Architecture as a Record of India’s Post-Independence Journey

Team L&M

Architecture chronicles the soul of civilisations, and today this has become one of the main aspects of the country. The post-Independence journey of the country showcases the cultural and economic currents that also affect the design sector. Post-independence architecture in India is bound by a timeline carved in concrete, steel, and glass, where tradition meets modernity, and history converses with hope. In this article, Krish Kothari, Founder of Krish Kothari Design, explores how India’s built environment has mirrored its evolution as a republic, expressing global ambitions and a growing consciousness towards sustainability.

Beginning with Idealism

The immediate landscape of architecture after Independence was fueled by idealism, planning, and the promise of a new socio-economic order. The designs were more rooted towards eliminating the colonial roots, offering a new ideology in architecture. The idea was to focus on major urban planning and buildings that showcased the real India. From grid layouts to modular sectors, cities saw a reliance on raw concrete that embodied the international style and the modernist ethos of order and progress.

Connecting to Indian Roots

Looking forward to the later years, the post-Independence architecture movement was to connect with Indian roots, its climates, crafts, and communities. From incorporating regional elements to vernacular architectural styles, buildings were deeply rooted in the cultural contexts. For example, the Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad exemplified minimalism and spirituality through its exposed materials, open courtyards, and humble forms. Additionally, the idea of community living and low-cost housing also became a spirit of the country, reflecting a bold idea of living.

In the early 2000s, sustainable design and vernacular wisdom became the main aspects of modern India. Here, structures were cost-effective, climate-responsive designs using local materials like mud and brick. Other design elements, such as jaalis (latticed screens), shaded verandahs, and stone cladding, became popular again in India due to their practicality in the country’s varied climates. People also sought natural landscapes and artisanal details in their homes to create a one-of-a-kind design.

Responsible & Futuristic

Following these, till today, India has become more responsible and futuristic. The conversation today is about form and function with impact. The government’s Smart Cities Mission, urban planning is being reimagined with technology at its core. Digitally monitored utilities, green buildings, walkable streets, and data-driven design are being promoted across cities. LEED-certified campuses and solar integration are becoming standard. Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings illustrates how sustainability also means conserving history. The COVID-19 pandemic has left its mark on architecture. There’s a renewed emphasis on healthy buildings, with better ventilation and multipurpose spaces.

India’s architecture since independence is a living archive, a record etched in stone and steel, of the dreams, struggles, contradictions, and resilience of a nation. Architecture has become its silent historian, bearing witness to its past, shaping its present, and dreaming its future.