Modern Indian Architecture & Its Changing Culture
People living in the metro cities have realized with time the important role of architects in creating smart and sustainable cities. As they are increasingly facing problems related to basic town planning, infrastructure, and sanitation they are turning towards the architecture industry for solutions to all these problems.
On the other hand, architects too are trying to keep up with the need of the hour i.e sustainable cities as well as fulfilling the needs and demands of their clients. Some of the top architecture firms in India are actively supporting the cause and creating platforms to promote better architecture. This blog is all about modern Indian Architecture and its evolution with time.
Basics of Modern Indian Architecture
Modern Indian architecture came around after 1947 when India got independence from the Britishers. Although, post-independence too there was a phase when there was not much progression in the field of architecture. It all began when the world-famous architect Le Corbusier designed the city of Chandigarh. After that, the Indian architects were inspired by his work and began implementing similar ideas. This is how modern Indian architecture was revolutionized. However, modern Indian architecture doesn’t neglect the traditional Indian architecture. There are still glimpses of traditional characteristics in modern Indian architecture.
One of the best examples of modern architecture retaining its traditional roots is the Lotus temple in New Delhi. The architect Fariborz Sahba took the traditional lotus symbol and gave it a modern touch. The mix of modern elements gives the temple a very peaceful and elegant form.
Now, that modern Indian architecture is defined and explained, let’s have a look at its changing culture and the challenges faced by this profession.
A Shift in Design Sensibilities
An increasing population means there is a greater requirement of housing spaces too. Such higher demand has created huge architectural opportunities in India. Not only that but this is one of the major reasons for the number of foreign architectural firms rapidly growing in India. Now that the cities lack the basic infrastructure, the need to design and bring about a difference is huge. Also, many Indian architects who got their architectural qualification overseas are coming back to become a part of this shift that the country is going through.
The effects of globalization can be seen in the field of architecture too. As many foreign architectural firms began working in India, with them came the concept of glass and designer-shaped buildings. That trend was prevalent for quite some time but the Indian architects soon decided to go local. Modern Indian architecture is now more inclined towards using natural and alternative materials like bamboo, wood, stone, brick, mud, and clay, etc. The work of emerging architects in India can be basically grouped under the category of ‘contemporary Indian sensibility’. It means the roots of Indian architecture are integrated with the contemporary vocabulary.
Look at Cities & Not Just Buildings
As discussed earlier, all of the major cities of India are facing infrastructure and other related issues. On the contrary, smaller cities are proving to be better examples of town planning. Many architects have come to the realization that thinking of their individual projects is not going to help. Instead of thinking about the city as a whole will help in sustainable development.
The impact of architecture on sociology cultural imprint of a city is now known and so is the social responsibility of an architect. More and more groups of architects have realized their responsibility towards the society and are taking active measures to conserve the heritage structures. It does not end at this. The architects are also bringing forward the immense talent of craftspeople in India and helping in their upliftment. Apart from the architects, non profit organizations are also doing their part. They are not only presenting their views on the infrastructure related problems but are also working on practical solutions to resolve that.
Challenges Faced by the Profession
The major challenge that architecture is facing in India today is the gradually reducing importance of culture and heritage. Too much exposure to foreign countries and their architecture can be held responsible for the receding interest in Indian heritage.
Overload of information, changing lifestyle, dependence on patrons, and well traveled clients — everything has had an effect on the architecture.
The second challenge faced by this profession is the level of architectural education being provided. It is constantly deteriorating with time. Yes, there are a lot of well known academics in India but sudden increase in the number of architecture schools and easy licensing has led to an imbalance. It can be seen to such an extent that some of the smaller firms are providing training to the students themselves.
Last but not least, the challenge faced by the architecture industry is the role of Indian media. Indian media has not contributed much towards the industry’s growth. There are very few people who actually want to make a difference to this profession through their writing. Writing on architecture has still seen some growth in recent years but there is no contribution from Indian media on highlighting the importance of architecture in planning cities.
Concluding Thoughts
To sum it up, the modern architecture in India has got everything it needs to progress and at the same time retain its cultural heritage. All it requires is a step in the right direction and some support from external sources like the media. Awareness among the general public through various sources of media can lead to more contribution — both financial and intellectual. Such contribution will surely flourish the profession to a greater extent than imagined.
It is high time that the needs and expectations of people are understood and the architecture industry is driven in that direction. The modern Indian architecture should not only cater to the changing lifestyles but also successfully restore the values and identity of the Indian culture. Such architecture will definitely be sustainable and last for a longer time.
