Evolution of Modern Architecture: Colonial to Contemporary

Introduction

The introduction to modern building construction and planning occured after the arrival of the British into India. The main aim of this architecture was to house their organisations, their people, and whatever was necessary to control a big empire like India.

Architectural Evolution in India & Colonial Influence

• Portuguese Influence
  • Introduced the Iberian style of architecture in India.
  • They also introduced the concept of Patio houses and the Baroque style involving the use of contrasting colours.
  • Examples: Se Cathedral in Goa; Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa; Diu Fort etc.
• French Influence
  • Brought the concept of Urban city planning.
  • They developed the towns of Puducherry, Chandannagar, Mahe (Kerala), Karaikal (Tamil Nadu), and Yanam (Andhra Pradesh).
  • Other examples of French constructions are: the Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Puducherry and, the Sacred Heart Church of Chandannagar (West Bengal).

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• British Influence
  • Brought with them the Gothic style and merged it with Indian architecture resulting in the Indo-Gothic style of architecture.
  • Neo-Roman architecture emerged post-1911.
• Indo-Gothic Style
  • It is a unique blend of Indian, Persian and Gothic styles of architecture and is also known as the Victorian style.
  • The buildings are large and elaborate, with thinner walls compared to the Indo-Islamic era.
  • The arches were pointed, unlike the curving arches of the Indo-Islamic era.
  • Large windows are the unique features of the Victorian style.
  • Examples: Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, Gateway of India in Mumbai etc.
• Neo-Roman Style
  • The works of Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker were the finest examples of this style. Example: New Delhi Government complex.
  • It was a confluence of all styles of architecture, which made the style congested and cramped.
  • As a result of the hybrid nature of the construction, simplicity, modernity and utility were highly compromised.
  • The focus was more on circular buildings, and there was an overuse of oriental motifs to realise western architectural designs.
• Post-Independence Architecture
  • Two Schools of Architecture emerged after Independence 
    • Revivalist
    •  Modernist
  • These both couldn’t break away from the colonial hangover resulting in a decline in the standard of the architectural traditions of India.
  • Examples of modern architecture: The City of Chandigarh designed by Le Corbusier, the Supreme Court, Rashtrapati Bhavan etc.

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Conclusion

• Modern architecture revolutionized the built environment, shaping urban landscapes and reflecting the spirit of the times. 
  • Its legacy continues to influence contemporary design, emphasizing sustainability, flexibility, and human-centric approaches.

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