Globally Recognized Characteristics of Modern Indian Architecture

India has been world renowned for its rich architectural heritage and culture. Today, there are many top architecture colleges in India that teach modern architecture but it is is integral to not lose touch of the traditional work. From the Rajputs, Maratha, Mughal era to the British era India has always seen ounces of each culture get deeply embedded in its architectural structures. In this article, we will be taking a look at the modern Indian architecture and its absolutely defining characteristics and stunning traits with specific examples. In order to best illustrate the traits of these structures that will be covered, certain examples of modern buildings in India are added that will do appropriate justice to them.

What Is Indian Architecture?
Indian architecture has adopted tonnes of styles and forms throughout its evolution and history. Most of these ancient forms have turned out to be globally iconic. The Taj Mahal is a name that is enough to resonate awe and wonder into the minds of people not just in India but also worldwide. On the other hand South Indian Temples and Mughal Domes or minarets (slender towers)are literally a work of elegant art with its intricate lattice work and calligraphy art. These are just the tip of the architectural heritage iceberg of India and all of its traditional characteristics that reflect the Indian architectural elements in all its honour.

This is evident from the seventh wonder of the world found on the sites like the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a stunning example of traditional Indian architecture. Its Domes sit atop the bases, and minarets are the slender towers placed in a symmetric manner to the sides the taj is truly the crown jewel on India and a beauty to behold. Though the images of ornate intricate buildings with domes and minarets might come to mind when one thinks of Indian and modern architecture, the overall look is much authentic than its traditional lineage and an amalgamation of many cultures that have made India its home throughout the ancient ages.

Characteristics of the Indian Architectural Scenario
Modern Indian architecture still venerates and upholds the old traditions of India, but the architectural domain functions to meet the requirements of modern day society in a far better manner. The Architecture Universities in India must strive to imbibe the traditional teachings in modern architecture as well.

Examples of India’s Modern Architecture

1. Modern Indian architectural structures didn’t even commence coming around until post India won independence from the British rulers in the year 1947. Post the year 1947, Indian architecture was at a sheer standstill especially in terms of progression; there was no particular unique identity being formed. However, when the Indian Punjab government adopted on a world famous architect Le Corbusier to make and design the city of Chandigarh, an excellent architectural breakthrough was initiated. Architects working in India began to draw inspiration in the years following Le Corbusier’s work, and thus began a more rapid evolution of modern architecture. Today we see traditional character in Indian architecture, but with modern form and style. Building is less ornate and more expressive in form. Materials are basic, but cutting edge. The use of steel and glass to erect innovative building forms is very popular and striking in the landscape. Urban centers in India are booming, bringing along with it a rise in population and property demand. High rise buildings are also common in these dense urban areas where space must be maximized. Another modern characteristic in the architecture is its response to ecology and climate, designing for the environment.
2. The urban skyline of Mumbai in India is another classic example of modern architecture. The westernized look is similar to the San Francisco skyline and leaves no stone unturned to uplift the modern vibe in the city. Indian modern architecture has thus upped its ante through Mumbai’s coastal urban skyline.
3. In terms of portraying and upholding the ancient Indian tradition, the Lotus Temple in New Delhi, the capital city of India is a crucial example. The construction of the temple was completed in 1986 by Iranian-American architect Fariborz Sahba and it looks completely as modern just as the day it was completed. The temple does take a traditional symbol (which is the lotus flower) and converts it into a modern architectural form. The Lotus has three intricate layers of petals which are each carved out of concrete shells that evolve from completely open to partially closed at the topmost layer. The ceiling is made of glass and is supported by steel which allows for natural light to filter in beautifully through the top surface of the lotus. The white pristine Lotus Temple that displays three layers of concrete shell petals is not only symbolic of the Lotus flower but can also give a tough competition to the opera house in Australia. This mixture of modern materials gives it a very elegant and peaceful form.