A commentary on the approach to designing/building mobility infrastructure in urban India with a focus on the neglected spaces below the flyovers.
The solution to traffic congestion woes — Flyovers! Photo: Suyashi Paliwal
In Indian cities, flyovers define ‘modernity’. Over the past four decades, our cities have evolved to revolve around automobiles with their prime focus on how to cater to the demands of vehicular movement and decrease congestion on roads. Planning and development agencies have fetishised the construction of flyovers for years — in reality however, they are only a temporary respite from traffic woes. Constructed at great speed, flyovers are still looked at as engineering projects, rather than holistic urban interventions that effectively alter not just the movement of vehicles, but the urban fabric permanently. The ‘negative’ space created underneath these structures is something that is seldom thought about or at best put an afterthought to.
Mobility in urban India can be defined as the capability to move from one location to another influenced by the push ( i.e. outflux of people) and the pull ( i.e. influx of people) factor. The need for a better livelihood and an elevated socio-economic environment often supervises these factors of pull whereas the scarcity of basic domestic services and employment viability provide the push for the city’s inhabitants. The public transportation system often serves as the performative nerve connecting people from their houses to the areas of employment in the city and also formulates a kinetic perception of its morphology.
The Gold Medal, designed by Correa. He approached Titan Watches to cast it for him
By Team Mid-Day
“In June 1988 my father, Charles Correa’s practice had completed 40 years, and to commemorate the occasion he decided to do something for the profession. It was then that he thought of giving a gold medal to the undergraduate student of architecture with the best thesis project,” recalls Nondita Correa Mehrotra, director, The Charles Correa Foundation, which recently announced entries for the Charles Correa Gold Medal 2024, an annual award initiated in 1998 by the celebrated Indian architect and urbanist. The medal recognises talent among young students of architecture for their undergraduate thesis project in a first professional degree course. “At that time, it was restricted to colleges near Mumbai. Three to four colleagues would be on the jury with him to select that year’s winner. It was then given at an event — I think the first year it was at the lecture his good friend, the Italian architect Renzo Piano, gave in Mumbai at the UDRI,” she recalls.
Warn of a big agitation if KA not restored within 15 days to its original form
By Team Herald
Artists and stalwarts from the background of theatre, music, films and various other backgrounds have pledged to take the agitation to the streets to ensure action against the wrongdoings and to correct what has been already done to the Kala Academy.
The gathering heavily criticised the Government, Art and Culture Department, Minister and the Chief Minister for destroying the old infrastructure and glory of Kala Academy under the garb of renovation. Charles Correa Foundation representatives, Arch. Arminio Rebeiro, Tanvi Kharia, Ex-Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Tomazinho Cardozo, Devidas Amonkar were present at the meeting.
The meet was organised on Monday in Panaji by performing artistes to raise concerns on the faulty renovation
By Times News Network
Panaji: Artistes from across Goa met in Panaji on Monday where they demanded the resignation of art and culture minister Govind Gaude over the faulty renovation of Kala Academy (KA). They passed a resolution demanding govt release a white paper on the expenses incurred on the refurbishment of KA.
They discussed the issue threadbare while Gaude was seated in the audience to hear their grievances.
They were unanimous in their demand that Gaude step down immediately. KA has courted controversy since work was taken up three years ago. The matter got worse when leakages were reported more than twice after the renovated structure was opened by govt six months ago.
The following is an excerpt from the speech given by the Charles Correa Foundation on Monday, 17 June 2024 during the ‘Artistes Meeting on Kala Academy’ at the Shram Shakti Bhavan, Panjim.
The Kala Academy has been an iconic cultural landmark for the people of Goa since its inception in the 1980s. It has been a space of congregation for people from all walks of life to celebrate the arts and participate in a wide spectrum of cultural activities in the city. Designed by world renowned architect Charles Correa, the building has also etched itself as a fine example of India’s modern heritage.
Sanjiv Shah is a film editor, producer, and filmmaker engaged largely with documentaries dealing with social issues, and exploring forms of film. As a part of the exhibition The State of Housing (2018) in Mumbai, he directed a video looking at the housing crisis in India over the last 70 years.
Arjun Gourisaria
Arjun is a producer, director, editor and instructor. He has won many awards including two National Awards for Editing – for the documentaries ‘Gulabi Gang’ (2014) and ‘Shut Up Sona’ (2020). His maiden co-directorial feature, ‘Sthaniya Sambaad’ (2011) won the Best Film Award at the New York Indian Film Festival.
Pankaj Rishi Kumar
After graduating from FTII Pune, India, in 1992, with a specialisation in Film Editing, Pankaj was assistant editor on Sekhar Kapur’s ‘Bandit Queen’. He made his first film ‘Kumar Talkies’ in 1998. Pankaj has become a one-man crew- producing, directing, shooting and editing his own films under the banner of Kumar Talkies. His films have been screened at film festivals all over the world. Pankaj also curates and teaches.
Bina Paul
Bina works mainly in Malayalam-language films. She has over fifty editing credits. Bina won her first National Film Award for Revathi’s ‘Mitr, My Friend’, which had an all-woman crew. She has been the artistic director of the International Film Festival of Kerala and in 2017 she was appointed as one of the heads of “Women Collective in Cinema”.
Sourav Sarangi
Sourav Sarangi is an award-winning film maker from India. He put down his geologist’s hammer to pick up a camera and tell stories. Stories that entertained and informed us, stories that transformed our views. His journey began from Kanthi, a small town in South Bengal, to become a fellow of the Film Independent, LA, in collaboration with The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. National and international film festivals in Berlin, Sydney, Dubai, Locarno, Nyon, Yamagata, Guangzhou, Moscow, Goa, Thessaloniki, Busan, Toronto and many more have premiered and awarded his films. Broadcasters and academic institutions found him a large global audience. “I don’t follow stories, they live in me,” says Sourav.
Rajula Shah
Rajula completed her diploma in Film Direction from FTII, Pune. She holds a masters degree in English Literature. She has been producing/ directing short films since 2000; has worked extensively in film and video, exploring the boundaries of fiction/ non-fiction, photography, video essay, & New Media Practice.
Mobility is the capability to move from one location to another influenced by the push (i.e., outflux of people) and the pull (i.e., influx of people) factor. This movement is governed by three key interrelated choices that citizens make, namely, housing, transport and livelihoods.
Past editions of Nagari have looked at the themes of housing adequacy and livelihoods in urban India. Keeping transport as the central performative nerve in an urban environment, this year’s Nagari bioscope aims to create an anthology documenting the elements governing mobility and its dynamics in shaping Indian cities.
Through the format of short documentary films, this year, Nagari will capture stories of people’s interaction and experiences with both the tangible and intangible infrastructure of Indian mobility.
How it has made cities the engines for economic growth
By reducing physical distances, how it has enhanced people’s movement within a city
Rapid infrastructure development and its impact on the environment
Question who is it truly benefitting and who it is displacing
Question if it is equally catering to people from all backgrounds and abilities
Taking a closer look at the disparity in movement of various genders within a city
Taking a closer look at the lives of people who facilitate this movement
Ease of movement in the digital age and the opportunities smart mobility provides
Mobility in Urban India
Click on the image above to learn more about the Final FilmsClick on the image above to know about the winning entriesClick on the image above to view the Nagari 2024 Award Ceremony proceedingsClick on the image above to learn more about the shortlisted entries
An overview on this year’s Nagari theme — this blog discusses how urban mobility in India is shaped by socio-economic factors and the crucial role of public transportation in connecting people to jobs.
This photoblog is a commentary on the approach to designing/building mobility infrastructure in urban India with a focus on the neglected spaces below the flyovers.
This blog talks about displacement of informal economies as a result of transport infrastructure projects in the urban areas of India and the lack of sustainable urban development policies.
Vladimir Belogolovsky speaks with Nondita Correa Mehrotra about her father, Charles Correa, who designed for the Indian climate and was trying to bring equity to society.
After being closed for over two years on account of renovation works, Kala Academy, the State’s premier art and culture centre, was finally thrown open to the public in November last year by the State government, after spending around Rs 56 crore on its renovation. But even before its reopening, the stage roof of the open air auditorium of Kala Academy collapsed in azzJuly last year, leading to uproar from across the State, particularly the Opposition leaders and cultural fraternity. If that was not enough, the mirrors in the green room collapsed in December last year, followed by the crumbling of the false ceiling inside the facility earlier this month. ANILKUMAR MISHRA digs deep to find out the root cause of this malice
The Charles Correa Foundation (CCF) announces the 2024-2025 cycle of the Research Fellowship, a residency program based in Fontainhas, Panaji, Goa.
Apply by 30 May 2024 for a year-long position opening June 2024 with the following qualifications:
Professional degree in Architecture.
Proficiency in using the following software – InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCad + SketchUp.
Academic Architectural Portfolio.
Essay – 500 words (max). Prompt: Interpret Charles Correa’s ideas and practice of architecture and urbanism in 20th century independent India. How do you see it fit into the current day discourse of architecture and urbanism?
Writing sample – from an earlier academic paper.
During the Fellowship, you will be required to:
Assist in preparation of project proposals, surveys and documentation, mapping and analysis, graphics, essays and presentations related to the research project, including coordination with agencies (government or private) for permissions, status, fees, etc.
Assist in work related to acquiring funding for projects or events related to the activities of the Foundation such as preparation of dockets, posters, invitations, etc.
Work on the documentation of drawings and photographs of Charles Correa’s built and unbuilt projects, sketches and essays.
Organise and work on outreach programs of the Foundation through publications, conferences, exhibitions and workshops.
Work on writing up about concerns and issues related to architecture and urbanism, and represent them through essays, blogs, etc.
Assist in creatively designing and scheduling of the events related to the activities of the Foundation.
Make presentations on the Charles Correa Archives, on his philosophy and works, to keen visitors coming to the Foundation, ranging from travelers, student groups and professionals.
Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of ₹20,000/- as well as rent-free accommodation in an apartment leased by the Foundation.
Send in your application to apply@charlescorreafoundation.org with the subject “Application for June 2024 Fellowship” with the necessary attachments.
Rajmohan Shetty is an Architect practicing and teaching in Bangalore, India since 1997. He studied architecture at CEPT University, Ahmedabad, India and completed his graduate studies in the History, Theory, Criticism of Architecture & Art Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge in 1984. He received The King Fahd Award for Research in Islamic Architecture in 1986 for his research thesis at M.I.T.
Rajmohan Shetty was an Assistant Professor of Architecture at the School of Architecture, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York from 1985 to 1991, teaching in, both, the undergraduate and graduate programs. He has intermittently taught as a Visiting Faculty at R.V. College, Bangalore, the University School of Design at Mysore University and S.I.T, Tumkur.
Bhavana Hameed
Co-founder, Playgroup Studio
Bhavana Hameed (b.1981) is an architect and the co-founder of Playgroup Studio, Goa + Calicut. The practice was founded in 2009 and is led by Bhavana and her partner Harsh Patel. The studio’s work spans a wide range of architectural works including public buildings, institutions, hospitality and residential projects.
She graduated from CEPT, School of Architecture (in 2008) and has worked with HHF Architects- Basel, ECG Architects- Cairo and Fake Design- Beijing. Her time working with the Chinese contemporary artist Ai Wei Wei has greatly influenced her thinking and practice.
Apart from her engagement with architectural design, Bhavana was also the Associate Director at the Charles Correa Foundation in 2013-14, where she had the unique opportunity to work under the guidance of Mr. Correa on various urban projects in Goa.
Her research work on the Kuttichira Mappila Houses of Malabar has been presented at various schools of architecture and is an ongoing documentation project of the studio.
Sanjeev Vidyarthi
Head of Department of Urban Planning and Policy (UPP), University of Illinois
Professor Sanjeev Vidyarthi serves as head of the department of Urban Planning and Policy (UPP) and the founding director of the Masters in City Design (MCD) program at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). He is also the co-editor of JPH, the journal of record in the field of planning history. Exploring the case of contemporary India, he studies who does the urban planning and city design work in such a massive, complex country and how. His experiences living, working, and studying in diverse regions including the Middle East, Western Europe, and the United States bring an internationally comparative lens, integrative framework, and an insider/outsider perspective to his scholarship. He has published five books and many essays in leading academic journals. Sanjeev works with progressive scholars and professional practitioners worldwide.
Mustansir Dalvi
Poet, Editor and Academician
Mustansir Dalvi, recently retired, was the longest serving professor of architecture in the University of Mumbai (Sir JJ College of Architecture). His doctoral research, for which he received a PhD from the IIT-Bombay (IDC), examined Bombay’s Art Deco Architecture from a semiotic perspective. His research is published in ‘New Architecture and Urbanism: Development of Indian Traditions’ (INTBAU), ‘Buildings that shaped Bombay: The Architecture of G. B. Mhatre’ (UDRI), ‘Quiet Conversations: the architecture of Kamu Iyer’ (MPC/NCPA), and ‘Mulk Raj Anand: Shaping the Indian Modern’ (Marg). He is the author of ‘The Romance of Red Stone: An Appreciation of Ornament on Islamic Architecture in India’ (Super Book House) and ‘The Past as Present: pedagogical practices in architecture at the Bombay School of Art’ (Sir JJ/UDRI). He is the editor of ’20th Century Compulsions’ (Marg), a collection of writings about early Indian modernist architecture. Mustansir Dalvi delivered public lectures at the Nehru Memorial Library, New Delhi and the Asiatic Society in Mumbai.
Manijeh Verghese
Director of Sphere Spaces + Head of Public Engagement at Architectural Association
Manijeh Verghese is the Director of Sphere Spaces, a design and curatorial practice interested in widening access to who can participate in conversations about architecture and culture. Manijeh was co-curator of The Garden of Privatised Delights – the 2021 British Pavilion at the 17th International Venice Architecture Biennale and was the interpretation specialist for the South Asia Gallery at the Manchester Museum in partnership with the British Museum that was co-curated by a collective of over 30 local experts. She is the Head of Public Engagement at the Architectural Association (AA) School of Architecture, where she also co-leads the design studio Diploma Unit 12. She is currently one of the Mayor of London’s Design Advocates and an External Examiner for the M.Arch programme at The Bartlett, UCL. She is on the Board of Trustees for the Architecture Foundation and a member of the advisory board for The DisOrdinary Architecture Project.
The Charles Correa Gold Medal is an award initiated in 1998 by Indian architect and urbanist Charles Correa. Through the format of the Gold Medal, the Charles Correa Foundation intends to not only challenge students and schools of architecture to focus on pressing issues, but also to emphasize the role that architects can play in society as “agents of change”.
Looking at the world around us, we believe it is crucial for everyone to understand how to build sustainably and use our resources judiciously. Continuing the theme from the previous year, the Charles Correa Gold Medal will focus on thesis projects that address climate concerns through architecture design. Charles Correa coined the phrase ‘Form Follows Climate’ and often said “to build in India is to respond to climate”.
This year, the Gold Medal will be awarded along with a cash prize of ₹25,000.
The Registration for the Charles Correa Gold Medal 2024 is now open.
Eligibility
The Applicant College of architecture must be located in India and approved by the Council of Architecture (COA).
Each entry must be an architectural design thesis project of a bonafide student of the Applicant College of architecture. The student must be the sole author of the project. Group work is not permitted.
The Applicant College may send only one entry, and the entry must be the thesis project of a student from the graduating class of the academic year 2023-24.
Guidelines
Applicant Colleges must submit their registration form via email by 5.00PM IST, 17 June 2024.
The submission for all the deliverables is 12.00 PM (noon) IST, 26 August 2024.
The format for deliverables will be provided to the Applicant Colleges upon registration.
For a detailed list of Guidelines, click on the image below.
Day 02 | Part 02: Practice of Research + Curation Moderators: Vishal Khandelwal, India / Ela Singhal, India Speakers (Part B): Shayari de Silva, Sri Lanka / Ishita Shah, India / Nondita Correa Mehrotra (virtual), India / Meghal Arya, India
Organized by the Lakshmi Mittal South Asia Institute at Harvard University in collaboration with the Architecture Foundation, the Architectures of Transition 2023: Frameworks and Practices in South Asia conference aimed to create a forum that helps architects reflect upon the breadth of work undertaken in the South Asia region collectively.
The Charles Correa Foundation was part of the panel on Day 02 discussing the theme: Practice of Research + Curation. The session focused on defining and articulating the nature of the practices of research, curation, and archiving. This practice is critical for nurturing the idea of South Asia and its relevance to the practitioners of the region, and to hold us to a standard of a deeper reading of place.
This video was posted to the Mittal Institute YouTube Channel on 27 March 2024. This video is a part of the three day conference titled Architectures of Transition 2023: Frameworks and Practices in South Asia held in New Delhi from 14-16 December, 2023.
In an era of smash-and-grab real estate capitalism and ideological extremism, buildings such as Sanskar Kendra City Museum, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Cricket Stadium and others need to be restored in a way that preserves their authenticity, allows for new uses
These outstanding modern buildings in Ahmedabad need to be restored in a way which preserves their authenticity while allowing for new uses. (Illustration by CR Sasikumar)
by William J R Curtis
Once upon a time, the city leaders in Ahmedabad constructed institutions for the public good. Today, they knock down great buildings to suit short-term interests such as land speculation and private profit. Ahmedabad is home to architecture of universal value, both ancient and modern. Not just timeless creations of the past such as the Adalaj Stepwell (Vaghela Dynasty, 1498) and the exquisite Sidi Saiyyed Mosque (1573), but also a string of modern masterpieces, such as the Millowners’ Association Building, Shodan and Sarabhai Houses, and the Sanskar Kendra City Museum (1954), all designed by Le Corbusier in the early 1950s; the Indian Institute of Management by Louis Kahn (1963); the Gandhi Ashram Museum (1962) and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Cricket Pavilion by Charles Correa (1963); or the School of Architecture (1966), and Sangath studio (1980) by Balkrishna Doshi.
Martha Chen is a Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and Senior Advisor of the global network Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing. An experienced development practitioner and scholar, her area of specialisation is the working poor in the informal economy.
Dr. Chen received a PhD in South Asia Regional Studies from the University of Pennsylvania; and was awarded a Padma Shri by the Government of India.
Roy Wadia is a Regional Communications Chief at WHO/Europe. His key area of work is Public Health and Development Communications and Advocacy.
Avijit Mukul Kishore is a cinematographer and filmmaker based in Mumbai. Kishore studied history at Delhi University (1987-92) and worked as a broadcaster on state television Doordarshan (1987-91) and All India Radio (1990-92). He studied cinematography at the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune (1995) and works primarily in documentary films and interdisciplinary moving-image practices. His films as director include An Election Diary, Nostalgia for the Future, Squeeze Lime in Your Eye, Vertical City, Certified Universal and Snapshots from a Family Album. He is also involved in cinema pedagogy as a lecturer and curates film programmes for prominent national cultural institutions. He is one of the 4 mentors for the Nagari short film competition 2023.
Nondita Correa Mehrotra is an architect working in India and the United States. Correa Mehrotra is principal of RMA Architects, which has offices in Mumbai and Boston. She is also Director of the Charles Correa Foundation, based in Panaji, India, and had worked for over two decades with Charles Correa from 1990 to when he closed his office in 2012.
“हसरतें बसरत” (Hasratein Basrat) stands out for its cinematic creativity, skillfully delving into the complexities of urban commons. Its thought-provoking storytelling navigates seamlessly through issues of waste, politics, and social equity, intertwining them with mythic threads of history. The film sheds light on the past’s significance in shaping the future, particularly evident in the rise and fall of the mound in Jajmau, Kanpur – the leather city of India.
With powerful characters and a satirical touch, the film immerses the audience in the lives of tannery workers living beside the infamous mound and the harsh realities they have to face. The film’s cinematic language, both lyrical and appealing, elevates its narrative, creating a compelling exploration of the past and the present.
Film by Oshee Johri & Nipun Prabhakar Mentored by Rajula Shah
Jury Citation:
“कार्य प्रगति पर है” (A Work in Progress) adeptly confronts a significant issue plaguing our country – construction waste, a formidable obstacle to our development. Its approach is subtle, never overtly forceful, delicately unfolding the narrative against the backdrop of Bhopal, where the city itself becomes a character in this compelling story. A striking irony unfolds as houses are dismantled only to give rise to new ones.
The film’s cyclical nature highlights the resilience of often-overlooked women builders reclaiming urban waste. While urging immediate action, the film instils hope through the endeavours of these citizens, transforming adversity into opportunity. The portrayal of people navigating a challenging situation and creating something meaningful resonates powerfully, ensuring that both the film and its theme have a lasting impact on the viewers.
Film by Ayush Ray & Ritam Sarkar Mentored by Bina Paul
Jury Citation:
“Junk-e” shines a spotlight on individuals actively engaged in attending to the looming crisis of electronic waste management and its segregation in Marghat, Kolkata. Through a nuanced portrayal, the film artfully navigates the urban landscape, employing interviews and storytelling.
Junk-e’s ability to engage with its subject matter in a subtle yet impactful manner distinguishes it, making it a noteworthy exploration of the intersection between the city, electronic waste and the people engaged in its management. Through the exploration of e-waste management as a means of livelihood, the film successfully gives a voice to these individuals engaging with it daily, beautifully portraying their interactions.
Film by Kabir Naik & Kuhu Saha Mentored by Avijit Mukul Kishore
People from diverse backgrounds share a common connection with their city’s creek, collectively narrating its story. “अवनति (Avnati)” unveils the tragic decline of the St. Inez Creek in Panaji, Goa. Enriched by a compelling Konkani soundtrack, the film captures emotional ties between the city and the creek, exposing its degradation due to sedimentation, pollution, and neglect.The film also inspires hope through restoration initiatives, urging collective responsibility.
