The Hall of Nations' architectural form and structural resolution arose from a desire to symbolise the power of a young independent state, in the 25th year of India's independence. The structures are routinely studied in schools of architecture and engineering and by iterating through the course material, and as we research into the array of buildings where they stand in South Asian architectural history, we consider the buildings necessary in our empirical studies, as primary, source material for a number of researches that are only just beginning.
Several independent campaigns are being carried out online and in courts of law by preservationists, professionals, activists and the architects themselves, who may have a moral right over the works. Setting aside the polemics contained in their arguments, which Architexturez Imprints has reproduced elsewhere on the website, this dossier represents the letters of support received from International Organisations, Associations of Professionals and the Academia, and their reasoning for preserving the structures at Pragati Maidan.
Documents indicating the Ministry of Commerce's point of view are included, as well as significant goverment communications.
- Aric Chen; Lead Curator, Design and Architecture, M+ (Open Letter) sent on 25th February 2016
- Prof. Dr. Martino Stierli, The Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design at the Museum of Modern Art, New York to Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry sent on 25th February 2016 1
- Prof. Rajeev Lochan; Director, National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi (Certificate) sent on 14th October 2015
- Aurélien Lemonier; Curator, Department of Architecture, Mnam-Cci, Centre Pompidou, Paris (Open Letter) sent on 20th September 2015
- 1. Reply to Prof. Dr. Martino Stierli by J. Guna Sekaran, General Manager, India Trade Promotion Organisation sent on 01st August 2016
Drawing no. 101.ITF.55C: Reinforcement Layout at Level 1 & 2 (Hall of Nations): 10 November 1971
Plan of level 1 and 2 shows the resolution of one space frame module that emerges from three inverted pyramids. The plans indicate the three-dimensional multiplication on the inner and outer nodes to form a space frame that finally evolves into a truncated pyramid. The rhombic cross section of the space frame members was an outcome of the search for a joint that would be easier to construct. Evolved from the slopes and intersections of the pyramid members, the geometry of the rhombus was found to be most appropriate versus square, rectangular and circular sections. For the Hall of Nations a rhombic section with chamfered edges and a face dimension of 25cm and cross-sectional area of 585 sq.cm was developed. This section shows Raj’s intuitive visualisation and understanding of structures through the rigours of geometry.
(on the right) View through a completed section of the space frame during construction. © Mahendra Raj Archive