Understanding Critical Regionalism through works of Raj Rewal

Abstract

In a country with vast diversity, history, culture and traditions have played a huge role in the architecture of the place. The people, lifestyle, events of the past have influenced the architecture of a region by marking an identity of its own. With the modernist movement, architecture took a turn in the country. The European influence led to numerous changes in architecture with introduction to new materials and technology. The adaptation can be linked to foreign influences which changed various aspects in architecture. Post-independence few notable architects wanted to express through their work that our ancient character cannot be ignored as “ancient past is out living present”. These are architects believed in bringing out the “indianess” through architecture, thus making modern architecture into modern Indian architecture and showing how the history of a place can be carried forward in a progressive country. (Indianess-Perception or feeling of 'being an Indian' socially, culturally and spiritually.-(Source: Collins dictionary) The emphasis on the character of a place adds to the rootedness with the context. Hence it is important to associate these roots of tradition and local culture to place through architecture. Broadly, this thesis attempts to understand the way a building can express regional content and the importance of architecture rooted in place, to revive the regional identity of a place. The regional identity of a building is rooted to culture, climate, local materials and history of the place. The customs, lifestyle and people are equally important to understand the architecture and the influence it has had. There is a peculiarity that dominates or persists in a region. The local architecture, new and old construction technologies, topographic condition of a place influences the architecture of the region and helps to understand the essence of the place. Ar.Raj Rewal played a key role in the modern movement in India. His buildings responded to demands of rapid urbanization with traditional architecture of India as the base. He introduced a new language of modernism by rooting to the historical models into urban design.