WADe Asia is the 1st platform for recognizing & celebrating women-led development in Architecture, Art and Design in Asia. WADe is a common ground for women in creative pursuits to meet, network, learn and share. WADe which focuses on women designers actually brings together the entire industry to joyfully celebrate women-led development. Brands are getting great opportunity to connect with potential designers during the forum. With the two footprints of WADe Asia, the event has gained immense applause and recognition.
The recently concluded annual celebration of WADe Asia 2017 received great response from the design fraternity. Founded by Vertica Dvivedi, WADe Asia 2017 witnessed the coming of six countries, India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Thailand. WADe was supported by the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID), Bhutan Institute of Architects, Society of Nepalese Architects and Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs.
Attended by more than 700 Architects & Designers & Artists for over 2 days, the annual event concluded with the WADe Awards.
The Keynotes by Didi Contractor, Padma Bhushan awardee Rajeev Sethi, Ar. Christopher Charles Benninger and Ar. Nela de Zoysa were most enthusiastically attended. Hugely popular architects & designers from India and neighbouring countries were part of WADe Asia 2017.
REHAU INDIA - “BRINGING EXPERTISE AND INNOVATION AT THE DOOR STEP OF INDIAN CONSUMER”
Ajay Khurana, Chairman South Asia, REHAU Polymers Pvt. Ltd. spoke on “Bringing Expertise and Innovation at the door step of Indian consumer”.
“The world is moving towards living a better life and the prosumer (professional consumer) believes in creating great life experiences. Thus, there is an increasing demand for custom made solutions that re-define the possibility for quality living,” stated Mr. Khurana during WADe Asia. “With this thought,
REHAU brings the power of unlimited polymer solutions through its diverse product portfolio to the world and to India” he continued. A leading polymer solutions provider in construction, automotive and Industry, Rehau’s passion for unlimited potential of polymers has formed the foundation of its worldwide success as a premium brand. “Rehau India began in 2001 and has seen a strong growth trajectory and recorded profit year-on-year, opened multiple sales offices, warehouses & experience Centers. Keeping the differentiated behavior and market dynamics of India, the brand launched ADVANCED LIVING SOLUTIONS in 2016.
Make in India for India is at the core of REHAU strategy and they were the first European manufacturer to set-up state of the art facility in Pune, Maharashtra. “We also have experience centers in Bangalore and New Delhi to help consumers feel and experience our products in a more compelling way” he said.
“Sustainable development will have a major impact on the future of humanity – and we want to play an active role in that process. India is on the cusp of greatness. The journey ahead has REHAU as a committed long term partner” he said while concluding the presentation.
Formica - “NEW, CUSTOMER-LED INNOVATION IN LAMINATES”
WADe Asia audience was introduced to “New, Customer-led Innovation in Laminates” Mr. Amit Verma presented along with Mr. Navjit Singh, Senior Manager, Product Marketing - Formica India. Mr. Kapil Saini along with Fomica Management team were also present.
Formica Group a part of Fletcher Building, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of High-Pressure Laminates (HPL) was one of the sponsors at WADe Asia 2017. Being a leading provider of branded, designed surface solutions for commercial and residential customers worldwide, the brand showcased diverse range of unique, innovative and never-seen-before kind of laminates in an ingenious presentation. To mark its Anniversary Year, Formica Group engaged the services of the Pentagram design firm to create a compelling identity drawn from the Formica brand. For example, Abbott Miller, designing new Anniversary Collection inspired by the Formica logo and Jonathan Adler, designed laminates inspired by his tie. They also showed the red dot design award 2017 Winner, Reclaimed Denim Fiber Laminate, first laminate made from real denim cloth fiber.
Amulya WPC - “HOW TO SELECT THE BEST WPC”
“Amulya WPC is 100% LEAD free, 100% termite proof, Water Proof, Recyclable, Eco-friendly and flame retardant product.”
Amulya WPC, represented by its Regional Manager-North, Mr. Sanjeev Sharma – showcased the company’s diverse offerings and aided people on “How to select the best WPC” in a detailed yet crisp presentation.
Sharma advised the people to go the eco-friendly and smart way while choosing WPC panels for them. Amulya WPC/ PVC Foam Board is absolutely environment friendly and non polluting material. “It is 100% LEAD free board- first of its kind in our panel trade in India. As Lead affects our health and environment- causing cancer, liver & kidney damage & respiratory issues etc” stated Mr. Sharma. Amulya WPC is 100% termite proof, Water Proof, Recyclable, Eco-friendly and flame retardant product. It has holding capacity of High Screw & Nails. “It is especially helpful to those areas where we see large scale problem of termite & dampness” continued Sharma. In Amulya WPC board, laminates can easily be pasted. “Be it High gloss, Matt, Deco paint or Texture Paint, all of these can be applied with less consumption of material, also ACP’s and Acrylic solid surface can also be pasted without hassle” added Sharma.
“Amulya 900 bendable PVC laminate is a new and versatile decorating panel having greater longevity and wide variety of application – you can simply bend the PVC laminates and give your interior a modish & gorgeous look by getting rid of visible edgy joints”, he said in the end of his speech.
VIVA ACP - “LATEST TRENDS IN ALUMINIUM COMPOSITE PANELS”
Apart from this, Mohan Sharma (AGM- Sales & Marketing) from Viva ACP showcased the “Latest Trends in Aluminium Composite Panels” while leaving the audience wanting for more.
VIVA FR Grade B1 Panel is an Aluminium composite material (ACM) for the Construction Industries. “Viva ACP Composed of Core Material & Aluminium Skin with the Fluorocarbon Finish the Core Material contents a non-combustible Mineral & small content of thermoplastics, which ensure high performance of fire safety of this material” said Sharma, kick-starting his presentation. “Viva has a huge variety of lines with 3 production units with Two Double Extruder & One Single Extruder, separately for different products. Viva enhanced the total production capacity of 6 Million Sq. Mtr. per Annum,” informed Sharma.
Mr. Sharma was proud to proclaim Viva’s ‘green-certification’ and said, “VIVA ACP is a fully recyclable product which allows our customer to gain MR credits for LEED Certification”. We are coming soon with color coating line & 4th ACP line and A2 Fire Proof Aluminium Core panel sheet” he informed during the conclusion of his speech.
“Though we are new but we are learning very fast. The messages received are extremely encouraging. We shall be opening the sponsorship slots from January and our intention is to give the best experience to brands who participate in WADe Asia 2018.”
- Vertica Dvivedi, founder, WADe Asia
Some of the names are Ar. Shimul Javeri Kadri, Mumbai; Bobby Mukherjee, Mumbai; Anupama Kundoo, Spain; Canna Patel, Ahmedabad; Dorji Yangki, President, Bhutan Institute of Architects; Anju Malla Pradhan, VP, Society of Nepalese Architects; Celebrity designer Manjeet Bullar, New Delhi; Ar. Vivek Gupta, New Delhi; Swanzal Kak Kapoor, Delhi; Pragati Jain, Indore; Parul Zaveri, Ahmedabad; Sonali Bhagwati, Delhi; Manishi Agarwal, Shweta Deshmukh, Mumbai; Shweta Moni, Hyderabad; Sonal Sancheti, Mumbai; Payal Kapoor, Delhi; Patama Roonrakwit, Thailand; Dr. Anuradha Chatterjee, Australia; Supraja Rao, Hyderabad; Ar. Sangeet Sharma, Chandigarh; Ar. Prasanna Desai, Pune; and many more.
This apart, stand-up comedy by Rajneesh Kapoor was thoroughly enjoyed. Also present were Bollywood actress Bhagyashree and Singer Hema Sardesai. The grand 2-day event recognized & awarded the work & contribution by women in design with WADe India and WADe Asia Awards.
A KNOWN NAME IN TILE INDUSTRY, ORIENT BELL LIMITED JOINED HANDS WITH WADE ASIA 2017 AS THE PRIME SPONSOR, WHILE CO-PARTNERS WERE MAJOR BUILDING INDUSTRY’S BRANDS LIKE REHAU INDIA, AMULYA WPC,
FORMICA LAMINATES & VIVA ACP, VISTA FLOORING & BLINDS, EVOLVE ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS, DELTA FAUCET, FURNITURE BY ARCHANA VAN GILS, AND MORE.
Ar. Dean D’Cruz from Goa who was also a part of jury in WADe Asia quipped, “For a movement that is just 2 years old, you and your team did a wonderful job!”
Nikita Mathur, a delegate was enthralled by the optimism prevailing in WADe Asia. She said, “The optimism and celebration in WADe Asia was worth watching. Session subjects were great, keynotes well-chosen and the gathering was one-of-a-kind. I was amazed to see men participating enthusiastically, celebrating the recognition of women in design.”
Ar. Neilesh Kenkare, co-founder of Arch Aid from Mumbai who accompanied his wife & partner Bhavya Kenkare commented, “WADe was one of the most memorable event I have attended. In fact felt more like a close family function where you literally feel sad while leaving. Didn’t feel like Architectural event for even a minute. Best part was seeing all Asian women Architects on same stage with superb array of works.”
World-renowned artist and Padma Bhushan awardee Rajeev Sethi was delighted to see the fine gathering in WADe Asia. He said, “More power to you Vertica ji so that this forum grows and I’m sure only women will do it. Men might be much… much slower. They should really connect here with women from all over South Asia and be able to make a statement that needs to be heard!”
Ar. Tanvi Jain from CEPT Ahmedabad wrote, “For a young architect such as me, hearing architects of the like of Didi Contractor was truly inspirational. It’s absolutely commendable to have seen the architects WADe brought together from such diverse backgrounds and places, and with such a rich body of work.”
With a host of Panel Discussions, Keynotes, Master Class, Book launches, Students Workshop in association with Indian Institute of Architects, WADe Asia proved to be a great connecting platform for the industry. There were meetings, sharing, learning, lots of networking, recognitions and spreading of women-led design & development. It received wonderful response from the design fraternity and the festival was thoroughly enjoyed.
Next edition of WADe is scheduled to take place in September 2018. Do visit: www.wadeindia.com