White Paper launched by AnarockThe 6th edition of WOF saw over 500 attendees exploring new horizons in the field of doors, windows and facades. The niche conclave brought architects, fabricators, developers, policy makers, façade consultants, engineers, procurement managers and stakeholders from the building industry on a common platform to drive discussions on how aesthetics and design can be harmonized with energy-efficient building technologies. It gave them an opportunity to ideate, network and forge a momentum for the future of the Fenestration Industry of India.
Mihir Thakkar, Event Director, World of Fenestration, said, "The country is developing fast, and we are seeing exponential growth and progress in the building materials and construction sector. Going forward, the platform that we have created will actively aid in the development of the façade & fenestration industry."
Five interactive sessions threw light on the latest developments in the industry. The inaugural panel discussion on 'Implementation of Government Policies to build the Future of Fenestration Industry' was moderated by Rajat Malhotra, COO, IFM, Lang Lasalle, in conversation with Santhosh Kumar, Vice Chairman, ANAROCK Group; Tarun Kapoor, Vice Chairman, DDA; Gurjot Bhatia, MD, Project Management, CBRE South Asia; Prof. Charanjit of Creative Group; and Gautam Bhasin from Inhabit Group. The discussion ended with a topic on 'Architechtonicing a Façade' by Andrey Pavlov, Director, Define Engineers.
A session on NBC Code raised issues and exchange of ideas by SK Dheri, Convener, NBC Panel on Fire & Life Safety of BIS Chairman; Amor Kool, Consulting Architect & Green Building Consultant, Kaleidoscope; Aman Deep Garg, Technical Director, Creative Design Consultants and Engineers, and Sandeep Goel, Director, Proion Consultants. Commented SK Dheri: "World of Fenestration helps bring about awareness in the construction industry and on a safe environment based on building standards and codes."
A session titled 'A Walk Through the Windows' saw a discussion by Mario Schmidt, MD, Lingel Windows & Doors; Satish Kumar, Country Head, Deceuninck; Deepak Chugh, Director, LGF Sysmac; and Manish Bansal, Director & CEO, Window Magic, all of whom shared their insights on design parameters, fabrication, installation and quality standards of doors and windows. Commented Mario Schmidt: "As exclusive window partners of WOF, it is a huge platform for us to network, educate and showcase the latest technologies and products along with exchange of knowledge and experience."
WOF took a step ahead with an all-women session on Sustainability Through Innovation. Panelists included Niharika Verma from Knight Frank (India); Ar. Britta Knobel of Studio Symbiosis; Ar. Sonali Bhagwati of Design Plus; Himansee Jain from Fuso Glass; Geenu Pawa from ATS Infrastructure; and Sanyukta Pande, Sustainability Lead, AECOM. A presentation on Future of Glass by Soumya Harida from Saint-Gobain India, highlighted the benefits of the company's latest SAGE glass.
A research-driven study of curtain wall fires - breaking myths & facts - was presented by Jagdish V - UL India; Gaurav Srivastava - IIT Gandhinagar; and Brij Bhushan Singh - Hilti - Head Fire Protection Codes & Standards.
The fourth session on 'Building Disaster Resiliency for Façade,' moderated by Aninda Bagchi of CBRE, had panel members Deepak Gahlowt from Director, Xebec Project Management Services; Ar. Rahul Kumar from RKA; Arun Kumar, Scientist 'D' Civil Engineering, BIS; Jothi Ramalingam, Director, Winwall Technology; Rajesh Kumar from HCL Technologies; Dr. Vinod Jain, MD, Vintech Consultants; and Deepak Gupta from Dema Consultants.
Harmeet Singh Issar of Design Matrix gave a presentation on Façade Lighting while Deepak Sharma from Eurobond spoke on Fire Retardant ACP. Sathish Rajendran from Knight Frank moderated the session on 'From Digital engineering to digital fabrication: How is the future of building skin design and construction changing?'. Panelists included Ar. Amit Gupta of Studio Symbiosis; Gautam Bhasin of Inhabit; Ajay Gupta from Puri Construction; and Ankur Mathur from Sanrachna. The event also saw the launch of a White Paper by ANAROCK Group.
Organized by ACETECH on 22 Feb 2019 at Hyatt Regency, New Delhi, WOF was supported by uPVC Window and Door Manufacturers Association (UWDMA), The All India Glass Manufacturers' Federation (AIGMF), Confederation of Construction Products (CCPS), Technical Partner – Glazing Society of India, Media Partners - Glass Bulletin, MGS Architecture, Masterbuilder, Construction & Architecture Update.
