, China, , Kuwait etc. Shilpa Sivaleela Vilasam with the world-renowned also executes high-end turnkey design- Veenai musician – Chitti Babu. sustainability. build solutions through a division called

4 MGS - Modern Green Structure & Architecture MGS - Modern Green Structures & Architecture 5 April 2014 April 2014 Architects Behind the Big Projects Architects Behind the Big Projects

and a Bachelor Degree in Architecture Ar. Pavitra is of the opinion that for a in association with Indian Green Building from School of Architecture and Planning, holistic approach, a combination of social, Council (IGBC), to address the first technical Anna University. Besides, she has done economical and ecological factors is vital. session titled “Architects Perspective on research on “Sustainable Programmatic Moreover, vernacular building techniques, Green Buildings & Environment”. She Landscapes” and the interface between local materials and the work of traditional was also invited by IGBC to present on architecture and landscape design in skilled artisans need to be inventively “Architectural Perspectives in Hospital planning robust urban spaces from integrated with modern design and Buildings” at the Technical Session for . construction technology. Sustainability Leadership in Health Care Having practiced urban design and The works of a Dutch architect Rem at the IGBC Green Building Congress 2013, planning in New York and Chicago, Ar. Koolhaas who is a founding partner Chennai Trade Centre. Moreover, as one Pavitra has designed projects across India, of international firm’OMA’, practising of the first LEED AP professionals in the and also worked on the projects in the architecture, urbanism, and cultural country, she was invited as a panelist at ollowing the same career path and of America, Norway, Japan, analysis, inspired her more and following The Economic Times ACE (Architecture | philosophy as of her mother, Ar. China and Kuwait as part of SGBL Studio, the same footsteps, she is the big advocator Construction | Engineering) tech - Global FPavitra Sriprakash, daughter of Ar. Shilpa’s International Urban Design of sustainability and urban design. OMA’s Green Summit in , to share her Sheila Sri Prakash stepped into the world Studio. She believes that no matter what buildings and masterplans around the insight on “Sustainability, Society & of architecture & design and in a very short the style of architecture, the building needs world insist on intelligent forms while Environment: Searching for Synergies”. period of time has earned lot of recognition. to respond to its geographical location and inventing new possibilities for content and Ar. Pavitra, the true lover of humanity, She spent most of her childhood climatic conditions in which it exists. This everyday use. art, music and an accomplished playing with drawing board and watching can be successfully done with thoughtful Considering her knowledge pool Bharathyanatyam Dancer is looking to her mom sketching and designing detailing and connecting the building to its and expertise in sustainability, she was work on a dream project where effect of outstanding projects. This fascinated her site with a strong connection between the invited as a speaker at the conference on music, dance, culture, tradition and art can to enter into architecture field and show architecture and landscape design. “Go Green Puducherry”, organized by CII all be intervened together. her in-built talent and creativity. Currently, She strives to achieve holistic jointly with the Government of Puducherry, the Chief Designer and Director at Global sustainability through design and believes Design Studio of Shilpa Architects which that sensitivity to local ethos is crucial in is an acclaimed design house that draws designing spaces that people respond to. inspiration from cultural values that are According to her, development activities distinctly rooted in the sub-continent, fusing should not harm nature rather respect it vernacular methods with modern design as only by saving nature and community we and construction practices, Ar. Pavitra has can create a holistically sustainable model completed her Masters in Architecture and of urban development. Urban Design from Columbia University

6 MGS - Modern Green Structure & Architecture MGS - Modern Green Structures & Architecture 7 April 2014 April 2014 Architects Behind the Big Projects Architects Behind the Big Projects

spatial and visual connectivity. Vertical ducts rise in the “green shafts” through which the conditioned air is circulated Global Design Studio into the work and interaction spaces. The building is a single volute with the staggered levels directing the circulating air through the entire building, till it is of Shilpa Architects mechanically vented out at the top of the staircase headroom. The efficiency of the Air Conditioning System is enhanced by the heat recovery wheel. Carbon-di-oxide build up is minimized because most of the air is exhausted back to the ambient. Radiant slab and Geo thermal cooling are incorporated in the HVAC System design to reduce power and water consumption. At a Glance Solar power generation and use of RO Project : Global Design Studio treated ground water for Air Conditioning Location : Chennai, India are special features of the building’s Achitect : Shilpa Architects Planners Desginers engineering. “A green building is one which uses Planner at Shilpa Architects. “I am proud less water, optimizes energy efficiency, of all that we have achieved to make the conserves natural resources, generates studio a collaborative and modern work less waste and provides healthier environment, as it stands to symbolize our spaces for occupants, as compared to a approach to sustainable design-thinking conventional building.” (www.igbc.in/ ) around the globe.” The Leadership in Energy and The building is split into multiple Environmental Design (LEED) Green levels of studio space and a level each for Building Rating System is a nationally and client/vendor interaction and a Gallery. internationally accepted benchmark for Conference rooms and open spaces are the design, construction and operation of designed for initiatives to educate students, high performance green buildings. the general community and promote art. Entrance & Reception Lobby The staggering of floors gives the office The entrance to the building is marked by a tribute to a Hindu deity, “Vishvakarma”, considered to be the divine ARCHITECT! The is hand crafted specially by artisans from the Bhavani district of Tamil he Global Design Studio of Shilpa As one of the first Platinum Nadu. In order to add local artisan touch as Architects Planners Designers was Rated Design Studios in Asia, Shilpa well, the modern “Mandap” was crafted in awarded the Leadership in Energy Architects designed its headquarters as T Mahabalipuram. and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum a next generation workplace, bringing Continuing with the idea of the “Temple rating for New Construction by the Indian to life the organization’s commitment of Design”, the grand door is inspired Green Building Council (IGBC). The LEED to reduce power consumption, open by traditional temple paneled door. With Platinum certification is an endorsement and collaborative work settings, natural antique brass detailing, the door stands of SHILPA’s design philosophies, and lighting and geothermal air-conditioning. a majestic 12 feet in height and has to be corporate responsibility goals. The eco- “Innovation and sustainability are at the opened by each and every visitor in order friendly office space includes benefits such core of Shilpa Architects’ culture and what to experience the feeling of having entered as lower operating costs and a reduced our clients and people expect,” said Pavitra the space. carbon footprint. Sri Prakash, Design Director and Chief

8 MGS - Modern Green Structure & Architecture MGS - Modern Green Structures & Architecture 9 April 2014 April 2014 Architects Behind the Big Projects

The conference room is styled like a functional space addressing the need for large format design meetings. The boardroom is designed as a double height formal space with maximum views and day lighting to provide an outdoor like meeting setting. The extensive use of fabric and eclectic collection of artifacts brings warmth to the space. Upon entry, one steps into the “Akhand” The lounge has been designed with which is inspired by continuity through natural quartz (agate) and wood accents. the same treatment for the floor, ceiling With the unique hand crafted light box, and walls thereby living up to its Sanskrit this space highlights the usage of fabric in meaning - UNBROKEN! Treated with the innovative and exciting ways. most basic building block of Architecture, The touch and feel library is a unique the space is built using country brick client interaction area that helps envisage bonding technique. projects along with material samples and The double height reception connects mood boards. to the above workspaces both visually and aurally. The reception itself is treated with Other Workspace and Building Features simple rustic material and one gets the ● 1st time prototype of pioneering energy & first glimpse of exposed concrete ceilings. resource efficient AC system The character-building element that ● 6% generation of power from photo- is interpreted throughout the spaces in voltaic panels varying forms, scale and composition, is ● 8% lower overall construction cost the company logo inspired trellis detail. ● 30% energy & water savings monthly! ● 30% higher levels of indoor air quality to Client interaction spaces promote workplace productivity The client interaction areas at the Global ● 95% of office space with natural daylight design studio have been designed for until sundown various types of meetings and discussions. ● 100% waste recycling at source.

10 MGS - Modern Green Structure & Architecture April 2014