Comments on: The monumental failure of modern Indian architecture

By: Anirban

Anirban — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 13:43:53 +0000

I think the Archaeological Survey of India does a lot of work in India and also helped in the restoration of Angkor Wat in Cambodia too. What about local preservation societies? Do we have many of these in cities?

By: Lazy Pineapple

Lazy Pineapple — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 09:11:41 +0000

There are many buildings in South India which boast of our culture and heritage. Maintenance of these buildings must definitely cost a lot.

I had been to Hyderabad as a child and I still remember Nagarjunsagar dam. I was enthralled by its beauty…

I agree that now a days most of the building are all glass and metal, but some of these buildings do have their own modern beauty.

By: Anirban

Anirban — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:07:11 +0000

Thanks for reading and commenting, Uday. Definitely the most beautiful building created since Independence.

By: Uday

Uday — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:18:45 +0000

To me Vidhana Soudha in Bangalore seems to be a good example of modern/Post independence architecture. I believe its architectural style is called “Neo-Dravidian”.

Built with locally available materials by semi-skilled labor in 1956, Vidhana Soudha in Bangalore is a very impressive and imposing building. Having visited offices in this building multiple times I would hate to call it a monumental failure of modern Indian architecture.

By: Nish

Nish — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 06:51:49 +0000

Felt like a preparatory class kid with all the knowledge to grasp..was a good starting point must say..

That pic is all grace and calmness..loved it

By: Anirban

Anirban — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:04:33 +0000

Fair enough. Thanks for the clarification.

By: Raja

Raja — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:08:05 +0000

I may have a problem finding aesthetic superiority of Brooklyn Bridge or the Golden Gate Bridge over Vidyasagar Setu, but I somewhat agree with you about the need for more iconic structures ‘born in Indian concepts’.
I was merely mentioning that Vidyasagar Setu is a Technological milestone, _too_. I didn’t hint at any causation or correlation.
You’re very correct that a technologically sound concept may not result in an aesthetically pleasing structure. My point was not to contradict that, but to add to that. Add the point that not all aesthetically sound structure (hugely subjective, though) may get the same attention or marketing.

By: Anirban

Anirban — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:34:51 +0000

You know Sita-ji part of my exasperation comes from the fact that India has a very unique and vibrant post-Independence arts, literature, and film scene compared to some other areas.

Re Minneapolis, I will definitely get in touch before I go. Looking forward to visiting.

By: Anirban

Anirban — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:12:49 +0000

Technological feats are not necessarily architectural wonders and architectural wonders do not necessarily have vista points as you imply. The Brooklyn Bridge and the Golden Gate are both technically and aesthetically appealing. On the other hand, the Lake Ponchartrain Causeway is either the longest or third longest bridge in the world based on definitions, but it is not iconic or indicative of modern American architecture. The aesthetic and the technical do not have to overlap and I would argue that there is no strict correlation either.

In any case, my point is there is a need in modern Indian architecture for an aesthetic sense born in Indian concepts and Indian materials. That is my central thesis and why I end with a comment on the aesthetic appeal of the tulsi-mancha.

By: Raja

Raja — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:59:13 +0000

The Bartaman Bhavan near Ruby Hospital in Kolkata, even though not iconic, is off the beaten path.
Vidyasagar Setu, when completed, had the second longest span among all Cable-Stayed bridges in the world. That’s a remarkable achievement considering the soil condition there. (No Indian may have been invloved in the design, though). had there been some marketing, and may be a ‘Vista Point’ overlook for getting nice photos of the bridge, you wouldn’t complain about it being ordinary :-p