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Digital Architecture - Showcase 01

2011-04-28T15:40:00.000+05:30

Back to School

2011-02-06T00:53:00.001+05:30

Late June, last year, when my friend Prasad asked me if I was interested in teaching in a college, I looked at him and said "are you serious?"

After graduating from an architecture college, I have largely pursued my passion of technology in the job that I took up, the post-grad that I went ahead with and the business that I started. I had no clue when it came to teaching in a mainstream architecture college! My reaction to Prasad was that all I can think and talk about is technology and unfortunately architecture colleges have hardly any infrastructure. And our discussion went on with the thought that what would be available if we could teach something to budding architects without having to deal with too much infrastructure in college and yet have the course geared towards technology. So thats how my journey of creating a course to delivering it began. Labelled as "Digital Architecture and later modified to "Integrated Practice in Design & Construction", I began delivering it at IES College of Architecture in Mumbai as an elective subject.

With a batch of 20+ 4th yearites who are ultra busy with moving the entire college ahead with them, I can say that my journey with this bunch of budding architects has been quite pleasant and fulfilling.

So with that, I'm going to post links to some of their works, here, for all of you to see. Please take a moment and give your valuable feedback. In a few months, they'll be part of the professional industry. And I'm sure they'll be adding alot of value to our profession.

Case-Studies
1. Autodesk AEC Solutions Division Headquarters

More links to follow.

A Gift to myself

2011-01-06T10:42:00.000+05:30

Its been quite a while that I gifted something to myself. And this gift was on my mind for a while now. I wanted to register and use the domain dedhia.com about 3 years back, when after registering the domain, I got to know that someone else registered it almost the same time and it went to him! So I kept this idea in the back burner for all these years.

This month being my birthday month, I wanted to make it special for myself. So I went ahead and registered chiragdedhia.com ! And I made it Live! As of now, its my blog. I plan to make it a full fledged website and share my life.

Revit LT in the making?

2010-11-14T17:53:00.000+05:30

This question has been around for quite long now amongst the Revit enthusiasts. Will or can there be a lite version of the flagship Autodesk product "Revit". Over the years, Autodesk has made several attempts at adding robust conceptual modelling tools in their kitty. Some years back, Autodesk pitched against Google to acquire SketchUp. But after Google bagged it, Autodesk went on to strengthen its own set of Conceptual tools in AutoCAD and Revit line of products.

Finally there is some noise again about Autodesk developing a separate application for conceptual design, simulation and analysis called Project Vasari. Its still to appear in the labs and once it is there, it'll be available to download and try at your own risk. Keep watching at the Autodesk Labs page. Click here to read more!

Innovative Tea Blending concept

2010-10-06T12:28:00.004+05:30

Found this link on Giranar's www.chaichai.in very innovative. On their Signature Cup webpage, one can actually blend different teas, add toppings and make their own mix! You can then order it online and have it delivered! Very innovative!

Check this link. http://www.chaichai.in/Home/Site/MySignatureCup.aspx

Don't know how many takers are there for such a concept but its surely ahead of times!

It definitely seems the pizza concept is hitting the tea market.

Tips for Getting Started in Building Information Modeling (BIM)

2010-07-22T20:32:00.002+05:30

I’ve been learning, training and creating high-value projects in BIM for several years and I’m often asked for a few pointers on getting started in a BIM Project. There are many pointers and you will create your own as you go ahead. I’ve listed few of them below.

Plan your project, visualize your process, workflow, and desired outcome. Begin with the end in mind.
The first project you do in BIM is about a change in processes. You got onto BIM to leverage technology to help you alter the way you approach design and construction. Don’t expect BIM to have the same workflow as it did for you in CAD.
Your first project will help define your project standards. Make sure that you start storing your standards in one centralized space. Write down your thoughts, save created libraries etc.
Put the mason’s hat on. Model the building as it will be built.
No need to model every bit in 3d. Use your BIM software to get the essential dimensions and building form correct. You can then embellish the model with 2D details.
Start with the broader elements like walls, openings, roofs, etc. Work your way down to a comfortable level of detail.
Model correctly from the beginning so you don’t have to fix things later
If you are still in early phase of design and do not know the exact wall type, use generic walls to capture your design intent; changing these later will be simple.
Get information into the project as soon as it is known
Not everybody likes 'Change'. Select your team that will persist in your first attempt.
BIM’s single-model environment forces a much higher degree of team communication between all consultants. Plan for it and be prepared.
Adding a BIM expert to your first few projects can take them forward faster. Ask for help or at least look for it online.

AddThis - Social Bookmark & Feed Button Builder

2009-06-18T13:25:00.001+05:30

AddThis - Social Bookmark & Feed Button Builder

Shared via AddThis

VOW - Free Monthly Neighbourhood Newsletter

2009-04-22T19:42:00.003+05:30

Some of you may already be knowing about Voice of Wadala - a Free Neighbourhood Newsletter that aims at Connecting Neighbours for a Better Quality of Life.

Voice of Wadala or VOW as it is popularly known was started in 1994 and later expanded to become Voice of Wadala, Dadar, Matunga & Sion covering the entire F/North Ward of Mumbai.

For a small period VOW was not coming out regularly, and now we plan to restart the newsletter in a manner in which it can exist in a self-sustaining model.

The Core team of VOW invites you to be a part of this newsletter, in ways that you would like to. Drop us your contact details on info@vowfoundation.info and we will get back to you about how we can get connected.

We intend to make 24 editions of this Free newsletter, one for each ward. So whether you are from Wadala or any other region in Mumbai, you can be the torch-bearer for the initiative in your locality.

For more on VOW & its intentions, visit our website. Do leave your comments here or on our email.

One Number to Ring All Your Phones

2009-03-17T16:31:00.002+05:30

Google Resurrects GrandCentral Service: Comes Google Voice

Google Voice gives you a single phone number that, when called, can ring one or several of your other phone numbers as you choose, so you’re no longer tethered to a single work, home, or mobile number. The phone numbers are available in most U.S. area codes, though not internationally.

“Think of it as a way to manage the phone,” says Vincent Paquet, a GrandCentral cofounder and now senior product engineer at Google.

McGraw-Hill Construction BIM Report Shows Growing Demand for Digital Models

2009-03-05T10:17:00.003+05:30

Changing the Way Firms Do Business

The BIM SmartMarket Report shows that the BIM revolution is affecting firms in many ways. Major findings include:

-- BIM promotes a more collaborative environment, and users recognize a need to rethink roles and workflow.

-- 72% of users have had at least a moderate impact on their internal project processes, and two-thirds report that BIM has had at least a moderate impact on external project processes.

-- Half of users perceive BIM to have had a very positive impact on their companies; only 7% report a negative impact.

-- Most BIM users (73%) are at least moderately involved in green building projects and find BIM to be helpful with those projects. For example, BIM tools can be used to analyze the performance of energy efficiency elements and sustainable materials.

Click here to read the full article.

Credit Crisis 101

2009-02-23T17:52:00.003+05:30

"I don't understand all the Credit Crisis Jargon!"
Watch this video to know what is the Crisis of Credit really?
Click here
Keep the speakers on!

Thanks Himanshu for sharing this...

Discovery -- Sabse Bolo!

2009-02-21T23:00:00.000+05:30

Each time I find something interesting over the internet, I've thought I'd share it with as many people I can. More than anything, these discoveries have inspired me to think beyond my "self-created limits". In some way or the other, I've shared such discoveries with my Web-Community!

Today, I am making a new beginning in that area. I'm sure each of us also finds something that interests us and inspires us to "think beyond". I propose to invite ideas over popularizing such inspiring findings. Out of such responses, we shall create a way to let the Web-Community know about each such discovery in the future.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today I discovered a unique service. I never knew before that something so simple exists and that too FREE!

Discussions, Brainstorming Sessions & Meetings with upto 10 people can now be held at the convenience of your phone with a free Conferencing facility.

Check out Sabsebolo.com
I found the website very user-friendly and informative. No jargon, No gimmiks & No hassles. Brilliant idea!
Do not forget to read the About Us & FAQs

Do post your comments!!

Got my love back... the mountains!!

2009-02-08T23:50:00.002+05:30

Chanderi Fort Trek - Feb 08, 2009

Most of those who build bungalows and commercial establishments do not have houses

2009-01-07T22:59:00.004+05:30

What happens when some Worker doesn’t get his daily wage?

(Hypothetical case) Today, Kishore didn’t get his wage because of regular exploitation by his contractor. Returning from work, he had to buy medicines for his ailing wife, get his child admitted to a local school the next day and get his old mother some warm clothing for the winter. A daily wage earner like Kishore would be deprived of serving his family apart from lack of food at home if this exploitation continues.

Am I depriving Kishore of his basic right? There are 4 Lac workers in the city. Many of them are living a life unfulfilled and unsatisfied.

When I spoke to Kadambari few mins back, she brought forth the context of “Project Aawaaz” in front of me. I’m living in the reasons of people and have forgotten that I’m depriving workers in the bargain!

Unfortunately these families are prone to several diseases like Cancer due to chewing tobacco or smoking, diseases like AIDS, social issues like Child Labour & Gender Discrimination (Girl Child), Lack of Education for their kids, lack of hygiene & health-care, or even their Rights under The Building and Other Construction Worker Act, 1996.

If this continues for them and we don’t act upon this, the people who build the wealth of the city would be deprived of access to living a great life.

“Aaawaaz” is about contributing to this group of families and bring awareness to them about each of these above issues and be part of their life altering experience where they can enjoy their work and their families could be happier and content being in our space.

“Aaawaaz” will conduct street-plays, hold placards and distribute information about the rights of these workers – to these workers at their construction sites & colonies. “Aawaaz” will encourage workers to register themselves under the Building and Construction Workers’ Act of 1996.

It pains to see the apathy of the builders of “New India”.

How can we bring about a difference?
• Make groups of 10 volunteers
• Choose a cause which inspires the volunteers
• Practice a street-play with this cause as the theme (Aawaaz team has ready scripts for practice)
• Conduct Street-plays at different pockets of the city, where construction workers live & work. (Aawaaz team has identified such locations in the city of Mumbai)

To be part of the initiative, ring us…
Chirag Dedhia – 9323366945
Kiran Sukhija – 9323861060
Shashank Shetty – 9820214307
Jalay Pandya – 9769600711
Amit Behal – 9987828237
Swagata Karmalkar – 9819883310

Other links to Building and Other Construction Workers' Act, 1996
Link 1
Link 2
Link 3

Is the Indian Real Estate Market really on fire?

2008-06-07T17:50:00.001+05:30

So what’s happening on the realty front in the recent days?

The local realty market is still hot. Prices aren’t really going down. The waiting for the home-buyers isn’t much working in their favour. The house property market is still buoyant and the developers are sitting tight with the prices that are set in different parts of the country. Infact property prices across the country have increased by more than 50 % and there are no signs of this slowing down. The US sub-prime issues haven’t still settled but that hasn’t deterred the demand in the local Indian market.

In the meanwhile, the same developers are having a tough time to raise capital for their upcoming projects. The developers aren’t getting steady PE funding for their projects and are seeking newer ways to raise capital.

India’s fourth largest realty developer by market value, Indiabulls Real Estate Ltd, floated its Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) in Singapore (REIT is not yet allowed in India). Indiabulls seeks to raise S$388.3 million ($284 million) from selling 353 million units at between S$1 and S$1.10 a piece. The funds will help the company develop, acquire or invest in office space in Mumbai and around. DLF Ltd, India’s largest developer, is slated to release its REIT in the coming months. Unitech Ltd. is expected to follow soon.

On the other hand, many corporates having surplus land in India continue to hold on their assets in anticipation of appreciation of the land value. Companies like ACC, Ranbaxy, Pfizer and Rallis chose to sell off some assets and have earned extraordinary profits on their Balance Sheets. While some like Bombay Dyeing, Godrej Industries choose to create huge assets while keeping their land-banks.

Bombay Cyclists !!

2008-05-04T10:23:00.000+05:30

Good Morning!

Our morning was really early today!! And i really want to share this excitement with you!
Shetty and myself went on an amazing Cycle Trip today b4 dawn.
We managed to get two cycles last night and thats how the week-long plan actually took off.

So shetty came to my place in the morning at 4.30am and we left from my house at Wadala for the Point (Nariman Point). Its about 12-14 kms drive (one way).
We were running high on spirit and we reached in less than an hour at medium speed. Our route while going was the Central Mumbai (Wadala - Dadar - Parel - Chinchpokli - Byculla - Mohammad Ali Road - VT - Fountain - Churchgate - Point)

While coming back we took the Western Route (Point - Marine Drive - Peddar Road - Haji Ali - Worli - Prabhadevi - Shivaji Park - Wadala).

And we actually met a celebrity! For more check out the pics at the Photo Album
The name "Bombay Cyclists" is highly inspired by Bombay Bikers Club ! :P

We wish to see more of you on our next trip. :-)
Awaiting your comments....