INTACH will renew efforts to save Delhi's modern architectural heritage
INTACH's Delhi Chapter convener, AGK Menon, has now roped in eminent architects and institutions to endorse its appeal to the Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC).
Three years after the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) drew up a list of 'modern architectural heritage' in Delhi and called for its protection, it has now decided to renew its efforts in the direction.
INTACH's Delhi Chapter convener, AGK Menon, has now roped in eminent architects and institutions such as KT Ravindran, Arun Rewal, Romi Khosla, Institute of Urban Designers, etc to endorse its appeal to the Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC).
INTACH, in 2012, had proposed that 'iconic contemporary structures' in Delhi - Vigyan Bhavan, Dak Tar Bhavan, Ashoka Hotel, Supreme Court, etc - must be provided 'heritage status'. This would mean that they could not be demolished or altered without requisite permissions. At present, Indian laws recognise only structures that are over 100 years old as 'heritage'. INTACH had prepared an inventory of 62 such 'modern monuments' designed by celebrated architects like Habib Rahman, Charles Correa, Eb Doctor, Raj Rewal, Kuldip Singh and JA Stein. The proposal had gone into cold storage over the 'selection criteria' for such buildings.
Menon has now brought together Delhi's eminent architects and architectural institutions to give a renewed push to the proposal. He said, "It is time we relook at our idea of heritage. We protect our old historical buildings but why not the modern ones that will become our architectural heritage tomorrow. They are a part of the city's narrative and their impact on Delhi's urbanscape cannot be overlooked."
He emphasised, "They also show India's contribution to the 'modernist' movement in world architecture. Pragati Maidan, for instance, was the first large span 'space frame' in reinforced concrete in the world. Designs like 'space frame' at that time were made in glass and steel. However, since we lacked that quality of steel, concrete was used. If we don't recognise our own achievements in this field, why would the world celebrate them?"
Eminent architect KT Ravindran said, "There have been attempts to demolish some of these unique structures and it is critical to declare them as 'heritage'. We have generally agreed on the concept and will the government soon."