Two Modes of Building National Identity Through Architecture: How Critical Regionalist Correa and Doshi Preserve Indian Culture
Disciplines
Architecture
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Did the popularity and supposed progressiveness of global modernism triumph the reality that a sacrifice of Indian culture and identity was made? As one of the most influential movements of the 20th century that reconstructed global modernist principles with a strong cognizance of local tradition and environmental conditions, this study analyzes the cultural and spatial reinterpretations of Indian architecture through critical regionalist Charles Correa and Balkrishna Doshi. After gaining independence in 1947, India adopted international style and were influenced by modernist architects such as Le Corbusier and Louis Khan. However, modernism disregarded vernacular traditions, climate, and cultural identity of India, which led to rise of critical regionalism for cultural revival. This paper analyzes architectural works from Correa and Doshi to explore different design techniques that balanced modernity and regionalism by rejecting the placelessness and homogenous landscapes of pure modernism, and in turn create spaces rooted in India’s identity. This paper draws on writings of theorist Kenneth Frampton, and influences of modernist architects, Le Corbusier and Louis Khan, to explore the balance of integrating modernity’s innovation and preserving cultural values of India. This research argues that critical regionalism constructed true progressive prosperity in India’s architecture by respecting its local traditions, materiality, climate, environment, and vernacular techniques.
Use of AI Disclaimer
no
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CACM – Architecture
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Ehsan Sheikholharam Mashhadi
Two Modes of Building National Identity Through Architecture: How Critical Regionalist Correa and Doshi Preserve Indian Culture
Did the popularity and supposed progressiveness of global modernism triumph the reality that a sacrifice of Indian culture and identity was made? As one of the most influential movements of the 20th century that reconstructed global modernist principles with a strong cognizance of local tradition and environmental conditions, this study analyzes the cultural and spatial reinterpretations of Indian architecture through critical regionalist Charles Correa and Balkrishna Doshi. After gaining independence in 1947, India adopted international style and were influenced by modernist architects such as Le Corbusier and Louis Khan. However, modernism disregarded vernacular traditions, climate, and cultural identity of India, which led to rise of critical regionalism for cultural revival. This paper analyzes architectural works from Correa and Doshi to explore different design techniques that balanced modernity and regionalism by rejecting the placelessness and homogenous landscapes of pure modernism, and in turn create spaces rooted in India’s identity. This paper draws on writings of theorist Kenneth Frampton, and influences of modernist architects, Le Corbusier and Louis Khan, to explore the balance of integrating modernity’s innovation and preserving cultural values of India. This research argues that critical regionalism constructed true progressive prosperity in India’s architecture by respecting its local traditions, materiality, climate, environment, and vernacular techniques.