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Contemporary Architecture in Incredible India by Peter Nicolson
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Contemporary Architecture in Incredible India |
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Interior Design
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When architecture in India is mentioned; our minds are whisked away to the fabulous pink buildings of Jaipur, the exquisite detail of south Indian temples and the outstanding beauty of the Taj Mahal. India is known for its grand architectural heritage which spans temples, mosques, forts, palaces and shrines. And so, when presented with the notion of contemporary architecture, it is hard to shake the stereotype that has found itself in the heart of pre-colonial Indian architecture. Instantly, we think of elaborate carvings, dome shaped buildings and vast amounts of colour. However, what is the reality of architecture in today’s India? Which group of buildings represents the modernity of design and architecture in its towns and cities? Colonial India During the colonial era, ‘modern’ building construction and planning was introduced. This was used to accommodate the influx of Europeans and was in no way an attempt to educate the architects of India. Under the rule of the British, French, Dutch and Portuguese; architecture became the sign of one’s status and power. European architecture introduced verandas, railings, large French doors, churches, mosaic, gold leaf and porches. Indian architecture continued to flourish under colonial rule, as architects took influence from the colonies and combined it with their traditional architecture. Interior designers in India also took note of European decor and incorporated it to create a modern and desirable design for the wealthier Indian families. Post-Colonial Architecture Colonialism left its mark, with a sudden increase in industrialism. This sparked a high level of migration from rural areas to urban centres. Property prices went through the roof, and a sever house shortage struck many Indian cities. A parallel phenomenon was the increase in architects studying abroad where many worked with famous interior designers and architects. This served to only reinforce the influence of Western construction on contemporary architecture and design in India. With the modernisation of architecture came the modernisation of housing for the working class. Based on European architecture – urban housing in India balanced space constriction and practical design. Housing became more accessible, yet was still able to reflect the various socio-cultural sensibilities which existed and varied from region to region. Courtyards, terraces, verandas and balconies became sought after features, and can even be found in Indian villages. Despite the arrival of Western architecture, Indian textiles and materials are still incorporated in to designs – and this combination of traditional Indian and European architecture is at the very heart of contemporary Indian architecture. Another important feature of Indian modernity is its ever increasing awareness of environmental issues. There has been a drive by the Indian Government to promote green houses and buildings that help preserve our environment. This has had a tremendous influence on architecture in Indian cities, especially Mumbai which hosts 20% of India’s green houses. Solar panels, windmills and water recycling systems are becoming a common feature in today’s buildings. This does not merely apply to residential buildings – over 250 commercial buildings in India have been given greenhouse status and play host to similar renewable energy devices and sustainable materials. Traditional architecture is still important to India, especially to its tourism industry, and its beauty and elegance will not be forgotten. Modern architecture may not have the sophistication of earlier buildings; however, it is at the forefront of environmental design. With its blend of old and new, Indian architecture has successfully balanced traditional values and important modern issues. Mark Long has worked in the contemporary design industry for almost a decade. He has collaborated with famous interior designers from all over the globe. His most recent project has taken him to Asia, where he is working with interior designers from India.
Related Articles -
architect in mumbai, interior designers in mumbai, residential architects, commercial architects, aumarch,
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