Evidently, technology is the enabler of projects and its core systems of today. To understand various ways of adapting innovation, to find the best approach in the design process and to know how to generate profit by design, Samsung joined hands with ITP Media (India) Group to bring together eminent members of the fraternity for a forum that is credible and neutral.
Bibhor Srivastava, ITP Media Group’s publishing director, who acknowledged Samsung’s support, welcomed attendees as well as introduced and invited keynote speaker, architect Yatin Patel, founder director of DSP Design Associates.
Keynote speaker of the evening – Yatin Patel, founder director, DSP Design Associates.
In his address, Patel shared how his practice won the Herman Miller Award for Asia Pacific region for Best Technology Offices, keeping profitability as one of the primary focuses of design. He said, “While designing offices, we aim to understand the space and environment that millennials are exposed to. At the outset, it is on us, the designers, how we respond to their needs and operations to tailor businesses that are profitable and productive.” He shared his idea on the concept of ‘Office of the future’ and led the audience through his projects Microsoft Windsor at Mumbai, Swiss Re in Bengaluru and ZS Associates in Pune to deliberate the phrase ‘profit by design’. Puneet Sethi, VP, Samsung India Electronics and Srivastava came on stage to felicitate Patel for his insightful address.
The congregation of architects, designers, facility and project managers at the forum.
Prateem Ghosh, national manager, LED, Consumer Electronics Enterprise Business, Samsung India then made a presentation. He shared the company’s presence and intents in India and globally, and introduced flagship products and innovations, from display and collaboration. Ashutosh Chauhan from the Samsung Research Institute joined Ghosh to demonstrate the use of Samsung Flip, an innovative digital flipchart that helps drive collaboration and communication in offices.
Setting the tone for the most intriguing session of the evening was the panel discussion with Nilesh Gandhi, principal architect, Metadesign Architects, as moderator.
Gandhi asked Lalitha Tharani, principal architect and partner, Collaborative Architecture, about her two-decade design experience, to which she responded, “Each space and each client has a different requirement. Our practice, being more inclined towards bespoke and personalised workspaces, brings in technology integration and sustainability regardless of the design brief.”
Swapnil Sawant, principal architect, Worksphere Architects, said of his design principles, “We believe that our designs are a result of our character. Once we go egoless while designing, we empathise with our clients better. This contributes towards generating a better design.”
Facility and admin head of Reliance Capital, Capt Sudeep Ghoshal, was asked to share his experiences post-handing over of a project by the designers. “I have worked on projects, where I prioritised safety and function of the users but the design team prioritised aesthetics. But times are changing and now, the management is bringing in all stakeholders from day one to generate a functional and rightly regulated business setup.” Everybody agreed that it is up to the sensitivity of the owner, designer and operator towards design that can lead to a successful project.
Aiming to understand the thought-process of a manufacturer, Puneet Sethi, VP, Consumer Electronics Enterprise Business, Samsung India, was asked about the change in dynamics in the industry and how Samsung meets expectations. “Samsung is not only a B2C company but also a B2B outlet. We run our display business backed by products that cater to the office vertical in particular. Taking constant help from VOCs, we now have solutions that are more adaptable, more flexible and more seamless.”
Ashutosh Chauhan from the Samsung Research Institute, demonstrates theuse of Samsung Flip, an unique and innovative addition for workspaces.
Gandhi induced Rajat Malhotra, COO, Integrated Facility Management, Jones Lang LaSalle, in sharing his encounters with designers to create systems that appeal to the requirements of end users. “After a global research on ‘The future of work’, we learned that digital drive and human experience are two key pillars that support any workspace. We concluded that, as providers, we need to offer a setting that is healthy and uplifting for the workforce, and is compliant with the ever-evolving trends of office lifestyle.”
Talking about creating a futuristic design, Rajeev Krishnaswamy, director, Infobahn Technical Solutions, shared his idea of a disruptive model of the real estate interior. “Companies are now looking at tapping into digital signage and displays in the workplace. Using elements like IoT and social media, various experiences can be tailored out of interactive digital displays. Dashboards can be set up to provide real-time signals and data across the office. This can aid in shaping up a futuristic office that is better connected and more collaborative.”
Bringing in the clause ‘profitability’ into account, Bhupesh Pathak, director, Integrated Facilities Management & Asset Services, Cushman & Wakefield, added, “Apart from design and implementation of a facility, its maintenance and upkeep also makes a substantial difference. If any facility is used righteously, its shelf life can be boosted and costs can be lowered. This practice turns any cost centre into a profit centre.”
Gandhi closed the panel with high hopes of a better future. Followed by a vote of thanks by Sethi and Srivastava.