The memorial complex is a structure or a space that evokes the feeling of reminiscence and honor. Here, the famous Selvi J. Jayalalithaa memorial, which is located along Marina Beach, is an excellent structure that stands as an architectural marvel for a memorial building. The memorial monumentalizes Amma’s (Selvi J. Jayalalithaa) political and life journey, and her contribution to the state as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. This memorial acts as standing evidence of her accomplishments in the State.
Selvi J. Jayalalithaa :
Selvi J. Jayalalithaa was an Indian politician and actress who served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for more than fourteen years between 1991 and 2016 (2024). She was the 5th and longest-serving general secretary of All India Anna Dravida Munetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). She is popularly called “Amma” (Mother) and “Puratchi Thalaivi” (Revolutionary leader) by her followers. Jayalalithaa rose to prominence as a leading film actress in mid 1960s. She is known for her versatile acting and dancing skills in the Tamil, Kanada, and Telugu industries. She was given the title “The Queen of Tamil Cinema”. In 1982, Jayalalithaa joined the political party AIADMK where M.G. Ramachandran is popularly known as MGR, and her frequent co-star was the leader of the party. Her career in politics has rapidly grown, she became AIADMK propaganda secretary and was elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India’s Parliament. After the death of MGR, she became the leader and has done various welfare and development initiatives. Throughout her career, she has been s]alleged to various controversies and accusations. Despite that, she was a prominent and strong figure till her death which was on December 5, 2016. In remembrance of this legend, Selvi J. Jayalalithaa’s memorial has been built along the Marina Beach shore, where hundreds of people visit the memorial daily.
Design of Memorial :
The memorial was designed by Murali Architects, one of the prominent firms in Chennai. The typology of the building is cultural. It was built on 27th January 2021.
Concept of the memorial :
Being an iconic person throughout her life dedicated to the well-being of her people, the design has been created while keeping her dynamic life in mind. 2024) J. Jayalalithaa The intertwined and inclined walls form the shape of a phoenix bird to depict the revival of her power that arises when we spell the name, which reflects her inner soul and combative personality.
Planning of the memorial :
The plan of the memorial is a linear plan where several spaces like plazas oculus have been zoned in a linear way leading to the memorial where there is this huge phoenix-like structure welcoming people. This structure has been built in curves and angles to merge with the scenic waves along the coast behind it. A memorial has been built facing the NW side. The abutting Kamarajar promenade is a 28m road. The entrance has a huge MGR memorial arch inviting people into the place and there is this grand statue of both MGR and Jayalalithaa. Then comes MGR Memorial Park amidst the landscapes. After crossing these structures, the phoenix structure depicting the power of Selvi J Jayalalithaa has been designed. To the north, Amma’s museum, which honors and exhibits her life history, uses virtual reality concepts. The structure has been designed using the play of light, and the light that enters through the oculus has been partly diffused using prismatic glass, bringing diffused light into the interiors of the museum that enhances the user experience. The Knowledge Center, which is on the southern side of the memorial, has been designed to create awareness and enhance women’s empowerment and youth development. The museum and the knowledge center both have a design that has layers of cantilevered shell-like roofs placed one after another where there is an oculus that allows daylighting and eases the flow of movement. The fluidity is incorporated both in the exterior and interior. The major material used is reinforced concrete with white color all over the structure.
Case study – Yanzi Memorial Hall :
The Yanzi Memorial Hall was designed by the Architectural Design and Research Institution of SCUT in the year 2023 to honor the life of Yanzi Sage and his followers. It is located in the Fenxian district of Shanghai. The site is situated along the Yangtze River. This is not only a memorial but also a spiritual education center. It acts as an exhibition with spaces like museums, exhibitions, teaching meetings, etc.
Concept & Planning of the memorial :
The concept of the Yangzi memorial is based upon “The path of Yangzi’s ideal” which relies on Yangzi’s perspective of knowledge shared in Fengxian in his later ages, where spaces like the Water Court, the Green Palace, the Academy of Literature, and the Halls of sages have been arranged on the main axis from north to south. The structure has a simple and aesthetic architecture. To create and maintain a holistic appearance of the memorial, white marble has been used to cover the structure with an elegant ink texture. The contrast between a white building and a black water pool creates a Chinese painting depicting Yangzi’s memorial in the woods. The window sill height has been merged with the façade of the building, the long narrow strip windows enhance the people’s experience of viewing the scenery outside. (Silva, Yanzi Memorial Hall / Architectural Design and research institution of scut 2023)
The Yangzi Memorial Hall incorporating Chinese culture and philosophy created a space that enhances tranquility and develops the Fengxian district as a public attraction.
References :
- Jayalalithaa (2024a) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Jayalalithaa (Accessed: 15 February 2024).
Silva, V. (2023) Yanzi Memorial Hall / Architectural Design and research institution of scut, ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/1010057/yanzi-memorial-hall-architectural-design-and-research-institution-of-scut?ad_source=search&ad_medium=projects_tab (Accessed: 16 February 2024).
