Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Homes For All expo is back

Affordable homes in Pune are due to be showcased next weekend - be there

In an effort to cater to the demand for affordable homes, The Times of India has launched a special edition property exhibition, the Times 'Homes For All' Property Expo. The exhibition will be focused on affordable housing and budget homes. The Times 'Homes For All' Property Expo will be held on October 3 and 4, 2009, at the Hotel Pride, Shivajinagar, Pune.
Times 'Homes For All' Property Expo has been conceptualised with the aim of providing a platform to builders and developers in Pune who have projects catering to the middle and upper middle class. Projects spread over the entire city suiting the needs of this segment of home buyers will be showcased at this exhibition.
The exhibition will offer the perfect environment for promoters, builders and developers in Pune to display affordable and budget residences and reach out to their target customer in this proactive forum. The exhibitor will get the opportunity to have a direct one-to-one interaction with this segment of budget sensitive property buyers in Pune.
The exhibition timings are from 10.30am to 7.30pm on both days.

FOR DETAILS CONTACT :

MADHUR - 98909 25037/ ASHISH - 98903 83534

Dream home exhibition

The prestigious exhibition featuring developers from all over India is due soon

Every year, Mumbai's leading real estate publication Times Property organises the Affordable Homes and 2nd Homes show. This path-breaking exhibition brings together leading developers from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Goa and even far flung but beautiful places like Kerala and Rajasthan. The properties on show are wide-ranging and designed to suit all budgets, such that consumers from all brackets will find what they are looking fo - their ‘dream home’.


This year like always, the show is being held at the MMRDA grounds, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai, between October 9-11, 2009.The event will be widely supported by the Times Group publications and will definitely attract discerning customers looking for the best options in the affordable home/second home segment. That makes this exhibition an ideal vehicle to promote your projects to prospective buyers.

If you want to showcase your projects in this show, please call:

MUMBAI

OJAS VARGHESE - 09821333280 RAVI KARNANI - 09867750146 ABRAR KUKSHIWALA - 09833788950 ADITYA KULKARNI - 9820209958

PUNE

ASHISH JOSEPH - 9890383534

EXPO INDIA EXHIBITION PVT LTD

ANIS ANSARI- 9920035207

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Hiranandani Group

The physical face of a new generation, Hiranandani is the collective psyche of a vibrant India's energy, drive and vitality. It is the language of new passion, of affluence, of happiness that begins with an individual, and culminates into the wellbeing of an entire society. Be it through their flagship business of construction, or their diversity into education, healthcare, hospitality, retail and entertainment; with the vision, expertise and experience of the dynamic promoters, Mr. Niranjan and Mr. Surendra Hiranandani, the group will continue to create a better experience in every aspect of life.

Ever since its inception in 1978, the Group has honed its excellence and reiterated its commitment to the conception and development of world-class products and services in every chosen business activity.

The group's construction activities were launched in 1981. Their project in Versova, Mumbai, was completed between 1981 and 1986. Their mega projects in Powai commenced in 1987 and in Thane in 1996.

In a world where rapid advancements in living conditions are matched only by superior technology, quality and immaculate planning, the Hiranandani Group has efficiently delivered benchmark projects by challenging even the most firmly held limitations.

Over the years, Hiranandani has grown into a valuable real estate company with a significant presence even beyond borders.

Today, Hiranandani has a dedicated and experienced team of over 1,500 people employed in its diverse community. The top management is assisted by a team of expert professionals; each a man of expertise and commitment.

Going the Extra Mile

The Hiranandani townships are acknowledged for their emphasis on humanising the urban environment and striking an attractive balance between greenery and construction. Hiranandani Group always goes the extra mile. Maintenance extends to cleaning of streets and drains, beautification, garbage disposal and organic waste composting and mosquito control and all important security services. The result is an experience which is truly rare in India - impeccably maintained infrastructure and buildings designed to last a lifetime with minimal maintenance costs, neat and well groomed landscaping, clean freshly swept garbage free streets, restaurants, food stalls, and boutique shops, entertainment and sports facilities, excellent educational and medical facilities , ample car parking space, public and private transportation services at your doorstep, round the clock security and hawker free zone.

Acme Group

Acme Group, established in 1976, has emerged as a leading real estate developer in the country. They are an ISO 9001:2000 certified company having large-scale projects in progress's across Mumbai, Thane, Ahmedabad, Pune and Goa.

Their sensitivity to clients' needs. quality approach and team of leading professionals help deliver lasting value to their clientele. Hence." We not only build concrete structures…"We House Happiness" is their slogan. Their long-term relationships with each client and vendor have been built on honesty. Consistent performance and complete customer satisfaction. They not only offer modern structure with latest amenities but also look to achieve all- round welfare of all customers by ensuring 'Earth-quake" resistant and 'Vaastu".

Compliant construction.

Their Acme Ozone in Thane is an eco-friendly township of luxurious towers in acres of greenery offering facilities such as huge podium garden, swimming pool, designer bathrooms with premium quality sanitary ware and fittings . In addition, Acme's Infospark at Kandivali is an impressive façade and double height entrance lobby making a perfect corporate look. It has well planned office spaces, provision for recreational facilities like gymnasium and cafeteria along with sound security. Most of their ongoing residential projects like Suryadarshan , Sweet Sixteen at Andheri(W) and Acme Legacy at Vile Parle (W) are being developed as a luxurious structures with all modern amenities.

Sunil Mantri Realty Ltd

Sunil Mantri Realty Ltd. is a leading construction company of India with building activities spread across the country. Built on a foundation that goes back 20 years, it has earned a formidable reputation amongst its customers. The company's exemplary vision, technical expertise and project management skills are attested by over 15,000 happy customers, occupying 140 projects spanning 15 million square feet of development and 650 completed structures.

Sunil Mantri Reality Ltd. has not limited its foray to India, it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Cyber Port Holding Pte. Ltd., Malaysia, to jointly develop, construct, and raise funds for Bandar MSE Cyber Port, a designated MSC Malaysia Cyber City. It is a public-private partnership project headed by the State Government of Johor, Malaysia.

Sunil Mantri Realty Ltd. holds both ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004 certifications issued by Moody International. Sunil Mantri Realty Ltd. is led by its technocrat Chairman Mr. Sunil Mantri.

Ashar Group

"Wise Homes for the Wise" is the Motto of Ashar Group. Established 50 years ago, they have diversified in various business activities. They are one of the fastest growing real estate developers with prime presence in central suburbs. Ashar has a proven track record for delivering large and challenging projects on time and within budget.

Ashar Group is providing various types of homes ranging from 2 BHK to 5 BHK. Presently they are developing a residential and commercial project creating unique lifestyle understanding various needs. They have recently ventured into the education arena with international standards.

Ashar Group is a respected business group engaged in different business activities in and around Thane city for the last 50 years. The group business activities are located in prime locations at Thane, Dombivli, Kalyan, Nasik etc.

For the last nine years, the group has been engaged in construction activity under the name of "ASHAR". The group is known for the construction of the latest and most modern IT Parks, Commercial, Residential, Retail, Infrastructure, Integrated Township, in a short time span.
In nine years they have developed and completed construction of 2 million sq. ft and are instrumental in putting Thane on the world map of the IT Industry with renowned clientele.

Ajay Ashar, CMD, is a first generation developer and driving force behind the ASHAR success story

The group believes in focusing on quality, timely possession, and promises "to produce quality product and deliver with efficiency with optimum benefit to customer enhancing the aesthetic values by imaginative architecture and world class systems".

Nirmal Lifestyle

Nirmal Lifestyle is identified as the front ranking property development companies in Mumbai. The group has been instrumental in promoting Mulund as a preferred destination for both residential and commercial spaces, hence branding Mulund as the "Prince of Suburbs". Establishments in Mulund sparked thirty years ago with "Jahawar Talkies", a renowned theatre. Today, Nirmal Lifestyle has become synonymous with Mulund.
The company was initiated in the year 1975, by Late Mr. S. P. Jain, a leading name in the Rajasthan community giving 30 years of excellence. His virtues and vision was soon extended impeccably by his son Mr. Dharmesh S. Jain. At a very young age he took over as MD of the company and aggressively pronounced his achievements in the industry through his dedicated approach to make construction business a professionally managed company.

Nirmal Lifestyle Mall:

The mall has been built on most challenging concept ever built in the country. The open mall concept not only placed Nirmal Lifestyle on the national map, but was voted as "Mumbai's Favorite Mall" twice by a survey done by popular news dailies. The glass dome is the largest in the south East Asia, hence is one of the beautiful features of the mall.


Nirmal Lifestyle Residence:

Nirmal Lifestyle has developed superior residential complexes in Mulund, each designed
amidst beautiful landscapes with modern architecture.

Townships:

Their first Lifestyle city is exposed to Kalyan to contribute its developmental excellence to the region and create a pull for people from within Mumbai and allied regions. The city is enveloped with the river on the two sides that add to its naturally eloquent landscape. They propose to build cities, 20 Lifestyle Cities by 2020,spread across 300 - 1000 acres area. Each of these cities promises to fulfill a common man's desire to live in a chaosfree environment with lifestyle amenities.


Hotels and Convention Center:

Nirmal Lifestyle is on a rapid pace of building and developing one of India's largest shopping and convention center with malls, five-star super deluxe and deluxe hotels in Mulund.

The project promises to be one of the most sophisticated developments in the country. The integrated malls, hotels and convention centers brings uniqueness, hence also complements the vision and direction of the country and the city. The proposed structure not only is a magnetic idea perfectly implemented, but also speaks loud about the company's approach towards the industry. The integrated projects promise a large pull-out of crowds to this corner of the city. This also complements their contribution to Mumbai's vision of becoming a world class city. With the world eying towards India, Mumbai's acceptance to the world is rapidly rising.

Lodha Group

Established in 1980, Lodha Group is Mumbai’s premier real estate developer providing comprehensive residential and office space solutions across real estate categories and diverse consumer segments - from luxury garden residences in South Mumbai to large integrated townships in the suburbs, from thoughtfully designed office environments to private villa retreats. Headquartered in Mumbai, the group is currently developing in excess of 25 million sq. ft. of prime real estate spread over 27 projects.

The group continuously strives to exceed the expectations of customers through innovative, worldclass solutions leading to several "firsts” to its credit - be it Lodha Bellissimo - Mumbai’s first "By invitation only" project which is the only Indian residential project amongst the top 1,000 landscapes in the world, Lodha Luxuria - Mumbai’s first "Fully Automated Township" or Lodha Aqua - Mumbai’s first water inspired township. The group is the first to believe in using "brand” as a differentiator.

The group has extended this philosophy to office spaces as well, where it was one of the first in India to introduce the concept of branded office spaces through its unique offerings: Lodha Excelus - Signature offices catering to front office requirements of large corporates, iThink by Lodha - the ultimate IT destination for large back office needs and the recently launched Lodha Supremus -Signature boutique offices, targeted at mid-sized businesses.

The group has been responsive to changing market situations and has dynamically realigned its project portfolio. To explore the untapped potential in the "affordable” segment, the group created an entirely new residential category - mid-Income Luxury. A new sub-brand CASA by Lodha was created, with essential quality and luxury endorsement, providing "right sized” and "right priced” products in Mumbai’s suburban locations. The integrated planning of Casa Bella, Mumbai’s largest single phase township development, has been selected by United Nations as one of the "Good Practices” for 2009, deemed to have made an outstanding contribution to improving quality of life in their cities and communities. The launch of Casa has met with huge success and over 3000 apartments have been sold in the last six months.

Lodha partners with Aedas, OveArup and Sasaki for architectural innovations; Poggenpohl, Duravit and Kohler for internal fittings; Bang & Olufsen for home entertainment; SAP for technology platforms and Johnson Controls for facilities management. According to the JP Morgan Property Report 2008, Lodha Group was ranked second in the list of "most sought after” for PE investment in the realty sector. The group has expanded into Hyderabad with Lodha Bellezza, a super-luxury residential project.

Thursday, September 17, 2009















Date – 18th, 19th & 20th September 2009
Venue – Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai.
Timing – Friday 18th – 1 pm to 7 pm
Saturday & Sunday 19th & 20th - 10 am to 7 pm

Overview

25 developers are showcasing 75 projects from Goa, Pune & Thane at the “Magicbricks Property Bazaar” to be held at Nehru Centre, Worli from September 18 -20 2009. The participating companies include developers from Goa, Pune, Lonavala, Navi Mumbai, Thane and other second home options. There is one major finance institution LIC who will be providing housing loan.

So the properties are there at prices that match your pockets. Visit the Magicbricks Property Bazaar and buy your dream home.

Times Business Solutions Ltd.
The Times Of India Building,
Dr. D.N. Road, Mumbai - 400 001.
Tel No. 91-22-6635 36 36 Ext: 5496
www.magicbricks.com

Monday, September 14, 2009

Neptune Group

A dream to do something many people had done before, and yet, turn it into something nobody had done before. People had built houses, nobody had built homes. Others had constructed towers, nobody had constructed relationships. Many had laid down the foundations for success, nobody looked to succeed by laying the foundation of something more relevant.

Out of this dream, arose Neptune. Developed by the Neptune Group, an organisation populated with young, enthusiastic and dynamic professionals, it is a company like no other on real estate planet. For Neptune differentiates itself by actively seeking to be a part of the neighborhoods in which it operates.

It touches lives. It listen to you. It has a nose for what's in your heart. It seeks inside minds. It has a taste for your world. It is indeed, yours in every sense.

Established by Nayan Bheda, Sachin Deshmukh and Nayan Shah, three like-minded entrepreneurs , whose paths were crossed by destiny in 2002, Neptune did not tread the common path frequented by everyone else in the real estate universe. A keen eye on quality, a rare habit of delivering projects on time and above all a total devotion to customer's needs made the group stand from the rest.

The reason why Neptune has been able to grow astonishingly to build state-of-art commercial, residential, retail, hospitality, infrastructure and entertainment structures, integrated townships and information Technology Park (IT) across the country. In such a short time it has eight million sq. ft developed and under management.

The group keeps its unwavering focus on quality, optimization of costing and timely delivery by closely monitoring every project by respective dedicated core team. In house experts for managing, monitoring, supervising, quality controlling and lab testing the project work shoulder with external panels of consultants taken on board, making sure everything is perfect.

Having demonstrated expertise in development of modern and innovative structures and a strong track record of performance, consistent growth and profitability. Neptune Group is poised to soar to even greater heights in the years to come.

Neptune group stands for trust, integrity, respect and passion. Common words but taken to hearts with uncommon valour.Neptune group is a pan India developer with developments in Mumbai, Thane, Ambivli, Pune, Hyderabad , Chennai , Cochin , Nagpur and Vizag.

RUSTOMJEE

Having started construction in 1996 in Mumbai, Keystone Group owns and operates the brand "Rustomjee", which rapidly rose to be a premium real estate developer. Keystone group is one of the first real estate developers in India to achieve the ISO 9001:2000 certification. Rustomjee has grown at 54% CARG and has 11.5 million sq.ft. area under construction across various projects and locations. Mr. Boman R Irani is the Chairman and Managing Director of 'Keystone Group', He is a first generation real estate developer, and the driving force behind the success story of 'Rustomjee'. He has received several awards.

Rustomjee has accomplished a number of projects since its inception in the Western suburbs of Mumbai. To name very few current projects - Rustomjee La Sonrisa (Matunga), Rustomjee Ozone (Goregaon), Rustomjee Elanza (Malad), Rustomjee Urbania, a township of 127 acres at Thane and Global City, a township of 217 acres in Virar. The group is also entering into suburbs like Chembur, Sion, Khar, Borivali, and Santacruz.

Rustomjee has also ventured into retail and commercial also; Rustomjee Aspirée located off Eastern Express Highway, Rustomjee Ezone at Goregoan (W), and Rustomjee Natraj located on Western Express Highway in Andheri, offers the best combination of commercial formats.
Mr. Irani's philanthropic interest includes the 'Rustom Irani Foundation'. This foundation, through the Rustomjee International School, is setting new benchmarks in education. His mission is to ignite the spirit, liberate creativity and then let the pattern emerge. The Rustom Irani Foundation was established in 1998 in the memory of Late Shri Rustom Irani. The Foundation established their first School 'The Rustomjee International School' - a premier English medium school in Mumbai, in 1999 with just about 260 students. The school has a highly professional management, expert, well trained teaching faculty along with all modern infrastructural and professional strengths conforming to guidelines set by Mumbai Divisional Board (S.S.C Board). The Rustomjee Cambridge International School (RCIS) was opened in 2005 provide a global competitive edge through an internationally recognized curriculum.Under Rustom Irani Foundation they have started the Business School academy, Rustomjee Troopers . Irani has also imbibed a passion for seeing a greener Mumbai and has adopted various gardens and public spaces and is scouting to adopt more.

Puranik Group

Bricks, cement and paint put together hardly make a home. A home reflects the dreams, passion and emotion of the residents, and the builder. Puranik Group understand this. And this is what has helped them stay ahead in the real estate market in and around Thane. The Puranik Group is a name synonymous with reliability and consistency for four decades.

In the last 40 years, they have completed over 30 projects, sticking to the promised timeline in each case. Their commitment to delivering only the best in quality has earned them the ISO 9001:2000 Certification.

They also have 2700 happy families, and more than two million sq. ft. developed area.
They forayed predominantly into the development of residential complexes, townships and signature homes in Thane, Mumbai city, Nashik, Pune, Kalyan and Lonavala. Complete with retail shops, school, hospital and recreational facilities, their projects have always aimed at creating a healthy and comfortable lifestyle for its dwellers.

They have a comprehensive market and brand leadership in Thane, through humble beginnings with residential projects like Durgesh Park in Thane and Kavya Dhara in Thane. They then went on to build townships like Puranik City and Puranik Villas, which embraces modern comforts and amenities.

Tall achievements

Best Business Practices Award in 2006 from Accommodation Times.
Kanchan Pushp - Best Project in Thane Award in 2006 from Accommodation Times.
Overall Excellence Market Trust Award in 2007 from Indian Express and Vasturang.
Residential - Amenities Galore Award in 2007 from Loksatta.

Future endeavours

The Puranik Group looking forward to expanding its horizons and exploring new territories. Aldea Espanola is a step ahead in that direction, where they attempt to set the hallmark for luxury living. Their other upcoming projects like Puranik Hometown is aimed at catering to the necessities of the middle-income segments, by providing its owners complete value for money.
Time and again, they foster community culture through regular events and celebrations that bring about I social bonding between the residents of their projects, thus making the world a much better place to live in.

Housing for all

Established in 1994 by Satish Haware, the Haware Group has been spreading across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane for more than a decade, achieving the goal of 'Housing for all'.

The group developed its first project in Kharghar and has about 97 projects in its profile. They have established a name for quality construction and timely possession. Suresh Haware, MD, Haware Builders says, "We believe in reliability, quality; speed of delivery and buyer friendly budget and these have been our unique selling points. Right now, we have 25 ongoing projects in Thane, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai."

The group has established relationships with every buyer - so much so that Mr Haware feels customers have become their advertisers. Silicon Towers, Balaji Reddy at Vashi, Splendor, Glory and Tiara at Kharghar, Haware's Green Park and Nirmiti at Khandeshwar, Panchavati at Ghansoli, Nilambari at Airoli, Haware Estate at Thane are among its projects in Navi Mumbai. With a huge demand for affordable houses, the group has also tasted great success in this category. The 'nano' housing project Nisarg at Kalamboli sold within four days while the township project Haware Citi sold over 1500 flats in 11 days.

Mr Haware feels, "There is a huge requirement for low budget housing. Affordable is not about compromising on quality or standards but providing smaller homes at a reasonable price with the basic amenities. All our projects are located at convenient distance from the railway station, with lots of daily utilities like shops, markets, hospitals, schools close by. They are equipped with amenities like modern kitchens, decorative entrance lobbies, round- theclock security and much more. "

The group has also ventured into commercial complexes, InfoTech parks, malls, multiplexes and townships with a number of them under various stages of planning and development. The group's nano shopping complex project Centurion received huge response, selling over 1,000 shops in four months. Mr Haware says, "Initially the project was planned to be a mall but we turned it into a shopping complex with facilities such as discotheque, bowling alley, special entertainment zone, play zone for children, billiards and more. Our other commercial projects include Thane InfoTech Park, Infotech Park and Micro InfoTech Park at Vashi."

The group has been developing buildings using efficient state-of-art technology. "All our projects have a social architecture, each wing facing each other. Our designs focus on using more of natural lights, open ventilation, efficient usage of space, sit-out areas along with amenities like library, gymnasium, swimming pool and more," adds Suresh Haware.

Mr Haware points out that there have been many changes in the industry - from conceptualising, construction to buying and selling, every step has witnessed change, he says. "Today even a buyer looking for an economical flat is looking for amenities," he explains. "He is selective about the material, tiling, window position, and campus facilities that he gets in return for every penny he pays."

He continues, "The construction industry has also seen many welcome changes. The materials used are now improved with machinery and material being imported to improve the quality of buildings. Advanced technology is used. Earthquake- proof designs have become compulsory with improved leakage, seepage and waterproofing facilities. Not only interior amenities, even exterior conveniences like adequate parking, playground, parks, shopping complexes, swimming pool and jogging tracks have become must-haves.”

Mr Haware believes Navi Mumbai is a well-planned city and has become the most sought after residential destination. The upcoming International airport, Central Park, Hyde Park, Golf Course and many such proposed projects are likely to give it a major facelift. However, he feelsthere needs to be proper development of water and bus transport too. The two-hour traffic to south Mumbai can be reduced to half an hour if water transport services are started from Navi Mumbai. In addition, Navi Mumbai has ample natural resources, good mountains and free space. "The government should focus on developing water sports, international level parks, adventure sports to boost tourism," he opines.

The group has grown and has turned into a great family of over 10,000 people working towards the goal of achieving the ultimate goal of housing for all and keeping every one, including contractors, designers, suppliers and customers together.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

RACHANA SANSAD

RACHANA SANSAD" , a parliament of creative education was found in 1960, by three young architects whose mission was to promote education in the field of Art, Architecture, Building Technology and other allied subjects.

This education journey began in 1955, when Shri S.H. Wandrekar, Shri C.K. Gumaste and late Shri V.G. Mahatre founded a part-time college of Architecture viz. Academy of Architecture, to assist the employed young men and women to undergo articulated training in Architecture. This enabled middle class enthusiast to study while earning their livelihood and obtain a Government Diploma in Architecture, to practice as professional Architects.

Gradually with experience, other sister institutions blended into the sansad sister institutions blended into the Sansad, making it a progressive educational entity. The institutions that faction under the auspices of the Rachana Sansad are :

a) Academy of Architecture
(Five –year full-time B.Arch. Course)

b) College of Applied Art-&Craft
(Four –Year B.F.A. ( Applied Art) degree Course)

c) School of Interior Design (three year part-time Gov. Diploma and
(Two year part-time College Diploma in Interior Design )

d) School of Fashion & Textile Design
(Three –Year part-time Gov. Diploma in Fashion & Textile Design)

Sansad has recently introduced from the year 2002:

a) post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Architecture
b) post Graduate Diploma in Project Management in Building construction
c) post Diploma Course in Interior Design.

EDUCATION AT RACHANA SANSAD

Education is a process of imparting knowledge or skill, through systematic instruction or teaching. But the aim of education is complete only when those who receive this gamut of information and skill, absorb it in their function and contribution. Any information conveyed become knowledge only when it is tasted and experienced. This requires discipline, effort and opportunity.

The philosophy of education at Rachana is provide education that enables students to be successful in their professions and lives, by inculcating and experiencing discipline, respect, motivation and joy in learning.

This process of education is always in league with the times, contemporary changes, new reaches, demands and needs of the hour. Updating standards of teaching and positive validation is a constant here. The education here is not only a college experience, but interaction with professionals and learning from their experience and achievements is a norm.

Student- teacher relation is interactive and friendly. Students are offered aesthetic, secure, caring and intellectual environment where they are encouraged to participate actively in their own learning. They are given freedom and opportunities to experience their success and joy of achievement.

As if to represent this great work and creative mission, the Banyan stands in our premises in full vigour, strength and magnanimity. It's colossal presence is alive; strongly deep rooted and generously branched, talking about the nature of Education here, even after 45 years. It is our logo, representing growth, strength, stability, service and trust.

All together, we the Artists, Designers, Architects and devoted to excellence in education stand together as

Sir J.J College of Architecture

Sir J.J College of Architecture is now rated 2nd best Architectural college in India*

Sir J.J College of Architecture has long since established itself as the premier institution of architecture in our country. It is proud to have been the first college of architecture in Asia and has educated thousands of architects practicing all around the globe. It boasts of having educated architects who are now the chief founders of the architectural movement in India.

Sir J.J college of architecture is considered one of the foremost institutions of Architecture in  India and is a recognized college of architecture all over the world .The origin can be traced to the founding of a Draftsman's Class, started with a view to produce men with a practical and really useful knowledge, fit to be employed in an Architect's office attached to the Sir J.J School of Arts in 1896, set up in the year 1857 by the erstwhile Government of Bombay from the grants made by the philanthropist Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy, the first Baronet of Bombay.


The course was re-organized in 1913 to make it suitable for training in Architecture, and the Government Diploma Examination in Architecture was held subsequently. The entire course was again re-organized in 1936 and was made into a full time Five-year course. In 1952, the department of Architecture was affiliated to the University of Bombay for teaching the courses leading to the Degree of Architecture.

College Facilities

LIBRARY:
The College has a well-equipped library. It has more than 16,000 books and journals. A further addition to this collection is made every year through the University as well as State Government Grants. Material Library- Samples of various materials, and small-scale models of Sanitary fittings and fixtures and technical data of all such materials is available for reference. Laboratories- There is a laboratory mainly for material testing and a workshop for carpentry demonstration and model making in wood and plastic. Computer lab- At present the college offers courses in AutoCAD, PageMaker, 3D modeling and animation and Internet awareness. Students use computers in Design dissertation, thesis and presentations.

COMPUTER LABORATORY:
At present the college offers courses in AutoCAD, PageMaker, 3D modeling and animation and Internet awareness. Students use computers in Design dissertation, thesis and presentations. At present the college offers courses in AutoCAD, PageMaker, 3D modeling and animation and Internet awareness. Students use computers in Design dissertation, thesis and presentations.

MATERIAL LIBRARY:
Samples of various materials, and small-scale models of Sanitary fittings and fixtures and technical data of all such materials is available for reference.

LABORATORIES:
There is a laboratory mainly for material testing and a workshop for carpentry demonstration and model making in wood and plastic.

SPL Housing

SLS Developers

Benefits of joint home loan

Many lenders offer new borrowers home loans at enticing rates of eight to nine percent. With property prices going through a correction, there could be no better time for investing in real estate. Households where both husband and wife go to work can take advantage of joint home loans.

Here's how borrowers benefit by applying jointly:

Increased loan eligibility

The incomes of the applicants (husband/wife or father/son) are clubbed together when calculating loan eligibility. Consider a person whose gross monthly income is Rs 40,000. A banker will be willing to lend him Rs 18 lakhs. But, suppose the house costs Rs 30 lakhs. Clubbing the income of his spouse is the only option left to increase
his loan eligibility. Assume, his wife brings home Rs 35,000 every month. They can pool their incomes and get an increased amount of Rs 32 lakhs. Applying jointly has made the borrower eligible for a bigger loan amount here.

Borrowers need not be constrained by money and settle for a smaller house. Need for space increases with time as the family grows. You need not settle for a smaller dwelling now and later contemplate selling it and buying a larger one.

Tax advantage

Home loan applicants are
eligible for tax rebates under Section 80C for the principal amount repaid and under Section 24 for interest repayment. These tax deductions are capped at Rs 1 lakh for the principal repaid and Rs 1.5 lakhs towards the interest component. Joint loan applicants can avail maximum tax benefits. They can repay the lender Rs 1.50 lakhs towards the principal component of the loan and Rs 3 lakhs towards the interest repayment in a particular year.

Co-borrowers, who are also co-owners, are eligible for tax rebate in the proportion of their share in the loan. If they have equal shares in the loan repayment, they can individually claim Rs 75,000 deduction under Section 80C towards principal repayment. They can claim Rs 1.5 lakhs each under Section 24 towards the interest repayment.

During the initial years of a loan tenure, joint loan applicants avail maximum benefits towards their interest repayments. Towards the end of their loan tenure they take maximum tax advantage of repayments on the principal component.

If you are not married, you can apply jointly with your parents in case they are working. Banks insist that all co-owners be co-applicants. Borrowers must keep in mind that if they are neither the owner nor the co-owner, they will not be eligible for any tax benefits on the loan repayments.

Even if your spouse doesn't have a steady salary, but a regular income source from say tuitions, most lenders take the additional income into account, while arriving at loan eligibility. Joint home loans are the easiest way to invest in your dream house that costs more than the loan eligibility from a single income.

keep property clean, avoid infections

The counry is still dealing with the H1N1 virus. The virus spreads from person to person and an unhygienic environment sets the stage for its transmission. Therefore, environmental hygiene will help to ensure a healthy working and living environment reducing the risk of respiratory infections and their transmission.

PRECAUTIONS AT HOME

Ensure the rooms are well-ventilated.Stale air is a substrate for respiratory infections. Open curtains to let natural light in as the UV rays act to kill viruses. Make sure air conditioners and coolers are cleaned regularly and permit circulation of fresh air Areas where children live and play, including floors and their toys, must be cleaned well and disinfected daily


PRECAUTIONS AT WORKPLACE

Clean and disinfect lifts, escalators, and staircases regularly Handrails and doorknobs should be cleaned and disinfected every day Counters, tabletops, and desks where there is high human contact should be sanitised daily High traffic areas like the entrance, lobby, corridors, and information counters should be sanitised daily. Ventilation and cooling systems should be inspected and main
tained regularly. Cooling towers should be cleaned and disinfected daily
In the restroom, disinfect the water taps,cistern handles,seats,counters, and wash basins
Unclean premises promote breeding of mosquitoes which transmit dengue, chickungunya, and malaria.

Here are some steps to keep your home free from them:

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water,dirty and clean.At home,they usually breed in water storage tanks,large water drums, flower vases, near potted plants, ornamental pools and fountains, and water containers of pets.

Make sure that water is not left standing in the garden after watering the plants.Provide a system that will drain out excess water
Open drains attract mosquitoes. Ensure that drains are covered and regularly cleaned and desilted
Discard any used tires, old buckets, tins cans, and used appliances that may be lying in your backyard. Water can stagnate here and cause mosquito breeding
Cut any old tree that is dead or has large holes since water collecting here during the rains encourage mosquitoes
Avoid having thick shrubs and dense vegetation as this offers dark spots where mosquitoes generally breed. Plants like neem, tulsi, marigold, and rosemary are known to repel mosquitoes

(The author Dr Charit Bhograj is a consultant cardiologist)


For the people

We believe in housing for everybody as it is a necessity for survival, says Rajnikant Ajmera.

In 1962 Chotalal Ajmera started a business of construction and steel fabrication with small projects. Now the Ajmera Group has completed several mega residential complexes, comprising over 1,70,00,000 sq ft (excluding small projects) and over 29,000 flats for people across income groups. Their projects span the range from moderate, to luxurious, and towers at affordable prices.

Rajnikant Ajmera, the MD, who joined his brother Chotalal in 1977, took the group's activities to newer heights. A civil engineer, he has witnessed many changes in the workings of the industry during his 32 years and has also contributed to it. He says, "I find the industry very interesting and dynamic. I feel proud that our business is about providing one of the three basic necessities, roti, kapda and makaan and that is very humbling."

As past president of MCHI, he reminisces how, with time, the scale at which everything works has changed. "Earlier people preferred small, simple housing. Now they want good entrances, good surroundings. Then came high-rise buildings, amenities, and high-end houses," he says.
Ajmera remembers how loans were not available and buyers were reluctant to take them in the late ’70s. "The construction industry was mired in many issues and people associated it with black money so things were difficult. We helped people with documentation and showed how to procure loans from provident funds and LIC. Now almost 90 per cent of homes are bought on loans and are total cheque transactions."

Most developers funded their business through their own resources, through advance bookings or investors. "Today corporate funding is available through banks, financial institutes, investment bankers and even foreign investors. It has become the preferred sector for investment. Every function of MCHI or CREDAI attracts top people from the finance sector."

The Ajmeras believe in mass housing. "People are talking of affordable housing now but we gave flats at Rs 65 per sq. ft at Andheri in 1973, to Taj Hotel employees. There was no computer to speed up the work, yet we managed to produce more than 30-50 flats a month. Even in 450 sq ft we planned a small 1BHK flat at Vijay Nagar, in Andheri east. We provided maximum carpet area by using thinner RCC walls inside flats. Using teakwood was restricted due to environment issues, but we found the alternative in rare marine teak near Hubli and we got them transported by our own fleet. Manufacturing bricks at the site helped maintain quality and timely completion besides lowering cost."

Among other pioneering work, they set up a sewage treatment plant as early as in 1973 and wherever they have done large projects in Shastri Nagar at Versova, Yoginagar in Borivali and even Shanti Nagar in Mira Road.

"We made sure there are roads and water pipelines, and sewage drainage system in place along with the sewage treatment plant. In the absence of a proper municipal corporation at Mira Road, we acquired permission from the Gram Panachayat and were almost running a mini corporation inside the colony by setting up the infrastructure and managing roads, streetlights, storm water drainage, along the lines of BMC. There was no compulsion yet we did it. We also provided water from 18 km away, bringing it from Thane Ghodbunder road for 15,000 residents. We set up a large reservoir and even pumping stations."

Having acquired a large landmass in prime locations early in the '70s, the group can offer housing at cheaper rates, even in the prime location of Wadala at Bhakti Park. "At any given time our prices have been at least Rs. 2,000 less than homes in the neighbourhood. We made good sales during the recession. Amenities like clubhouses, and pools are of the best quality and we have even developed a garden spanning about 26 acres for BMC at Bhakti Park. I have a sewage treatment plant, water recycling for the garden and many more facilities," says Ajmera proudly. The group's growth plans include acquisition of prime lands in Mumbai’s central and western suburbs.

Strategically located, Bhakti Park is designed for a mixed income group, with mid-income and high-end housing. "We have access to the main city and on the other side you have BPT road. The first project was the Imax dome theatre, which we handed over to Adlabs. Around the same time we started smaller buildings and now we also have premium, high-end, 27 storied buildings with high podiums for parking, besides basement parking," says Ajmera.

The group has projects in Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Pune and Bangalore. "In Bangalore our residential project Green Acres has been very successful and now we are building Electronic City over 2.5 million sq ft space." The Ajmeras have many firsts to their credit, like the first mall cum mulitiplex in Andheri and dome theatre. They provide care for children of labourers, and offered medical check-ups and other facilities back in their first large project at Manish Nagar in 1975.

"Besides, we have always come forward to help people during natural calamities, like the earthquake in Bhuj, and earlier in Latur," says Ajmera. A devotee of Swaminarayan Akshardham, Rajnikant Ajmera is constantly involved in uplifting the less fortunate.