As the nation celebrates its 79th Independence Day, we see a new sense of freedom- from the way we talk to the way we perceive and explore things. This essence is also changed over time in the world of architecture and design. The post-Independent India is a silent chronicle of history, becoming a witness to the transformation of the landscape. From the Indo-Saracenic buildings to the modern structures with state-of-the-art technologies, the design freedom is evident in every aspect of the realm. In this article, Ar. R.K. Malik, Principal Architect at RK Malik & Associates, sheds light on how architecture has evolved since Independence.
The Early Years Post Independence
The immediate post-independence period was a time when infrastructure was the priority. Architects like Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn brought modernist principles into India’s architectural vocabulary. Chandigarh, designed by Le Corbusier, became a symbol of India’s leap into modern urban planning- grid-like sectors and open green spaces. Simultaneously, architects also began blending functional modernism with an awareness of climate and context. Adding to the same, R.K. Malik states, “Those years were about optimism and functionality. Buildings were symbols of progress, but they also reflected the pragmatic needs of a young nation.”
The Rise of Urban Aspirations and Private Sectors
Economic liberalisation changed the landscape of Indian cities. Private real estate and commercial complexes began to dominate skylines. Glass facades became the new symbol of aspiration, mirroring a global corporate aesthetic. Buildings also drew influences from the globe to incorporate indigenous forms and sustainable practices. Additionally, adaptive reuse gained popularity to develop boutique hotels and heritage properties.
Digital Realisation in the Country
The new millennium ushered in a multi-layered architectural scene. Sustainability became a necessity. From LEED-certified corporate towers to net-zero homes, energy efficiency and ecological responsibility shaped design strategies. Digital tools allowed experimentation in form and precision. Parametric design and BIM technology expanded creative possibilities. “Technology and tradition are collaborators. Our challenge is to merge them in a way that serves people, the planet, and cultural continuity”, notes Malik.
Merging Tradition and Contemporary Elegance
Although modern India is embracing contemporary elegance, some also go back to the roots of traditional intricacies. Buildings are exploring vastu-compliant designs and vernacular nuances in designs. For example, the traditional open space (aangan) in old homes is being reimagined as a courtyard in contemporary buildings, adding a character to the design. Further, traditional patterns and motifs are also being embraced in homes, lending a touch of authenticity in homes, while also recalling the freedom in design.
Freedom in design is the responsibility to design in a way that honours our past, serves our present, and safeguards our future. In the silhouette of India’s evolving skylines, architects are creating edifices and dreams are given form, function, and, above all, a sense of belonging.
