Brutalism: How the most-hated style of architecture symbolized India’s post-colonial ambitions
Every time there is a conversation about Indian architecture, the ancient powerhouses — like the glorious Mughals, the Guptas or Dravidian kingdoms— occupy most of the talk. The most recent form that does get highlighted is Lutyen’s Delhi. But rarely there is a mention about the Brutalist architecture that took place in the second half of the 20th Century.
Well, in all fairness, it’s nobody’s fault. The style is fairly new and highly controversial (more on that later).
The Brutalist architecture of India has a fascinating charm behind it. If one looks close enough, they will find this style everywhere in the form of educational institutions, theatres, exhibition centers, govt. offices or just simply as landmarks.
Majority of these structures were built and still survive amidst the bustle of the 21st Century Delhi — a city whose ever-expanding development now spreads out to the satellite cities of the NCR region.
But what is Brutalism exactly?
Brutalist architecture saw its emergence in the post-war Europe. The term “Brutalism” originates from the French term béton brut — a term coined by the pioneer architect Le Corbusier — which stands for “raw concrete”. The style is characterized by its geometry, rawness and unabashed use of concrete; which was convenient, inexpensive and readily available at the time.
The style gave shape to public housing, libraries, education institutions, govt. offices and more.
Although, the style is pan-European in nature, it is often associated with the former Eastern Bloc — a group of socialist USSR nations — who embraced the aesthetic for its cost-effectiveness in social infrastructure.
The mid-century boom in Brutalist influences eventually arrived in newly-independent India, then led by Jawahar Lal Nehru — an ardent believer of fabian socialism. Unlike today’s privatized and PPP models of development, the economy of that era was heavily controlled by the state.
The stripped-down aesthetics of Brutalism is loved by some and loathed by many. Even among the architecture students, no style of architecture has been more polarizing than Brutalism. Surprisingly though, it is now seeing its revival as an Instagram aesthetic.
In India, this style was perfected by the legend architects like Raj Rewal, Shivnath Prasad, Kuldip Singh, Achyut Kanvinde and Balkrishna Doshi.
Here are some of the Brutalist marvels that once ruled the skyline of Indian cities:-
Hall of Nations | Raj Rewal (1972)
An icon to Delhi’s skyline, this masterpiece by Raj Rewal is still fresh in everyone’s memories. Completed in 1972, the large spatial structure showed India’s willingness in hosting big exhibitions. The architecture blends the history with the modern ambitions of India which reflects itself in its name — Pragati Maidan.
Despite multiple objections, the building was razed down to make way for a revamped exhibition center. Perhaps, the video below can explain the importance of preserving iconic architecture.
National Cooperative Development Corporation | Kuldip Singh/Mahendra Raj (1980)
Commonly popular as pyjama building, the NCDC building is an iconic landmark located in Hauz Khas, Delhi.
Kuldip Singh along with Mahendra Raj, envisioned twin 9-story structures that meet at the top. The structure stands as a fine example of making of a modernist city with limited resources.
The Shri Ram Centre | Shiv Nath Prasad (1969)
The Shri Ram Center is a renowned theatre located at Mandi House, Delhi.
The showcased building came into being in 1969 and features a cantilevered upper level that allows for close interaction between audience and stage.
Without a doubt, the theatre has been a breeding ground for many known Bollywood and theatre personalities. The aura of being in and around the structure evokes intelligentsia, creativity and freedom.
National Dairy Development Board | Achyut Kanvinde (1985)
Hidden in the plain sight in Safdarjung Enclave, Delhi, this masterpiece by Achyut Kanvinde is a tribute to the true quintessential Brutalist aesthetic.
The building’s blocky monstrous form is a reminder of heavy Brutalism of its contemporary era. Though, Kanvinde’s intent was not to make India’s own Brutalist style but to develop a modern Indian design through his functionalist approach.
Palika Kendra | Kuldip Singh (1983)
The NDMC building at Palika Kendra is undoubtedly the most celebrated work by Kuldip Singh alongside the NCDC building mentioned earlier. Both structures freely express the spirit of Brutalism — geometric structures with the use of concrete, which was a fairly modern design for India back then.
Another common thread between Shri Ram Centre, Hall of Nations and Palika Kendra is the structural engineer associated with all of them — Mahendra Raj — who deserves the credit for the designs of these memorials.
Embassy of Poland | Witold Ceckiewicz (1973)
In the 1960s, India and Poland’s diplomatic ties were at all time high. Both countries shared the similar socialist economic model that brought them together. This Polish Embassy erected in 1973 in New Delhi by Witold Cęckiewicz is a result of such strong ties.
The building even made the ambassador of the USSR envious having being turned into a spectacular symbol of ‘socialist modernism’.
Chandigarh Capitol Complex | Le Corbusier (1961)
Any discourse about Brutalist architecture is incomplete without the mention of Chandigarh Capitol Complex designed by the legend Le Corbusier himself. This marvelous structure has been designated as UNESCO World Heritage.
Located in Sector 1, the building is central to the new capital that was being designed for Punjab, as Lahore was given to Pakistan during the partition.
Indian National Science Academy | Raj Rewal (1990)
Another state-of-the-art building by Raj Rewal, this one came late to the party. The ethos of the ‘X’ shaped structure signify progressive and bold image.
With a built-up area of 62,000 square meters, the lower floors of the building with large spans accommodate an auditorium; intermediate floors with smaller spans and roof terraces provide for guest rooms.
These remnants of the socialist era now stand in the stark contrast with the contemporary urban architecture of the country.
With the rise of nouveau riche and urban middle class, the appetite for all things modern is ever-increasing. Sure we need swanky malls, world class airports and convention centers. But do we really need to wipe out our past to achieve that?
Thanks to the initiatives like SOS Brutalism and Cats of Brutalism (oh yes, it’s a thing!), the Brutalist structures across the world are getting fair amount of attention and calls for preservation. But in my opinion — at least in India — preservation of such structures is a far cry.
For the new age architecture enthusiasts these are Instagram-worthy monuments. But for many, these structures embody the bureaucratic incompetence and red tapism of the pre-liberalized Indian economy.
However, it would be interesting to see how Brutalist elements make their into the future. The aesthetic can serve as a perfect backdrop for cyberpunk dystopian (or Utopian, if all goes well) world.
It’s also refreshing to see Tesla Cybertruck as a perfect balance of future tech and bold Brutalist design. One could hope to see a similar revival in architecture too.
