Reflections: Throwback to Connect 18

Enjoy the highlights from debut edition of Unitile Connect that took place at The Leela Place in Chennai in March 2018. A one of its kind gathering for the leaders of the building materials and construction industry.

The theme for the conference was ‘Flexible Workspaces’ which and we named the day as ‘Make way for Modularity’. The theme, reflects the growing recognition of the fast, sustainable and flexible office spaces with open, collaborative work environments and how the latest design trends can elevate the experience of employees.

We were fortunate to have the support of a great cadre of speakers and panellists who highlighted the key themes, trends and current practices in building materials industry for the audience.

To kick things off, our Managing Director - Shabbir Rajkotwala, welcomed the attendees and shared an exciting vision for the industry’s future with collaboration being the central tenet of many modern spaces and offices trying to create a fusion of ideas where socialization is key.

Emerging Trends influencing future of Workplace

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Sesha Sai, Senior Director - Project Management at Savills India who shared his own industry experience and key trends from the global perspective that would shape the Indian commercial sector in times ahead.

Panel Discussion – Make Way For Modularity

The panels discussion gave attendees the opportunity to ask any topic/industry-related questions.
Mr. Shabbir Rajkotwala, Managing Director, Unitile Raised Access Floor Systems
Mr. Hari Sahasranamam, Associate Director, JLL
Mr. Ananiah Livingston, Associate Director, Space Matrix, Chennai
Mr. Paul K Jacob, Principal Architect, Modarchs
Mr. Ganeshram, Principal & Regional Director, Zyeta Designs, TN and Srilanka
Mr. V. Srinivasa Prasad, Regional Director, Facilities, India

The panellists spoke about the working dynamics of modular spaces and shift from “space-centric” to “people-centric.” The modular design and integration of products like raised access floor system along with other more advanced systems are making an impact in the way people work.

The ability to quickly and easily alter workspace configurations ensuring that the entire organization is more responsive to changes in the business environment has become pertinent. For smaller and mid-size companies that are not ready to go "full agile," future success depends on giving yourself at least some ability to adapt to change.

Building a smart office from “Ground Up”

The secret to workplace agility is building office space within office space on one solid foundation. Unitile’s Executive Director – Idris Rajkotwala, showed Unitile’s 25 year legacy and what led to its making as the number 1 raised access floor brand in India.

He spoke about Unitile’s product and solutions and how the company is embracing innovation across all levels from manufacturing to installation. He closed his speech with two bold commitments: the company’s dedication to continuous engagement with customer needs; and creating and growing solutions that better help our customers transform their workspaces.

To give them hands on experience, he later guided them to the demonstration centre where he met the attendees and answered their questions.

Connect with your fun quotient

It’s a Wrap up!

If we were to sum it all up, the one common, underlying theme that formed the crux of all conversations and speeches was Adaptability. Panelists and industry guest speakers were able to provide attendees with best practices and wisdom from their own experience, and how they streamline processes in their own organizations.