From Colonial To Regional Flashcards
Three forces
Trade force
Military force
Cultural force
Trade Force
A visible symbol of the colonial
presence, often facilitating resource
extraction and linking local economies
more closely to European markets.
Military force
Fortifications to protect foreign interests
and maintain control over the region.
They are both functional and statements of authority and power.
Cultural force
They were not only spaces for religious
practice but also vehicles for introducing
European customs, beliefs, and
architectural styles to local societies.
British colonial rule in India (dates)
1858 to 1947 (89 years).
Now countries in British India
Known as British India, it was the largest colony of the British Empire.
• British India included present-day India,
Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar in
Southeast Asia.
British influence in India
British influence significantly impacted India’s political, social, architectural, and urban planning aspects of these regions.
Planning of New Delhi
By architect Edwin Lutyens
Foundation stone : 15 October 1911 by King George V and Queen Mary
Representatives of King George of England
The British viceroy must be “conspicuous and commanding…”
“We must now let [the Indian] see for the first time the power
of Western science, art, and civilization.”
Designed to be a testament to British modernity and dominance.
Delhi Town Planning Committee
The architecture of New Delhi must “quietly dominate them (Indian
buildings) all.”
With the intention of overshadowing local architectural traditions.
City Layout of New Delhi
Organized, wide avenues and geometric
patterns.
− King’s Way (now Rajpath) and Queen’s Way were central to city design.
− Linear plan.
− Bilateral symmetrical.
− Main avenues cut at 90 degrees to impress.
− Central visual axis.
• The Viceroy’s House and its flanking
Secretariats and Council House constitute the keystone of the British rule over India.
Keys Features of the importation of Western Architecture and City Planning to the Colonies
1) To express the power of the colonizers. Grand architecture served as a reminder of the domination of colonial power.
2) To create an environment that was familiar to the colonizers for easy management.
3) European architects copied what was trendy back home to the colonies.
4) Colonial architecture to adapt to local culture and climate, often created an architecture of hybrid style.
5) To bring civilization to the otherwise backward and closed area.
Forces and global shifts in the 1950s
• Post-World War II weakened colonial powers.
• Rise of nationalist movements in many colonies to achieve self-rule and reclaim their cultural identities.
• Support for independence from newly formed United Nations.
• Colonies sought self-determination and cultural
identity - buildings to commemorate independence
and symbolize new national identity.
Techniques for nationalism
Honouring the heritage
Bold modern innovation
Techniques for nationalism : honoring the heritage
Sri Lanka Parliament in Colombo
• Island Symbolism: Surrounded by water, a representation of
independence and self-sufficiency.
• Distinctive Roof Style: Pyramidal sloping roof reminiscent of
traditional Sri Lankan architecture.
• Asymmetrical Planning: Rejects colonial symmetry; embraces
unique and organic local sensibility.
• Efficient Climate Adaptation: Ventilation design tailored to
tropical conditions, moving away from colonial architectural
standards.
Techniques for nationalism: bold modern innovations (CITY)
Chandigarh: first planned city in post-independence India by Le Corbusier
Modernist Principles: Emphasized functionality, open spaces, and geometric
design.
• Sectoral Layout: The city is divided into sectors, each designed as a self-
contained unit, symbolizing the human body.
• Vibrant Green Spaces: Integration of parks and green areas throughout the
city for social and environmental benefits.
• Transportation Focus: A well-organized road system with separate routes for
pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
Techniques for nationalism: bold modern innovations (PALACE OF ASSEMBLY)
• Modernist approach with bold use of raw concrete, functional forms, and
geometric metaphoric design.
− The upper half - man’s relationship with the cosmos and includes imagery
representing solstices, lunar eclipses, and the Equinox.
− The lower half - populated with animals and natural forms.
Techniques for nationalism: bold modern innovation (SUPREM COURT)
• Brutalist architecture: Raw concrete, bold geometries, dynamic use of color.
• Brise-Soleil: Concrete sunshade for light and shadow play, adding cultural
color accents.
• Parasol Roof: Monumental canopy symbolizing openness and civic purpose.
• Natural Light: Large windows and skylights create serene, reflective spaces.
• Vibrant Tapestries: Interiorly, add warmth, balance, and acoustic depth,
softening the raw concrete.
Definition of regionalism
Kenneth Framption argues that architects should seek regional variations in their buildings instead of continuing to design in a style of global uniformity and should “mediate the impact” of universal civilization with themes drawn indirectly from the individual “peculiarities of a particular place.”
Frampton’s concept of regionalism mainly focuses on the relationship of a
building to its site and location in a sociological context.
Cases of regionalism
National Assembly, Dhaka, Bangladesh
International Convention Center, Colombo, Sri Lanka
National Assembly Building, Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Symbolic Geometry: Monumental, geometric forms reflect simplicity and a sense of stability and strength, reflecting the aspirations of a young nation.
• Connection to Water: Surrounding reflective pools create a cooling effect and draw on traditional Bangladeshi connection to water, as rivers and water bodies are integral to its geography and culture.
• Human Scale and Spatial Hierarchy: The central hall, surrounded by smaller spaces, creates a democratic spatial hierarchy, mirroring the building’s function as a place for civic assembly.
• Adaptation to Local Climate: The use of thick concrete walls, deeply recessed windows, open corridors, and spatial configuration to manage Dhaka’s heat and humidity, featuring natural ventilation and lighting.
• Embracing Local Materials: The use of local brick and concrete aligns with Bangladeshi building traditions, making the structure feel indigenous rather than imposed.
International Convention Center, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Donated by the Chinese government, designed by Chinese architects, 1973.
• Integration with Landscape: Open green spaces create a seamless connection with Sri Lanka’s lush environment.
• Local Climate Adaptation: Large overhangs and shaded walkways to protect from tropical heat and rain.
• Symbolic Design Elements: Vertical columns evoke traditional Sri Lankan architecture while maintaining a modern aesthetic.
• Material Choices: Glass and light-colored materials reflect sunlight and create a sense of openness and indoor-outdoor connection.
