jongArsitek! Edisi 2.
2, 2009 | desain menginspirasi
Jain Architecture: Unfortunately, most of
Jain architecture that remains today is in ru-
ins or excavated sites. Their architectural style
involved carving out temples from rock faces.
Known for building temple-cities on hills they
hardly used bricks as their material. In terms of
grandeur and material wealth the Jain temples
are measured to be the richest in the world.
With them, an accent was thrown on the expres-
sion to the interior spaces instead of concen-
trating only on the facades. However, in sense
of architecture, they were left much behind the
Hindu or Buddhist temples. Examples are nu-
merous like Dilwara temples, Mt Abu, and the
Khajuraho Temples at Madhya Pradesh.
-THE EXPEDITION OF INDIAN ARCHITECTURE- Hindu Architecture: Hinduism, the major re-
ligion followed in India has given birth to a
number of architectural wonders in India. Reli-
gion and spiritualism are the wheels on which
Apurva Bose Dutta Hindu architecture rests. A religion based on
worshipping deities, Hinduism gave birth to
architecture involving the idols into the art;
thus temples were classified as per the deities.
24 A temple in Hindu architecture is the abode of 25
Architecture has been the indelible canvas on God, which is apparent in the planning too.
which life has been sketched out. One of the RELIGION AND ARCHITECTURE Cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora created out
best accomplishments of the Indian civiliza- of a single rock idolize the technical adeptness
tion, Indian architecture since time immemo- The Indian architecture owes a lot of its ex- of the creators.
rial has aquired an imperative stature in the istence to the different religions in India. The
vocation worldwide. Right from geographical religious diversity in the motherland is respon- Islam: Alien Islam having reached India gave
to socio - economic elements, all have paved sible for a brimming architectural diversity birth to architectural marvels. The native ar-
the way for a rich architectural vocabulary that practiced here. chitecture of the places was churned with the
the country possesses today. India with a rich Islamic ideology of architecture to create de-
repository of culture has offered a lot of in- Buddhist Architecture: Buddhism manifested signs. The Mosque or Masjid till today stands
spirational sources for architecture to thrive the formal arrival of Indian architecture. Bud- as a depiction of the Muslim architecture.
in. Whether it is the folklore, myriad forms dhist architecture gained its footing in India in mobile van designed by Gurjit U, Courtesy Gujrit U Muslim architecture condemns the use of idols
of dances, plethora impressions of art or vari- the form of Stupas, Monasteries, Cave Tem- hence open spaces in Masjids conjure up to
ous melodies in music, each have contributed ples, Edifices and other temples. Stupas such provide a direct gateway to God. The mosque
to stupendous moments in architecture. as the world renowned Sanchi Stupa made in is a simplistic plan wherein an open courtyard
stone were large halls under the umbrella of a surrounded by a pillared verandah rests under
MAJOR INFLUENCES IN INDIAN ARCHI- dome which were appended by smaller struc- the shade of a dome. The Tomb or Maqbara
TECTURE tures like pillared gates, ornamented railings construction in Mughal architecture was wel-
and lion thrones. These were the places of re- comed due to its novel concept. The resound-
The major influences in Indian archi- ligious learning. Monasteries took their stimu- ing Taj Mahal, the most photographed monu-
tecture have been that of the Mughal Architec- lation from forts and were embedded in stone ment in the world falls under this category. The
ture noticeable in works like the Qutub Minar, walls. Though stone emerged as the base of Mughals gave India the ‘darwaza’ which was
Jami Masjid and the Taj Mahal; French archi- most of the Buddhist temples yet wooden ar- created with a four centered arch without the
tecture rampant in Daman and Diu, Portugese chitecture also received much of its due in the beam support. Palaces and forts also speak of
Architecture in Goa or the British Architecture Buddhist era. This era also gave birth to edi- some intricate work of the Mughals as seen in
as observed in Victoria Memorial, Kolkata; Taj fices in bricks which were circular free stand- Fatehpur Sikhri. The development of Muslim
High Court,Chandigarh,India taken from view style of architecture gave birth to Indo - Islam-
Mahal Hotel, Mumbai or the Viceregal Palace, ing pillars rising to majestic heights pinnacled profile Eye-for-it under creative common license in
Shimla. with a stone lion. ic architecture. These were characterized by
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jongArsitek! Edisi 2.2, 2009 | desain menginspirasi
round domes, high minarets, pillars, red sand- Temple, Aihole.
stone which later got swapped by white marble.
Islamic architecture also gave rise to Mughal Wooden Architecture: This style of archi-
gardens which are characterized by their recti- tecture is noticeable in Kashmir, Ladakh, Hi-
linear layouts embedded in walled enclosures. machal Pradesh, Gujarat and Kerala. All main
Some of their typical features were the pools, Indian monuments might be built in stone but
fountains and canals. The Shalimar Garden and the principles that have been followed are those
Nishat Bagh in Srinagar are some exemplary of wooden construction. Ancient India abound-
examples of the same. ed in stone and since the architecture was start-
ed with wooden origins, their style of posts and
Christianity: The Portuguese brought the Ro- beams kept on being carried further on.
man Catholic Church to India. A number of
churches and monasteries adorn Goa till to- Rock Cut Architecture: One of the most
day, some of the major buildings being the Se spectacular specimens in Indian Art, rock cut
Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Convent of architecture was more of a sculpture than ar-
Saint Cajetan. Infact, the influence of Portu- chitecture. Buddhist and Jain monuments were
guese has been so much entrenched in Goa, that prodded as a result of rock cut architecture. In-
it gets reflected in the Goan culture too. The side these structures - windows, balconies and
architecture here echoed the post-Renaissance gates were carved out. The Rathas at Mahaba-
European architecture in the form of old man- lipuram are one of the finest examples of this
sions, remains of fortifications and defenses. style of architecture.
. The churches have been heavily inspired from
architectural characteristics of ‘classical ex- POST INDEPENDENCE ARCHITECTURE
amples’.
Post independence, master architect Le Cor-
26 STYLES IN ARCHITECTURE busier created the City Beautiful, Chandigarh. 27
In what was the first and the only planned city
Multitude styles of architecture clas- of the country, modern architecture received its
sify the Indian architecture. Being a land of footing here. Corbusier’s influence was further
traditions India’s traditional architecture is its on also seen in a number of other buildings in
heritage which has span across a number of India. Ahmedabad was coming up in its own
centuries. Different periods in the nation have ways with some buildings to reckon with. Delhi
offered a number of architectural specimens. was refurburished where a number of projects
were started – housing, pavilions. Projects like
Cave Temples: These were the habitats of the Asiad Village, the Bahai Temple were some
many Buddhist and Jain monks who after re- of the achievements.
nouncing their secular lives chose to settle
down in caves. These were natural caves at MODERN ARCHITECTURE
first which were later on excavated by man’s
hand. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the cave Post independence also proved to be a daunt-
temples In India remain unparalleled. The in- ing task for the architects, who were left at a
tricacies involved, the scale, the ingenuity of junction of basking in the glory of the past or
the carvings coupled with the architectural per- lunging forward with new-fangled concepts.
fection have yet to find a contender as seen in To some extent, architects were successful in
the Elephanta and Ajanta and Ellora caves. creating an architecture which could define the
post-independence era. But sadly even today
Stone Temples: Though the oldest temples the metropolitans in the city are represented
were built in brick and wood stone became the or known by buildings which were made be-
preferred material gradually. Till today, South fore independence- Victoria Terminus and the
India has these grand stone temples intact. The Gateway of India symbolize Mumbai, Kolkata
carvings for these stand out and the whole of is known by the Victoria Memorial, New Delhi
the building comes across as a sculpture. Ex- by Rashtrapati Bhavan and Chennai by the Vic-
amples are many as in Golden Temple, Am- toria Memorial Hall.
ritsar; Sun Temples at Konark and the Durga
jongArsitek! Edisi 2.2, 2009 | desain menginspirasi
Modern architecture in India is referred to the Christopher Charles Benninger has brought to his buildings convey an articulate individualis- well be a synonym of energy efficient, labour
modern way of thinking. Right from commer- light the use of materials in their natural form. tic style. Bimal Patel has been credited of us- efficient and sustainable technologies of con-
cial architecture, urban design and redevelop- Laying stress on the context of his design, his ing elements growing out of an Indo - Islamic struction. Her use of local materials integrated
ment, low cost architecture to housing, insti- creations marry nature with buildings. architectural heritage. The use of courtyards, with a global sensibility brings forth a new
tutional, industrial and sensitive issues like corridors with an intricate work of light and profound architecture. Gurjit Singh Matha-
conservation; all have acquired an exceptional CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE shade form the base for his climate responsive roo can be credited with the amelioration of the
connotation. designs. Shahrukh Mistry’s designs speak of ‘Indian Modernist Architecture’. His approach
Contemporary Indian architecture to a large ex- traditionalism combined with green standards to architecture reflecting an enthusiastic zeal
Late Achyut Kanvinde has been regarded a tent is reflected in its new boom of corporate and sustainability. His use of granite to break for a futuristic workplace is as infectious as his
pioneer of the modern movement in India. His campuses, shopping malls, and skyscrapers, the monotony of brick housing has been an im- penchant for product designing. Kalhan Mat-
influence on the wide use of flexible concrete many of which reflect a growing trend of sus- portant segment in Indian architecture. Simple hoo with his radical thinking has given birth to
column and beam grid in India has been much tainable architecture. It can at best be defined spatial diagrams and a unique solution reflected a firm which believes in a futuristic approach
acclaimed. However, his main contribution to by architects who have induced a multi disci- in the structure, spaces and form are the hall- to design. The firm’s freshness full of youthful-
India’s built environment remains giving prior- plinary approach to architecture which includes marks of Sanjay Mohe’s architecture. Loud ness brings a sweeping departure in the Indian
ity to people’s need over imposing intentions consideration of climate, ecology, energy effi- architecture is alien to him; it’s the quietness architectural scene.
of designers. The Iskon Temple and National ciency, engineering and programming skills, and the functionality in his buildings which in-
Institute of Bank Management at Pune are use of 3d for better visualization, alternative vite you inside. Dean de Cruz and Gerard da The vocation of architecture in India has pro-
some of his hallmark architecture. technology and lost cost architecture. Cunha are crucial names in Goa’s architecture. duced a mélange of illustrious professionals
Dean De Cruz has stuck to climatic conditions, whose’s holistic approach to the profession
Laurie Baker was renowned for his initia- Hafeez Contractor is associated with the open plans and cost efficiency as his criterion has created a revolutionary world. With all
tives in cost effective architecture in India. term ‘high rises’. Having brought the culture for design whereas Gerard da Cunha has at- their efforts, Indian architecture has conjured
His architecture has been associated with brick of skyscrapers to India, he has taken a lead in tained credibility in his use of natural stone up to become an invigorating, communicative
(largely exposed), landscaped courts, jaalis, the globalization process as far as Indian ar- and is known for his eco-friendly, site specific field encircling all the ingenuity rampant in the
traditional Indian sloping roofs. He did profess chitecture is concerned. His buildings speak of and vernacular architecture. Vidur Bharadwaj country.
that an architect’s design responsibility is rea- modern materials, bold forms and innovative with his penchant for green and sustainable
28 lised when the user is not just kept in mind but techniques. Prem Nath with his creative con- buildings has carved a many wonders for the 29
understood by his manner of living, within the struction marvels believes in functionality and country which have attained significance with Bangalore-based Apurva Bose Dutta is an
space as well as in the regional spirit of col- sustainability. His eye for nuances has simu- regards to world architecture too. architect pursuing architectural journalism.
lective growth, in the physical as well as time lated impressive paraphernalia of projects from She writes for various national and inter-
frames. all quarters. His recent works have focused Manit and Sonali Rastogi can be accredited national architectural and interior publica-
on environment friendly architecture. Karan of having given birth to a new dialect of ar- tions. She has also been in the core team of
Traditional architecture has become synonym Grover is credited for giving ‘green buildings’ chitecture with their out-of-the-box thinking Architecture+Design and Indian, Architect &
with Raj Rewal. His buildings have a distin- their due recognition in India. His belief in the aptitude. Contemporary architecture forms and Builder. She can be contacted at apurvabose@
guishing look owing to their trademark pink- heritage and built landscape of India surfaces a high tech style could be attributed to their ca- yahoo.com.
red image and the use of natural stones espe- out in his projects. His thorough reinterpreta- maraderie with technology. Innovation would
cially sandstone. His work is not a replication tion of vernacular building elements assimilat- be solitude without mentioning Sanjay Puri.
but a subtle reiteration of the past on its way ed in the contemporary scenario has resulted in Dominating the commercial and hospitality
to contemporary architecture. B V Doshi’s energy efficient buildings. Architecture hasn’t sectors, his architectural dialect is a mélange
works are monitored as an essential gauge of been able to boast of many women counter- of planes, shapes, materials, colours and tex-
Asian identity in the global milieu. He is better parts. Brinda Somaya with her traditional de- tures. Nisha Mathew and Soumitro Ghosh
known for his preference of exposed materials sign idioms and conservation as her focus has have carved out an impeccable stature in In-
and subdued natural tones. held on her own in this field. Courtyards, cor- dian architecture, representative in the global
ridors, jaalis, low wind sills, high ceilings and arena. Their concepts seem to emerge out of
Charles Correa has brought forth a skilful pergolas mark her contemporary spaces. Rajiv rich brain storming sessions which lead to
use of colour in Indian architecture. His ar- Kathpalia’s tryst with new forms which are pure functionality dealt with expertise. Their
chitectural vocabulary implies adeptness in worthy of a new India brings out the rare com- architecture speaks of a certain modernist lan-
comprehending traditional architecture and in bination of the past and an impending future. guage equipped with spatial possibilities and
merging the modern typology with South Asian His imaginations rooted in India interspersed fine crafting. Sandeep Khosla with his pen-
elements. The visual imagery and treatment of with technological innovations have brought chant for residential architecture and interiors
surfaces brings an element of youthfulness in him a lot of glory. Kamal Malik, reverberat- has sensitized architecture in this area by giv-
all his projects. His famous project namely Ci- ing with ‘corporate architecture’ delves on ing emphasis on the planning and topography
dade de Goa shows his artistic play of light and concepts for his designs through an in-depth of the site adaged by the smaller nuances of a
shade on the walls. study of the need, climate, material and soci- home, rich materials, minimalism worthy of an
ety. Proficient in handling huge urban forms, international style. Anupama Kundoo could
