NEWS & HAPPENINGS Wipro Lighting, in conjunction with their authorized distributor for Nepal, Multitec Trade Circle, hosted a Seminar on Modern Office Lighting, Lighting Controls and Cleanroom Lighting on 5 th October 2005 at Hotel Radisson. Chief Guest for the function was Ar. Binod Neupane, President of SONA, who complimented the company on its range of efficient and high quality products. Arun Jalan, Director of Multitec Trade Circle, thanked the professionals present at the function. Anoop Baokar, Manager-Lighting Controls & Exports and Yogendra Joshi, Sr. Marketing Executive, Wipro, gave an enlightening audio visual talk on recent lighting developments in modern offices as well as in institutions requiring specialized lighting, such as pharmaceutical production facilities. On the occasion, Wipro introduced their new launches, namely, the Indoor Decorative Range promising elegant and energy efficient luminaries for shops, LIGHTING SEMINAR offices and homes, as well as the designer luminaire ‘Crescent’, which claims to meet the aesthetic and functional qualities desired for modern workspaces. The Indoor Decorative Range asserts savings of up to 30% energy besides provision of non-yellowing diffuser and a two year warranty. The range includes a host of products such as ‘coral’, ‘red dot’, ‘jewel’, ‘decora’, ‘diva’ and ‘duolite’. Wipro’s new designer brand, ‘Crescent’, is said to have a unique soft edge glow further adding beauty to interiors, and is described as recess mounted mirror optics luminaires. ‘Crescent’ is available in different models, all with definite smooth contours and designer frame locks. Additionally, powder coated housing and frames ensure respite from corrosion. Use of dynamic lighting controls with the ‘Crescent’ range is claimed to result in up to 75% energy savings. VC Shield and Durastone from Somany SPL Limited, makers of Somany Floor and Wall Tiles, organized a meet for architects and builders on September 17th. According to Sanjeev Ranjan, Sr. Marketing Manager, the meet was held not only to launch Somany’s new innovations in tile technology but also as a renewed effort towards regaining its leadership in the field. Somany, with more than 35 years of experience, is a leader in the Indian tile industry. Somany is an ISO 9001:2000 and 14001 certified company and manufactures about 37500 square meters per day in two factories at Kassar and Kadi in India. In Nepal, Somany has seven authorized dealers in Kathmandu and one in Birganj, the representatives of whom were honoured with bouquets at the function held at Hotel Soaltee. The function was also availed of by Vineet Maitin, GM, and Anil K. Beejawat, President (Marketing), to introduce Somany’s new floor tiles with Veilcraft Technology as well as its new brand, Durastone-Heavy Duty Vitrified Tiles. According to the company, Veilcraft technology renders a specially treated coating that protects each tile against abrasion, scratches and stain. VC shield protection is said to provide anti ageing protection. In the case of Durastone, high load bearing capacity, acid and alkali resistance and low water absorption is claimed to make these tiles ideal for heavy duty usage. Available in 322x322mm and 318x318mm sizes, Durastone tiles have a rough surface made with projected textures thus giving a good grip. Press Conference on MMC Roof Collapse On October 29, a press conference was organized within the NEA premises, where a field visit report was presented on the collapse of the roof structure of the Manipal Medical College at Pokhara. The collapse on October 20 claimed 10 lives besides injuring many others. The report was based on a one-day site visit by members of Nepal Engineers Association (NEA) and Structural Engineers’ Association Nepal (SEANep). According to the report, the space frame truss structure, which spanned approximately 100 ft by 70 ft, supported a 75 mm thick RCC slab and was finished with slate tiles. The truss was fixed at one end with a sliding support at the other end. Although the report could not come up with any conclusive answers, possible reasons for the tragedy were blamed on either design deficiency, faulty construction, use of improper material, workmanship, supervision quality, or ad hoc design alteration. NEA with SEANep however plans to further conduct a thorough investigation so that such incidents are not repeated in the future. 10 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES
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