Architecture is the mirror of society. It reflects all the cultures, and beliefs that a society practices. For example, a modern society that has a full-fledged acceptance and awareness of the LGBTQ community would have separate toilets for them in public places or gender-neutral toilets. When one would visit their malls or restaurants, they would have a look at the toilets and get to know about the society through architecture. Another example of Central Vista in India can be looked at where architecture has been used as a tool to showcase the power of a nation, its independence, and its ability to break away from the old chains. Architecture has always been there to solve problems hiding in plain sight. The Conservation projects will indicate how much a nation respects its heritage. Urban planning projects would be there to solve the problems on a macro level, while architectural projects would be there to handle micro-ones. The progress of a nation is seen in its infrastructure. Better transport connectivity, houses for all, schools for all, more administrative buildings, etc. are all architectural aspects of a strong nation.
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
Railway Stations, Redevelopment, City center
For a country like India, in which railways has a network across the length and the breadth of the landmass and holds the sobriquet of ‘lifeline of the nation,’ it is certainly the nation’s identity. To enhance this identity, the Indian Ministry of Railways launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme in February 2023, as per which, 1309 railway stations all over the country would be redeveloped. Building the platforms and the railways would be like building the nation. These stations would be designed as the ‘City Centers’ and connectivity to the rest of the city would be provided by a multi-modal transport network. Facilities for passengers would be taken care of. This will further boost the movement of people via the railways and help in boost the economy. The design and architecture of the stations would be inspired by local culture and heritage, representing the city in which the station lies. This urban development cum architectural project also shows the inclination of the nation towards sustainable and a greener future as the Indian Railways is trying to achieve Net-Zero Emission by 2023. And the scheme is under the same umbrella. It is also an indicator that the nation is stepping into the technological era as the amenities are going to be modern and technologically advanced such as bio-toilets, wi-fi connection, etc.
Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India
IECC, ITPO, MICE, G-20 Summit
Bharat Mandapam, as it is called, is the largest (IECC) Integrated Exhibition Cum-Convention Center in India with an area of 123 acres. As the ITPO Complex at Pagati Maidan became short of space and could not meet the call of the expanding economy, the government decided to renovate it. All major cities of the world have this place called MICE which is used to organize national and international level meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.
The complex has spaces like small and big meeting rooms and auditoriums; a summit room, an amphitheater, two multipurpose halls, etc. If combined, the halls can accommodate 7000-8000 people, which is a number bigger than the accommodation capacity of Australia’s Sydney Opera House (5700). The G-20 summit, which is going to be held in India for the first time, is going to take place in the very Summit room of the complex having an extravagant look. From ground to roof the Bharat Mandapam showcases Indianness to the world. The interiors take inspiration from different corners of the country and the peacock motif finds its place repeatedly from the doors to the carpets.
The revamped IECC complex is an indicates that now India is capable enough to do the stuff any country in the world is doing. Such projects are also necessary to bring in foreign attention and investment.
Architecture has always been a way of providing identity – to persons, communities, and nations. Kings used to build huge monoliths, monuments, and obelisks to showcase their power and ensure they were always remembered even after their demise. So is the case today. Only kings have been replaced with governments. There may be a single monumental project located at a single site or there can be multiple smaller projects under a single ambition. Each project is indicative of the nation’s progress and prosperity. Every project highlights one or the other purpose that the government is trying to fulfill. Every policy on paper has some or other physical evidence in terms of infrastructure and architecture. For instance, if a city wants to promote cycling, related infrastructure such as cycle stands, and cycle tracks would have to be made. Likewise, a city adamant about recycling its waste would have waste-collecting cells and waste recycling centers. The role of architecture in nation-building is just not replaceable.
References:
Drishti IAS. (n.d.). Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme. [online] Available at: https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/amrit-bharat-stations-scheme [Accessed 19 Aug. 2023]
Kumar, A. (2023). Bharat Mandapam: All About India’s G20 Summit Venue. [online] news.abplive.com. Available at: https://news.abplive.com/india-at-2047/g20-summit-venue-inside-bharat-mandapam-where-leaders-of-group-will-meet-in-september-1619429 [Accessed 19 Aug. 2023]
TimesNow. (2023). REVAMPED at Rs 2150 cr cost! New Look Of Pragati Maidan – AMAZING BUILDING! [online] Available at: https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/real-estate/revamped-at-rs-2150-cr-cost-new-look-of-pragati-maidan-amazing-building-article-102081571#:~:text=The%20redevelopment%20of%20Pragati%20Maidan [Accessed 19 Aug. 2023]
