| Architecture Student Chronicles

Various Types of Wall Finishes | Interior Design and Architecture

February 7, 2017November 30, 2010 by Architect

What are Wall Finishes and the purpose of using them?

As the name “Wall Finishes” itself suggests that it is finish given to the wall to enhance the interior or exterior look of the structure. Wall finishes used for the interiors are quite delicate and need maintenance. The new contemporary trend has brought about great deal of increase in the usage of various types of wall finishes for the aesthetic purpose in the interiors and exteriors.

In this article, we are going to discuss various types of wall finishes, their preparation and application process…

Here is a list of different types of Wall finishes:

Cement plastered Finish
Cement Textured Finish
Plaster of Paris Finish
Gypsum Plaster Finish
Glass Mosaic Finish
Designer Mirror Finish
Laminate Finish
Marble Powder Finish

We will be discussing some more different types of Wall Finishes in our successive articles.

Cement plastered Finish

It is prepared in the form of mortar with cement, sand and water in proper proportions and applied on masonry manually to achieve a smooth finish or sand faced finish.

Cement Textured Finish

This is a decorative finish and its mortar is prepared in cement based material. It is applied with sand faced plaster with a trowel and after that it is coloured with paint.

Design of a Jewellery Showroom by Archeng Designers

September 14, 2016November 29, 2010 by Architect

Jewellry Showroom - By Architect Javed Kachchhi

Introduction of the Architect

Krishna Kamal Jewellers, a jewellery showroom is situated in a taluka place called Karad in Satara district, Maharashtra, India. It has been designed by a nationally renowned Architect Javed Kachchhi. He has been awarded the National Award called “Bharat Gaurav Award” for the excellence in design in the field of Architecture. He is a contemporary Architect and strongly follows the principles of design (Harmony, Symmetry, Rythm etc). He is popular for designing symmetrical structures.

Introduction of the Project before execution of design plans

When the project was handed to the Architect, it was a hall measuring about 3.6m x 12m with eight columns emerging out from the walls. Two drainage pipes ran down through the wall inside the showroom. As there was an adjoining neighbour’s property, so it was not possible to pass the pipeline from outside the building. The first task was to hide the pipeline as well as the columns. But as the width of the hall was not much, it would be improper to cover the entire wall in panelling at the level of pipeline or the columns.

The showroom was quite long in length and did not have any ventilation from the side of the rear, so it was necessary to make it air conditioned. Split air conditioners were only the option and for that again, we had to pass its drains out.

Architecture or Building | Field of Innovation and Creativity

November 15, 2010 by Architect

Architecture | Field of Innovation

The difference between Architecture and building is a subject that has attached the attention of many. According to Nikolaus Pevsner, European historian, a bicycle shed is a building; Lincoln Cathedral is a piece of architecture. This distinction, however, is not a clear one, and contemporary scholarship is showing that all buildings, cathedrals and bicycle sheds alike, are part of a single continuum that characterizes the built world.

Architecture is an art of designing the built environment. Buildings, landscaping and street designs are the three important elements, which impart both functional as well as aesthetic character to architecture. Building features such as cornices, gables, entrances, fenestrations and textures may be used to soften or enhance buildings with colourful plants and trees. Landscape Architecture is also a vital part of design.

Street side features such as decorative lighting, benches, meandering walkways, and bicycle lanes may enhance a site for passerby, pedestrians and cyclists. Landscaping elements also play an important role in enhancing the aesthetics of the built environment.

According to Vitruvius, good buildings satisfy three core principles: Firmness, commodity and Delight. Architecture can be said to be a balance and coordination among these three elements, with none overpowering the others. A modern day definition sees architecture as addressing aesthetic, structural and functional considerations. However, looked at another way, function itself is seen as encompassing all criteria including aesthetic, psychological and cultural ones.

Role of Minimalism in Architecture

November 13, 2010November 13, 2010 by Architect

What is Minimalism?

Minimalism – to me is another tool which encompasses the KIASMA philosophy. It could be in terms if form or construction techniques. Ultimately the goal is to tackle complex urban challenges in the easiest possible way. But little did we know that even the ancient regionalistic buildings are capable of facing the modern man made chaos with its simplistic structural construction – the greatest example being – PAGODAS.

They are strange piece of regionalistic architecture which gives you a reflection of withstanding the odds in the KIASMA way. These “ancient high rise” are three to five storey pagodas initially built in India to enshrine remains of Buddha. This structure has to its credit of surviving the many serious earthquakes which have occurred time and again in Japan.

The secrets behind its construction are layered and dependent of each other. Every structural part of pagoda is made of wood – which when subjected to force may bend and wrap but will not break easily hence making it a flexible material which is capable of absorbing seismic forces. The second layer is the fastening of timber, not with nails but by inserting carved thinner and narrower ends of timber into slots.