Some photos from this mornings walk with IIA architects looking at Modernism and pre modern architecture from PMG to PMG. It was led by Ar. Thomas Oommen who is an urban designer based in Bengaluru. There was lots of food for thought even though I found myself disagreeing with some of the things that were being said. He pointed out that modern architecture in India was post independence and Nehru himself took a personal interest in creating a new architecture for a new nation embodying its values of being a secular, socialist, democracy. He invited Le Corbusier and Joseph Stein. In Kerala Ar. Alexander who actually trained as an engineer, went to the U.S to study architectural engineering and worked in the firm of Max Abramovitz who supervised the UN building in New York. He then came to Kerala and set up the first architecture course in CET in 1964. Thomass father was part of the first batch. My main queries were - was modernism an imposition on a traditional society ? Why dont we consider Swati Tirunals ideas of a public library, public schools and the Observatory to be Modern ? In fact they were revolutionary for their time, I think. Why is it that our own artisans could not build these modern buildings - did you need the imagination of an outsider for a modern conception. Does it then lead to the hodge podge we see today. Anyway, it was a great walk- more cerebral than many others. Refreshments are provided. Highly recommended. Maya Gomez is a great organiser and manages to stay behind the scenes. Looking forward to more events with IIA during the celebration year.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 06:05:11 +0000
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