The moment we all have been eagerly waiting for is finally here. Our favourite apparel brand has marked a scintillating debut in the home decor segment with H&M HOME—a digital store at hm.comand on the e-commerce platform Myntra on 3rd March 2022. Carrying their trademark style-forward, H&M HOME offers fashion-forward decor and accessories for every room and style.
From high-quality bedlinen and timeless dinnerware to diversified textiles, with contemporary style and attention to detail at its core, the vast assortment transforms your space into a place that feels like home. Merging modern design and quality with sustainability and affordable prices, here are 5 ways with which the collection aids in creating a personal and modern space—
Working with different style platforms, H&M HOME ensure that their design embraces everything from the eclectic to more muted and minimalistic; Photographs courtesy H&M HOME
Lovely prints such as hand painted flower patterns and a dreamy ‘sun and moon’ call for simplicity and a spiritual vibe; Photographs courtesy H&M HOME
With a wide range of home accessories, your living space is in for a treat and a much needed makeover. Without much ado, choose your pick from colourful cushions to cosy blankets, classic curtains to stylish storage, there’s something for every decorating style.
Create your own calming space in the bedroom with soft bed linens and cushions; Photographs courtesy H&M HOME
Surround yourself with comforting bohemian chic details and find pleasure in your everyday life at home. With H&M HOME, it’s easy to transform your bedroom interior through a great selection of duvet cover sets, sheets, bed skirts and spreads, blankets, curtains, pillowcases, rugs and more.
Add printed cushions made from organic cotton and store a cosy crinkled blanket in stylish baskets made with FSC certified rattan; Photographs courtesy H&M HOME
A plethora of art, architecture, fashion, food, folklore, and the cultures of the world amalgamate into H&M HOME, identifying styles that are of the moment and adapting trends to create collections that stimulate. This is your sign to add some colour and playfulness into your kids’ room interior with their exceptionally fun toys and inspiring accessories.
Soft waffled towels in pastel tones will make your me time moment feel extra soothing while scented candles envelop your senses; Photographs courtesy H&M HOME
Cosy towels, dressing gowns, snuggly bath mats, eye catchy shower curtains—you name it and they have it. Prepare your bathroom for everyday luxury with H&M HOME’s golden bathtub shelf that keeps all your home-spa essentials in place. Let your feet sink into the fluffy patterned bath mat and escalate other senses through scented oils and candles.
Make kitchens organised and cooking more fun with their new collection of modern boho-style items; Photographs courtesy H&M HOME
Declutter your spaces with stylish storage additions that make kitchens organised and cooking more fun; Photographs courtesy H&M HOME
Whether you’re planning an intimate supper, gala dinner or cosy night in with the family, H&M HOME’s tablecloths, place mats, chinaware, aprons and other decorations will make you an instant hit amongst your friends and family.
Utensil holders in ceramic will keep your gear in place and wooden boxes provide the perfect open storage for groceries; Photographs courtesy H&M HOME
Prepare for brighter days ahead and spruce up your outdoors for al fresco adventures with the outdoor home range. Be it picnics in your garden or long, lazy days at the beach, there is something for everyone!
The collection is bound to leave you reinvigorated and peaceful enabling interior lovers across the world to create a personal and modern space; Photographs courtesy H&M HOME
This March, as spring beckons, decorate your homes with soft neutrals, abstract prints, and edgy shapes. Design-driven and fashion forward, H&M HOME is offering decor accessories for every room and style.
With products for living, dining and kitchen, bed, bathroom and kids, the assortment will be available on hm.com and Myntra from 3rd March, 2022.
As children, we have all earnestly wished to jump to the greener side of the seemingly smooth-sailing adult life. While as adults, the heightened desire to go back to our carefree childhood days in just the blink of an eye has often kept us busy daydreaming of the unrestricted playgrounds, spine-tingling amusement parks, breezy mountain treks with views of the neighbourhood hills and river, wildlife safaris and lots of leisurely hours away from our screens…does that sound like you’re due for some much-needed adventure?
As Children’s Day knocks on our doors and wakes us up from the dulcet daydreams, trust ED to take you on a refreshing rollercoaster ride with its curated selection of five hotels and resorts in India that host unmissable adventures and outdoor activities for your child and that ever-intrigued inner child in you!
Scroll down and take your pick for the weekend…
Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli
Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli; Photograph courtesy Accor Live Limitless
One of the most famed properties by the Accor Group, Novotel Hotels found its way to Mumbai’s neighbouring town of Khopoli to transpire a magical world of entertainment and adventures called Novotel Imagicaa. Whether you are a child bitten by the carnival bug or an adult smitten by the idea of electrifying experiences, Novotel Imagicaa lets you unwind at its pristine resort with well-planned amenities and spacious suites, while giving you a direct gateway to its next-door amusement theme park, Imagicaa, for you to unleash all your child-like excitement at.
At a convenient driving distance from Mumbai and Pune, Imagicaa is a multi-themed, all-season amusement venue, comprising a theme park, a water park and a snow world with a fun variety of rides and attractions to indulge in.
Where: Sangdewadi, Khopoli-Pali Road, Near Lonavala, Khalapur, Maharashtra-410203
Della Resort, Lonavala
Outdoor activities at Della Resorts, Lonavala; Photograph courtesy Della Resorts
Touted as one of the leading experiential luxury resorts in the country, Della Resorts in Lonavala, Maharashtra, is a venue for all age groups who like to feed their inner child with a lasting taste of adventure coupled with a decadent weekend retreat. Fringed with the panoramic hills of Lonavala and its scenic views, Della lets you trail its expansive premises, lined up with the finest suites and rooms, villas with private outdoor jacuzzi and glamping camp setups. Taking it a notch up is its very own Extreme Adventure Park with over fifty varieties of rides and activities such as swoop swing, flying fox, aqua zorbing, motocross dirt bike, sky cycling and more.
Where: Della Enclave Rd, Kune Village, Lonavla, Maharashtra-410401
Aman-i-Khas, Ranthambore
Luxury camping at Aman-I-Khas: Photograph courtesy Aman-i-Khas
Enveloped in the cool shadows of tall trees and brushwood forest and perched on the threshold of the Ranthambore National Park, Aman-i-Khas is a dreamland for those who find true delight in living amidst the bounties of nature. Sprawling ten acres, the property is home to ten intimate tented suites with lavish, furnished interiors offering a superlative experience of living fine with unforgettable taste of wilderness. On the itinerary of Aman-i-Khas are activities such as excursion to Chambal riverside, exploring Khandar Fort, jeep safaris, camel rides, tiger spotting at Ranthambore and bird-watching.
Where: Village- Sherpur Khiljipur, near Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan-322001
Aman-i-Khas enjoys the bounties of nature: Photograph courtesy Aman-i-Khas
Mihirgarh Jodhpur; Photograph courtesy House of Rohet
A member property of Relais & Chateaux and one of the boutique hotels from the collection of House of Rohet, Mihirgarh in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, lets the kids aspire for adventures and activities beyond video games and screens. Seeped in the idea of soaking in the outdoors to its fullest, the luxury property that embraces details of Rajasthani heritage and elements of modern opulence, also doubles up as a premier, jubilant playground for kids as well as adults to experience beginner and intermediate horseback riding sessions, bird watching and bonfire Shikar dinners. The staff also hosts alfresco royal picnics and enriching treks, safaris and tours of the Bishnoi Village, giving a peek into the culture and lifestyle of the Bishnoi community.
The Treehouse Hideaway, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve; Photograph courtesy Pugdundee Safaris
If the thought of unobstructed scenes of dense forest trees, frequent sightings of various species of animals, birds and reptiles, frame-worthy views of sunrises and sunsets tingles your soul, then The Treehouse Hideaway by Pugdundee Safaris located on the outskirts of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh will quench your thirst for outdoorsy adventures. The property hosts comfortable but rousing stays at its five tree houses nestled on the trail of lush jungle. The hideaways are each named Mahua, Tendu, Peepal, Banyan and Palash, with the rooms portraying a soothing blend of contemporary and jungle-themed interiors with amenities aplenty.
Skirted by the mighty Vindhya Hills in Umaria district, The Treehouse Hideaway arranges daily jungle safaris, cycling trails. picnics in the park periphery, visit to Ban Sagar Dam, village visits, craft workshops with local artisans and bamboo weavers. On prior request, the staff also arranges for interaction with the local Baiga community who welcome guests wholeheartedly and share their culture, dance performances and culinary expertise for an experience that the inner child in you will want to come back to time and again!
Question time—Would you rather spend a hallowed evening in the midst of forts, structures, palaces, lakes or just curl up in bed scrolling through Instagram, like you always do? If you’re someone who chooses the former and is looking forward to an adrenaline rush, ED has curated a list of built structures that are sure to give you goosebumps, while raising a toast to the spirit of halloween!
The beauty of architecture is such that at most times it inspires, but it is also capable of evoking the power of unearthly spirits, bringing a peerless sense of chaos, beauty, or sheer wonder. These buildings cling to an aesthetic that makes them at best—unsettling, and at worst—down-right spooky.
Check out these unconventional places that might send chills down your spine!
Shaniwarwada Fort, Pune
It’s association with the renowned Bajirao Peshwa gives Shaniwarwada Fort a unique edge as well as immense historical significance. Flocked with tourists from all over the world, the fort was once the pride of the Maratha Empire. But beware, it is regarded to be haunted and suggested that people avoid visiting it after sunset.
The fort was built in 1732 in honour of Peshwa Bajirao has come to represent a gruesome betrayal. Narayan Rao, who was 18 at the time, was the fifth ruling Peshwa in Pune. History has it that on the order of his uncle Raghunathrao and aunt Anandibai, Narayan Rao was mauled by his guards. Till date his screams for help can be heard in the fort. In the early 1800s, the fort caught fire and burned for a whole week. The ghosts of those people who died in this fire are also said to haunt the fort.
Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh Fort; Photograph Courtesy Zoom TV
No ghostly places list is complete without the mention of Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan. Hailed as the most haunted fort in India, it is known to arouse a sceptical feeling in the atmosphere and cause restlessness and anxiety among visitors.
Built for princess Ratnavati of Alwar, legend has it that a tantrik worshipper by the name of Singhia fell madly in love with her and tried to use dark arts to charm her. As the princess found out about his evil intentions, she ordered his execution. In his last breath, he cursed the princess as well as the entire court. What’s not to believe here as even The Archaeological Society of India has set up warnings, permitting no one to be on the premises after sunset. Beat that!
Vittala Temple Complex
Mystery enthralls in a sweet symphony is the Vittala Temple Complex of Hampi, Karnataka! Built in the 15th century, the musical pillars in the temple complex are one of the most flamboyant pieces of architecture in Hampi. What sets it apart from other equally exalted temples around the country is an accumulation of 56 musical pillars, which reverberate musical sounds when tapped gently.
The ghosts of ancient civilizations may greet you with open arms as many tourists, knowingly or unknowingly, tap them in order to calm their curiosity. As of today, the mysterious place of musical pillars prohibits visitors from tapping, in order to protect and prevent any further damage to this heritage site.
Roopkund Uttarakhand the Skeleton Lake
Located at 16,500 sq ft above sea level, at the bottom of a steep slope on Trisul, one of India’s highest mountains is the infamous Skeleton Lake. What’s fascinating about this lake is that it remains frozen for most of the year but expands and shrinks depending on the season. When the snow melts, the skeletons can be seen, sometimes with flesh attached and well preserved. To date, an estimated 600-800 people have been found here. The question arises—who were these people? When did they die? How did they die? Where did they come from?
An archaic theory associates the remains to an Indian king, his wife and their attendants, all of whom perished in a blizzard some 870 years ago. Another suggests that some of the remains are of Indian soldiers who tried to invade Tibet in 1841, and were beaten back. More than 70 of them were then forced to find their way home over the Himalayas and died on the way.
In rural areas however, there’s a popular folk song that talks about how goddess Nanda Devi created a hail storm—as hard as iron, which killed people moving their way past the lake. Bone chilling, isn’t it?
Agrasen ki Baoli
Agrasen ki Baoli; Photograph Courtesy istockphoto
Like a souvenir left behind by time, the Agrasen ki Baoli also known as Ugrasen ki Baoli stands in the heart of Delhi. Once used as a water reservoir, this ornate stepwell is an exquisite example of splendid architecture and ancient engineering skills. Today, it is one of the oldest monuments and the best-preserved stepwell in Delhi, serving as a prime attraction for tourists and photography enthusiasts visiting the national capital.
Many tales have caught the fancy of visitors, one being that the black water of the well lures people and leads them to drowning themselves. As per the legends, the attraction is such that it provokes you to go further down the stairs, with nothing but the echo of your own footsteps following you. We suggest you don’t step it up and run as fast as you can!
National Library of Kolkata
With the reputation to be haunted, the Natural Library not only attracts bibliophiles but also the lovers of ghost stories in equal numbers. Now, here is an eerie secret—a mysterious room had been found by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) in 2010 in the 250-year-old building. A room that no one knows about and can’t access as it seems to have no opening of any kind, not even trapdoors.
Add it to the story of Lady Metcalfe’s ghost haunting its corridors. A lot of testimonies support the story with people reporting the presence of someone simply watching them. If rumour mills are to be believed, such paranormal experiences increased all the more after 12 labourers lost their lives in an accident during some renovation work at the site.
Barog Tunnel
Come visit your friendly neighbourhood ghost in the stunning landscape of the Shimla-Kalka Railway stretch. Tunnel no. 33, also known as the Barog Tunnel, is often referred to as the straightest train tunnel in the world but that is not the only special aspect about it.
The story dates back to 1903 when the British government assigned Colonel Barog with the task of building a tunnel in the then remote area. Despite being a dedicated and thorough professional Colonel Barog however committed a fatal mistake in calculation and ended up digging parallel tunnels. This led to the public shaming of him and, as a consequence it led to his depression owing to which he shot himself inside the unfinished tunnel. Reports claim Colonel Barog never really left that place! As per the locals, the spirit of Colonel Barog can be seen time and again in and around the tunnel. A noteworthy point here is that the ghost is believed to be a friendly one and no report of any kind of lethal encounter can be found!
Morgan House
Morgan House Kalimpong, Night shot of Mr Morgan’s room; Photograph Courtesy commons.wikimedia.org
Haunted houses have forever been the subject of intrigue for kids and adults alike! Nestled in the landscaped gardens and beautiful hills of Kalimpong, a scenic hill station in Bengal, it would be hard to tell that it is a haunted house until you learn about its history.
The Morgan House was made especially to celebrate the wedding of Mr. George Morgan, a jute baron, with a lady who was an indigo plantation owner. It so happened that Mrs. Morgan died a premature death, and Mr. Morgan left the house soon after. A trust took ownership of the house after its abandonment and after India attained Independence the government took control of the property. It is now being maintained as a boutique hotel. Going to the mystery behind Mrs. Morgan’s sudden demise, it is believed that her husband tortured her before she died, and hence, her unhappy soul still haunts the house. Although there have been no sightings of Mrs. Morgan’s ghost, people have heard the tapping of high-heeled footwear in the corridors of the lodge.
Commissioned by Parabola, an award winning developer and investor in the UK, and designed by sculptor David Mach, this complex will be an unusual red edifice in Edinburgh Park, Scotland. This is Mach’s first architectural design and therefore gets the moniker Mach 1. Planned as a multipurpose and edgy structure, it will comprise exhibition galleries and space for diverse sociocultural events. “It is a building that promises a life with possibilities—as a venue for Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world, a place for comedy shows, music concerts or talks in the Scottish capital. The look of the building is important to me as a sculptor and as an ‘accidental architect’,” says Mach. Parabola’s founder and chairman Peter Millican OBE elaborates on the design, “It will be painted one single colour, possibly with a reference to Forth Bridge red”, which is a bridge in Scotland painted in the vibrant shade to match the original red oxide tint used in 1890
With an ever-increasing need for sustainable building, (even after going green seems to have become a synonym for cool in the architectural world) there’s a lot more that goes into making an environmentally friendly structure than a few plants and solar panels. Have a look at select projects by some of the specialists in sustainability to understand exactly what a truly green structure entails.
Suraksha Acharya – Aero Hive: Located in the Kai Tak area of Kowloon, Hong Kong, this aerodynamic architectural design structure by Midori Architects proves that skyscrapers can be naturally ventilated. Like an artificial lung that carefully incorporates the natural wind patterns of the site, the building is designed to accommodate changing wind conditions. The three wind scoops on each tower efficiently capture the moving air into the rotating sky atria – which is then transferred throughout the floor using large plenums. The double-glazed windows’ skin opens inwards at the top with an angle of maximum 15°, thus allowing fresh air to move indoors. 30 % of the panels of the façade panels are static and the remaining 70% are kinetic. The percentage of opening is determined by the amount of ventilation required for the space based on data obtained from internal CO2 sensors.
Fahed Majeed – The Flying House: This 7400 square foot, single storey four-bedroom residence is designed around the surrounding landscape in Kolenchery, Kerala. The inverted roof structure is part of a ‘neo-contemporary’ approach that the architect has adopted. The process of creating this sustainable home was a very close-to-earth design exercise, with the use of vernacular materials such as stone and wood, whilst only employing local skilled craftsmen and artisans. The Flying House, deriving its name from the fact that it looks like a structure about to soar upward, boasts a number of unique sustainable features. It is open to natural airflow and light, with openable, foldable, pivoted or fixed glass walls and windows throughout. The unit is self sufficient in terms of power, with a well-integrated solar power panel setup on the roof. Apart from a swimming pool that runs through the middle of the house, providing evaporative cooling whilst also contributing to aesthetics, the most noteworthy feature is the well thought out design of the rainwater harvesting system, which captures 100% of the rainwater that falls on the extensive 12000 square foot roof surface. The water collects in the single central gutter, flows down in the form of waterfalls, gargoyles and other attractive outlets throughout the house, and finally percolates to the ground, thereby recharging the ground water table.
Tiffany Beamer – The Emerald Riverside: The Emerald Riverside Project by Olin Studio in Shanghai’s Pudong district is one that comprises of residential towers, as well as high-end retail outlets. The landscaping and horticultural elements provide an oasis of nature in the midst of this urban desert. The aesthetic is to provide residents with several thresholds, each with a unique representation of the overall theme – Forest, Garden, Sky. The rich series of landscapes provide shelter, both physically and visually, from the streets.
Hit the nostalgia button with these tree houses; evoking childhood memories – as attested by our favourite architects.Yellow Tree House, New ZealandThis 13 meter high tree house restaurant designed by Peter Eising and Lucy Gauntlett, stands as an organic part of the forest behind, transforming into a glowing lantern during the night. It is reminiscent of childhood dreams and playtime, inspired by elements of nature – like the cocoon. The concept revolves the ‘enchanted’ site which is raised above an open meadow and meandering stream on the edge of the woods.
The Dragonfly Treehotel, SwedenDrawing attention from around the world, the biggest room at the Treehotel functions as a private suite and a conference space at the same time. Proving a luxury hotel can be stylish, whimsical and green, Britta Jonsson and Kent Lindvall came up with the idea of the Treehotel. Suspended on the trees, it blends with the landscape into the woods. The interiors of the space is simple and yet unique in its own way, like the other tree houses in the hotel.The Inhabit, Woodstock, United StatesIsolated from the hustle bustle of the New York City, this elevated treehouse is nestled amongst the lofty Catskills mountain range. Crafted by architect Antony Gibbons, the space includes an open lounge, a wood burner, a kitchen and a roomy bedroom. Gibbon believes that the angled metal beams give the illusion that the building is floating out of the side of the hill and makes the most of the view too. A large deck underneath the structure leads to a beautiful lake and a hot tub – ideal to spend that perfect vacay. The Bird Hut, Windermere, British ColumbiaStilted along a forested hillside, this unique designed Bird Hut, with the capability to shelter twelve varieties of birds, two people, or any critters from around the forest that inquisitively linger inside. To mimic the process of nest-building, the whimsical façade and the design structure is devised considering all sizes of birds while the materials were scavenged from the surroundings. This distinctive tree-top perch gives a sense of a canopy within a tree and is surely inviting, for the little birdies of the neighborhood.
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“It is my destiny to be an architect and if I were to be reincarnated, I’d want to be the same again,” Takaharu divulges at the very beginning of our conversation. While studying in the Musashi Institute of Technology in Tokyo, he discovered that design came instinctively to him and with encouragement from his professors, he decided to migrate to the US to explore the field further.
The University of Pennsylvania alumnus later worked under British architect Richard Rogers where he incidentally picked up his signature colour, blue. He reveals that nothing in his life was ever planned and he went along the path as it unfolded, adding, “You can’t change your life, you just find a way to live with it.”
The project that gave impetus to their firm Tezuka Architects, which he runs with his wife Yui, was the Fuji Kindergarten in Tokyo. Rather than looking at magazines, books or studies, he finds that his inspiration stems from his kids. Observing them running around their table in circles is how the idea for the school came about.
When asked to design the facility, he decided to create a circular form that encourages students to move around instead of enclosing them in box-like spaces.
Asahi Kindergarten
The original edifice in Minamisanriku, Japan was destroyed in the Tohoku earthquake in 2011. The studio rebuilt the entire facility using timber from trees that were killed by the salt water of the tsunami in the same year.
Muku Nursery School
One of their most recent projects, this establishment in Tokyo is a composition of numerous umbrellalike modules. It follows the same principle as the other structures, encouraging free movement around the individual units, instead of restricting the pupils to one singular mass.
Fuji Kindergarten
What started as a simple sketch of a circle on a page has now become one of the most popular schools in the world. Located in the Tachikawa suburb of Tokyo, the open design features a ring-like roof that creates an endless surface for the students to run around and chase each other.
Ring Around A Tree
An addition to the Fuji Kindergarten, this construction comprises a wood and glass volume wrapping around a Zelkova tree that was used by children years before the school came into being. The firm introduced various pockets in the assembly that promote exploration and freedom of movement.
Got a green thumb? We tell you how to fake it without killing your potted friends.
Urban gardens are the ideal way to breathe some fresh air into your home – no matter how small or large a place you may have. There are numerous benefits of building your own little green cover in the city – from reducing indoor temperatures to increasing the oxygen supply. Smartly planned, they are a great way to grow your own greens and can result in being the focal point for your social gatherings.
The feel good factor and potential of doing your bit for the environment should also be borne in mind – composting using kitchen waste, recycling plastic bottles as plant pots and reducing the landfill burden, rainwater harvesting and growing your own food, the possibilities are endless.
From a single pot to a ledge to balconies and terraces, there are plenty of options and people to help guide you through the process. You just need to start. As Leah Umrigar from The Green Bowl advises, “You can start with any amount of space. For plants, the two most important things are sunlight and water, and you need to get the balance right.”
So the first step is to ensure that you match the selected spot in your home, with the requirements of the plants you intend to cultivate. Depending on how much direct sunlight you have, you can choose between flowering and fruiting varieties, hardy plants like cacti or shade loving varieties. Where water is concerned, one needs to be mindful that overwatering is as much a problem as dehydration.
Starting your own kitchen garden allows great flexibility in terms of cost and scale. You can literally start from scratch by making your own compost and using leftover seeds. Vani Murthy of Solid Waste Management Round Table fame began her foray into the gardening world in this manner. She conducted a workshop on composting for the Organic Terrace Gardening group on Facebook, founded by Dr Vishwanath Kadur, which has over 29,000 members. There she exchanged her compost for seeds and that has resulted in her passion being awakened to the extent that at one point she was managing three separate terrace gardens on her own.
There are many innovative ideas in urban gardening to explore. Particularly where space is a constraint, gardens are going vertical. Green walls can be an eye-catching accessory in any urban household. Hydroponics or the art of growing plants using a soil-less medium is also fast catching on these days. The use of smart technology is also evolving to cater to the urban gardener – Vani uses a highly recommended app that can help manage drip irrigation in your plants from anywhere in the world, turning your system on or off at the touch of a bit, thereby controlling the water supply.
Help can be found on a number of sites and one can also choose to join the innumerable gardening groups on social media platforms. With so much information and support available, there really is no excuse for not having your own little green city patch.
If there was one common woe that all Indians would agree on then intolerable public toilets in the country would probably be among the top five. The state of these poorly maintained squatty potty units are so dismal that our Prime Minister Narendra Modi actually decided to include this in his to-do list of issues to resolve.
Meanwhile, in the middle of all these initiatives, a gleaming new structure made of perforated steel came up at the Thane’s Marathon Chowk highway, envisioned by Sahej Mantri, Founder of Agasti, a sustainable toilet project and planned by Principal Architect Rohan Chavan. This smart, clean and eye-catching restroom for women stands as an exemplary model in a sea of unhygienic public toilets in India.
The idea
The design of the place was inspired by a tree, firstly to express the idea of integrating nature and context in the built form, and secondly, to use the characteristics of a tree to protect the place from the climate. Just the way the shade of a tree protects a garden from the scorching heat while allowing filtered light to seep through, the perforated stainless steel body of the outlet benefits the same way.
The design
The structure has four blocks at two ends – one houses two toilets with a common washbasin and at the other, a nursing room and a toilet for handicapped and senior citizens. At the centre there is a garden that is used for various activities like a place to rest, a free gallery to display art by amateur artists, an area for lectures, awareness campaigns and to celebrate festivals and events. It is in fact a metaphor for relaxing under a tree and socialising. “Most of India’s public furniture like benches, reading stalls, bus stops, tea stalls are occupied by men and rarely do women feel comfortable there. We tried to bridge this gap and have observed many women, some even in groups, use the space on a daily basis,” avers Sahej.
The amenities
The restroom is fitted with bio digesters to reduce water usage and improve waste management. Facilities like a sanitary pads vending machine and incinerators, CCTV cameras, mobile charging points and a panic alarm system are in place too. “As architects and planners we look at cities as buildings and streets, but cities are about people and events. The history of a city is not the way it looks but what happens there. That is why public spaces are important where people meet and interact. It is a place where new ideas are born,” says Rohan Chavan.
Website: www.agasti.org
Also read: This stainless steel museum in China pays tribute to roses
Father’s Day is the perfect occasion to invest in a gift that would create an impression on your dad for a lifetime. However, narrowing down to the ideal gift can also cause much brouhaha, right?
This season we suggest you take an off-beaten gifting path by giving your dad a barbeque set along with hosting a barbeque party in his honour. Head outside your balcony or porch and find the perfect place to create an intimate corner against a backdrop of only natural greens. Draw inspiration from our outdoor barbeque setup and make the most of the occasion. Create an alluring setting by using raw or unpolished wooden products like chopping boards, plates, servers, etc. coupled with cutlery and tableware in floral motifs. Atop neutral hued table linen, arrange wooden mats and ceramic plates. Play with the smaller details too – incorporate accessories like salt and pepper shakers, ceramic bowls, bottles, mittens and vases with fresh flowers, all set for perfection.
