SKY GARDEN

New-age windows, sky gardens that are weatherproof and are visually and acoustically planned out, are some of the novel elements that architects are trying. Rajati Bakshi writes
Amad rush of development in the Indian metros has resulted in the construction of over-bridges and causeways, unsurpassed vertical growth in residences and office spaces, and luxury apartments that are spread across cities. In this concrete jungle, green spaces are at a premium.
Today, million-dollar apartments are springing up all over the country, which boast huge structures, rich interiors, luxury amenities, all ensconced in premium locations. But the question still stands. What creates value in apartments?
While location is important, a business consultant points out, “Design is an equally necessary component. One needs to optimize the use of space even in grandeur.” The director of Raghav Realtors Pvt Ltd says: “Due to scarcity of space in Mumbai, the concept of outdoor living is almost non-existent. All open area is taken up by the apartment. Although outdoor culture is much more prevalent in Delhi, the utility-based integration of outdoor space is a must.”
Som Bakshi, a nationally and internationally awarded director-cum-cinematographer has used his visual acumen to provide simple design solutions that retain the grandeur and urbaneness of luxury apartments and also create outdoor spaces that are supremely unique.
Proportionate windows: The visual evolution of the human eye has progressed from a ratio of 3:4 vision to 16:9 and promises to move into the realm of 20:9 in the future. This can be seen in TV screens that were earlier rectangular in shape, but now, have moved firmly into the realm of panoramic screens.
This change is yet to be firmly incorporated as a design element in the construction of our windows. Currently, windows unfold the view of the city in vertical, rectangular or square-ish manner - a discerning eye invariably finds something amiss in this visual element. The hot glare of the noon sun pours in, requiring us to put heavy shades and double curtains.
To bypass this problem, in a luxury apartment created in Geetanjili Enclave, in the heart of South Delhi, Som Bakshi created windows that mirror the ratio that our eye demands today. These windows are in the ratio of 16:9 and provide panoramic views of the city.
“Although cinemascopic windows are now a fixture in the west, they have added advantages for India. Not only do they suit the visual evolution of the human eye, but they also slice off the hot glare of the Indian skies to reveal a gentler view of the city,” says Bakshi.
Experience the outdoors: Green spaces are at a premium everywhere. To transport the activities that would normally have taken place in the closed rooms of an apartment to a carefully constructed and cocooned sky garden with aesthetics, privacy and luxury was a problem that was put to rest. By bridging the gap between indoors and outdoors, the cinematographer created a permanent outdoor sit-out for up to a hundred people with a surround sound system and home theatre setup at the rooftop sky garden.
As a consequence, this increased the scope of the outdoor space and brought it to an experiential level - of music, a fireplace, an outdoor cinema, and a bar. Weatherproof, visually and acoustically planned out, and trend setting, this setup is perfect whether hosting an intimate evening or for a party.
Courtesy:- Times Property dt:- 26/12/2009