The Architecture of Shivdatt Sharma

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PRAKĀSH

MODERNISM IN INDIA SERIES

The Architecture of MODERNISM IN INDIA SERIES

The Architecture of

‘‘S.D. Sharma is carrying forward the torch of architecture from the earliest works of Corbusier in Chandigarh to our times. His contribution to the contemporary Indian architecture is remarkable.’’ Raj Rewal Eminent Architect and Author OTHER TITLES OF INTEREST

‘‘A true student of Le Corbusier, Shivdatt Sharma humbly carried forward his mentor’s legacy, weaving it into the fabric of Chandigarh, revealing his own true genius.’’

Auroville Architects Monograph Series Poppo Pingel by Mona Doctor- Pingel Le Corbusier: Chandigarh and the Modern City Edited by Hasan-Uddin Khan

Shivdatt Sharma Vikramāditya Prakāsh

Shivdatt Sharma (b. 1931) is one of the most prolific Indian modernist architects. Starting out as an architect in the Chandigarh Capital Project Team led by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, Sharma subsequently became Chief Architect of the Indian Space Research Organization. He then went into private practice. Sharma’s architecture is a distinct blend of the core principles of Modernism, interpreted through the lens of contemporary Indian realities. Modernism was adopted as both symbol and instrument of nation-building in Nehruvian India. Working alongside designers and artists, architects went to work building innumerable small townships, universities, public institutions, housing estates and infrastructural projects across the country. Progressive businesses also patronized Modernism as full participants in the project of nation-building. The Modernism in India Series documents the extensive heritage of Modernism and modern architecture in India. Bringing to light the work of a forgotten generation, this series documents work that is currently under threat by the forces of globalization. This well-illustrated book documents Sharma’s work from the early days, when it was a part of the experimental and innovative ethos of Chandigarh, to the present. He has designed for a range of public and private clients across the world. Along with a portfolio of selected works, this book includes critical essays, interviews and a chronology of projects.

Foreword by Balkrishna V. Doshi

With 97 colour and 90 b&w photographs, and 100 b&w drawings.

Christopher Benninger Eminent Architect and Author

Mosques of Cochin by Patricia Tusa Fels

‘‘A narrative of sensitive, rational and innovative architecture in quest of Modernism, spreading Chandigarh gospel.’’ M.N. Sharma First Indian Chief Architect of Chandigarh, worked with Le Corbusier

FRONT COVER The front profile of Vikram Sarabhai Hall, Ahmedabad

MAPIN

Printed in India

www.mapinpublishing.com

MODERNISM IN INDIA SERIES

MODERNISM IN INDIA SERIES

Dr Prakāsh received his B.Arch. from the Chandigarh College of Architecture, India and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Cornell University, USA. After teaching at CEPT University, Ahmedabad, and Arizona State University, Tempe, he joined University of Washington, Seattle in 1996 where is he is currently Professor of Architecture, with additional adjunct appointments in the Departments of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design and Planning. He has served as Associate Dean of the College and Chair of the Department of Architecture. He is also partner in Verge Architecture and Design based out of Seattle, USA, and Chandigarh, India.

Mapin Publishing

The TheArchitecture Architectureof ofShivdatt Shivdatt Sharma Sharma

Dr Vikramāditya Prakāsh is a historian and urbanist. An authority on Modernism, global history and Indian architecture, he has published several books including Chandigarh’s Le Corbusier and co-authored A Global History of Architecture. He is Director of the Chandigarh Urban Lab, a multiyear project to research the trajectory of small and mid-sized cities of India in the age of globalization.

Shivdatt Sharma

BACK COVER Administrative building of National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education And Research, Mohali


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