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 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.
