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Architects' Tech Toys 2 - The Laptops

About the Author:

Dwaipayan Chakravarty, is Sr. Architect - Urban Designer at Asso. Space Designers Pvt. Ltd., Pune. He is a self confessed technology aficionado. Click here to view his profile on LinkedIn

Note: This post was written about three months back, so technology and product specifications may have changed since then.

In exceedingly mobile profession, the Architects of today are constantly on the move. Their projects are no more limited to home regions, and the average busy architect makes long distant trips that span half a day or more, more than once or twice a week. The laptop (or notebook... as some prefer to call) is no more a mere boy-toy gizmo that is there for flaunting the arrival in a stratum of professional society, but a necessary instrument that accompanies the Architect in client meets, in project management discussions, for simultaneous working during long train-plane journeys and for carry-home projects (much to the sour angst of the attention deprived wife).

These laptops have various roles to play. They must be powerful enough to multitask through resource intensive graphical software like ArchiCAD®, AutoCad®, Adobe Photoshop®, Google and SketchUp®, presentation and spreadsheet software like Microsoft PowerPoint® and Excel®, project management software, 3d rendering software like Adobe 3D Studio Max®, and allow for fast and easy networking and internet access. With increased usage of high-resolution project and site imagery, project animations and videos, its multimedia capabilities should be top notch, or at least above basic industry standards. Also, in the age of information overload and loads of digital data, data storage should be sufficient for present and future needs as laptop specifications upgrade is neither easy nor inexpensive. A brilliant, high-resolution screen should display vivid colours in exceptional clarity, as our medium of expression is primarily visual. While remaining a rather expensive piece of technology, laptops still remain a necessarily aesthetic piece of equipment that represents a fashion accessory or extension of the Architect’s persona. Any gizmo of possession is worth flaunting, and good looks, sleekness and clean lines are aspirational vocabularies that all designers choose to show off.

Image Courtesy: wallpapersx.blogspot.com

There are more than a dozen laptop manufacturing companies prevalent in India. However the market leaders in India and all over the world, are those that provide quality, choice, brand appeal, better service and easier availability, in a pricing package that would be feasible for Architects... who remain, unfortunately, rather payment starved.

I took the liberty to go through various models available at present in India, and for ease of comparison, laid down some base specifications worth considering, for the purposes mentioned above.

Size – 15”-15.6” and 2.5kg – The sizes are indicative of diagonal screen size. Full feature Laptops are available from 11” Ultrabooks that weigh 1.7kg or less, to 17” Desktop Replacements that weigh usually in excess of 3.3kg. The popular laptops are either 14” or 15.5” and weigh in-between 2.2 and 2.75kgs. The laptop must elementarily be portable, otherwise, we tend to be lazy in carrying it around, and make do with alternatives. With the charging Adaptor, additional mouse, laptop bag and smaller accessories, the overall laptop package would be increased by upto 1.5kg or more. Lugging 4-5kgs around is no mean joke! Yet the screen size must be adequately large enough to work on Photoshop or CAD software. In modern day available widescreen formats, I personally feel that the 15” laptop, which weighs about 2.5kg with a standard 6-cell battery pack is an elemental requirement.

Processor – 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i5-2450M – the new generation is about 20% faster than its predecessor. It’s elementarily a dual core processor 4x hyper-threading that allows for favourable multitasking capabilities. These processors have Turbo Boost technology that allows for a burst of high speed only when necessary – allowing to shift up to 3.2GHz speed from its usual 2.5GHz speed. Intel i3 processors would be adequate for day to day computing, but graphic multi-taskers would require some extra juice. The powerful quad-core 2^nd generation i7 would be a superior product, but more suitable to high end graphic designers, graphic developers, animators and gamers. Some may argue that AMD provide better graphics, and that too, at a more competitive price, but lower market response, brand acceptability and availability, led me to choose the Intel i5. The 3^rd generation quad-core i5 is also out, but will take some time to penetrate the market here.

RAM – 4GB DDR3 – the Random Access Memory is an important aspect of laptop running memory that serves as temporary storage and working space for the operating system and applications. A good RAM allows for faster loading and usage of applications, and keeps the OS running flawlessly. Most laptops have RAM scalability of upto 8GB. Various models in this range provide RAM standards varying from 3-6GB. Unfortunately, I could not isolate models with only 4GB RAM across the board, but I still feel that 4GB DDR3 RAM is more than adequate for all application uses of an Architect, as long as it is coupled with a separate, dedicated graphics card of 1-2GB. Integrated graphics (in the motherboard) like the Intel HD Graphics, share the RAM’s resources, and considerably slow operational speed.

Graphics Card – Dedicated 1 or 2GB NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon – Dedicated graphics cards are required for graphics intensive applications that Architects often tend to use, including seeing HD videos and animations. Having a dedicated card ensures that the RAM memory is not compromised. 1GB may be okay for most, but those using 3DS Max or other 3d or animation software, 2GB Graphics is advisable.

Hard Drive – 500GB to 1TB – We tend to use multiple volumes (virtual splitting of the hard disk – like C, D and E) that would house the OS and applications, work data and documents, and another for multimedia. Many software, like Adobe Photoshop, also use the hard disk for their running operational usage (called Scratch Disk) which temporarily utilises a great percentage of the available hard disk space. 500 GB is a base requirement. More, the merrier!

Display - 15.6" WLED HD (1366x768 - 16:9 WXGA TFT) – Screens are our visual interface with the device. Needless to say, in a graphic profession such as that of an Architect, a great screen can make a world of difference. Clear lines, superior colours, dark black, bright contrast and adequate luminosity are required, for better accuracy and longer hours of continuous working. Most of these variants offer HD resolution (1366 x 768 pixels) that would be adequate for most functions, at the usual eye-distance. LED screens offer better colour and blacks, with lesser energy usage and crisper lines.

Operating System – Windows 7 64-bit – Going by the arguable market leader here. Windows 7 has shown good adaptability, resilience, ease of use and reliability. Available in Win 7 Basic, Home Premium and Professional in both 32 & 64 bit, either version is suitable. Premium and Professional has the visually appealing Aero module and better networking capabilities, but standalone laptop users may choose the cheaper Windows 7 Home Basic. All modern laptops with RAM in excess of 4GB come with 64-bit CPUs as standard. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system. Beware, some software (like AutoCAD) are specific to 32 Bit and will not run in 64-bit operating systems. Be careful to choose the appropriate software.

All these models come with a DVD-RW drive, Sound Card and Built-in speakers, Wi-Fi and LAN Network port built-in, Card Readers, Bluetooth (Ver. 2.0 or 3.0), Webcam (1.3MP to HD), 1 year warranty (some even have international warranty; please check), USB ports & Adaptor.

The companies identified – Dell, HP, Samsung, Lenovo, Sony and Acer – provide a wide array of suitable models, have exceptional market penetration, offer a good network of sale and service partners, and above all – give an assurance of quality that is required, for such a purchase, that is expected to last 2-5 years (in outside countries, such peripherals are upgraded every 2-3 years, but in India, we cling to such devices for a few years more). The Apple Macbook Pro would probably beat all the other products mentioned here in the comparison, with its exceptional aesthetic appeal, brand appeal, power, superior operating system and graphical display, but as it is available in only a higher end Intel i7 processor range, I chose to disclude the same, for better parity.

1. Dell XPS 15" Laptop
2. Lenovo Thinkpad T520
3. Acer Aspire 5755G
4. Sony VPC-CB35-FN
5. HP Pavilion dv6-7012tx
6. Samsung NP300V5A-S0DIN

All these models are basically at par, and an Architect can choose either. 

Dwaipayan’s Top Rankers

Guaranteed Reliability

1) Lenovo Thinkpad

2) Hp Pavillion dv6

3) Dell XPS 15

Performance

1) Hp Pavillion dv6

2) Dell XPS 15

3) Sony VPC-CB35

Display 

1) Sony VPC-CB35

2) Dell XPS 15

3) HP Pavillion dv6

Aesthetic Appeal

1) Sony VPC-CB35

2) Dell XPS 15

3) HP Pavillion dv6

Value-for-Money

1) Samsung NP300V5A,

2) Acer Aspire 5755G

3) Dell XPS 15

Overall

1) Dell XPS 15"

2) HP Pavilion dv6-7012tx

3) Sony VPC-CB35-FN

The Dell XPS 15 scores high on many fronts including performance, appeal, value, customisability, availability and reliability. The XPS series is a lifestyle and high-end brand of Dell. A similar configuration laptop in their Inspiron series (Inspiron 15R) would be lesser in price by upto Rs.8000/-, making it a remarkable value for money, although the looks are more plasticky and alluring to a more younger crowd. HP’s Pavillion dv6-7012tx Entertainment Notebook PC is again an excellent lifestyle model that combines the best of many things, including performance, looks, service and availability. For HP fans, this should be the obvious choice. Sony’s VPC-CB35-FN scores high on performance, aesthetic appeal and an eye-popping True HD display of 1920 x 1080 pixels, that transforms regular images to something of exceptional beauty. Available in wacky colours... this is for flaunting.

Residence NEXT - International Design Workshop

Indian Institute of Architects, Thrissur Center and Architects' Club, Thrissur is jointly organising an International Design Workshop, themed: Residence NEXT, between Spetmeber 27 and 29, 2012 at Thrissur, Kerala. Refer to following brochure and the website:  http://residencenext.wordpress.com/about/  for more details.

Visit  http://residencenext.wordpress.com/about/ for more details.

Happy Independence Day - 2012

ArchitectureLive! wishes all its Indian members a very Peaceful, Joyous and Happy Independence Day:

Civic Architecture - Social Relevance and Convergence – Paper

About The Author:

M.Arch in Architecture Education – Mr. Asif R Khan is currently working as Asst. Professor at MES School of Architecture, Calicut University, Kerala. He is associated with CEPT, Ahmedabad as a Doctoral Research Fellow. He has worked with various Schools of Architecture in India as a Guest Faculty member. He has also worked in Middle East and with various Architecture Consultancies in India on various significant projects. Operates a Design Studio - Sustainable Horizon Studio, wishes to propagate architecture with social conscience.
Associate Prof Asif R Khan – will be taking over as Head of Department - Al Salama Institute of Architecture, PERINTHALMANNA, Malappuram, Kerala.

Ar. Asif R. Khan can be contacted at ar.asif.k@gmail.com

Preface:

Architecture mirrors the aspirations and achievements of a society. Every Society is continuously changing. Culture and traditions impart continuity to changing society (1).

Fig. 1 Vadakkunnathan Temple @ Thekkinkadu Maiden (Thrissur)

In broad framework the civic architectural identity of a locale / part of city could often be referred to as the biography of its people - a collective identity, which has evolved with time through profound behavioral and materialistic convergence. Resulting in identifiable whole depicted through built environment and its occupants. This experiential legibility cycle of reality/perception could be easily deciphered in Thrissur one of the most populous urban agglomerations of Kerala State, India.

Fig. 2 City Center Mall – Contemporary Outlook (Thrissur)

Architecture provides the spatial envelope for these transitions; it could be rationally correlated to the spatial imprinting of human behavior in a way that persists as a form while allowing for further and more developed interactions. The overall process of built realization could be linked to the sequence of universal correlation.

Fig. 3 The Cycle of Universal Correlation (2)

Fig. 4 Swaraj Round – Street Perspective – Transition in Built Morphology with Time

The things that we human beings build or evolve are the result of our endeavors in two directions; on the one end we proclaim accomplishment of a purpose – a built environment to accommodate certain activities and on the other to nurture an expression that could communicate desired response based on the context (3).

Fig. 5 Brahmaswam Madham – Traditional Vedic Study Center (Thrissur)

Relevance of the aspect of characteristics is a critical component when comprehensive level appraisals are being done. It contributes relatively to realization of the aspect of diversity and continuity as well as elucidates the aspect of totality in civic architectural environments. Moreover the various parameters that contributes to the evolution of the imageability & functionality is profoundly highlighted. Mattancherry a small coastal town, located in close proximity to the commercial hub – Cochin, Kerala would be an ideal case that profoundly exhibits the social influx based on religion, economics & politics at built level. The history of the city dates back to 13th century AD. The town of Mattancherry evolved with time to depict various elements of urban design – the growth pattern was natural in certain peripheries. Though evolved as a modest market harbor town, became the hub of economic and political activities. The heritage city with its unique and strong linkages plays a crucial role in communicating the diverse social fabric and vernacular foot print. The landforms and the lagoon system contributed to the concentration of economic activities on the water front areas. Ethnic – Religious grouping of people dictated the development of distinct residential zones engraved with vibrant character. The spatial, visual and aesthetical realization of built environment at an existent level, its transition with time is significant. It is closely linked to the social settings and common man.

Mattancherry Artistic Impression

Such approaches have led to tangible outputs. Architecture and Urban Design, both in their formal and spatial aspects, are seen as fundamentally configurational in that the way the parts are put together to form the whole is more important than any of these parts taken in isolation (4). An in-depth review of urban areas that depicts a sequential growth would definitely help in generating a theoretical, graphical and decisive knowledge of socio – architecture influences on the foot prints of growth and development of a society.

The architecture of an urban environment tells history and frames images. This perceptive generated can be seen as stage set for various episodes and happenings to come about with transition of time. Regions in a town differ according to their evolutionary rationale and functions. It envisage a morphological image of architecture which is relatively permanent, however transition or change is imperative with time. Gradual commoditization of development and changing patterns of social life has brought about a paradigm shift.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FULL PAPER

Illegal Architectural Practices in India

Few days back Ar. Jaisim Fountainhead shared his views on Foreign Architectural Practices in India. The topic, continues to evoke discussions, debates and views. Ar. Abhishek Bij, this time is sharing some insights on illegal practices in India along with facts and some references from Architects Act 1972.

About the Author:

Architect Abhishek Bij is an Associate and Lead Designer at Design Plus Architects, New Delhi, Unit Master at Sushant School of Architecture, Gurgaon and Principal at Design [ +] Design Research. Click here to know more about Abhishek Bij. 

This paper is just a fact file for the illegalities being pursued by architectural entities. I am not debating any emotional or speculative dos and don’ts. However, I would encourage every one to check the status of the entity you are associated with. It might be shutting soon. ;)

I. WHO IS ILLEGAL?

Currently there are 3 aspects under which the profession is being illegally practiced.

1. ILLEGAL PRACTICE 1

1. Foreign Company Practicing with Local Partners
2. Has Unregistered Foreign/Indian Directors
3. Company is registered to pay Service tax for Architecture

2. ILLEGAL PRACTICE 2

1. Indian Company Practicing
2. Has Unregistered Foreign/Indian Directors
3. Company is registered to pay Service tax for Architecture

3. ILLEGAL PRACTICE 3

1. Indian Company Practicing Architecture
2. Registered Indian Directors
3. Company is not registered to pay Service tax for Architecture

If any of these pointers are true then the practice is Illegal and can be tried in the court of law.

II. WHY ARE THEY ILLEGAL?

These claims are simply based on the following excerpts from the Architect’s Act 1972. I have taken the liberty to highlight few important notes.

SECTION 25 - REGISTERATION

Qualification for entry in register - A person shall be entitled on payment of such fee as may be prescribed by rules to have his name entered in the register, if he resides or carries on the profession of architect in India and-

(a) holds a recognised qualification, or

(b) does not hold such a qualification but, being a citizen of India, has been engaged in practice as an architect for a period of not less than five years prior to the date appointed under sub-section (2) of section 24, or

(c) possesses such other qualifications as may be prescribed by rules :

Provided that no person other than a citizen of India shall be entitled to registration by virtue of a qualification-

(a) recognised under sub-section (1) of section 15 unless by the law and practice of a country outside India to which such person belongs, citizens of India holding architectural qualification registrable in that country are permitted to enter and practise the profession of architect in such country, or

(b) unless the Central Government has, in pursuance of a scheme of reciprocity or otherwise, declared that qualification to be a recognised qualification under sub-section (2) of section 15.

FOR REFERENCE

SECTION 15 – FOREIGN ARCHITECTS

Recognition of architectural qualifications granted by authorities in foreign countries -

(1) The Central Government may, after consultation with the Council, direct, by notification in the Official Gazette, that an architectural qualification granted by any university or other institution in any country outside India in respect of which a scheme of reciprocity for the recognition of architectural qualification is not in force, shall be a recognised qualification for the purposes of this Act or, shall be so only when granted after a specified date or before a specified date :

Provided that until the first Council is constituted the Central Government shall, before issuing any notification as aforesaid, consult the expert committee set up under the proviso to sub-section (2) of section 14.

(2) The Council may enter into negotiations with the authority in any State or country outside India, which by the law of such State or country is entrusted with the maintenance of a register of architects, for settling of a scheme of reciprocity for the recognition of architectural qualifications, and in pursuance of any such scheme, the central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that such architectural qualification as the Council has decided should be recognised, shall be deemed to be a recognised qualification for the purposes of this Act, any such notification may also direct that such architectural qualification shall be so recognised only when granted after a specified date or before a specified date.

COA (Council of Architecture) Has left opportunities for reciprocity between different architectural councils, however, no such agreement has been made yet.

SECTION 37 – WHO CAN USE TITLE?

Prohibition against use of title- (1) After the expiry of one year from the date appointed under sub-section (2) of section 24, no person other than a registered architect, or a firm of architects shall use the title and style of architect:

Provided that the provisions of this section shall not apply to-

(a) practice of the profession of an architect by a person designated as a "landscape architect" or "naval architect";

(b) a person who, carrying on the profession of an architect in any country outside India, undertakes the function as a consultant or designer in India for a specific project with the prior permission of the Central Government.

(i) "landscape architect" means a person who deals with the design of open spaces relating to plants trees and landscape;

(ii) "naval architect" means an architect who deals with design and construction of ships.

(2) If any person contravenes the provision s of sub-section (1), he shall be punishable on first conviction with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees and on any subsequent conviction with imprisonment which may extend to six months or with fine not exceeding one thousand rupees or with both.

III. WHAT IS BEING DONE?

I am at a predicament where the information I am allowed to share is limited. Information shall surface publicly in due course of time. Believers may trust me that CoA is asking illegal entities to shut down or change their MoA. It is summoning unregistered practioners. Companies are also facing criminal charges currently, example RSP Singapore as per the 16thJuly article in the Times of India.

However, what I can share is the following

1. On 10^th October 2011 a circular was released by Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), instructing all ROCs and RLLPs to not register any company that have architecture in their Memoranda of Association (MoA). In their notice they clearly index Architects Act 1972 Section 36 and 37.

2. On 1^st March 2012 another circular was released by MCA to ROCs and RLLPs. This time, commenting on the profession of Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, Architect, Company Secretary etc. Here, the October circular was reinforced and all ROCs + RLLPs were instructed to refer the respective regulatory body before registering a company.

Clearly that would mean that for Architects the CoA was to be refered and CoA in turn indexes the Architects Act.

3. On 16^th July 2012, TOI highlighted some of the issues regarding foreign practices. It used the case filed against RSP Architects as an example too.

In short the purging of the profession has begun.

Appendices:

Currently there are 900 Companies practicing architecture in India. Whatever they may claim in their MoA (design services, spatial planning, etc) most of them are paying Service tax for Architecture. Some don’t even have architects as directors.

There are also honest Foreigners who have registered themselves with the CoA. Which shows their respect for the law of the land.

To sum up, there are avenues for a systematic approach to practise in this country. Then why choose wrong methodologies?

ARCHITECTS, PROFESSION AND THE RIGHT TO PRACTICE

(An article exploring in the abstract the Intrusion into the practice of this profession in INDIA by professionals foreign and otherwise not registered to practice in the country.)

Preamble:

By Ar. Dwaipayan Chakravarty, Architect and Urban Designer, Pune

Recently, a July 16 article published in a premier Indian newspaper, brought to the fore an issue that has been discussed within the architectural fraternity for some years now – the issue of foreign architects practising freely in India; welcomed with red carpets and bouquets. Economic liberalisation and motions of globalisation brought about a deep impact on the design industry in general. Architecture, being directly influenced by such societal expectations, changed dramatically. Cities were awash with large floorslab commercial (IT) buildings that tried to ape the west, with glass, steel, heavy air-conditioning and the visual vocabulary of buildings many oceans away. It was a kneejerk reaction to the demands of multi-national companies, willing to invest millions into Indian campuses.

Our governments have bent over to allow them to grace our soil, while making it exceedingly difficult for their Indian parallels to flourish. In a grounded subject like Architectural design, where the very basis is founded on principles of local land dynamics, legislations, climate, materials, design philosophies, cultural impacts and its people, the gushing priority to have an ‘international touch’, a ‘global branding’, overwhelmed all else. More and more projects were being conceptualised by international architects of varying repute, with Indians working for them, to ensure its localised viability. A rebirth of design colonialisation.

The High Court has upheld the sanctity of our architectural profession, in a bid to protect our own professional and development interests. There is a need to definitely open the grounds for foreign architects in our globalised reality in a regulated manner, but give equal if not better opportunities to our own, to flourish.

Ar. K. Jaisim, a senior, reputed and flourishing Architect from Bangalore, has been in the thick of all these discussions for many months now. His article brings his free thoughts to the issue. 

About the Author:   Jaisim has enjoyed the practice of architecture for over four decades now. His early years in the field were inspired by greats such as Buckminster Fuller, Koenigsberger and Geoffrey Bawa. And in the sixties, Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead gave his aspirations a whole new meaning. He started Jaisim Fountainhead in 1970. Since then he has created and recreated innumerable homes, institutions and commercial enterprises. He has written over 150 papers and articles, made about 1500 presentations, serves on several boards and councils, and finds time to interact with students of architecture all over India. His iconoclastic views and individualistic endeavours are the hallmarks of his creativity. Today, he still continues to pursue the adventures of the built environment, searching and researching beyond the boundaries of time and space.

An Action Plan:

For the last few years an awakening is happening in the awareness of the professionals practicing architecture to the nature of an intrusion threatening their very lively hood.

We were a very lazy and content lot. Few schools of architecture and the practice as such were closely held mostly in the hands of a few well entrenched firms who had metamorphed from the erstwhile colonial firms into so called Indian partnerships or professional practices. The few Indian exceptions were firms that had a family lineage and couldn’t care less.

Come liberalization and rapid economic growth along with new schools of architecture established and establishing all over the country, the scenario changed.

New schools, fresh thoughts, new challenges and the environment conducive for a new genre of exploration and experimentation opened up. People and Corporate started looking for new ideas of expression. They were impatient and immature and were just returning from their ventures overseas. They had pastured in alien lands and had cultivated foreign habits. They returned to the homeland that had suddenly opened up and these returnees were mostly management gurus.

Instant Coffee and Hamburgers were their diet although they hungered for Poha and Dosa. Similarly their environment was all western glass and air-conditioned malls, suited for temperate climate and culture. Although our ethos demanded a complex and relevant solution, we the architects of India did not have instant solutions and modes of business presentation that were hyped commercial salesmanship.

I am all for good if not great architecture. I admire great works of the past, the present and the visionary projects of the future from anywhere on Earth, but CUT and PASTE and deformed and shrunken foreign examples sold to wide-eyed Indian business and political big wigs is a sad affair. Anything labelled ‘FOREN’ is sold. And especially if you had a three-piece-suited-from-abroad-business approach, it sold even better.

I can understand if we did not possess the expertise or know how or even if there was a mutual pact between countries so that there can be a cross border exchange of ideas and practices that can nurture greater growth. But one sided affairs, and only when they are convenient to the other party must be abhorred.

Today, India stands amongst the emerging economies offering great potential for the built environment. And we also have the internal vigour, imagination and strength of innovation to take up these challenges. If we want any specific expertise then we can always call upon it, this by CHOICE, not by invasion.

There are mainly four professions protected by the CONSTITUTION. They are the Legal, the Accounts, the Medical and the Architects. The other three have learnt their lessons, and have strong rules and guidelines to preserve, protect and learn. Unfortunately we are the only profession in spite of constitutional protection, who do not know how to preserve our practice.

Yes, competition is good for healthy growth, but it must be a healthy competition. The playing field must be fair to all. The rules of a sport cannot be changed in the middle of a game.

AGAIN, if one were to speak from the depths of architecture. It is obvious COMPETITIONS do not make objective sense. They are subject to the jury which presides and its ability to appraise or bias a selection. Design is not a competitive profession. The other big factor governing selection is fee structure, again a very sad affair.

Accountants, Advocates and Doctors are chosen by their ability to deliver. Why not Architects also by the same measure.

This brings to perspective the profession and its intricacies. It is in manner of speaking still very young and very complex. And they say it is one of the oldest professions!