London-based architecture firm Foster+Partners has submitted the final designs for the buildings of Andhra Pradesh’s capital city Amaravati. The Andhra Pradesh government in principle agreed to the shapes of the buildings and plans put forth by the architects, but and suggested a few changes. The designs will be approved in the next two days formally after making the changes as suggested by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Among the various proposals, wwo iconic structures presented were those of the High Court and the Assembly, which will be located at the centre of the city plan. The High Court building is designed in the shape of a diamond shape, while the Assembly design looks like a Buddhist stupa. The architects apparently took a cue from the region’s history — the Kohinoor diamond was found in a mine here (Kollur in Guntur district) while Buddhist stupas are found across the State.
Mr. Naidu, however, suggested that the architects interchange the designs. He also wanted them the architects and officials to present the designs to the High Court and seek its opinion and suggestions.
He said: “The Buddhist stupa signifies happiness and justice is the greatest happiness. I want my people to be happy. Whoever steps into the High Court building should feel that justice would be done there.” The area comprising the High Court and the judiciary residency complexes would be called Justice City.
