At 5 pm today, the Little Theatre at the National Centre for Performing Arts will be screening an evocative film, Lovely Villa: Architecture as Autobiography, directed by Rohan Shivkumar. It is a testament to the fact that every house is a vessel for the experiences of the people who have inhabited it in the past, and those who will dwell there in the future. The film is set in Lovely Villa, an apartment building where Shivkumar-an architect, urban designer and filmmaker-grew up. This LIC Colony was designed by Charles Correa, and the film brings together an intersection of personal history with a broader narrative of visions for a modern India. “It is a film about the relationship between architecture, everyday life, family, coming of age and the memory of ‘home’,” states the director’s note. The screening will be followed by a dialogue between Avijit Mukul Kishore and Shivkumar.
Ferry at the Gateway of India in Mumbai. I Photo credit: David Brossard via Wikimedia Commons 2.0
Navi Mumbai architect Charles Correa thought a lot about ways to build efficient cities around the three key ingredients of jobs-housing-transportation, with adequate attention to social, cultural and educational institutions. The Charles Correa Foundation’s Nagari Film Festival 2024 was all about urban mobility.
Few people realize that Goa, too, is a land of five rivers: the Mandovi, Zuari, Sal, Terekhol and Chapora. This, in addition to Goa’s access to the sea routes via Mormugao and Panjim Minor ports, makes Goa one of the premier destinations for developing water-transport infrastructure in India.
Currently, ferries and bridges like the Atal Setu over the Mandovi take people across, on their way to school, work and other day-to-day activities. But there are chokepoints and limitations. For one, the bridges typically only connect the two banks where the river is the narrowest, rather than taking people as close as possible to their final destination over water. Two, as the population (domestic and tourist) grows, the pressures on infrastructure rise too.
An obvious fix, says Harvard University Graduate School of Design-trained architect Nondita Correa Mehrotra, is running water buses that can hit the sweet spot between affordability, accessibility, efficiency and lower climate impact.
The short film, Avnati, tells the story of the degradation of the St. Inez Creek that flows through Panaji through the lives and memories of people around it. From an idyllic place where people recall floating paper boats, the water body is replete with sedimentation, untreated sewage and effluents, construction of hotels and so on. Its story is a microcosm of Goa’s rich network of water bodies that include the ancient khazan ecosystems and deserves to be seen and heard over and over again if the ecosystem has to be restored to its natural health.
Originating in the marshlands of Taleigao and fed by the Nagahali hills, the St Inez creek flows through the city of Panaji, tracing its geographies and drains into River Mandovi. This is not a surprise for those who are aware of Panaji’s history as a wetland before it was turned into Goa’s capital city. The creek plays a significant role in sustaining life such as draining out the water during heavy rains and bringing in the fish that sustains livelihoods.
Panaji, also known as Panjim, was possibly called Pancham Khali in which khali refers to the creeks in and around the city. The St. Inez passes through the areas of Camrabhat, Tamddi Mati Tonca, flowing behind the Military Hospital, Don Bosco School and the ESG complex. Snatches of this are seen in the documentary Avnati (Decline). which traces the decline of the creek and highlights the emotional connections of the people who live around it. Made by Kabir Naik and Kuhu Saha, the 8-minute film won the People’s Choice award in the Nagari competition last year held by the Charles Correa Foundation. Though focused on St. Inez creek, the film is a wake-up call about the wetlands across Goa.
The film ‘Cut the Cord’ explores the fate of Bhoond/tempo, the option of shared transport. A crucial transportation mode for many low-income Punjabis, the tempo faces a potential decline due to lack of supportive policies
थानै कठै जाणो?
Where do you want to go?
The film ‘थानै कठै जाणो?’ explores the challenges and resilience of female bus conductors in Rajasthan roadways, navigating between demanding duties, societal constraints and future hopes.
The Delhi Local
The film ‘The Delhi Local’ is an oral history of the now defunct ring railway system presented through the eyes of its erstwhile users and operators. Infrastructural neglect and decay being the key themes.
Level Up!
Rajiv Rajan’s dream to commute independently on his wheelchair and the long legal battle for low-floor buses is the core of the film ‘Level up’. The film features Rajiv and his loved ones and explores themes of universal design and barrier-free public transport.
The Cycle of Life
The film ‘The Cycle of Life’ traverses rural-urban landscape with Umesh, who travels to Nagpur in ST bus, as he rents a cycle to buy goods from the local market. And his journey, back to his village to sell the goods.
Town on Water
Beyond the tourist gaze, “Town on Water” unveils the hidden stories of Kashmir’s Hanji community, water dwellers whose lives are intertwined with the lake’s changing tides, battling rapid urbanisation and its impact.
A City Waiting
How do people move at night? The film ‘A City Waiting’ explores how essential the night bus system is to the national capital, a city that never sleeps through the lens of the passenger, the bus driver, and those who wait only to leave.
Sundari
The film Sundari follows the story of a ferry riding family in Madh Koliwada facing disruption from a new bridge construction. The legend of Sundari, a fabled boatwoman, echoes their struggle for survival.
साखळ्या आणि चाके
Sakhlya Ani Chaake (Chains & Wheels)
The roads of Pune don’t support the working-class people, for whom a bicycle is the only mode of commute. The film ‘साखळ्या आणि चाके’ looks at the lives of these people who are not a part of the urban transportation plans.
Cowboys of the West (UP)
The film ‘Cowboys of the West (Up)’ aims to document the everyday lives of informal milk suppliers to Delhi. Through their journey the film hopes to explore notions of mobility, networks and space.
Walking with Abdul
Through Abdul, a migrant salesman walking across the suburbs of Western Mumbai selling eggs, bread and snacks stacked upon a bicycle, the film ‘Walking with Abdul’ explores walking as a forced mobility inside a city.
Homes on the Line
In the film ‘Homes on the Line’ an elevated railway track celebrates progress above, while beneath it unfolds a moving tale of displacement and emotional loss.
Panaji: The Charles Correa Foundation has formally requested the inclusion of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to conduct a thorough structural analysis of Kala Academy following ongoing concerns regarding the integrity of the building post-repair. In a letter to the PWD’s chief engineer- I and member secretary of govt-appointed task force committee, Santosh Mhapne, the CCF cited its role as a primary source for architectural resources related to the Kala Academy, but was being given a cold shoulder. “Despite being a primary source of information for the drawings and other resources pertaining to the Kala Academy, we were prevented from accessing the site,” the letter signed by CCF’s managing trustee, Arminio Ribeiro, stated.
“My name is Marty Chen. I taught policy at the Harvard Kennedy School for 35 years and co-founded the WIEGO network which seeks to empower the working poor in the informal economy around the world to secure their livelihoods. Before joining Harvard University, Iworked in Bangladesh in the 1970s and India in the 1980s with NGOs seeking to empower the working poor in villages and cities.
In 2020, I was asked by Nondita Mehrotra to chair the jury for that year’s Nagari Short Film competition. The topic for that year’s films – “people and livelihoods in urban India” – was a topic that is central to my work and dear to my heart. So, I readily agreed. There were five of us on the jury – an art critic and poet, a lawyer and judge, two filmmakers and an activist academic. The jury jointly viewed the nine films – then discussed the films at some length, sharing our different perspectives, and then voted on the films. It was a difficult task to rank the films – as each was strong in different ways.
All of the films in the competition were powerful – telling the story of the barriers faced by the working poor in trying to earn a living in urban India: barriers that range from social discrimination and prejudice to lack of urban services. sanitation and governance to climate change to corporate collusion with politicians and government and to the COVID pandemic recession. The films featured a range of urban occupations: food vending, fast food delivery, liquor-making, fishing, water chestnut harvesting, tailoring, construction day labour, and migrant workers in a yarn recycling facility, at a stone quarry and in floating casinos. One film also featured the aspirations of two children of the working poor – to study for a PhD and to perform as a break dancer.
Having worked on the livelihood challenges of poor households in India and South Asia for four decades, I was deeply moved and impressed by how the young filmmakers, who were new to the subject, were able to capture the barriers the working poor face in pursuing their livelihoods but also their dignity, expertise and resilience. To paraphrase the adage, “a short film is worth 10,000 words”. My hope is that the Nagari Short Film competition will continue to document core issues of urban India – as short films are an excellent medium for communicating challenging urban issues through the lens of those who have to deal with them on an everyday basis.”
“The Nagari Short Film Competition has been a wonderfully generative space since its inception in 2020. It has facilitated the production of a large number of short documentary films by young people that are crucial to understanding urban dynamics and crises in the Indian context. Its focus on voices from the margins gives visibility to perspectives that are often not considered by urban planners and policymakers. From housing, to livelihoods, to water and waste management, it has created valuable and timely content. This initiative is truly worthy of support and encouragement, for both the process and the product make an important contribution to the conversations around urban planning, development and the rights of citizens.”
“I was a Nagari short film festival jury panellist in 2022 and can attest that the short films made by young filmmakers in this Charles Correa Foundation (CCF) competition address key issues of our times in creative and enlightening ways. In 2022, the theme was water and urban spaces. I learned so much about Mumbai’s water system through the story of one man’s impossible journey to get a legal water connection in his community-the urban settlement of Siddharth Nagar in Mumbai, and another young woman’s story about the challenge of living with rainwater streaming into her community from an adjacent and huge garbage dump on the outskirts of a large urban metropolis. Nagari is a unique film platform– it showcases hidden stories about the lived experience of people in diverse conditions of different cities–and should be supported to continue to raise awareness of and trigger solutions to the challenges of rapid and massive urbanisation.”
CCF write to KA regarding concerns over alteration of architectural finishes. Requests for transparency of work being carried out. Request to be involved in the repair.
CCF organise meeting with Techton Buildcon Pvt Ltd
CCF inform the consultant in a public meeting that no aesthetic changes are to be carried out to Kala Academy. Techton point out the waterproofing and accoustic issues in the structure. CCF and local historians explain the 1983 design and the changes made in 2004. Request Techton to revert to finshes and accoustics of 1983.
CCF inform the court that our demand to persue repair, has been accepted by the govt. Court judgement states that “no structures in the Kala Academy complex will be demolished, but structural repairs and renovation works will be carried out for preservation and maintainance of the complex.” First time a 20th Century building has been saved from demolition by a Court Order
1 July 2021
Techton appoint a team to start work.
24 June 2021
Government appeal to the High Court to dismiss the petition
Amicus Curiae requests CCF to review the government proposal and verify that there will be no demolition of Kala Academy before disposing the case. Granted, till 8 July 2021
Work given without tender. Sum of 39.63 Crore + tax.
30 December 2020
Request from CCF to KA regarding update on repair of KA & for a site visit. No reply from KA.
7 June 2020
Onset of the South-west monsoons in Goa
KA remains exposed and it gets inundated with water
25 March 2020
Janta Curfew and start of nation-wide lockdown
CCF heard, unofficially, that the state is broke and no funds are available for Kala Academy
16 March 2020
Court Hearing
Postponed indefinitely due to COVID 19
CCF submit an affidavit in absentia, putting a timeline and explaining the recommendations of Dr. RG Pillai, the affidavit also demanded that the non-performing waterproofing be scraped off before the monsoons as it soaks water like a sponge and contributes to the dead load. .
10 March 2020
Getty Foundation asks for details
Getty wrote back asking for further clarification and details.
4 March 2020
Getty acknowledgement of receival
Getty acknowledged receipt of the application
3 March 2020
Keeping it Modern grant by Getty Foundation
Keeping it Modern grant by Getty foundation was applied to for funds.
2 March 2020
Court Hearing and meeting with Gaude
Deputy AG requested postponing the hearing citing absence of AG.
Nondita Correa Mehrotra and Tahir Noronha’s meeting with Gaude requesting a letter of consent from Kala Academy with the idea of accepting private/CSR funds to pay consultants, to ease taxpayer’s money. The minister puts it on member secretary Kala Academy who stated that such proposal would not be accepted.
In the meeting, it was informed that the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) will not take up any work in Kala Academy since they only take work valued over 10Cr.
Kala Academy has approached PWD but have got no response. Next court hearing on 16th march 2020
20 February 2020
CCf send a letter to Kala Academy to appoint consultants
Letter from CCF to Kala Academy with the subject of appointing consultants for repair attaching the report and proposal, CVs of Arun Mennon and Dr.R.G. Pillai and profile of NCSHS.
Since NCSHS and IIT Madras are fully funded Government of India institutions, there is no need to call for tenders by the state.
19 February 2020
Report from Dr. R.G. Pillai and proposal from NCSHS
Report from IIT madras i.e. Dr. R.G. Pillai is received, based on his inspection and peer review.
Another document from NCSHS is received with proposal to take up the case of Kala academy as consultants at the cost of 15 lakhs INR.
18 February 2020
Preliminary recommendations from Dr. RG Pillai. Followed by basic repair strategy from IIT Madras.
30 January 2020
Article on Gaude’s press conference gets published
Accuses CCF of incompetency to put up a shed on Kala Academy’s amphitheatre
Claims that CCF has been objecting any repairs to Kala Academy since 2010 (i.e. before inception fo CCF)
27 January 2020
Court hearing
The AG placed the minutes before the hon. Judge and said that the government. Has taken objection to points made by Kala Academy in the minutes. Points raised:
How can NCSHS be appointed without tender?
Justice Sonak said since it is an institution fully funded by the Government of India. Additionally they will only be doing consultant work and not implementation. Hence there should be no objection.
AG said the Finance Department and the Ministry of Art and Culture should also agree – to which the judge said, get the approvals in 3 weeks.
AG was saying CCF is just going after the glory, to which the judge reprimanded him and reminded him to not treat this as adversarial litigation.
Judge has requested the government to follow the calendar put down in the minutes and not delay any further.
Case is adjourned to 5th March. The government is requested to complete all financial and administrative approval for appointment of IIT Madras before that.
Inspection by Dr. R.G. Pillai alongwith Dr. K.G. Guptha HOD Civil eng. (GEC), Arminio Ribeiro and Tahir Noronha (CCF) , Gaurish Bhagat (JE Kala Academy) and Gurudas P.Pilarnekar (director, art and culture)
Minutes of the meeting important points:
Dr Pillai stated that the structure does not require demolition and can be repaired. Quality of work should not be compromised by rushed time-schedule. It is advisable to ensure long-term preventive measures to preserve the building.
Dr. K.G. Guptha HOD, Civil Eng., Goa Engineering College (GEC) stated that no more water should be allowed to enter the structure, nor flow along the amphitheatre as it seeps and damages the concrete.
Member Secretary Mr. Gurudas Pilarnekar resolved that by the end of February 2020 he would get the necessary administrative and financial approvals to cover the structure and not let any water enter.
Dr. KG Guptha, explained some complications that will arise during the covering of the structure due to the slab aready being overloaded by multiple layers of non-performing waterproofing.
The Charles Correa Foundation may not be able to provide solutions to these complex issues alone, as our expertise is limited to the field of Architecture.
10 January 2020
Kala Academy invitation for stakeholder’s meeting with Pillai
Letter from Kala Academy acknowledging the letter from CCF, inviting all stakeholders to participate in the inspection by Dr. R.G. Pillai, as well as informing about a stakeholder meeting on the same day i.e. after the inspection.
3 January 2020
CCF sends Kala Academy a letter with details of inspection
Mentioning three thing to Kala Academy from CCF:
NCSHS – IIT-Madras are conducting peer review of the audits as well as visiting the structure pro-bono.
CCF is bearing the cost for the conveyance.
Requesting Kala Academy to assist with arrangements for the inspection.
27 December 2019
Letter of request to allow inspection
Letter from CCF requesting Kala Academy that IIT Madras will come and conduct inspection on 16th January 2020.
20 December 2019
Response from IIT Madras
IIT Madras responded that Prof. R.G.Pillai can visit Goa on 16th January 2020 and conduct an inspection of the structure.
CCF paid for the conveyance of the recommended expert — Dr. Radhakrishna G. Pillai.
16 December 2019
Court Hearing
The pertinent points to note:
The government puts forward that in the meeting dated 2nd December 2019. It is decided to call in a structural expert who would suggest appropriate repair methodology, after studying both structural reports and visual observation.
They said they have not received any confirmation from the expert that they had reached out to.
They mentioned that they will be keeping CCF and GSIDC in the loop and will consider any suggestions/ recommendations from either agency and their expert panels as well.
Case is adjourned till 27th January.
5 December 2019
CCF approaches NCSHS
CCF approached the National Centre of Safety of Heritage Structures at IIT-Madras
4 December 2019
Kala Academy invites Dr. Kapuria
Member secretary of Kala Academy sends letter to the identified expert Dr. Kapuria, who does not respond.
2 December 2019
Stakeholder’s meeting
The pertinent points to note:
The minutes of the previous meeting were amended after discussion. Point (6) of the previous minutes now reflects the statement by Structural Auditor Dr. KG Guptha from GEC that “the structure can be saved and does not require demolition”.
The Kala Academy had requested GSIDC to take up auxiliary minor repair works (mostly cosmetic) and the mild moderate and severe structural issues still remain to be addressed. (2 & 6)
A decision was taken to call in an expert to advise on repair methodology before any decision is taken. An expert was identified by one of the stakeholders. (7 & 9)
28 November 2019
Letter from Kala Academy about GSIDC work and inviting for stakeholder’s meeting 2019
Letter from Kala academy stating GSIDC has carried out works of the Kala academy building as per pre-arrangements of IFFI 2019 and invites to stakeholders meeting on 2nd december 2019
18 November 2019
AG wishes to file another affidavit
AG claims in court that additional evidence has come up and he wants to file another affidavit explaining the same.
21 October 2019
Request from Government to include GSIDC
Government requests GSIDC (implementing agency) to be added to the case.
17 October 2019
CCF submits letter to Kala Academy
CCF submits a letter to Kala Academy stating no architectural changes should be made to the building.
CCF reccommends Kala Academy to bring in structural expert Dr. Arun Mennon from IIT Madras
CCF recommends changes to the minutes to the previous meeting.
There was an assurance from the Kala Academy Chairman (Minister Gaude) that the government will explore all options to strengthen the structure before taking a decision to demolish the structure.
The Minister and the Member Secretary requested CCF to come up with some design solutions to address the issues plaguing the structure – especially water seepage.
The Member Secretary requested unanimity among stakeholders for permission to conduct urgent repairs.
CCF had previously expressed no objection to imediate repairs of the areas marked as “SEVERE” in the structural reports.
CCF was granted access to inspect the structure only after the meeting ended.
24 September 2019
Invitation to stakeholder meeting by Kala Academy
Letter from the Member Secretary Kala Academy inviting CCF to a stakeholder meeting to discuss the structural safety audits conducted by GEC and GEM Engiserv.
With this letter CCF obtained copies of the GEC and GEM audits.
9 September 2019
CCF files an affidavit at the High court
CCF files an affidavit with inputs on the GEC report mentioning the 2004 renovations, at the cost of 24.9 crores, declaring the work to be unscientific and substandard (the cause of the present issues) and attaching letters from notable artists and members of civil societies.
Government seeks more time since the second report is delayed.
Advocate General informs GEM Engiserv from Navi Mumbai have been awarded the tender to undertake the second audit.
27 August 2019
Affidavit filed by the government
Government makes an affidavit attaching Goa Engineering College’s Report
Also declared that they will be getting second report and that as yet there is no decision to demolish the open air auditorium.
19 August 2019
Court hearing
The government and the court accept the intervention put forward by CCF. The government was requested to file an affidavit.
GEC submitted their report which consisted of all comprehensive data including NDT and inspections. KA need not be demolished & required structural strengthening.
19 September 2018
First proposal of needed step to be undertaken
GEC informs KALA with a proposal for NDT
30 July 2018
First structural inspection
GEC acknowledged the request and performed an inspection.
5 July 2018
First step for safety analysis and risk
Kala academy requested the local Engineering School (GEC) to conduct a structural safety audit.
8 June 2018
First official report of any structural safety risk
Umesh Kholkar complaint letter- part of the slab collapsed; later on it was found that it was the false ceiling that had collapsed.
15 December 2017
KA authorities request CCF views and suggestions w.r.t restoration & upgradation of KA.
May 2006
CAG points out finanicial irregularity in Kala Academy Work
Works tendered at 2 times the actual cost.
June 2005
Massive leakage observed in Kala Academy
Public outcry featured in all state newspapers. CM Pratapsinh Rane appoints Rajiv Shrikande to investigate claims.
September – December 2004
Changes to Kala Academy
Jain makes several changes to the finishes of the building. The waterproofing was once-again rushed in the same methodology as 1996. A new detail for protecting the expansion joint was developed. Accoustic Treatment of the Indoor Auditorium was completely changed on the advice of accoustic vendors, without any scientific input.
September 2004
Uttam Jain defends the changes
August 2004
No response from Uttam/Chirag Jain, Correa gets worried
Mentions the change of materials, use of granite and changing of the acoustics. Structural rehabilitation & waterproofing neglected.
5 May 2004
Correa met Chiraj Jain, agreed to advise them at no cost
Chirag also asked for the drawings, which Correa gave
30 April 2004
Letter from Cheif secretary explaining that they appointed Uttan Jain
Proposal is simply carry out internal repairs and refurbishments and nothing else. Seeking Correa’s approval to proceed.
17 Feb 2004
Parrikar Press Conference on Kala Academy on KA upgradation
Parrikar said that Correa was too busy with international commitements to take up the work, so they have appointed Uttam Jain for the rpoject, considering Chirag Jain’s experience at the CCA office.
10 July 2003
Kala Academy approach Correa for the up-gradation of Kala AcadLetter indicating that KA authorities would consult Mr Correa regarding changes in KA, however small.my
December 1996
Waterproofing work hurried
On account of the Monsoon and visit of the Prime Minister of India to Goa, the waterproofing work was rushed. Instead of removing the original waterproofing, a new layer was put over the old waterproofing.
April 1996
Seepage obseved
Seepage, primarily from the roof slabs. Correa advised the Kala Academy to appoint a local consultant to oversee the waterproofing. CEM India appointed for the work.
17 December 1987
Grouting and waterproofing stopped prematurely
On account of visit of President of India.
16 February 1987
Grouting work started
11 November 1986
Seepage obseved
Seepage from the floor of the indoor auditiorium (through the chair-fitting), the control room of the Open-air Amphitheatre, and through the expansion joints in the roof-slabs.
9 September 1986
N B Hadker’s letter identifying design & supervision by CPWD being cause of leakages at KA.
11 November 1983
Kala Akademi building handed over to the Kala Academy Society
13 March 1983
The raft foundation designed by Central PWD, New Delhi, failed due to up-thrust from ground-water. NB Hadkar appointed on Correa’s advice, designs new slab.
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.
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
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.
Ahmedabad: After ruminating for almost a year, the civic boddy has decided to demolish the iconic Sardar Patel Stadium at Navrangpura, which was recently put on the 2020 World Monument Fund (WMF) watch list.
The stadium, designed by Charles Correa, will now be replaced by a Rs 200-crore sports facility. A Rs 26-crore building to house the city museum or Sanskar Kendra has also found place in the civic body’s latest Rs 1,900-crore city revival plan.
The Charles Correa Foundation (CCF) announces the 2024-2025 cycle of the Research Fellowship, a residency program based in Fontainhas, Panaji, Goa.
Apply by 15 December 2023 for a year-long position opening January 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 January 2024 Fellowship” with the necessary attachments.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has hired a private consultant to raise funds to restore the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium.
by Ritu Sharma
At the centre of the busy Navrangpura, a dense residential and business district in Ahmedabad stands the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Stadium spread over 67,000 sq metres.
Designed by the famous architect Charles Correa, the SVP Stadium was built for the Cricket Club of Ahmedabad (CCA) and hosted the first international match in the country in 1981. Gujarat had already made history as it had hosted the first cricket match in India in 1721 played by the Mariners of East India Company at Cambay.
The groups made statements following news that the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, which was designed by Indian architect Charles Correa, is set to be demolished as part of Ahmedabad’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics.
“The SVP Stadium is a modernist Indian coliseum: a remarkable example of innovative and expressive post-Independence design, and one of architect Charles Correa’s most distinctive buildings,” said a Twentieth Century Society spokesperson.
Retrofitting or repairing modern architectural landmarks could be challenging. Concrete structures, as in the Ahmedabad Stadium, are challenging to preserve. Among others, glazing used in modern buildings is only sometimes energy efficient. But these challenges can be met.
by A. Srivathsan
Mirza Ghalib’s verse – ‘My heart boils in the clamour of discontent/ This voiceless bubble augurs a storm’ – best captures the current mood of Indian architects horrified by the quick loss of significant modern buildings. The iconic Hall of Nations in Delhi was pulled down six years ago. Last year, IIM Ahmedabad decided to demolish about 14 buildings, mostly dormitories, on their internationally renowned campus.
Bhawna Dandona, the conservation architect who was involved in preparing the CCMP for the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, discusses the ways to preserve the iconic building.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad stands as the result of a remarkable collaboration between architect Charles Correa and structural designer Mahendra Raj. Constructed in the 1960s, it ranks among the most impressive public structures of its era, showcasing cutting-edge engineering and the skills of Indian professionals in the years following independence.
