Q. What qualities or features do you think an iconic design should possess? What according to you makes a design iconic?
“Iconic” is, what one identifies with, something that epitomizes the identity of that place, city or a landmark – an iconic structure is responsible for how a common-man perceives any place or a city and many times even a country – this is how India is identified by the Taj Mahal and Gateway of India identifies Mumbai or is what Eiffel Tower is to Paris.
An iconic design is, what it takes to create a unique identity – its features are designed in a way that it, not only, has a ‘Landmark’ effect but the design also goes ‘beyond’, to identify the structure as something to do with its location or its use. Each Iconic structure has its own importance – while most iconic structures developed during the 1900s or earlier were pertaining to its historic importance, while off-late all iconic structures are being developed to prove the superiority of a particular country or the city’s dynamicity and these do not simply have a ‘sculpture value’ to it, but are also usable spaces. Take, for example, the Burj Khalifa Tower, which is Iconic – being one of the identities of Dubai & is also a great hotel in itself.
In today’s scenario, an iconic design is not just a layman’s wonder w.r.t. its architecture & aesthetics or its height, the development also serves a purpose of utilization in its own unique way; so an iconic development needs to be not only iconic from outside but from inside too!Q. Out of all your projects, please enlighten us with details of your most unique project and what made it stand out?
While, I have conceived quite a few landmarks in our country, firstly, I feel proud to have developed India’s ‘first ever’ Revolving Restaurant atop a Hotel, way back in 1970s – yet in operation, the Revolving Restaurant of Ambassador Hotel, Mumbai has been, by far, an iconic development for many years to come.
Similarly, I have now worked upon a design for another Iconic Recreation/Destination Hospitality project, while like most hotels all the regular features of guest rooms, restaurants, bar, recreation, banquets, business center, are surely planned however what makes this Resort different (read iconic) is that this development shall be spread over 50 acres of land – this development is again not iconic by its look, but is iconic ‘to the core’ – the upcoming 1million Sft. of constructed luxury – with 800 rooms hotel incl. guest rooms, suites, villas & serviced apartments, amongst other facilities in the complex the highlight is the Royal Gardens with one of the largest amphitheater with a 10,000+ seating capacity, inculcated amidst the themed gardens, for large weddings, events, launch parties, etc.
The recreations shall not only speak of multi-level pools, water slides / rides 24 pocket Golf course, but what make this development even more iconic is an Artificial Beach right amidst the luxury development at Delhi-NCR, creating an all-weather beach experience with low-tide/high tide for beach parties, wedding, events, and much more – which is something unique to India.
Also coming-up is an Iconic Tower – what I call ‘Vertical City’ at West Bengal. Aptly named Vertical City, this mixed use development boasts of retail, malls-multiplex, commercial, club, restaurants & high class residential development all-within itself – this 2Mn. Sft. of vertical development shall be a city within itself – this development not only shall have high landmark value but shall be one of the most sort-after locations for all age groups;
Q. What are the new signature styles or trends that you have been noticing in the field of designing today? Is there anything exciting that you haven't done yet and planning to incorporate the same in your future projects?
Q. Are there any designs you look up to? If yes, what do you admire the most about it?
