Figure 5: Evolution of prominent structures built by the Armenians and Jews in India

Figure 5: Evolution of prominent structures built by the Armenians and Jews in India

7.4 Architectural Identity

The prevalent architectural style and urban context played an import role in influencing the architecture of the communities. One can assume that the knowledge from their homeland would be primarily used in the architecture of a well-established community in a city. But it was not the case for the Armenians and Jews in Calcutta. This was observed after understanding the architecture in their homeland and evaluating the architectural identity of the buildings based on factors stated by Zoreh Torabi and Sara Brahman (Refer Pg. 24).

1. Spatial organization - The were buildings were designed responding to the context using features like prominence, scale and orientation. While the religious buildings followed the traditional principles for their layout of spaces. The mansions in Park

Street followed spatial layouts, similar to other mansions and commercial buildings in the city. The synagogues and the Armenian church were along the E-W axis and the Portuguese and Scottish churches along the N-S axis. The exterior and interior spaces were clearly defined by their form and shape.

2. Time organization - The use of prevalent styles for construction, followed mainly by the British acted as a trend followed during that time period. The sites displayed the need for architectural detailing and prominence that governed the design of the building.

3. Semantic organization - The Armenian churches displayed the communities unique national architectural style, which exhibited community's ideas. While synagogues and mansions seemed to follow the trends of architecture at that time period.

4. General design principles - The architectural design was formed by the ideas and concepts followed in the context. Religious buildings mainly followed the planning principles used in their hometowns.

5. Building shape and form - The proportion, shape, scale of the building had a strong influence and response to the context.

6. Building materials - The building materials used were similar to what the other buildings used in the city at that time. It strongly depended upon the context and owner of the building.

7. Relationship with context - The synagogues and churches opposed the building relationship with the environment, with different styles used in each building. While the mansions were well integrated with the environment, using similar characteristics to their context.

7.5 Effects of Urban Transformation

Urban Transformation subject buildings to new problems. Kolkata's rabid urbanization has led to the increase of infrastructure services. Heritage buildings are often damaged and replaced to make way for new buildings. They are also subjected to illegal encroachment. The design of the building requires the addition of appropriate safety measures in case of any accidents. The loss of the heritage buildings will be a loss for the city. They need to be protected using effective laws, inspections and increasing public awareness.

7.6 Summary of Conclusions

Kolkata is different from other cities due to its turbulent history, culture, multiple social groups. The city's architecture is an important part of its identity. The surviving Armenians and Jews, are still trying to resist their disappearance and protect their identity, documentaries, books, articles, archives, conserving their architecture, and community involvement. This study aimed at recognizing these efforts, and contributing to the communities by understanding the characteristics and influences of their architectural identity. This could also help contribute to the conservation of Kolkata's heritage buildings.

Summary of findings and inferences

Through the study, it was found that:

1. The local architectural culture determined the architecture of the Jewish and Armenian community. While the communities memories played a minor role in their architectural identity.

2. The local architectural culture14 was mainly defined by prevalent architectural styles that were used by the British who were major stakeholders in Calcutta at that time period. 3. Although the buildings did not undergo much physical transformation, they were affected by the changes in the urban fabric, the addition of infrastructure services and mismanagement by governing authorities.

Architectural identity: The architectural identity of the diasporas was mainly defined by two factors, urban context and prevalent architectural styles at that time period. The buildings did not adapt to a singular style but were also influenced by their location, the builders memories and ideas. With NeoClassical, Victorian, Edwardian and Indo-Saracenic elements, the buildings of the Armenian and Jewish diasporas are often misinterpreted as British colonial architecture due to the similarities observed. As discovered in the analysis of the structures, the buildings at Bara Bazar and Park Street had a strong influence of the prevalent architectural styles and trends of the context (e.g. addition of the clock). These prevalent styles were also observed in other colonial cities like Mumbai, London, Perth and more.

14 The local architecture culture constituted of time organization (associated with cultural and social principles and characteristics used at that time period for construction) and relationship with context.