Experiences in Architecture

Experiences are those moments in life where your eyes sense a different view,
the one we might have never even thought of. Its moments like these that spark
flares of nostalgia in us which sometimes leads to self-realization, teaching us
that the more you are aware of your surroundings the better experiences you
get, as observation is one key aspect which we always tend to undermine.
Speaking on the lines of Architecture, it is most famously quoted as Frozen
Music and indeed it is. A few spaces create memories, memories create
emotions and what turns this into music is Architecture. It revolves around us, it
gives us insights into our past as well as into our future, for it has defined us
always.
Coming to spaces, let me start right away with Bangalore, the city where I was
born and brought up at, once alive with hundreds of lakes is now home to utter
chaos. The planning of the city is radial, which means one can get to another
place using five different routes but has to move at a snails pace during rush
hours.
There are yet a few places untouched which can be referred to as old treasures
of this city. Let me start with this green space located within the heart of city in
the Central Administrative Area. The abundant flora and fauna plantations
coupled with impressive and aesthetically located buildings fills my heart with joy
as the green lawns welcome us me to something historical. The building that
entices me the most is the Attara Kacheri (high court), which was built during the
British rule, is a stone structure in an intense red hue, a two storied building with
Corinthian columns in Gothic Style of architecture and is located at the entrance
to the Park. The State Archaeological Museum, one of the oldest in India, is
similar in design to the Attara Kacheri in its architectural style and hue. Seshadri
Iyer Memorial Hall, is built with a classic European style with Tuscan and
Corinthian columns, an impressive red building with gables. It houses the
Seshadri Memorial library. The memorial building is located in the middle of the
park, framed by the greenery of the park and with a beautiful frontage of the
rose garden.

Attara Kacheri

Seshadri Memorial Library

The State Archeological Museum

I would like to talk about a neighbourhood which is one of the most well planned
areas in the city and largest in Asia, Jayanagar. Divided into ten blocks, main
roads planned with parks on either sides and residential areas follow with
commercialization taking place on the high streets lately. Even today the
avenues present Bangalore as the Garden City. Jayanagar was traditionally
regarded as the southern end of Bangalore. The "South End Circle", wherein six
roads from different areas meet, and the historic Ashoka Pillar (which was to
mark the southern end of the city) bear this fact.

One of the streets of Jayanagar

I have always liked the city of Mumbai, as it has risen from a fishing community
to a metropolis of seven islands combined. The architecture of the city is a blend
of Gothic Revival, Indo-Saracenic, Art Deco, and other contemporary styles.
The Victoria Terminus, a famous railway station, this building connects two
countries and two styles and that is what makes it so special. It bears some
resemblance to St Pancras railway station in London. The station building is
designed in the High Victorian Gothic style of architecture. The building exhibits
a fusion of influences from Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and
traditional Indian architecture. The skyline, turrets, pointed arches, and eccentric
ground plan are close to traditional Indian palace architecture. The dome of
dovetailed ribs, built without centering, was considered as a novel achievement
of the era.

The Victoria Terminus, Mumbai

St Pancras Railway

Station, London.

Going towards the North, the capital city, Delhi is one of the most historical
capitals in the world, for it has been fought for, for centuries together! It is in
fact, an amalgam of eight cities, each built in a different era on a different site
each era leaving its mark, and adding character to it and each ruler leaving a
personal layer of architectural identity.
At the heart of the city is the impressive Rashtrapati Bhawan, formerly known as
Viceroy's House, located on the top of Raisina Hill. The design of the building fell
into the time period of the Edwardian Baroque, a time at which emphasis was
placed on the use of heavy classical motifs in order to emphasise power and
imperial authority. The layout plan of the building is designed around a massive
square with multiple courtyards and open inner areas within.

The Rashtrapati Bhawan

Talking about Architecture today, a city or a township can never flourish with
design alone, it needs functionality too which can only be achieved by the
bonding of minds oriented in different directions into one common goal, that is

what defines Architecture today, it simply isnt one mans ego but a groups
vision, it is but a common belief, a belief that can change an entire nation.
But yes Architecture has always been that one struggle which is truly
undermined as we have imbibed materialism and ignored an essential extension
of our race, it has been taken for granted just like we have, ourselves and the
world. This causes failure even when an Architect has succeeded. It simply isnt a
one sided play, an Architect has to connect to the people first and then the
building which more easier said than done as our mentality is complex to be
understood.
What I have honestly learned about Architecture is that no matter how great the
process and design of your space might be, its success purely depends on the
people who would use it, depends on their perception of space too. Unless that
happens one has to be open to learn more, to face more criticism and to never
give up. All of this combines to something more great that we just cant foresee
as it holds the power of a single mind changing the lives of millions.
Yash S Gadia
II SEM C
BMSSA.