The SVP Stadium is an institution of firsts, both for Indian cricket and world architecture. It was the country’s first ‘turf’ ground, hosted the first one-day cricket match played in India, was one of the first sporting facilities in the newly formed State of Gujarat and the first, and for its time largest reinforced concrete folded plate cantilever roof (20m) in the world. The stadium was designed by internationally renowned professionals – architect Charles Correa and engineer Mahendra Raj, and the design and execution of the stadium pushed the boundaries of concrete construction in the 1960’s, cementing itself as an icon of modern Indian architecture.
To the cricketing community, the stadium is a space that has moulded and trained budding cricketers from across the state, and several of India’s all-time greats have played test and one-day cricket here! To the city, it is one of the few outdoor spaces for exercise, where there aren’t many left. To the architecture and design community, the stadium is an outstanding example of architectural and structural collaboration, a monolithic marvel that paved the way for the future of concrete construction not only in India but stood out as a classic example of structural innovation at a global level.
However, over time the concrete has deteriorated owing to weathering and a lack of maintenance. In 2020, the World Monuments Fund nominated SVP Stadium to the World Monuments Watch List and the Getty Foundation bestowed upon the stadium a ‘Keeping it Modern’ Grant. Owing to growing concerns about the concrete, the WMF partnered with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the Getty Foundation to develop a Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP) for the future of the stadium.
The Management Plan tables options on how to restore the structure and augment the facilities to bring them up to date. Now the SVP Stadium grounds has been shortlisted as a potential site for the 2036 Ahmedabad Olympic Bid, but it is not necessary to demolish the structure. The AMC needs to consider the proposals in the Management Plan, and the stadium needs all of us to come together and ask – is demolition really the only course of action?
We urge you to sign this petition in support of our plea – that the AMC reconsider their decision to raze this iconic stadium. Let us all take a step back, evaluate and come up with the best solution, one that saves this elegant landmark!
Thoughts in support:
“The objectives that are being given to demolish this architecturally important building can be met without demolishing it. By preserving it the profession and society can demonstrate the strength and depth of their creative and historic imagination for posterity.”
– A G Krishna Menon
“It is a very iconic monument.”
– Mallika Sarabhai
“The design embodies a clear demonstration of structural efficiency, making it inherently suitable for expansion and adaptive repurposing. Any architect who hastily opts for demolition on grounds of capacity or structural longevity either lacks thoroughness in their approach or fails to embrace a creative opportunity.”
– Sudipto Ghosh
“For all the reasons that Nondita Correa Mehrotra expressed so well, I support saving the Patel Stadium. India cannot lose any more of its iconic modern buildings. For environmental reasons alone, we need to restore, upgrade, and give news lives to such buildings as was clearly underway with the WMF and Getty plans. Correa and Raj’s Patel Stadium could be a shining example of how to stage such events as the Olympics so they are affordable, sustainable, and sensitive to communities, their cultures, and extant built environments.” – Mary Woods
“Se debe de preservar el patrimonio arquitectónico de una nación, entender el momento y trascendencia de esa estructura y el valor arquitectónico.” – Jorge Javier
“Is this Modernization, vandalizing historic properties in the name of development , I’m signing this petition for the betterment of our heritage.” – Anmol Arora
“It is time for India, as one of the rising superpowers, to preserve the rich architectural heritage that was crucial to its contemporary transformation. This stadium is important both from an architectural and engineering standpoint. It should be absolutely preserved.” – Antoine Picon
“This is a Landmark of Gujarat Sport’s. Ahmedabad is known for this Stadium ‘s design which does not have any Pillers coming in between the spectators and the game going in the ground. This stadium should be preserved as a Monument of the Ahmedabad development landmark.” – Rajesh V. Jadeja
“Being architect and living just besides the stadium I’ve grown up looking at each details that served as constant inspiration.
Apart from that the proposed project of Olympic grade stadium is next to impossible looking at the size of the site.
and last but the least that stadium is used for many activities why can’t we enhance that aspect by adaptively re-use that structure…” – Bhargav Shukla
For reading Letters in support for saving Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, click the image below.
For information about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, including coverage that has arisen around its proposed demolition and renovation, click the image below.
