Senate House, Baroda University
This building, designed by Robert Chisholm (1840-1915), is a truly creative act of architecture, one that bears comparison with the finest buildings being constructed anywhere in the world at that time. Its exquisite beauty does not come from any one particular style, but is generated by an extraordinary amalgam of many different influences, perfectly integrated into a consistent plasticity by its architect. Chisholm was not only one of the most gifted English architects working in India, but was also one of the most vehement
supporters of local craftsmen – “those men have an art language of their own, a language which you can recognise but cannot thoroughly understand. For this reason an architect practising in India should unhesitatingly select to practise in the native styles of art – indeed, the natural art-expression of these men is the only art to be obtained in the country.” In this building, Chisholm gave shape to his philosophy and achieved a lyrical beauty which even Lutyens could not surpass.
View of the Senate House in which Chisholm blended diverse architectural influences to achieve a unique lyricism.
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