ACE January 2020

MAHENG/2011/38968

Vol 9 Issue 12 • Pages 48 • January 1, 2020 • `200/- • ISSN 2456-7965

ACEUPDATE

ARCHITECTURE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING N e w s a n a l y s i s a n d t e c h n o l o g y

Also read:

Construction 2020:

Looking ahead with optimism

An award-winning green

project based in Hanoi,

Vietnam by Deepak Guggari

Light Design by Arjun Rathi

A Perfect Synthesis

Peter Lefkovits, Laura Ettelman and Jason Anderson – Three magicians of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP

(SOM) who have brought to life some of the most magnificent projects across the world including India

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ARCHITECTURE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING N e w s a n a l y s i s a n d t e c h n o l o g y

www.aceupdate.com

CONTENTS

A Perfect Synthesis

22

Responsible for creating some of the

built environment marvels across

the world, the projects designed

by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP

(SOM) represent a perfect synthesis

of planning, interiors, engineering and

architecture. Vikas Bhadra catches up

with Peter Lefkovits, Laura Ettelman

and Jason Anderson; the three experts

behind some of the successful projects

SOM has executed in India and across

the world.

FEATURE

10 Construction 2020: Looking

ahead with optimism

The construction sector in India has had its

ups and downs and the road ahead needs to

be threaded with caution and discipline

10

30

GREEN ZONE

28 An amalgamation of modern

finesse with rustic charm

An administrative building and factory

based in Hanoi, Vietnam designed by VDGA

Architects was recently conferred with the

Green Architecture Award at the 28th edition

of JK AYA Architect of the Year Awards.

30 Green Architecture: The Survival

Kit for 21 st Century

28

32

UPDATE

31 PEC Greening India and Ahluwalia

Contracts receive GRIHA Awards

for green construction practices

32

39

Ramco Cements – Reaching New

Heights

Bonton Technomake introduces

new seating systems

Cover Credit: Maheswar Gauda

INDUSTRY SPEAKS

14 Trimble’s digital innovations in

construction technology evolve

around constructability

Paul Wallett, Regional Director, Middle East

and India, Trimble Solutions, talks about the

role of digitisation in the Indian construction

sector.

18 The construction industry will be at the

center of rapid economic and social

change

Nejeeb Khan, Head Design and Business

Strategy in India, Katerra, opines that

construction sector will play a crucial role in

India’s growth.

34 Balancing function and design:

durlum

Deependra Singh, Director, Durlum India

Pvt Ltd says innovation in the lighting

industry would be mainly focused on

improving efficiency of lighting thereby

increasing the importance of lighting

control systems in future.

36 Light design tends to be very

project specific

An architect and light designer by

profession, Arjun Rathi believes that

globalisation has amplified the importance

of light design.

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Vikas Bhadra

editor@aceupdate.com

EDITORIAL

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4 january 2020 ACE UPDATE

ARCHITECTURE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING

Rehau unveils

premium flooring

solution “Raufloor

Crescendo”

Bringing yet another supreme

attraction of the interiors to center

stage, Rehau Polymers, one of the

leading global players in uPVC windows and

doors, furniture and building industry has

launched “Raufloor Crescendo” that fulfills

all the aspirations of its valued customers.

Eco-friendly “Raufloor Crescendo” is easy to

clean and hence remain ‘as good as new’ for

a long period of time.

Cera enters modular kitchens with Senator

Cucine launch

The most exclusive product line comes with

accessories like skirting, joint and corner

profiles which help in easy installation,

thereby enhancing the aesthetic of the

interiors. The application areas of the

premium flooring solution “Raufloor

Crescendo” include residential, commercial,

hotel, resort, restaurant, kindergarten and

it’s perfect for any section of the living units

be it the drawing room, living room or the

kitchen.

Available in a wide range of colours,

patterns and multiple configurations to

choose from ‘Raufloor Crescendo’ consists of

multiple layers such as UV ceramic coating,

eir emboss, wear layer, high definition film,

glass fabre, compact layer and waterproof

rigid core. Moreover, Raufloor flooring

solutions have a high definition PET-G film

and a special ‘nano’ ceramic coating in

the top layer that offers superior scratch

resistance, while glass fibre and compact

layer provide perfect dimensional stability.

Ajay Khurana, Chairman, Rehau South Asia

said, “As a trendsetting fusion of opulence

and class ‘Raufloor Crescendo’ epitomises

elegance for the connoisseurs to experience

the finest flooring solutions. The exquisite

collection leads you to versatile choices

that would complement your boundless

imagination. The finest range offers a broad

array of colors and patterns so to cherrypick

the best suited delight on floors as

per the individual’s ambience and décor

requirements.”

Cera, India’s premium home solutions

provider and one of India’s most

trusted brands in sanitaryware,

faucets and tiles, entered modular

kitchens market with the launch of

Senator Cucine. Cera unveiled exclusive

display of Senator Cucine spread over

2,000 sq.ft. booth in ACE Tech Mumbai

recently, where over 1,000 architects,

developers, trade and customers visited.

After the roll out Senator Cucine a few

months ago in Kochi at its company

display centre, Cera Style Studio, at

Marine Drive, Cera used the ACE Tech

exhibition for its national launch.

Senator Cucine is truly Italian, made to

measure in Italy. Cera has tied up with

Spagnol Group, an Italian company with

over 50 years of experience in kitchens

and furniture, for bringing their modular

kitchens to India.

“Cera’s entry into kitchens further

consolidates its position of total home

solutions provider” says Atul Sanghvi,

Executive Director & CEO of Cera. “We

plan to open 30 studios for Senator

Cucine in the first year, across India”.

Cera’s premium brand, Senator was

launched one year ago with the designer

collections of sanitary ware, faucets,

wellness and mirrors. The extension of

Senator brand to kitchens is part of its

growth plans.

Each of the kitchen ranges displayed have

definite individual design philosophy.

The latest trends of glass and Cera mic

finished kitchens were on display. The

modular kitchens are designed in such

a way that they reflect the individual’s

strong personality and therefore

focuses particularly on the ability of

personalising projects by choosing

characteristic elements and endless

different materials.

The water-based varnish used in the

production of lacquered furniture reduces

over 90 per cent the emission of noxious

substances compared to traditional

varnishes, without compromising on the

aesthetics. And it conforms to the EN

71.3 norm, which is considered safe for

children.

Manufactured by using hydro-repellent

materials with the lowest formaldehyde

emissions, up to five times lower as

compared to European market standards.

IDROLEB board which is used to

manufacture Senator Cucine is a unique

engineered wood and is considered as the

lowest ever emission board.

Each Senator Cucine Studio will have

well experienced kitchen designers, who

will help the consumers in designing

the kitchen as per their individual needs

through the latest cloud based designing

software.

6 January 2020 ACE UPDATE


Johnson-Tiles

launches smart

tiles and a modern

experience centre at

Pune

Trimble India hosts CXO Conclave focussing on

‘Future Of Construction

One of the leading ceramic tiles

manufacturer and a division of

Prism Johnson Limited, opened

its second exclusive experience centre

in Maharashtra, at Pune. The occasion

was also marked by its launch of ‘Smart

Series’ tiles for which Johnson recently

received the “Superbrand’ status in

India. This unique and large showroom

is thematically designed with product

application mock-ups and is branded as

‘House of Johnson Experience Centre’.

Located at Sable house, Satara road,

near Swargate, Gultekadi, Pune, this

company showroom has a collection

of over 2,500 tiling concepts, sanitary

ware, bathroom fittings and engineered

stones which makes it one stop shop to

choose high quality, durable and stylish

products for interiors.

The showroom was inaugurated by H&R

Johnson’s CEO and ED Sarat Chandak.

Commenting on the occasion, Sarat

Chandak, ED and CEO of H&R Johnson

(India) said, “Johnson has long held

a strong belief in the philosophy of

relentless innovation to pioneer the

future of the categories we deal in.

The new generation experience centres

will completely elevate the buying and

selection process for lifestyle products

being a one stop shop for planning

and designing residential as well as

commercial spaces.”

A

subsidiary of US headquartered,

Nasdaq listed Trimble Inc., hosted

a CXO conclave. In line with the

conclave theme ‘Future Of Construction’,

Trimble showcased its latest innovations

and products, highlighting its strength

and leadership in construction technology,

both hardware and software solutions and

services.

Over 200 leading industry professionals and

experts that included representatives from

MMRDA, Mumbai metro rail corporation,

Larsen & Toubro, Shapoorji Pallonji, Tata

projects and Kalpataru amongst many

others, attended the conclave.

The day-long conclave witnessed a series of

panel discussions, starting with a keynote

discussion that brought into focus the

outlook of key industry stakeholders on

the future of construction and the role

of digital technologies in the industry’s

growth.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajan Aiyer, Vice

President and Managing Director, Trimble

India and SAARC region said, “India has

started to take bold strident steps towards

adoption of construction technology,

with marque construction firms leading

the charge. We are happy to see that

most industry stakeholders recognise the

importance of digital tools and their role/

contribution towards sectoral growth.

The use of cutting edge technologies has

helped some key construction projects in

multiple ways, including reducing rework

and wastage, which in turns hastens project

completion and improves productivity.

Complex infrastructure projects, such

as the upcoming Chenab bridge, the

world’s highest railway bridge, relies on

sophisticated digital tech to transform

vision into reality.”

Paul Wallett, Regional Director, Trimble

solutions India and Middle East, stated,

“Trimble is humbled by the response it

has received from the Indian construction

industry. The construction tech solutions

and services that we offer reflect the voice

of the industry, and customer voices at this

conclave amply validated this point. The

CXO conclave provided us with a platform

to interact with the great minds of the

Indian construction industry and allowed

us to understand and discuss the trends

that can potentially redefine the gold

standards of the industry.”



Cover Story

Construction 2020:

Looking ahead with

optimism

The construction

sector in India has

had its ups and

downs and the

road ahead needs

to be threaded

with caution and

discipline

Construction is one of largest employer in India after

agriculture. An array of industries such as cement,

steel, brick, timber and building material make up the

construction sector and as we step into the new year key

concerns remain, concerns about how the sector is poised

and how will it perform in the existing business climate.

Market realities

The construction sector encompasses a lot of ancillary

industries and to sustain the momentum of growth in the

sector, the individual issues of these industries need to be

looked at too.

“It is true that there has been a slow down, in fact the Indian

construction sector alone can’t be blamed since the whole

world is facing a slowdown, it is a recession of sorts. In

comparison to the previous year there has been a slowdown

worth 30-40 per cent,” says Manikandan Mahalingam,

General Director, Paschal Formwork (India) Private Limited,

one of the leading formwork suppliers in India “The sector is

in need of a cash flow and that remains a big concern, so if

the cash flow is structured and the infrastructure projects are

executed timely, there is no reason the Indian construction

should not rebound and witness a gradual and steady growth

in 2020-21.”

Rakesh Modi, Chairman, Mtandt Group, a pioneer in bringing

aerial work platform, mobile access platforms and fixed fall

protection in the Indian markets says “Government also

needs to support manufacturing by incentivising the exports

and providing the infrastructure on rent. Today If I want to

put up a factory 50 per cent of my investment goes up in

buying the land and setting up the manufacturing facility

and associated infrastructure. Should I prefer to invest this

money on acquiring the raw material or any other factor

I feel is of importance, there is no way out. In China and

other developed nations the government makes production

facilities available to entrepreneurs on rent, one can just go

and start production. A similar program in India will go a long

way in encouraging potential entrepreneurs too.”

Maintaining the momentum of growth

According to Nejeeb Khan, Head Design and Business

Strategy in India, Katerra “In the past, government initiatives

such as 100 smart cities, world-class highways, and shipping

infrastructure, housing, and urban development have

attracted significant investments through FDI, private

players, and government budgets. As per the economic

survey 2017-18, India will require US $4.5 trillion by 2040

for the development of infrastructure. Thus, looking forward

to 2020 and beyond, we believe the construction sector will

find itself at the center of rapid economic and social change,

which is already transforming the built environment.”

Residential and commercial construction and infrastructure

projects like roads, railways, airports and ports are some of

the key areas which have been under the government’s radar.

In fact during December 2018, as a report by IBEF points out,

the infrastructure sector witnessed PE/VC twelve deals worth

500 million and eight `6,989 crore (US$ 1 billion) plus deals.



Cover Story

If the cash flow is structured and the

infrastructure projects are executed

timely, there is no reason why the

Indian construction sector should

not rebound and witness a gradual

and steady growth in 2020-21.

Manikandan Mahalingam, General

Director, Paschal Formwork (India)

Private Limited

In China and other developed

nations the government makes

production facilities available to

entrepreneurs on rent, one can

just go and start production. A

similar program in India will go a

long way in encouraging potential

entrepreneurs too.

Rakesh Modi, Chairman, Mtandt Group

24,800 km of roads for a total investment of `5,35,000

crore.

PE/ VC investments for infrastructure touched an all-time

high of US$ 36.7 billion during January-August 2019.

The government is keen to ensure that the momentum of

growth in the sector remains upbeat. In January 2019, the

government outlined the investments under the second

phase of Bharatmala scheme. According to Research and

Markets, this initiative will drive the road infrastructure

developments in the country. Accordingly, the government

also aims to invest `3.4 trillion (US$50.3 billion) through the

budgetary allocation between FY2019-2020 and FY2022-

2023, while `2.1 trillion (US$30.7 billion) will be made

through market borrowings in the Bharatmala scheme by

2023.

When the plan itself is so ambitious it is equally essential to

monetise it. Hence last month, the union cabinet, chaired by

the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval to

the proposal of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways,

authorizing National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to

set up Infrastructure Investment Trust(s) (InvIT) as per InvIT

Guidelines issued by SEBI. This will enable NHAI to monetise

completed National Highways that have a toll collection

track record of at least one year and NHAI reserves the right

to levy toll on the identified highway. This will enable NHAI

to generate adequate funds to complete pending projects

within the prescribed timelines. The government is also

keen offer attractive schemes to private players to invest in

construction of National Highways.

Likewise, population growth and urbanisation will also drive

the need for better infrastructure facilities in the country.

The need for affordable housing is also likely to prep up the

construction sector too. The Housing for All scheme aims to

create 20 million affordable houses for the urban poor by

2022. It will provide a boost to the residential construction

which is experiencing sluggish growth owing to rising price

of land banks and unsold inventories.

Monetising the built environment

It goes without saying that roads and highways play an

important role in the nation’s economy and keeping that

in mind the government had proposed the Bharatmala

Pariyojana. A flagship highway development programme

of Government of India it encompasses development of

ACE UPDATE January


2020

11

Cover Story

The Indian construction sector,

traditionally, has been quite slow

in adopting new technologies, and

this has been one of its biggest

challenges.

Nejeeb Khan, Head Design and

Business Strategy in India, Katerra

The importance of lean construction

methodologies, the adoption of

technology enabled construction

practices can provide a major boost

to construction sector.

Paul Wallett, Regional Director, Middle

East and India, Trimble Solutions

The role of technology in construction

According to Nejeeb Khan, Head Design and Business

Strategy in India, Katerra points out “The Indian construction

sector, traditionally, has been quite slow in adopting new

technologies, and this has been one of its biggest challenges.

Several surveys show how, over the years, real estate

developers have continued to under invest in technologydriven

solutions for construction, despite acknowledging the

many benefits that these solutions can provide to run and

manage their construction projects.”

The World Economic Forum too ascertains the role of

technology in infrastructure development. It also points

out certain issues in the procurement area if addressed can

enhance the quality and efficiency in construction.

Incorporating technology to get it right

“The importance of lean construction methodologies, the

adoption of technology enabled construction practices can

provide a major boost to construction sector,” says Paul

Wallett, Regional Director, Middle East and India, Trimble

Solutions. “Using the right mix of hardware, software

and mobility technologies from leading construction

technology players like Trimble can help the construction

sector streamline communication, collaboration and project

execution across the construction continuum. Connecting

people, machines and projects deliver real time data to

infrastructure owners, architects, engineers, civil contractors,

and each stakeholder for enhanced information about

material, people and asset utilization, thus resulting in

improved productivity and profitability.”

The implementation of technology

Infrastructure developers, as a report by the World Economic

Forum points out, face a dilemma in bridging the gap

between the technological advances that can modernise

infrastructure at all stages and the status quo of current

infrastructure development practices.

Infrastructure delivery is already benefiting tangentially

from technological advances. AI tools are reorganising how

traffic flows are measured and managed, and the demand

for smart and smarter cities rightly dominates discussions

about infrastructure technology priorities. In construction,

technological advances can shorten completion times

and lower costs, providing muchneeded efficiency in

project delivery.

(a)The procurement angle

These innovations, however, are primarily in the domains

of urban planners and the engineering and construction

industries. Core infrastructure will remain structurally

resistant to the potentially dramatic benefits of technology

unless the entire infrastructure procurement cycle is radically

altered. Procurement is the core of the infrastructure

community; it starts when planners finish and ends just

before construction professionals take over. Procurement

primarily revolves around finance – no blueprint can

become a building without capital. This narrow yet critical

space remains resistant to the technological revolution;

indeed, it remains in the dark ages.

How can infrastructure finance become the door through

which disruptively creative forces enter? First, consider

how infrastructure is financed. Generally the financing

comes directly out of the public coffers, whether with

current or borrowed capital or with private capital in

some version of what is usually called a public-private

partnership (PPP). This financial underpinning, which is

largely one of debt over equity, is quite the opposite of

the financial underpinnings of disruptive technological

innovation, which prizes equity over debt. A publicly

financed project is likely to be little more than a

construction project unless the government has invested

in an incubator of technological solutions, which is an

unlikely scenario.

A PPP should be the model that allows technology

entrepreneurs to unleash innovative forces. Sadly, this

is not the case.

(b)Creating new procurement models

Creating new procurement models will require wholesale

changes in the laws, regulations and cultures of the

procurement agencies in most countries. Nevertheless,

unless agencies undertake this kind of full upending of

infrastructure procurement, infrastructure will continue to

lag behind the rest of the economy in reaping the benefits

of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Every procurement does

not need to be revised, however, for technology’s innovative

power to reform infrastructure development. Rather, this

is more likely to occur in selected pilot programmes that

demonstrate new pathways forward. As many countries face

economic governance and capacity issues, these projects are

likely to be first piloted in countries with strong economic

governance and later replicated around the world. Some will

undoubtedly fail, as with any attempt at changing a staid

status quo. This effort, however, can lead to new approaches

in delivering solutions that current systems prevent and can

bring about the digitally transformed infrastructure systems

so badly needed around the world.



Ar. Dikshu Kukreja goes one-on-one with

Ar. Patrik Schumacher

Update

The highlight at the Foaid 2019 saw Dikshu Kukreja and Patrik

Schumacher engage in a one-on-one conversation about

responsibly reshaping future cities. The stalwarts also brought

to forefront, the urgent requirement of reformed public policies

and tactical urbanism which can contribute to a fast paced changemaking.

The Foaid event had the who’s who of architectural fraternity in

attendance. The highlight of the event, however, remained the oneon-one

conversation between the Managing Principal of CP Kukreja

Architects, Dikshu Kukreja with the Principal of the world-renowned

Zaha Hadid Architects, Patrik Schumacher. The much awaited session

saw a harmonious confluence of the East and West architectural

ideologies. The two stalwarts engaged in an enthralling discourse

revolving around responsibly reshaping future cities bringing to

the forefront, aspects such as climate change and its effect on city

planning, the importance and power of community participation

in change-making and how responsible political involvement in

architecture and planning can go a long way in benefitting the

inhabitants of cities.

ACE UPDATE January


2020

13

Industry Speaks

Paul Wallett,

Regional Director, Middle East and

India, Trimble Solutions

Trimble’s digital innovations

in construction technology

revolve around constructability

Trimble is a California based service technology company and is a mix of hardware, software and

mobility technologies streamlines communication and collaboration throughout the construction

lifecycle, from planning, design and site preparation through to the finished project. Paul Wallett,

Regional Director, Middle East and India, Trimble Solutions, talks about the role of digitisation in

the Indian construction sector.

How is the construction sector coping

with current challenges in Indian

economy?

After witnessing a phenomenal growth of

over 100 per cent during the last fiscal,

the construction sector has witnessed a

continuous downward spiral. Not just this,

the turmoil tremors created multiplier

impact across sectors including steel,

cement, power, petroleum, aluminum,

IT and ports, besides badly bruising the

Indian economy.

Despite the ongoing challenges, the

government has initiated innumerable

initiatives to lift the sector from its current

dormant conditions. The measures include

authorising the Indian Infrastructure

Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) to raise

`100 billion by issuing tax free bonds

to make highways and port projects,

liberalisation of the external commercial

borrowing (ECBs) policy, revision in the

cap for home loans to `2 million from `0.5

million through inclusion in the priority

sector, increase in foreign institutional

investors limit in rupee denominated

corporate bonds from $6 billion to $15

billion exemption of countervailing duty

on cement, etc.

To resist events like present global

meltdown, the industry has to look

within to develop its competitiveness

across segments through enhancing their

capabilities in R&D to leverage innovation

through indigenous capability and

expertise.

What kind of new inventions and

techniques can we see in the upcoming

year?

This year has been a breakthrough year

in terms of digitisation of the Indian

construction industry. With Prime Minister

Narendra Modi declaring 2019-2020 as

the year of Construction Technology, there

is going to be a push from the government

towards the large-scale adoption of

cutting-edge software technology for

execution of commercial real estate as

well as infrastructure projects.

With further innovation and growth of

AI and ML, software such as Microsoft

HoloLens is now set to reshape the part

of the construction continuum that deals

with the conversion of building models

into actual buildings. Furthermore,

tools like Trimble SketchUp Viewer for

HoloLens, add computer-generated

surfaces, graphics, and objects into the

real environment around a user, bringing

3D models to life and putting information

in the user’s hands without the need to

change or adjust the data format. Using

HoloLens, a 3D BIM model can be projected

to guide construction teams on-site,

and laterby facility management teams

when evaluating required changes or

maintenance work. While 3D BIM (design

BIM) has been in use for several years now,



Industry Speaks

investment in project pre-planning, to strengthen processes

and capabilities in terms of reforming procurement and

strengthening contract management, bringing in lean

construction methodologies for improving productivity,

incorporating a culture of risk management, augmenting

organisational skill-sets, and deepening stakeholder

management for land acquisition and regulatory approvals

related challenges.

there is a growing demand for Constructible BIM, which

is much more evolved way to allow the construction

industry to be more efficient and productive. Trimble has

also added the fourth and fifth dimensions of time and

cost to the conundrum, which allows contractors and

developers to manage their businesses more efficiently

than before.

Trimble’s digital innovations in construction technology

revolve around constructability. We have developed

a unique lifecycle approach to ensure our customers can

successfully realise the full benefits of BIM and automation by

emphasizing on the 3Cs of construction: connected, contentenabled

and constructible.

Modern collaboration tools like Tekla Model Sharing and

Trimble Connect allow streamlined flow of information

between different stakeholders. These tools can take in

building information models with construction schedule and

stream this information to remote devices, like smart phones,

leading to significant gains in speed of execution.

Internet of things (IoT) is another disruptive technology that

is helping speed up the construction process and reduces

the wastage of resources on site. Internet-connected sensors

embedded in equipment, materials or even helmets worn

by workers can transmit real-time data; allowing project

managers and supervisors to monitor critical performance

parameters on an ongoing basis. This optimises site operations

for unprecedented productivity and efficiency. Use of robots

in the construction industry is no longer a visual revelation

alone; the industry is facing an ever-increasing pressure to

construct quickly and in a reliable way, and this is where

robots are being found quite useful.

How much can fast tracking of projects and relaxation

in bureaucracy further boost construction sector?

As a standard practice world over, most of the infrastructure

projects are delayed primarily due to regulatory approvals,

issues on land acquisition, shortage of skilled resources,

ineffective dispute resolution mechanism, and geological

challenges. However, if one comprehends these issues

proactively, the project leader can plan more effectively

and ensure that the project is efficiently managed. It

has become imperative to recognise the need for heavy

How can the new metro/monorail projects help the sector in

the next year?

India is emerging as a fast growing market for urban rail

systems. Currently, 10 cities have an operational urban rail

network spanning 536 km. The network has grown significantly

over the past 12-13 years, up from about 90 km in 2006. With

the Metro Rail Policy 2017 in place, several cities are ready to

roll out work to develop their respective urban transit systems.

In the last five years, 13 new metro projects with a total length

of about 248 km have been approved for implementation.

Further, about 750 km of metro rail network and 373 km of

rapid rail transit network is under planning in various cities.

While metro will continue to be the dominant mode, new

modes such as, rapid rail and light rail are also gaining traction.

State-of-the-art rolling stock and advanced signaling and

telecommunication systems are expected to be deployed as

part of these projects.

How can the sector play a positive role in tackling pollution?

It’s no secret that the construction sector has a significant

impact on the environment. According to some studies,

construction is responsible for up to 50 per cent of climate

change, 40 per cent of energy usage globally, and 50 per

cent of landfill waste, not to mention air, water, and noise

pollution and destruction of natural habitats. Fortunately for

the construction industry, the same changes that will protect

the environment from the harmful impacts of construction

can also improve the quality of construction products and

boost profits for construction firms. This mutually beneficial

relationship plays out across all phases of construction,

from the initial design to the building process to long-term

building operations.

With IoT and advanced software solutions like Constructible

BIM, industry professionals can now use technology right

through the lifecycle of construction, build structures that

reduce the emissions and thus make earth a better and

more sustainable place. Technology works actively to reduce

wastage of time, as well as people and money resources.

What kind of forecast is the sector predicting for next year

in terms of investments?

The construction sector currently has a share of eight per cent

in the gross value added at the current prices and has degrown

from 9.6 per cent in Q1 FY19 to 5.7 per cent in Q1

FY20 . ‘Construction in India – Key Trends and Opportunities

to 2023’ reveals that India’s construction industry, which

registered an output growth of 8.8 per cent, up from 1.9 per cent

in 2017, is further expected to grow at a compounded annual

average rate of 6.44 per cent to US$690.9 billion in 2023. The

construction sector is on the path to recovery.



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Industry Speaks

Nejeeb Khan,

Head Design and Business Strategy

in India, Katerra

The construction sector

will be at the center of

rapid economic and social

change

Katerra specialises in putting modern technology to work at all levels of building design

and construction to help address some of the most entrenched challenges. Nejeeb Khan,

Head Design and Business Strategy in India, Katerra, believes that construction sector

will play a crucial role in India’s growth.

How is the construction sector coping with

current challenges in Indian economy?

The construction market in India is valued

at $1.2 trillion plus and is a significant

contributor to the economic and social

growth of the nation. However, the sector

faces numerous challenges, reducing

its efficacy and unhindered growth

prospects. The Indian construction industry,

traditionally, has been quite slow in

adopting new technologies, and this has

been one of its biggest challenges. Several

surveys show how, over the years, real

estate developers have continued to under

invest in technology-driven solutions

for construction, despite acknowledging

the many benefits that these solutions

can provide to run and manage their

construction projects.

adopt new technologies to stay relevant.

A more technology-driven approach to

design and construction can be a catalyst

for India to become a global leader in the

construction space and boost the Indian

economy.

What kind of new inventions and

techniques can we see in the upcoming

year?

Poised to become the world’s thirdlargest

construction sector by 2025, India

is witnessing a high uptake of modular

The broader focus of the industry currently

is to make construction both sustainable

and energy-efficient through advanced

technologies. Strict project timelines and

increasing costs make it necessary for

companies in the construction space to



Industry Speaks

and the right planning/implementation of fiscal

measures by the government will increase productivity

in construction and help stabilise and grow the market

How can the new metro/monorail projects help the

sector in the next year?

Metro Rail Systems will improve connectivity across

Indian cities, in densely populated areas, it will help

reduce population density and open new pockets for

development.

Good connectivity reduces travel time from central

business districts. It creates an opportunity for

developers to create new development in peripheral

residential areas that can be better planned and offer

new sustainable, and intelligent living solutions.

techniques. Today, global companies are expanding their

presence in India, indicating a significant requirement

for offices, co-working spaces, and tech parks across the

country, especially in Tier II markets.

Similar to how China witnessed exponential growth

in its construction sector over the years by embracing

technology-based construction methods, we, at Katerra,

believe that India should also take the same route to

construct commercial and housing projects. 2020 will

witness increased use of technologies such as datadriven

design, Design for Manufacturing and Assembly

(DfMA), modular construction, offsite manufacturing,

intelligent buildings, and construction software,

amongst others, changing the way construction projects

are being managed. Technologies such as Artificial

Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality will

play a significant role in improving worker performance

and efficiency.

How is the sector growing vis a vis urban vs rural?

The relocation of the population towards urban shores

will boost the demand for residential construction in

the coming years. To cater to this demand, real estate

developers are now embracing new-age construction

technologies for faster completion of projects and

better-quality construction.

With the private players rushing in to fill the gaps and

taking the leading edge in the construction industry,

innovation will bring in some of the most exciting trends

in the field of construction technology.

How much can fast-tracking of projects and relaxation

in bureaucracy further boost the construction sector?

The real estate sector is grappling with delayed project

deliveries, lack of funds, high unsold inventory, and a

growing proportion of stalled projects. Unproductive

assets in the form of under construction, stuck or delayed

projects are estimated at 560,000 homes worth `4.5

trillion ($65 billion) across the top seven Indian cities.

However, fast-track construction by using technology

How can the sector play a positive role in tackling

pollution?

Construction has a high impact on the environment in

its consumption of energy, both directly and through

the materials it uses. Building materials such as asbestos,

insulation, paint, and dust have the potential to affect

human health and the environment. An excellent way

to tackle pollution created through construction sites is

through offsite manufacturing, in a factory-controlled

set up where minimum waste is generated. Modules

and components are assembly-line manufactured and

then transported and assembled on site. At Katerra, our

process of end-to-end design and offsite construction

uses less water and energy creates minimal waste; this,

coupled with a robust recycling system, making the

whole process more sustainable.

What kind of forecast is the sector predicting for next

year in terms of investments?

The Indian construction sector is an important growth

driver of India’s economy, contributing around eight

per cent to India’s GDP. Major construction activities

accounting for growth include power generation

projects, highway construction, and railway expansion

and export and import cargo. In the past, govt initiatives

such as 100 smart cities, world-class highways, and

shipping infrastructure, housing, and urban development

have attracted significant investments through FDI,

private players, and government budgets. As per the

economic survey 2017-18, India will require US $4.5

trillion by 2040 for the development of infrastructure.

Thus, looking forward to 2020 and beyond, we believe

the construction sector will find itself at the center

of rapid economic and social change, which is already

transforming the built environment.



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ACE UPDATE January


2020

21

Architect Profile

Photo Courtesy: Robert Polidori for SOM

Peter Lefkovits, Laura Ettelman and

Jason Anderson

A Perfect Synthesis

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

International Airport

Responsible for creating some of the built environment marvels across the world, the

projects designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) represent a perfect synthesis

of planning, interiors, engineering and architecture. Vikas Bhadra catches up with Peter

Lefkovits, Laura Ettelman and Jason Anderson; the three experts behind some of the

successful projects SOM has executed in India and across the world.

Photo Courtesy : Lucas Blair Simpson for SOM

T2 Terminal,

Chhatrapati Shivaji

Maharaj International

Airport

SOM – As a teen who was surrounded

by a good deal of friends pursuing

engineering, it boiled down to “Strength

of Materials”. Time went by and my affinity for

the written word made me realise the other

connotation of SOM, a connotation which

implies, among other things, the magnificent

universe of architecture and design.

Founded in 1936 in Chicago, Skidmore,

Owings & Merill LLP (SOM) is responsible for

the genesis of some of the most technically

and environmentally advanced buildings and

public spaces. From Beijing to Tel Aviv and New

York to London, the footprints of SOM has

etched it expertise on the Indian soil too. The

T2 terminals of the Chatrapati Shivaji Mumbai

International Airport and the Kempegowda

International Airport in Bengaluru are some

of the finest examples the firm has scripted in

India, and then there is more.

Behind this seamless concoction of planning,

interiors, engineering and architecture, is a

team at work. A team, whose symbiosis brings

to fruition the design ideas, from the drawing

board to life.

Peter Lefkovits, AIA - Director at Skidmore,

Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM)

What is your idea of good architecture and

design? Is it static or dynamic?

Good design is born from an integrated

approach. At SOM, we merge our expertise in

architectural, structural, and environmental

design to produce buildings that are both

innovative and purposeful. The journey to

achieving balance between human comfort

and functionality, structure and program, and

nature and technology is one that is inherently

dynamic and results in a design process that

strives for conceptual clarity.

How was your experience working on T2

projects in Mumbai and Bangalore?

The opportunity to work on these two

important transportation infrastructure

projects in India has been hugely rewarding.

Both projects have pushed the boundaries

of what airport design can be and overcome

Continued to 24

g



Nitco collaborates

with Lijo.Reny

architects for Kochi

Design Week 2019

Update

Call : Nilesh Parmar 9324234647 / Jigar Parmar 9324813799

The year 2019 draws to a close on a fabulous note for Nitco

Ltd., as it partners with Kochi Design Week, starting December

12.

The event, billed as India’s largest annual international festival of

its kind seeks to function as a harbinger to the aim of making

Kerala a major hub of the world’s design and architecture.

Nitco Ltd., one of the partners of the festival, hosted a session on

‘Surface Creativity’ at its Le Studio in Kochi, on December 13. Led

by one of India’s most influential architects – Ar. Lijo Jos and Ar.

Reny Lijo of Lijo.Reny architects.

Subrata Basu, VP – Design, Nitco Ltd. said, “This is a great platform

for us to come together with architects and interior designers, and

exchange amazing design ideas. Our collaboration with Lijo.Reny

architects has resulted in some outstanding tile designs that will

give designers great freedom to explore their creativity.

Surface Creativity focused on the idea of “Free Hand”, the designs

of which are inspired by hand drawn brush strokes, also giving

designers a free hand to place these tiles in any interesting manner

they want to.

Ar. Lijo Jos of Lijo.Reny architects said, “We are artists first, and

then architects. When the organisers at Kochi Design Week gave

us this opportunity to collaborate with Nitco, the only idea that

came to our mind was “Surface Creativity”. As artists, we have

always liked the way a brush moves on a surface, leaving those

subtle negative spaces around the edges and in between, giving it

a texture. Our designs reflect this on ceramic tiles and I am sure,

designers are going to find it most meditating to come up with

their own patterns too!

ACE UPDATE January


2020

23

Architect Profile

22 f A Perfect Synthesis

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru T2

Photo Courtesy: Atchain for SOM

complex. The project has inspired us to think differently about

future possibilities for aviation architecture and implement a

more human-center approach to transportation design.

In the contemporary ecosystem, how can architecture

contribute effectively in upholding principles of sustainability

and the cultural values of the region?

Cultural resonance and environmental performance are

cornerstones of SOM’s design philosophy. It is imperative that

we as architects seek solutions that not only thoughtfully

consider the cultural context of our work but also mitigate the

effects of climate change in all aspects of our practice. We must

question whether a building can truly be considered beautiful

if it is not sustainable.

the challenges of executing technically rigorous buildings in

their respective regions. Working with GVK MIAL to design

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Terminal 2 in Mumbai

has deepened our understanding of the culture, people, and

natural environment of India. This terminal could not be

anywhere else in the world and incorporates elements, such as

ephemeral colored light tracing through the check-in hall, that

immediately immerse visitors in the atmosphere of the region.

The terminal’s connection to India is supported by our

collaboration with designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla,

which has yielded contemporary installations inspired by

traditional Indian art and textiles. Similarly, in partnership

with BIAL, our design for Kempegowda International Airport

Bengaluru Terminal 2 creates a lush and serene transit

environment that pays homage to the city’s historic landscape.

Passengers will be able to experience air travel in new ways

by immersing themselves in the abundant greenery of the

Photo Courtesy: Magda Biernat for SOM

Laura Ettelman - AIA, Managing Partner at Skidmore, Owings

& Merrill LLP (SOM)

How challenging is the integration of the architectural design

and technical development with the engineering requirements,

especially when the project is futuristic in nature?

Design thrives on challenge, universally. Project constraints or

hurdles such as cutting-edge technologies, client requirements,

and complicated programs as well as unique site and cultural

conditions drive our work forward. They force us to rethink

common assumptions, reconsider the solutions that we have

turned to in past projects, and, ultimately, innovate and create

something new. As an integrated practice, we at SOM approach

our work as an intense collaboration between architecture,

structural systems, and building systems that results in

transformative solutions. These challenges are some of the

reasons we love what we do.

From the drawing board to reality, having witnessed the

intricacies involved in bringing architecture and design ideas

to life, what according to you is the idea of good design?

Each project is a specific response to a particular place, context,

client, and program. Designs that result from the synthesis of

these considerations should be unique while balancing the

requirements of each of these key inputs. This particularity

is fundamental to good design; we have accomplished our

aims when we arrive at a design that embodies the rigor of

a project’s functional requirements, incorporates humanfocused

and environmental elements that delight users, and is

unquestionably of its place.

Photo Courtesy: Pallon Daruwala for SOM

Godrej BKC

The Park Hyderabad



Architect Profile

Jason Anderson, AIA, Associate Director at Skidmore,

Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM)

Having worked in India, what is your view on the Indian

design sensibilities, how does it play out in the global

design scheme?

The Indian design sensibility tends to be very forwardlooking

and global in its references, without becoming

generic. For instance, in the course of my work in India, I

have been struck by the degree to which our clients seek

out designs that actively incorporate landscape and garden

components. There is a very strong desire to embrace these

elements not just as an exterior setting, but also as an

integral feature of the architecture that bridges interior

and exterior and becomes almost ubiquitous. This fondness

of organic landscapes and greenery is reflective of larger

global trends, to some extent, but the Indian aesthetic has

taken it up with an enthusiasm that is unique and genuine.

We see motifs emerging across various scales and typologies,

and cropping up in different markets around the country

with great frequency. My sense is that such elements strike

a chord with some of the rich cultural traditions around

gardens, which are a central part of Indian design. The

melding of the contemporary and the traditional in this

way can be really gratifying in its particularity.

What are some of the mixed-use projects SOM has

executed in India? In your opinion, how does a mixeduse

project make sense to cities which encompass a

culturally and economically diverse population?

We have a few mixed-use projects on the boards at the

moment, but much of our work in India tends to focus

Godrej BKC

on single-use developments. However, mixed-use projects

are increasingly gaining favor, which I think is a positive

trend. Such complexes, in their most successful instances,

can really help to extend and enrich the public sphere and

to create spaces for exchange and discovery. A mixeduse

project is not in and of itself going to resolve the

tensions that arise in a dynamic, diverse society like that

which characterizes the Indian city. But, when it is done

right, it can create a platform that fosters familiarity and

community.

Photo Courtesy : Magda Biernat for SOM

16 th Municipalika to be held in February 2020

The 16th Municipalika Exhibition and Conference

on Smart and Sustainable City Solutions, CAPEx

(Construction, Architecture, Planning And

Engineering Expo) for innovative building designs,

materials and technologies and Architecture In The

Age Of Millennials (to witness the millennial age

transformation in architecture, discuss and debate the

emerging trends and the millennial preferences) is to

be held from 12 th -14 th February 2020 at the Palace

Grounds, Bengaluru. Together, the three events engage

holistically in the integrated development of the built

environment, giving a 360-degree vision of Future

Cities. The event is an attempt to evolve, evaluate

and discuss developments and solutions for all issues

related to sustainable urban development, through the

Exhibition and Conference segments.

Municipalika:

Municipalika provides a mega-networking forum

for governments, experts, entrepreneurs and service

providers to collectively find solutions to urban

challenges. 16 th Municipalika provides a platform to

evolve, evaluate and share policies, strategies, cuttingedge

technologies and innovations towards smart and

sustainable living in cities.

CAPEx:

CAPEx-Construction, Architecture, Planning and

Engineering Expo is a platform for showcasing

innovative building materials and technologies.

Since the year 2019-2020 has been declared as

the year of Construction Technology which also

supports the Global Housing Technology Challenge

Initiative-India, the event will provide opportunities

to project technological options for infrastructure

and building construction and providers of

mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire services

(MEPF), green building products, building materials

and technologies which are environment-friendly

and energy-saving.

Architecture in the Age of Millennials:

Architecture in the Age of Millennials is a specially

curated programme for the thought leaders,

including architects, interior designers, engineers,

urban designers, planners, construction consultants

and real estate players to witness this transformation,

discuss and debate the emerging trends in millennial

preferences. The event encompasses all aspects of

the millennial generation through exhibition and

conferences.



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27 – 29 February 2020

Bombay Exhibition Center, Mumbai

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International Elevator and

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Show Highlights:

8 th edition

15000 sqm Gross exhibition space

200+ exhibitors

6 Participating countries: China, Germany,

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Captivating fringe programs

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Green Zone

Courtyards not only bind the building horizontally but also enable visual

connectivity along the vertical axis, looking into each other and lack of dead

partitions enhance the same.

Deepak Guggari,

Principal Architect, Varsha &

Deepak Guggari Associates

An amalgamation of

modern finesse with

rustic charm

An administrative building and factory

based in Hanoi, Vietnam designed by VDGA

Architects was recently conferred with the

Green Architecture Award at the 28 th edition

of JK AYA Architect of the Year Awards.

A

40,000 sq ft. (Phase-1) corporate office cum factory set-out in the

city of Hanoi, Vietnam, explores the rustic and discreet material

palette aligning the client requirements to the site context. Being

a corporate office and factory setup within the same campus (in fact

adjoining each other), spaces were planned introvert. A series

of courts interwoven in the work zones breathe freshness

in the ambience. A gaze across the office presents one

with the pleasing view of landscape and water instead

of the blind partitions and decorative interiors.

The whole building is divided into front and back

bays. The front bay of the building adjoins the

factory floor beyond, separated from it by a long

brick wall. The reception area is a bold statement

in itself. The brick wall as the backdrop of the

wooden reception desk is distinct. The court basks in

brilliant shadows casted by the vertical brick offsets in

the plain unobtrusive brick walls. As one traverses through

the passage, a series of courts are encountered along. The partition

walls for all the cubicles and workspaces give way to transparent glassw

. Hence the spaces seem interwoven into each other looking into all the

intermediate courts. The mass is a simple form-finished concrete envelope

with long colourful perforated metal screen adorned with landscape. Grid

The mass is a simple form finished concrete envelope with a long perforated

metal screen adorned with landscape in and out on the front facade and the

landscape mounds cuts the linearity



Green Zone

to the interior spaces both in summers as well as winters.

Series of ‘internal courts’ as many as eight keep the office

areas fresh by bringing in enough natural light even

when the sky is dull. A long perforated panel’s screen (the

breathing wall, as we call it) adorned with landscape in and

out on the front facade cuts off the glare in the summer

months. This screen also negates the use of blinds/curtains

in the front façade. The panels painted in different hues

stand-out in the otherwise restrained concrete façade.

The court basks in brilliant shadows casted by the vertical brick

offsets in the plain obtrusive brick walls. A tall tree erupting from the

brick floor balances the starkness of the bricks

planning while carving out the quintessential courtyards is

the strength of design.

Special features

Hanoi experiences a warm humid sub-tropical climate with

enough rainfall while winters are dull and hazy. Hence the

effort was to create an ambience which would do justice

Materials of construction detail

Demand for understated interiors in the tropical-temperate

climatic zone of Vietnam, allowed us to fully utilise the

beauty of earthy materials. The strong sunlight beautifully

enhances the material palette. Be it the vacuum dewatered

floor, the brick wall or the raw metal, light reflects

brilliantly through them. Brick is the main element of

interior design in this office space. Various forms and hues

of brick make for a unique element in the interior spaces.

The twisted brick wall forms the reception backdrop and it

drew inspiration from a visit to a local brick kiln in Hanoi.

The building envelope in form finished concrete offers a

subtle contrast to the fierce red of the brick. The floating

MS staircase imparts the lightness to the circulating areas.

Customized stretched metal ropes in place of staircase

railing offer the transparency.

There has been no use of boastful materials and whole

palette is locally sourced while fully exploiting the

abundantly available resources and local labor. Usual

interior elements such as cladding, carpentry, POP false

ceiling, painting and flooring work have no role to play in

this project and are completely eliminated.

The strong sunlight enhances these

materials. Be it the IPS cement floor,

the brick wall or the raw metal, light

reflects brilliantly through them

A perforated panel screen on the front facade

adorned with local landscape cuts off the glare

in the summer months yet facilitating the air

movement and visual connectivity outside

ACE UPDATE January


2020

29

Green Zone

Green Architecture: The Survival Kit

for 21 st Century

above. Commencing from the basics, these can be

classified under two: Passive or Active. Passive measures

include the design of windows, natural lighting,

orientation, insulation etc. A good & sustainable design

can be achieved when these measures are taken in

consideration during the design charrette. While the

measures that are technical or mechanical systems used

to achieve the sustainable aspect of a building. Examples

like rain-water harvesting systems and solar panels fall

under this column.

The word “green” itself triggers a concatenation of

words in our heads like plants, organic, planet or

say sustainability. And this further induces a sense

of responsibility in us towards our immediate environs.

With the shooting up of skyscrapers every now and

then, the cities are emerging as packed encampments

for job aspirants and more immigrants apart from their

originals. These concrete structures add 40 per cent of

the gas emissions to the greenhouse effect as per a UN

report last year. And other perilous issues like climate

change, global warming, population, air pollution etc.

are just like adding eggs to basket.

So we have Issues? Yes.

There are problems that need to be addressed? Yes.

How can we or say architects play their role?

So how does green architecture help in prevention?

How about we dig down the lane and add solutions to

these 40 per cent of the gas emitters. The definition of

green architecture goes beyond the addition of solar

panels or green facade, it’s designing and construction

of a space/ building with the rudiments which are ecofriendly

& sustainable. A building which “generates all

of its own energy with renewable nontoxic resources,

captures and treats all of its water, and operates

efficiently and for maximum beauty” is a definition by

The Cascadia Region Green Building Council. Pondering

over all these explanations and different notions

of ‘green’ architecture, we can enumerate certain

characteristics which falls under the umbrella of the

As a reverence act for the nature and environment, we

are under the obligation to design buildings which are

not just aesthetically and functionally sound but that

also summit the standards of eco-friendly outcome.

At Designers studio, we as a team try to introduce

sustainable ideas from the scratch of the project.

Studying and scrutinising our hospitality deliverables

especially hotels like Gift International Club, we incline

ourselves to conserve maximum energy whether it is

electrical or human to bring out the sustainability aspect

of the built. Practises of recycle and reuse are followed

by all our major big design schemes. A mandatory

introduction of water treating systems is followed in

all our hotels. Conversion of garbage to the manure or

OT systems further act as green features added to our

practises. Another on the list, we are extremely cautious

about the lighting aspect of each project. Particularly

mentioning the spaces like guest rooms are given utmost

importance. Each and every space is pre-designed and

mock-ups assist us in the perfect lighting which is

neither under or over engineered.

Sustainability is not just a mandatory aspect but also

a duty as a designer to paint the skyline with the

foundations of eco-friendly footings. We believe

our puppy steps with each and every deliverable will

definitely do our bit in the bigger picture of contributing

towards the nature.

Authored By:

Khozema Chitalwala,

Principal Architect & Designer,

Designers Group



Update

PEC Greening India and Ahluwalia

Contracts receive GRIHA Awards for

exemplary green construction practices

PEC Greening India and Ahluwalia Contracts (India)

Ltd was accorded with the GRIHA (Green Rating

for Integrated Habitat Assessment) Awards for

exemplary practices in Indian Institute of Management

(IIM) Nagpur, during International GRIHA Summit 2019

held in India Habitat Centre, Delhi on 18 th December

2019. The prestigious project received the awards for its

sustainable construction practices in two categories-

‘Site management during Construction and Construction

Workers Health and Safety during construction’.

IIM Nagpur is a well-renowned management institute in

India. Ahluwalia Contracts is the construction contractor

while PEC Greening India is the GRIHA consultant for

green building design and certification. The award was

presented by the hands of Dr Ajay Mathur (Director

General of TERI, a member of the Prime Minister’s Council

on Climate Change) Sanjay Sheth (CEO GRIHA), Freddy

Svane (Ambassador, Royal Danish Embassy to India) and

Anuj Agarwal (Airport Authority of India). Mala Singh,

Chairperson & MD (Green Building and sustainability

specialist) and Ar. Jigna Vanjara of PEC Greening India and

senior management of Ahluwalia Contracts received the

awards from the dignitaries.

PEC Greening India guided the site team to ensure site

and labour management efficiently during construction

as per GRIHA standards to achieve air and water pollution

control, staging during construction, reduction of

soil erosion, water management during construction,

construction waste management, protection of trees

during construction, top soil preservation strategies,

labour safety and sanitation and labour induction and

awareness programs.

Mala Singh, Chairperson & MD (Green Building and sustainability specialist)

and Ar. Jigna Vanjara of PEC Greening India and senior management of

Ahluwalia Contracts received the awards.

ACE UPDATE January


2020

31

Profile

Stacker & Reclaimer

Ramco Cements – Reaching New Heights

The Ramco Cements Limited is set to surpass

20 MTPA cement capacity in 2020

The Ramco Cements Limited (‘the Company’) which

currently has a cement capacity of 16.69 MTPA is in

the process of adding new cement capacity of 6.15

MTPA which will increase its aggregate cement capacity

to 22.84 MTPA by the year 2020. Further its brand

Ramco enjoys the status of being the largest brand in

the Southern Region besides being increasingly popular

in the eastern markets. The company has railway siding

facilities in all its plants, captive thermal power capacity

of 175 MW and wind power capacity of 165.79 MW.

Cement plants

At present, the company has ten cement plants in

operation, comprising five integrated cement plants and

five grinding units, with an aggregate clinker capacity

of 10.11 MTPA and cement capacity of 16.69 MTPA.

Its cement plants are located mainly in four States,

namely: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and

West Bengal.

In addition, the company’s four integrated cement

plants are well equipped with railway siding facilities

and coal based captive thermal power plants with an

aggregate capacity of 175 MW. It also has 165.79 MW

wind power capacity including its wind farm owned by

its subsidiary company, Ramco Windfarms Limited.

Captive power plants

To ensure uninterrupted power supply at an economical

price, the Company has installed captive power plants

(CPPs) at its four integrated cement plants which have

a total power generation capacity of 175 MW.

The company installed its first CPP at Alathiyur Cement

Plant with a capacity of 36 MW (2x18 MW) in 2005. Later

in 2017, a new capacity of 6 MW was added increasing

the total CPP capacity of Alathiyur Plant to 42 MW.

In the year of 2007-08, the company had installed

its second CPP with a capacity of 36 MW at its

Jayanthipuram Cement Plant. Further, in December

20017, a new capacity of 6 MW was added which has

increased its CPP capacity to 42 MW.

At Ariyalur Cement Plant, the company had set up two

CPPs with a combined capacity of 60 MW. The first CPP

with a capacity of 40 MW was commissioned in 2010-

11 while the second in 2012-13 with 20 MW. Further in

2015-16, a new 6 MW capacity was added, and with this,

Ariyalur’s total CPP capacity has increased to 66 MW.

In 2012-13, the company had set up a 25 MW CPP at

Ramasamy Raja Nagar Cement Plant.

Grinding units

To economise the transportation costs and to service

the markets better, the Company opted for grinding

units near fly ash availability areas or closer to major

cement consumption areas. The company has set up five

grinding units with an aggregate capacity of 4.20 MTPA.

Of the five grinding units, two are located in

Tamilnadu, one near Chengalpet in Uthiramerur taluk

in Kancheepuram district and other at Singipuram

village, Valapadi taluk, Salem district. Both these units



Profile

were commissioned in 2009, each with a capacity of

0.50 MTPA. Later in 2012, the Salem unit’s capacity

was increased to 1.6 MTPA. At present, the Chengalpet

Grinding Unit and Salem Grinding Unit have a capacity

of 0.50 MTPA and 1.60 MTPA, respectively.

Alathiyur Plant

The Company’s third grinding unit is located at Kolaghat

in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal. It was

commissioned in January 2010 with a capacity of 0.95

MTPA. After that, the Company has set up its fourth

grinding unit off the NH 5, which is located in between

Yellamanchilli and Anakapally, near Visakhapatnam.

Commissioned in March 2015, the Visakhapatnam

Grinding Unit has a capacity of 0.95 MTPA. It is in the

close proximity of the Vizag Steel Plant, Vizag Port,

Gangavaram Port and NTPC Simhadri Super Thermal

Power Plant.

In March 2018 the company acquired a cement grinding

unit from its Group company viz., Ramco Industries

Limited which has now became, its fifth grinding unit

and second in West Bengal. Located at Kharagpur, this

grinding unit was commissioned in 2006. Currently it

has a cement capacity of 0.20 MTPA.

Wind energy

The Company entered into wind energy sector by

installing its first windmill in the year 1993. Initially

the company set up 4 MW capacity (16 x 250 kW)

wind farm at Muppandal in Tamil Nadu. Encouraged by

the success, the company gradually increased its total

wind power capacity to 153.19 MW in Tamil Nadu by

locating the windmills at Muppandal, Oothumalai and

Poolavadi.

The company has also set up a 6 MW wind farm in

Karnataka during the period 2004- 2006, to meet the

energy needs of its Mathodu Cement Plant. With this,

the company’s total wind electric generators (WEGs)

are increased to 229 and the wind power capacity to

159.19 MW.

In the year 2017-18, the company’s subsidiary – Ramco

Windfarms Limited has generated 436 lakh units of

power as compare to 451 lakh units of power in the

previous year. The revenue and profit of the subsidiary

company was `17.45 crore and `4.54 crore compare

to `17.81 crore and `4.35 crore respectively of the

previous year.

Solar power

The Company is gradually entering into solar power

too. At present, the company has 7 KW solar power at

its Alathiyur Plant in Tamilnadu and 160 W at Mathodu

plant in Karnataka.

Ramco R&D centre

The Company is one of the few cement companies,

which have their own R&D Unit, known as Ramco

Research Development Centre (RRDC). Located in

Chennai, RRDC conducts tests in cement and concrete.

The RRDC is responsible for finding the suitability of

waste/reject material used in the cement industry and

contributing substantially for sustainable development.

Apart from routine tests, RRDC is involved in finding

solutions to concrete challenges faced by various

customers and projects.

Surface Miner

ACE UPDATE January


2020

33

Industry Speaks I I Lighting

Deependra Singh,

Director, Durlum India Pvt Ltd

Balancing function

and design: Durlum

Deependra Singh, Director, Durlum India Pvt Ltd says innovation in the lighting industry

would be mainly focused on improving efficiency of lighting thereby increasing the

importance of lighting control systems in future.

How has durlum utilised the market

opportunities?

durlum India Pvt Ltd is a member of the

German based durlum group of companies,

internationally known for their design and

expertise in manufacturing metal ceiling,

lighting and daylighting systems.

We believe that high-quality innovative

products and providing first hand technical

support are the best ways to ensure

customer satisfaction. Our team engages

with architect, consultants, clients at the

outset of a project, and our team ensures

solutions irrespective of the demands from

the stakeholders.

In India, the focus had been on the metal

ceilings industry majorly; the market

has been largely dominated by tilesbased

standard ceilings for a very long

time. However, in the last few years, we

are witnessing a gradual shift in more

customised metal ceilings solutions which

are aesthetically and functionally superior.

This shift has given space to companies like

us to bring innovative ceiling solutions to

the market. Additionally, to effectively

communicate our offerings, we are trying

to educate the industry on the advantages

of using functional metal ceilings and

the inherent value benefits. Furthermore,

functional products also warrant the need

for skilled workers. We have established

team of skilled and trained workers who are

able to execute projects across the country.

We also have experience partners for the

office segment who are representing our

range of products.

Please tell us about the metro projects

that the company has executed and the

ones that are in the pipeline?

As a manufacturer and installer of highquality

metal ceilings at metro stations,

Durlum has supplied and installed metal

ceilings in over 30 stations throughout

India in the last few years including Delhi

Metro, Jaipur Metro, Kochi Metro and

Noida Metro. Currently, we are working on

Lucknow Metro stations with Tata Projects

Limited.

Due to our vast experience, we take account

of all the specific requirements for sound,

noise, fire and durability at railway, metro

and underground stations. Our specialised

design team supports architects, engineers,

general contractors and clients at the very

early stages of their planning to provide

the best solutions and products available

in order to make every project unique,

sustainable and economic.

Discuss your achievement in the airport

space? How do you plan to tap the market

opportunities in the same?

For millions of individuals, an airport

terminal is the gateway to a nation,

the first and sometimes only impression

passengers get of a city and country. All

the parties involved in the beginning of

the project have only one objective: to

create an impressive and one of a kind

building that is an enticing entrance to a

nation while remaining commercial and

informative public building. Ceilings play

an important role in achieving the emphatic

design statement which an airport terminal

requires.

Delhi International Airport, (terminal 3

with domestic and international piers) was

the first major project with metal ceilings



Lighting I I Industry Speaks

for durlum in India. The project itself posed a particular

challenge as durlum had to handle more than 130,000

sqm of purpose built metal ceiling in a specified period

of only six months. In addition, durlum was not only

responsible for the supply-side but also for the design,

construction management and supervision of installation.

keep up the pace with new technologies in the segment

and adapt quickly to the changes. Our key business

comes from project lighting segment where our fixtures

are usually designed to meet the specific performance

requirement of clients, architects, lighting designers, or

electrical installers.

durlum was also a part of the ceiling supplier for the

state-of-the-art Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL).

dur-graphics wood-print texture, installed in different areas

of the airport, emphasises the emotional approach whilst still

providing all the advantages of a metal ceiling.

Besides this airport, we have supplied and installed

metal ceilings at Bhubaneshwar Airport, Tirupati Airport,

Vadodra Airport, Vijaywada Airport, Goa Airport and

Indore Airport (lighting).

The future for the airport projects is promising with huge

potential for growth but nothing is being offered on the

platter currently. Our approach has always been driven by

the focus to find and build our market. Our infrastructure

team is continuously working with key architects in the

segment and focusing more on specifications at a very

early stage.

What are your thoughts on the lighting industry in

India? How important has ‘innovation’ proved to be for

the industry?

The lighting industry is incessantly evolving and the

lighting fixtures manufactures like us have to continuously

Innovation in the lighting industry would be mainly

focused on improving efficiency of lighting thereby

increasing the importance of lighting control systems in

future. Beyond saving energy, lighting control systems

have several benefits when combined with LEDs. It can

increase the life-time of the LED light source, which

improves the investment economics even further.

Please tell us about the future plans and innovations

for the industry?

At durlum, our objective is to cooperate with our partners

to create individual, made-to-measure solutions, which

provide an optimum combination of function and design.

We guide our activities in consciousness of our

responsibility for the people dependent on our company

and the environment. It is important to us that our

products are made in an ecologically compatible manner

– we use recyclable materials and solvent-free powdercoatings.

durlum has already implemented day lighting

systems internationally that have been setting standards

worldwide. On the lighting side, our focus will be on

continuous research and development (R&D) to provide

advanced daylight and lighting control systems.

SUNRISE: Serving customers since 1996

Sunrise is the brand of Kailash Timber

Industries (KTI), has been in the business

of flush doors in since 1996. SUNRISE

has a wide range of flush doors, veneer doors,

laminated doors and decorative moulded panel

doors as per the requirements of the client. All

the products are manufactured at the stateof-the

art factory at Wada with new and latest

imported machinery. With an established dealer

network the products find great acceptance with

corporate. Public/private sector companies and

institutions,

Our mission

Our mission is manufacturing products for

flawless performance, top quality and lasting

value. To provide luxurious lifestyle doors for

construction industry with designs to cater the

young generation for their furniture needs.

Our Manufacturing facility Our manufacturing

unit based in Wada, near Mumbai is an ideal

location considering the transport and logistical

benefits. Wide spread of our manufacturing

facility includes automatic and latest equipment

imported from across the globe.

ACE UPDATE January


2020

35


iughasiudghubonflkn[oe r

Ar. Arjun Rathi, Principal Designer,

Arjun Rathi Design

Light design tends

to be very project

specific

An architect and light designer by profession, Arjun Rathi belives that globalisation has

amplified the importance of light design. His studio Arjun Rathi Design has been responsible

for the creation of exclusive collections which adorn a long list of high-rises, commercial

spaces and individual properties.

What is your idea of a good design?

The first sign of good design is the

emotional connect it establishes with the

end user. This is a sort of relevancy which

exists in any element of creativity - be it

light design, furniture design or any other

interior accessory. Even great works of art

are famous because of the way they connect

with the individual minds. Having said that

the object of design is destined to serve a

function, besides which it is beautiful, at

times ostentatious and also enhances the

look and feel of the space in question.

dynamic, since the character of light design,

among other factors is facilitated by the

nature of the project in question.

With increasing globalisation and with

more Indians travelling these days, unlike

earlier, how has it altered the taste of

Indians when it comes to designer lighting?

Globalisation is making people more

aware of what they can connect with. It

has also amplified the importance of light

design. Well-travelled Indians are exposed

to a design syntax which they remained

oblivious to, for a long time. People travel,

visit branded hotels, check out the tourist

hot-spots and observe. Fascinated by the

elements of design they are exposed to, once

back home, they try to recreate a similar

When it comes to light design, does the

definition remain the same or does it get

altered? Is it static and dynamic?

Lighting is one of the key aspects of interior

design. It adds to the perception one has

about a space. When done correctly it woos

and surprises otherwise even well-designed

interiors fail to impress. Light design tends

to be very project specific, there’s no single

set formula which can be put to work. So

I like to believe that light design is indeed

The Molecular Fission installation for

Jewellex Office in SEEPZ, Mumbai



Lighting I I Industry Speaks

look and ambience in their living and commercial spaces.

And this becomes their ideal style of design. This trend

has been ongoing especially in the decorative lighting

segment.

As a light designer, does it kind of constrain your

freedom of creative expression when somebody is

telling you to duplicate or to create a replica?

A lot of clients ask for replicas but that’s something we

don’t do. One thing, what the studio does do is - based

on the input we try to gauge the clients requirement. We

embrace a design syntax keeping in mind the reference

provided and come up with a custom designed product.

This leads to the creation of a product which not only

caters to the clients design taste but is also exclusive. In

fact our studio is known for its exclusivity. Our custom

designed pieces have much to do with the reputation we

command in the market.

When it comes to designing lights for living and

commercial spaces, what is the difference?

With residential projects, aesthetics are paramount. And

functionality can be done in combination with technical

aspects being addressed. In commercial spaces, we have

to start with functionality and then work backwards to

make it more aesthetic. In offices, people spend eight

to ten productive hours a day, hence the lighting has to

be extremely functional for the user who’s using it over

there. When you go back home, you want the light to

The Loop Light installation for a restaurant in Andheri, Mumbai

create a very nice and warm atmosphere. Hence light

design in residences is more to do with aesthetics and

functional in commercial projects.

When it comes to residential and office lighting what

are some of the key aspects to look out for?

In office lighting one key thing to look at is the colour

temperature. Mainly there is no hue lighting in offices.

Certain colour temperatures are known to activate the

mind, so when white light is utilised in office spaces, it is

more or less 4,000-6,000 degree Kelvin. Likewise warmer

colours like yellow or slightly amber colours, have a

calming effect which helps the mind relax.

In residential spaces individual behaviour styles matter.

For example, if somebody likes to read a lot in the

bedroom, you can serve that purpose with a decorative

lamp or with a really slim spotlight. if one prefers a bit of

status and opulence in the space that’s where decorative

lights can also take over. So it boils down to the project

requirements in a way.

As a light designer, what are the different materials

you have flirted with to design your products?

We have been exploring with quite a few materials.

Initially our exploration led us to utilise copper, brass,

steel, including a lot of experiments with metal castings

and textures. Then it evolved into blown glass and cast

glass. Of late, we are also experimenting with sustainable

materials like bamboo boards.

The Umbrella Chandelier for a

residence in Hyderabad

Tell us something about your latest projects

We have recently finished a residential project in

Hyderabad and our client was extremely excited to use

our Shikhara hanging pendant lamp. It’s actually the

same light that which won a LIT award. The client had

designed the interiors herself and the way she built the

space to suit the Shikhara light, just felt like the space

was designed or stylised for the light itself. The light was

the first accessory to be finalised before a final call was

ACE UPDATE January


2020

37


taken on furniture design and the look of the interiors

itself. A deeply gratifying project I must say!

What are some of the popular products in your product

portfolio?

We have designed numerous collections. Our products

like the loop lamp and arch lamp espouse minimalism

and is very well suited for the urban environments.

Be it Mumbai or abroad, they add a touch of class to

the spaces they occupy. The healthy response that our

designs have evoked in India and abroad has allowed us

to foster international ambitions. We will be exporting

our products to London from next year onwards. Apart

from the minimal collection, the Shikhara Pendant

has become a signature for the studio, the Shikhara is

inspired by the five elements of earth. The key thing that

works for these pieces is, even though the form is a little

unique, it still allows room for a bit of customisation as

per the client directive, in terms of colours which can

be used.

The Shikhara Hanging Pendant for a residence in Hyderabad

You participated recently in the India Design Story held

in Swabhumi in Kolkata, how was the response like?

The response was great. My visit to Kolkata was very

productive also because of an ongoing project. The

project involves the creation of a 900 square foot

chandelier. We had some sample setups and mock-ups

designed at the site in the presence of the client and the

architect The mock-up was well received and hopefully

by February end that chandelier should be up and ready.

12, 13, 14 FEBRUARY 2020 | PALACE GROUNDS, BENGALURU

10,000+

Visitors

200+

Exhibitors

2,000+

Delegates

CAPEx and Municipalika is a unique shared platform for a smart and sustainable India focusing on urban reforms, water and wastewater, sanitation and sewerage,

solid waste management, urban transport and mobility, pollution control, Housing for all, energy efficiency, safety and security, GIS/GPS, ICT and e-governance.

Exhibition & partnership enquiries

Nitin +91 98207 69219 l nitin@fairfest.in

www.capex.co.in

Speaking opportunities

Deepti +91 99696 71197 l deepti.t@fairfest.in

300

Cities

Conference & Delegate Registration

Abhinav +91 96197 51909 l abhinav@fairfest.in



UPDATE

Bonton Technomake introduces new

seating systems

and maintenance are also easier. The solidity and high

quality of the materials, along with the wide range of

finishes create a variety of simple yet sophisticated

seating solutions.

BT 4000 is the product of many years of design and

project experience in building and supplying furniture

for teaching applications.

Meticulously created to address specific needs - BT

4000 and BT 900 are ergonomically and functionally

inclined

BT 4000 is a new system of seats and tables for university

lecture theaters, conference halls, auditoriums, convention

centres and training facilities. The clean, essential and

neutral lines express the minimalist ethos of the range to

enhance any environment.

All components have been simplified and made more

efficient to ensure they are practical, hard-wearing and

long-lasting, adapting to all technological and multimedia

functionality.

The flexible assembly of the system means it can be

adapted to shapes of any space and size and installation

BT 900

BT 900 armchair is for auditoriums and conference halls,

characterised by a rigorous, essential design that is

clearly orientated towards ergonomics and functionality.

Qualified by a patented synchronous closing system for

the seat and back, which accentuates the firmness while

reducing the volume so as to allow greater freedom of

movement and provide a snugger, more comfortable

seat.

The flexibility of the structural system allows installation

on horizontal flooring and on steps, in straight or curved

rows. It is available in wide range of colours in fabric or

leather coverings. The backrest can be full padded.

The accessories include row and seat numbering, writing

tablet with anti-panic movement, folding in the side.

Dual Desk

Bonton knock down class-room Dual Desk is specially

designed for rugged use. The desks are made of press

formed steel and CRCA tube fitted with either prelaminated

or post formed top, seat and back. It has the

provision of shelf for keeping books and hanger for

water-bottle. The choice of different powder coating

and laminates shade and high in aesthetics. Every desk

comes packed in flat box and easy to assemble.

ACE UPDATE January


2020

39

Promotional feature

Enjoy sound-proof doors with 60-min

fire rating

Sauerland have up-scaled the technology for the Indian

door industry to introduce fire protection cum acoustic

doors with cores in several configurations and options

for up to 44 dBs sound reduction and fire rating up

to 60 minutes. The door sets need to be provided with

perimeter seals and drop seals for achieving the privacy

of sound.

Sauerland cores when used in a main door with their

acoustic and fire properties provide sound reduction of

34dB and act as a fire containment door for 60 minutes

without using any inorganic material like Gypsum board,

Cement board or Calcium Silicate or Fiberglass to achieve

60 minutes fire rating as per BS 476: Part 22: 1987 or as

per IS 3614 Part 2 (1992).

The acoustical features benefit on daily basis by keeping

out or keeping in the sounds, restricting the noise

pollution to a great extent whereas the fire performance

of a door set is a passive protection in case of an

eventuality or an accident.

Now, door manufacturers in India can offer the builders

and architects a triple acting door set which provides

sound proofing and much necessary fire protection of 60

minutes clubbed with smoke containment technology.

Sauerland Spanplatte Germany, world’s largest

component supplier to the door industry has

partnered with several door manufacturers in

India to provide you a dual performance Door-set.

Keep the noise out on daily basis and provide passive

fire protection for 60 minutes for the main door in

case of any fire accident. What a big advantage to

the home owner!

Sauerland Cores are having very low formaldehyde level

of E1, which means they are safe for internal use in

residential buildings.

To learn more about Sauerland Acoustic + Fire Rated

Cores and drop-down seals, contact Sleek Boards

Marketing Services LLP at sleekboards@gmail.com or

Call on +912025463471/ 25421021.

Ever thought to expect such features from the door?

Sauerland Spanplatte with their vast experience

of more than six decades and spanning exports to

90 countries have been active in the Indian door

industry since 2008. They have introduced the

eco-friendly tubular core option to timber infill

successfully. Last year, more than 8 lakh doors were

made in India using the tubular boards technology.

But the door constructions are still primitive. The

basic purpose of the door is to provide privacy -

privacy of sight and privacy of sound. While the

present door systems provide privacy of sight only,

the door fails to provide privacy of sound, which

is a matter that needs correction by builders and

architects.



OTR I I Industry Speaks

Ashok P Chhajer,

OE Sales, BKT Tyres

It is necessary to arrest

the stagnation and create

opportunities

Incepted in 1987 and Headquartered in Mumbai, Balkrishna Industries Limited (BKT) is a

leading manufacturer in the Off-Highway tire market. Ashok P Chhajer, OE Sales, BKT Tyres,

talks about BKT’s expansion plans in India and his belief that a turnaroundin the health of

the construction sector is eminent.

Could you talk about your expansion plans?

Our top management is overlooking the

implementation of the expansion plan. It will

include end-to-end automation;right from

raw material handling to production of the

end product. Nevertheless it is expensive and

ambitious, but we have been known to do

things differently. The existing Aurangabad

plant will be relocated to a new location to

bring this expansion plan into action.

So, you are saying the relocation has begun.

Have you finalised everything?

Yes everything is done and the work is on, in

full swing. The new site is based in Aurangabad

itself.Butthe location is different; the

location is bigger and can help in achieving

the desired capacity augmentation.

Something like the facility you have in

Bhuj?

No. Bhuj is a massive property about 350

acres and this one is relatively smaller. From

the existing facility which is spread across 15

to 20 acres, we are going for a facility which

will be spread across 30 acres to 35 acres.

So, this capacity expansion that you’re

doing, is it keeping in mind the Indian

market or the international market?

BKT caters to a global market. And now we

have started addressing the needs of the

Indian market too. It is needless to say

that BKT is a global brand. So, whatever

we do, we keep in mind the needs and

requirements of our global product market.

BKT is a global player and much of its

market is overseas. At the same time

the market share of BKT in the domestic

market has increased from 8 per cent to 15

per cent. Yes India as a market fits into our

global aspirations. We are growing and will

continue to grow.

With your global expertise in place what

are your key focus areas?

Initially our sole focus was on the domestic

agricultural market. In the last four years we

have become even more aggressive about

it. This has a lot to do with the response

to our COMMANDER range of tires.At the

same time we remain bullish about product

offerings in the construction and mining

sector which includes the OTR tire range.

As one of the key industry player, do you

have any feedback for the government?

Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport &

Highways of India, in his inauguratory Excon

speech covered all the areas.He detailed

out the government’s plans with regards

to construction and infrastructure. This has

added a lot of faith in the minds of the

participants at Excon. These projects have a

lot of business potential and we all keen to

capitalize.

So, you are very happy with the way things

are going currently?

I agree that the construction sector is not

in the best of health. Having said that it is

necessary to arrest the stagnation and create

opportunities. After listening to MrGadkari,

I believe the government remains optimistic

and is keen to ensure the sector flourishes.

So, I am banking on the promises which have

been made and hopefully everything will be

in place.

ACE UPDATE January


2020

41

Update

11 th GRIHA Summit focuses on

‘Integrated Approach to Sustainability’

Highlighting that nearly 65 per cent of India’s

population is rural, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister

for Road Transport & Highways and MSMEs, said

that creating employment for the rural, agriculture and

tribal sector is a high priority for the government. This

requires knowledge, technology and innovation that can

drive sustainable development in India.

The Minister was speaking at the 11th edition of the

GRIHA Summit, co-hosted by GRIHA council and UNSW,

Sydney, at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The

theme for this year’s Summit is “Approach to Integrated

Sustainability”.

Speaking about various green initiatives of the

government, Gadkari said, “Creating waste into wealth

is the new vision for the country. We are working hard

to formulate a policy on biofuels in the transport sector.

We are also promoting ethanol and bio-compressed

natural gas (bio-CNG). The sector is growing very fast.

There are plans to make bio-CNG from rice husk in Delhi.

We have also launched India’s first motorbike powered

on 100 per cent bioethanol.”

Citing the example of Nagpur, the Minister said the city

earns nearly `300 crore from recycling sewage water

and nearly 80 buses in the city are plying on bio-CNG,

made from sludge and various kinds of biowaste. He

also spoke about the use of flyash waste being used in

construction and the mandatory use of 8% plastic in

road construction. In Maharashtra, the Minister spoke

about the rejuvenation of rivers and nullahs in a few

districts, by deepening the water bodies and using the

material for making aggregate used in road construction.

Her Excellency Harinder Sidhu, Australian High

Commissioner to India, said India and Australia face

similar challenges of urbanisation, which get further

complicated by climate change. Talking about the need

to make homes and cities liveable and functional, she

said, “We commend the GRIHA Council for making

frameworks that reduce emissions from our built

environment.”

His Excellency Freddy Svane, Ambassador, Royal

Danish Embassy to India, emphasised Denmark’s

commitment to reduce 70 per cent emissions by

2030, through their own efforts and not by any

carbon trading mechanism. Talking about India’s

efforts, he added, “The social aspect of sustainability

is important. Billions of people in India should be

able to enjoy the same quality of life as developed

countries, but with more responsibility and with the

help of technology and innovation.” He also talked

about developing a strategic partnership between

India and Denmark.

During the inaugural session, several new projects

across India that have demonstrated compliance

under the GRIHA rating system received awards. ITC

Kohenur in Hyderabad, “Integrity” Campus at Titan

Corporate Office in Bengaluru, National Academy

of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN)

in Hyderabad, Indian Institute of Management (IIM)

Kozhikode Campus (Phase V), and Bihar Museum in

Patna are among the recipients of a 5-star GRIHA

rating. The rating variant GRIHA is designed for

new constructions having built-up area more than

2500 square metres. The rating system consists of 31

criteria categorised under various sections such as

site planning, construction management, occupant

comfort and wellbeing, sustainable building

materials, performance monitoring and validation,

and innovation.



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ALM Engineering & Instrumentation Pvt Ltd........................ IBC

Balkrishna Industries Limited............IBC

Bonton Technomake Pvt. Ltd. ....................... 17

Dow Durlum Chemical India International Pvt Ltd..............................9

Pvt. 5

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Durlum India Pvt. Ltd. ................................... 19

Electrotherm India Limited...................46

Electrotherm India Limited. ........................... 60

Hikoki Power Tools India Pvt Ltd...........3

Fuji Lifts Ind & Co. ........................................ 15

Cera Sanitaryware Limited ...................................................... 3

Cico Technologies Limited ..................................................... 23

Intellize Jyoti (India) Expo Pvt Metal Ltd .................................... Industries Pvt Ltd...1529

Electrotherm India Limited ....................................................... 5

K Kailash Lite Industries Timber ............................................ Industries....................1321

Escorts Construction Equipment Limited..............................IFC

Maco Corporation India Pvt. Ltd .................. 33

Maco Corporation India Pvt Ltd...........25

Orient Fire Curtains India Pvt. Ltd. ............. IBC

NCL Buildtek Limited.............................5

Perma Construction Aids Pvt. Ltd. ................ 35

Filtrec Bharat Manufacturing Pvt Ltd ..................................... 27

Glass Wall Systems India Pvt Ltd .......................................... 17

Jyoti (India) Metal Ind Pvt Ltd ................................................ 15

Maco Corporation India Pvt Ltd ............................................. 33

Nilesh Alumino.....................................23

Profine India Window Technology Pvt. Ltd. .. 13

PEC R S Solutions Sanitation Green Pvt. Ltd. Designs ................................ Pvt. Ltd ..17 25

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Perma Star Window Construction ................................................. Aids Pvt Ltd.........23 35

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Sleek Sudhakar Boards Irrigation Marketing Systems Services Pvt. LLP.......19 Ltd. ............ 7

SGS India Pvt Ltd ....................................................Back Cover

The Ramco Cement Ltd ............................... 62

Sudhakar Profile Systems.....................7

Sleek Boards Marketing Services LLP .................................. 19

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The Ramco Cement Ltd....... Back Cover

Viva Composite Panel Pvt. Ltd. ...................... 9

UFC International................................21

Wienerberger India Pvt. Ltd. ..........................11

Spartan Engineering Industries Pvt Ltd ................................... 9

Urostar Electricals India Pvt Ltd ............................................ 39

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Wipro Lighting..............................................IFC

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Velan Concast ........................................................................11

Lii 2018 to highlight smart city electrification

concepts in India

major lighting exhibition under the banner Light India

A International 2018 (Lii 2018) is scheduled to be held in

Mumbai. The exhibition will be held at the Bombay Exhibition

Centre during 19-21 January 2018. This ‘mega event’ which is

configured to address the smart city electrification concepts

in India through seminars and product display is organised

by the Indian Society of Lighting Engineers

10,000+

(ISLE) with

200+

event

Visitors

Exhibitors

management by i ads & events.

Lii 2018 will cover all segments of lighting. Commenting on

this, Dilip 44Kumbhat, January President 2020 of ISLE ACE said, “Our UPDATE intention is that

Lii 2018 will not only highlight the latest, but also present the

28, 29, 30 NOVEMBER 2019 | PALACE GROUNDS, BENGALURU

Our intention is that Lii 2018

will not only highlight the

latest, but also present the

futuristic trends in all segments

2,000+ 300 of lighting.

Delegates

Cities

Dilip Kumbhat,

Municipalika is India’s leading 360-degree platform dedicated President, to building Indian smart and sustainable urban spaces.

Society of Lighting

Who exhibits: Solution providers of Water & Wastewater Treatment, Sanitation & Solid Waste Management, Recycling, Environment & Pollution Control, Green

Organising Technical Conferences and Trade Shows has been a

Cities, Digital Cities, Urban Infrastructure, Urban Transportation Engineers & Traffic, Electric and Urban Mobility, Safety & Security, etc.

very important part of ISLE’s activities. The first such major event

Who visits: Central, State & Regional Authorities, Mayors/Commissioners/CEOs, Town Planners, Architects, Engineers, MEPF Experts, Green Building & Built

was held Environment in the year Consultants, 1991, under HVAC the Engineers name of & Contractors, PRAKASH Real ‘91. Estate Since Developers, Plumbing & Sanitation Expers, Snart/AMRUT Cities, Traffic & Road Dept

Consultants, Water & Wastewater Consultants, GIS/GPS & ICT Experts, Power & Renewable Energy Experts, Eng Users, etc.

then, such events were held once every 3 to 4 years and in the being given on infrastructure development by the central and

www.municipalika.com

year 2002 it was re-christened

| Nitin +91 98207

as

69219

Light

|

India International

| Deepti

in

+91 99696

state

71197

governments.”

| Conference & Delegate Registration | Abhinav +91 96197 51909 |

2008 and Lii-2008 was held in New Delhi in February 2008. The

subsequent Lii 2011 and 2013 were held in Chennai and Lii 2015

in Kolkata.

We have appointed a professional event management company

i Ads & Events, who are running events for all groups such as

construction, interior, architectures etc. nationally and in Dubai,

Singapore, Sri Lanka etc. The technical theme for the seminar

is “LED & Solar- A sustainable development” and the special

emphasis will be upon smart city applications. A full-day technical

All-steel casing

Extra-long tread life

Excellent traction

Superior stability

Steel belts

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License to post without prepayment • Date of Publication: 1st of every month

Date of Posting: 1st and 2nd of every month

Posted at Tilak Nagar PO, Mumbai - 400089 • English • Monthly

48

ACE January 2020

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