Modern

The first idea of modernity came with the colonial times. Apart from all other types of architecture, the bungalow was to make the deepest impression on the psyche of Indian populace. Some razzmatazz architecture happened and some unique buildings and lifestyle objects came up. Towards the end of the colonial era came up the Early Modern and the Art Deco followed by the International Style. The defining moment came with the Modernist era post 1947. Ahmedabad, apart from the prime example of Chandigarh played a pivotal role in shaping the Brutalist oriented Modernism. Almost all proponents and practitioners designed buildings for Ahmedabad in particular and Gujarat in general. Cubist, purist, functional, new image, avant-garde, exposed and such were the terms to explain modern architecture. The dictum was to drive the old lethargic, tradition struck thinking away by the new, inventive, shocking spirit.
Golconda House, Pondycherry, 1936-42

Golconda House, Pondycherry, 1936-42

Clockwise: 1 The pre-cast vaulted tiles covering the terrace of Golconda house for the purpose of insulation and rainwater harvesting. 2 The austere room of a sadhak 3 The laundry room with special basins and fixtures located at the top. 4 The western courtyard from the basement looking at the entrance volume and the sparse landscape. Below: 5 The façade of Golconda House, Pondicherry, designed by Antonin Raymond and George Nakashima with its louver system seen at the corridors. The basement is used for services such as kitchen, laundry, workshop, and sundry functions.

Modern Architecture

Modern Architecture

Clockwise: 1 Bapu Kutir (1917) at Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad. A building in the spirit of his philosophy built around. The works that follow represent the rigour of the modernist architects who have built in Ahmedabad. 2 Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya (1963), Ahmedabad, by architect Charles Correa. 3 A house by architect Kiran Pandya designed in the modernist idiom. 4 Centre for Environment Education (1986), Ahmedabad, by architect Neelkanth Chhaya. 5 Ahmedabad Management Association(2000) by Dr. Bimal Patel. 6 Prathma Blood Centre (2000), Ahmedabad, by architect Gurjit Singh Matharoo. 7 Anand Niketan School (2006) by architect Surya Kakani. 8 Architects own house by Leo Pereira.

Modern Architecture

Modern Architecture

In modernist architecture, architects of Gujarat and Ahmedabad have played a pivotal role. 1 Surayakant Patel house (1980) in Surat by architect Nari Gandhi. His work has a distinct personality. Clockwise: 2 Indian Institute of Management (1962) by architect Louis Kahn seen from the Kahn plaza with the library in the front, classrooms on the right and administrative wing on the left, a landmark project by the architect. 3 A unique project, Ahmedabad Textile Mill Owners’ Association (1954) by architect Le Corbusier. 4 Sangath (1981), architect’s own office by Dr. B V Doshi, a turning point project towards regionalism. 5 Interior of architect Hasmukh Patel’s house (1969), one of the exemplary early modernist projects. 6 Interior of the house of architect Achyut Kanvinde in Delhi. 7 Management Development Centre (1982) at IIM-A by late architect architect Anant Raje.

Laurie Baker's Architecture, Kerala

Laurie Baker's Architecture, Kerala

1 House of Laurie Baker with traditional Kerala references. Clockwise: 2 The drum shaped restaurant designed by Baker, with ramped floors and brick jali, Thiruvananthapuram. 3 Laurie Baker in conversation at his house. 4 A view of Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram.

Views of School of Architecture, Ahmedabad,1962, designed by B.V.Doshi

Views of School of Architecture, Ahmedabad,1962, designed by B.V.Doshi

Clockwise: 1, 2 The dome that was built for NASA meet and the landscape the way it was in front of the original sculpture and ceramics workshop, the area where SBST and SID sit now. 3 The ‘ramp’ and the steps facing the south side, the hub of the school of architecture. 4 The prime architectural space, the entrance promenade of CEPT University. 5 Circular steps in the double volume on the southern side. The circular flooring is a reminiscent of the brick kilns which existed prior to the establishment of the school. 6 South façade of the school of architecture with the ramp and the beginning of Piraji Sagara basement on the right hand side.