Dr. Shena Aggarwal, the Commissioner of Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC), has taken a stern stance against residents involved in unauthorized constructions. She has instructed officials to demolish any illegal buildings if construction commences without prior approval from the civic body in Punjab.

Dr. Aggarwal issued directives to the building branch officials on Thursday, emphasizing that if owners initiate construction without proper approvals, their buildings could be demolished at the foundation level without prior warning.

Furthermore, building branch officials have been warned of strict disciplinary measures if they fail to address illegal constructions promptly. Despite previous actions taken by the civic body, residents continue to engage in unauthorized construction activities.

Recently, Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar, Punjab’s Minister for Local Bodies, instructed authorities to crack down on offenders. The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation has already demolished several illegal constructions, including those on Jassian Road, Ghumar Mandi, and the Model Town extension.

Officials have directed building inspectors to vigilantly monitor illegal construction activities within their respective jurisdictions. The crackdown on unauthorized constructions will persist in the coming days, ensuring compliance with regulations.

Dr. Aggarwal has urged residents to obtain approval for building plans from the civic body before embarking on construction projects to avoid legal action.

Nahar Group has launched a new brand campaign for its Amaryllis project, titled ‘verified smart.’ Positioning itself as the provider of ‘smart homes for smart people,’ the company seeks to revolutionize the real estate sector by focusing on modern smart homes tailored for today’s customer demographic. The campaign capitalizes on the insight that individuals aspire to be ‘verified’ on social media, creating a sense of uniqueness. In a similar vein, the campaign emphasizes the concept of ‘smartness.’

Amaryllis Towers, the latest offering from Nahar’s Amrit Shakti, caters to consumers seeking well-planned residential setups with smart home automation and amenities in a prime location. The property offers affordably priced 1, 2, and 3 BHK homes starting at just Rs 1.09 crore.

Manju Yagnik, Vice-Chairperson of Nahar Group and Senior Vice President of Naredco-Maharashtra, remarked, “Amaryllis Towers provides homes with ample space designed for optimized layouts, a well-connected location, and state-of-the-art amenities. As customers increasingly adopt a digital lifestyle, a surge in demand for smart home accessories is expected.”

Given the prevalence of digitization and automation in contemporary living, the real estate sector must promptly embrace this trend. Creating modern smart homes is crucial to establishing an ergonomic environment that enhances the quality of life. Consequently, smart interiors are transitioning from being a luxury to becoming a necessity for homes.

Casagrand has introduced Casagrand Southbrooke, an expansive and affordable residential community priced at Rs 2,999 per square foot. This community is situated within a forward-looking 10-acre land parcel and encompasses 671 sophisticated and aspirational 1, 2, and 3 BHK apartments. Conveniently located just 5 minutes from Kelambakkam, Casagrand Southbrooke stands out as the sole children-themed residential enclave in the area, offering an impressive array of 85+ lifestyle amenities.

Designed as a well-planned gated community, Casagrand Southbrooke showcases meticulous planning with 1.3 acres of verdant greenery and 1.2 acres of central podiums landscape. Vimesh P, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Casagrand, emphasized, “Affordable homes are often associated with compact and cramped spaces, lacking in comfort and proper ventilation. Casagrand, through its innovative residential approach, has established itself as a prominent name, addressing these concerns.

Moreover, it is the only project with a children’s theme in this region. With this launch, we are confident in strengthening our ties with every aspiring homebuyer, ensuring they benefit from the project’s grandeur and convenience.”

Greenply Industries, a leading manufacturer of plywood, block boards, decorative veneers, flush doors, and related products, has made a commitment to prioritize the health and safety of carpenters and contractors, as well as environmental concerns. The company is focusing on product innovation with zero emissions (E-0) and implementing health and wellbeing programs for its stakeholders, recognizing their crucial contributions to the industry.

Greenply’s E-0 product innovation specifically targets the health and wellbeing of carpenters and contractors who are frequently exposed to harmful emission gases from plywood during interior applications. The zero-emission plywood (E-0) developed by Greenply eliminates formaldehyde emissions, providing a safer working environment and reducing health hazards for the community.

The E-0 innovation has already reached more than 1 million households, and Greenply continues to raise awareness among its stakeholders through various communication channels. In a move towards environmental sustainability, Greenply has achieved Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for its plantations in Tizit, Nagaland, ensuring ecological harmony and assuring consumers that the sourced products are sustainable.

As part of its commitment to employee safety, Greenply offers accident insurance coverage of Rs 4 lakh to its contractor partners through a leading insurance partner. Sanidhya Mittal, Joint MD of Greenply Industries, expressed, “We believe it is our responsibility to provide opportunities and support to carpenters and contractors associated with Greenply throughout India. Recognizing their contributions and providing them with medical, educational, and other support aligns with our core values of care and inclusive growth.”

In addition to these initiatives, Greenply runs Green Samriddhi, a relationship program for the contractor and carpenter community. This program involves regular upskilling training programs in collaboration with the Furniture & Fittings Skill Council (FFSC) and provides digital interventions to enhance business operations.

Trehan Iris has secured a lease for approximately 2.75 lakh sq-ft of space in Iris Tech Park, situated in Sector 48, Gurugram. Spanning three towers, Iris Tech Park stands as a prominent landmark on Sohna Road. Within this expansive tech park, multiple brands from various sectors now occupy 2.75 lakh square feet of the total 3.36 lakh square feet project area.

Among the noteworthy lessees are prominent brands such as Stago India, Investor Clinic, Data Bridge Market Research, Applicable AI, Windy Street, AIG Business Solutions, Prometric Testing, Prospecta Soft Trans American Information Systems, Oodles Technologies, State Bank of India, Bullmen Realty, India Accelerator, Hear.com, and Mayekawa India.

Additionally, two floors in the building have been leased to McDonald’s, complete with a drive-through facility. Abhishek Trehan, Executive Director of Trehan Iris, expressed, “We have successfully leased out more than 70% of the total area and are eager to collaborate with many other esteemed brands.” The strategic location of Iris Tech Park ensures easy accessibility to NH 8, the Golf Course Extension, HUDA City Centre, and the Southern Peripheral Road (SPR).

The Fire and Emergency Services directorate of Tripura introduced new fire safety regulations for municipal areas, aiming to enhance safety measures in buildings. Unlike national building rules and fire safety norms applicable to buildings above 15 meters, the revamped system in Tripura now extends fire safety clearances to buildings below 15 meters.

During a press briefing at the state secretariat, Apurba Roy, the Secretary for Fire and Emergency Services, highlighted the implementation of a more efficient system. Under this system, city residents can conveniently apply online for fire safety permissions, with approvals typically granted within 28 days, eliminating unnecessary hassles.

Roy emphasized that the previous fire safety regulations were inadequate, prompting the formulation of The Tripura Fire and Emergency Service Act, 2022. This legislation aims to streamline the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOC) for both residential and commercial buildings through an online platform, simplifying the process for applicants.

The Act, passed during a recent session of the state Assembly, was officially notified in the state gazette by the law department on April 27. A.K. Bhattacharya, the director of fire and emergency services, emphasized the insufficiency of existing fire safety rules for residential and commercial structures. He noted that the new regulations align with the National Building Code and expand the requirement for fire NOCs to buildings below 15 meters in Tripura.

Bhattacharya detailed the streamlined process for obtaining fire NOCs, highlighting the online application procedure and the prompt issuance of approvals within 28 days, provided all documents are in order.

Additionally, the new regulations pave the way for community awareness programs in villages, engaging various stakeholders such as civil defense volunteers, ham radio license holders, disaster management volunteers, and women’s Self Help Group members. Over 1,000 civil defense volunteers have already been trained, with ongoing training for another 2,000 volunteers. Furthermore, 75 ham radio operators have received training.

The Fire and Emergency Service centers in Tripura receive an average of 12 calls per day, with approximately three calls pertaining to fire incidents. Bhattacharya attributed the decline in fire incidents partly to increased awareness campaigns conducted in schools, colleges, and the wider community, aimed at educating people on fire incident management.

The New York City skyline boasts an array of breathtaking skyscrapers, and among the recent additions is the Steinway Tower, also known as 111 West 57th Street, acclaimed as the world’s narrowest skyscraper. Developers proudly announce the completion of its exterior cladding, marking the commencement of residency.

With an unprecedented height-to-width ratio of 24:1, the Steinway Tower soars to a height of 1,428 feet, securing its position as the third-largest building in the western hemisphere. It stands in the illustrious company of two other prominent NYC structures—the World Trade Center at 1,776 feet and the Central Park Tower at 1,550 feet.

Nestled on Billionaires’ Row in Midtown Manhattan, the tower graces the skyline with a view overlooking Central Park. Comprising 60 apartments across 84 floors, including the adjacent Steinway Hall building, the residences cater to a discerning clientele. The pricing spectrum starts at $7.75 million for a studio unit, while the opulent penthouse commands a listing price of $66 million.

Conceived by the renowned New York architecture firm SHoP Architects, plans for the tower were unveiled in 2013. Gregg Pasquarelli, an architect at SHoP, describes the Steinway Tower as “a project of extraordinary proportions and epic grandeur,” emphasizing its significance in redefining the New York skyline while paying homage to the area’s historical roots.

Inspired by the golden age of Manhattan skyscrapers and New York’s Art Deco heritage, the tower’s design features terracotta tiles adorned with bronze accents. The realization of this architectural marvel reflects the team’s departure from conventional notions, presenting an opportunity to create something entirely unprecedented in the realm of New York City developments.

A peculiar poll has been launched in China with the aim of identifying and cataloging the most ‘unattractive’ buildings and architectural structures across the nation. Currently underway, the public poll has already spotlighted several entries, including a ‘violin-shaped church,’ an ‘upside-down house,’ and a hotel designed in the likeness of a ‘Russian doll.’

According to a CNN report, this initiative comes in response to a directive issued by the government of Xi Jinping, which calls for an end to the construction of “oversized, xenocentric, weird” structures in the country. Consequently, the Chinese architecture website Archcy.com has compiled a list of around 90 contenders for its 12th annual ‘Ugliest Building Survey.’

The nominated structures encompass a variety of buildings such as skyscrapers, museums, hotels, and sports facilities, characterized by their “unusual shapes” and “tactless ornamentation,” which have contributed to China’s reputation for unconventional architecture.

The ongoing public poll has garnered over 30,000 votes thus far, with the “five-arched gate at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou” leading the pack, followed closely by a glass bridge in Sichuan province suspended amidst statues of giant men and women in traditional attire.

Other notable entries on the shortlist include a museum resembling pots of instant noodles and a 1.5 km stretch of Shanghai towers connected by a single undulating roof.

According to CNN, voting will continue until December, after which a panel comprising architects, critics, and academics will assess the contenders based on nine criteria, including harmony with the surroundings and originality of design. The final selection of the top 10 ‘ugliest buildings’ will be announced at year-end, with public polling accounting for approximately 40 percent of the decision.

The Guardian reports that in April 2021, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) prohibited the construction of “ugly buildings.” While Beijing’s top economic planning body urged local governments to prioritize structures that are “suitable, economical, green, and visually appealing,” it refrained from defining what constitutes ‘ugly’ architecture.

Animal-shaped buildings have long captured the imagination of architecture enthusiasts, from stadiums resembling crocodiles to bridges fashioned after giant koalas. Travel writer David Whitley recently ignited a discussion on Twitter by sharing images of these whimsical structures, prompting admiration for their architectural ingenuity.

Referred to as zoomorphic architecture, this distinctive design style utilizes animal forms to create buildings, spanning from feline-inspired kindergartens to piscine-shaped government offices. If you’re intrigued by these remarkable edifices, consider adding the following to your architectural itinerary:

1. Universum Science Center, Bremen, Germany: This science center, designed by architect Thomas Klumpp in 2000, boasts a striking resemblance to a colossal silver clam shell or a chrome sperm whale emerging from a reflecting pool. It offers interactive exhibits to captivate visitors.

2. Lucy the Elephant, New Jersey, USA: Constructed in 1882, Lucy stands tall as the first example of zoomorphic architecture in the United States. Shaped like an elephant, this iconic structure has served various purposes, from offices to a summer home, and continues to be a cherished landmark.
3. Crocodile Arena Stadium, Bursaspor, Turkey: The Timsah Arena, meaning Crocodile Arena in Turkish, boasts a distinctive green roof resembling a crocodile, complete with its head protruding from one end. It can accommodate up to 43,331 spectators.
4. Cat Kindergarten, Wolfartsweier, Germany: Designed by artist Tomi Ungerer and architect Ayla Suzan Yöndel, this preschool takes the form of a cat, with classrooms and a cafeteria housed within its feline-inspired structure.
5. National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad, India: Known locally as Matsya Bhavan, this office building of the fisheries department is shaped like a fish and was inaugurated in April 2012.

6. Giant Koala Tourist Complex, Australia: Situated at Dadswell Bridge, this tourist spot features a colossal koala-shaped structure, affectionately named ‘Sam,’ offering dining, outdoor amenities, and a small zoo.
7. Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn, Kakadu National Park, Australia: This four-star accommodation is designed to resemble a saltwater crocodile, paying homage to one of Kakadu’s iconic inhabitants.
8. The Dog Bark Park Inn, Idaho, USA: Shaped like a beagle, this quirky inn is fondly known as Sweet Willy and stands as a beloved landmark in Idaho.
9. Elephant Tower, Bangkok, Thailand: Also known as the Chang Building, this cubist tower pays homage to Thailand’s revered elephants, serving as a prominent symbol of the country’s culture and heritage.

These animal-inspired architectural wonders offer a delightful blend of creativity and functionality, inviting visitors to marvel at their unique designs and imaginative concepts.

Balakrishna Vithaldas Doshi, hailing from a generation tasked with the formidable challenge of nation-building, distinguished himself as a stalwart in modern Indian architecture by seamlessly blending functionality and aesthetics using a harmonious fusion of traditional methods and contemporary technology. Renowned for his contributions to sustainable design, Doshi counted Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn among his esteemed friends. Notably, he collaborated closely with Kahn on the design of the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad.

Born into a family with a two-generation legacy in the furniture business in Pune, Doshi, now 87, has amassed numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 1976. Currently, he is taking a reflective journey through his illustrious career. His granddaughter, Khushnu Panthaki Hoof, has curated a retrospective at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi. This exhibition offers a comprehensive glimpse into Doshi’s architectural legacy spanning 60 years, featuring blueprints, models, and canvases painted by Doshi himself. The showcase serves as a tribute to the intersection of architecture and art, celebrating the enduring impact of Doshi’s visionary practice.