In a metropolis where architecture from the Medieval period blends seamlessly with modern structures, a landmark building that came up in 1972 and stood out in the city’s skyline has been demolished.
The Hall of Nations was an example of post-colonial architecture, built indigenously and celebrated across the world for its unique space-frame structure made completely out of concrete.
Inaugurated in 1972 to commemorate 25 years of India’s Independence, its architect used concrete to build the structure as steel was expensive at that time.
A blend of geometry and traditional concept of ‘jaalis’ , the structure was designed in such a way that it was well ventilated and allowed sunlight to diffuse into the hall.
‘National assets’
On hearing about plans to demolish the structure, several petitions from across the world poured in to save it. A Change.org petition started by Indian Institute of Architects said that the building was “a symbol of modernity” and had “found a place in the annals of architecture and Indian cultural history”.
The curator of New York’s Museum of Modern Art, curator of Pompidou Centre (Paris), president of Union of International Architects, and president of the Architects Regional Council Asia had all written to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry requesting that the structure be saved.
Martino Stierli, curator of Museum of Modern Art, said in his letter: “Built in time of great optimism for the future, both structures were seminal in forging a new, modern identity for Indian society and architecture. They are architectural masterpieces and important witnesses of an important chapter of Indian history”.
Ar Esa Mohamed, president of the International Union of Architects, wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that the structures serve as an “inspiration to architecture students globally” and should be preserved as “national assets”.
Aurelien Lemonier, curator of the department of architecture at Centre Pompidou (Paris), called the buildings “two great pieces of architecture’ that “express a new step in the development of modernity in terms of aesthetic, constructive innovation and social engagement”.
