HORNIMAN CIRCLE, MUMBAI

Sai A. Pradhan l L. S. Raheja School of Architecture Traversing Through Architecture

CASE STUDIES

HORNIMAN CIRCLE, MUMBAI

Situated in the heart of South Bombay, Horniman Circle is a precinct constructed to establish the commercial quarter for the country's financial capital. (Pandya, 2018) Having proximity with the sea, its direct visual and physical access made it a key location for administration and trade during the British rule in India.

Within the precinct, Asiatic Library was constructed in 1833 to encourage a culture of art and promote useful knowledge related to India. (Asiatic Society Of Mumbai) Built in the neoclassical style of architecture, this structure started defining architecture of the now known area of Horniman Circle.

With the grand flight of stairs at the entrance of the structure, the majestic columns of the Doric order and the sheer dominance over the surroundings area because of its height, commanded a view up till Marine Drives. This clear view because of the lack of taller structures and a straight road through Hutatma Chowk, gave an opportunity for better governance over the city of Mumbai.

Sai A. Pradhan l L. S. Raheja School of Architecture Traversing Through Architecture

Having being built in an era before electricity was invented, the large skylights with teak wood flooring and cast-iron interiors allows ample amount of light to enter the structure while offering some respite from the sun. However, the area in front of the structure was initially used to dump coconut shells but was soon refurbished into a luscious garden with well paved areas on all sides. It is currently one among the largest gardens in Mumbai with a total area of 10,101sqm. surrounded by curved structures of Georgian architecture. (Horniman Circle Gardens)

With the garden in the centre for the locals to sit and relax, the structures surrounding it have major activities such as banking, administration, etc. which converted the entire area into a hustling bustling city centre. The colonnaded archways overlook the garden and establish a direct connect with the surroundings. As one walks through this walkway, the large windows of the shops keep the user engaged with the activities on the ground floor. This visual connect with the ground floor of the built form and on the other hand, the luscious green gardens heighten the relationship between the user and the built form.

The curved structures have various elements embossed on the façade of the building which breathes life into the structure. The change of gothic elements at the turn of every key stone, helps users navigate and understand their placement within the precinct.

This axial arrangement of structures with Horniman Circle Garden in the center and Asiatic library on one side, the Georgian style curved structures blend into the surroundings and create a sense of place. The use of columns- Doric style columns extending from Asiatic onto the colonnaded archways further accentuates the spatial experience of the entire area.

Sai A. Pradhan l L. S. Raheja School of Architecture Traversing Through Architecture