Architecture is a rare discipline where the advancement of science & technology can be fused with the poetic and artistic concern for progress with a humane face.
Raj Rewal
India’s revolutionary architect, Raj Rewal made an impact in the architecture industry not only in India but across the globe. Raj Rewal’s design philosophy and poetry within materials and form offered depth to the design. A truly geometric approach overlaid on a grid plan helped break the monotonous architectural language and offer dynamic spaces.
Raj Rewal’s architectural style is known to give a traditional meaning to modern contexts. Human-centered design solutions go beyond the concept of creating urban downtowns. Rather, these curate spaces for communities to live in and feel the space. The works of Raj Rewal capture the local culture and blend technology with pristine craftsmanship to conjure up a design that responds to the context and climate.
From the design of the Parliament Library in New Delhi to the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon, his works have a delightful essence imbibed within them. Let’s get to know more about his life and work.
Upbringing and Education
The Legendary Raj Rewal was born in a city named Hoshiarpur in Punjab in 1934. He spent his childhood in Shimla and Delhi. He went to the Delhi School of Architecture for his graduate program. His inner creativity helped him apply knowledge to artistic designs.
His curiosity and eagerness to learn got him enrolled in a post-graduation program in Architecture. After spending a year at the Architectural Association of Architecture in London, he went for professional training at the Brixton School of Building. Later, he was a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Before returning to India and establishing his practice, Raj Rewal worked in Paris with Michel Ecochards.
Upon setting up his firm, he worked on the design of the Asian Village and Parliament Library in New Delhi. He was also involved in teaching for almost a decade at the Delhi School of Architecture. In 1974, he inaugurated another branch of his practice in Iran. Owing to his continual and evolving interest in Indian roots, he became the curator for the Traditional Architecture in India exhibition in Paris.
Designs Valuing Ecosystem
ArchitectRaj Rewal believes in adding a poetic touch to bold structures. A unique architecture defined by him goes beyond the ordinary as it composes a design that leads to perfection within its simplicity. His works are known for the coexistence of modernity and tradition, while keeping up with the concepts of sustainability.
The planning goes beyond the current time as it responds to the demands of urbanization.
Explanation Raj Rewal is a firm believer in the Rasa of Architecture where a ‘Rasa’ means the spiritual essence imparted to a built environment. It is formed by the integration of space, hierarchy, structure and sustainability. His works are more than just a mere composition of materials, they are powerful yet gentle.
His design philosophy also ensures that the structure responds not only to human emotions but to the local climate as well. There’s a play of natural light and shadow with the form of the structure that composes a rhythm in the design. There’s a great deal of importance given to the ecosystem through the designs, and the scale of the structure fits seamlessly within the site context.
5 Marvelous Creations of Raj Rewal
Listed below are the five famous architectural projects of Raj Rewal:
01. Asian Games Village, New Delhi
One of the famous Raj Rewal residential projects is the Asian Games village. The concepts for the urban housing project, Asian Games village by Raj Rewal took inspiration from the traditional touches in the planning of cities like Jaisalmer and Jaipur. The site nestles 500 housing units with individual homes and apartments with varying heights of two to four floors.
The site has a history rooted in its foundations, as it’s constructed on the remains of Siri Fort of the Khalji dynasty from the 15th century. The planning leads to a cluster of buildings with courtyards serving as breathing spaces within them. The staggered form of the building leads to an interactive design, where varying levels and projections of terraces form a visual connection. Narrow streets also allow you to take a pause and retreat, with various junctions acting as the diverging points. The one-of-a-kind design has housed various renowned personalities from India.
02. Sham Lal House, New Delhi
One of the leading writers and journalists in India, Sham Lal, appointed Raj Rewal to design his residence. The architect laid great emphasis on connecting various spaces and curating a design that blends with the natural landscape present in the front yard.
There’s seamlessness in the Sham Lal house by Raj Rewal achieved by opening the glass and teak pivot door from the living room. This concept helps in achieving the desired segregation. As per demand, the same barrier can be removed to design an open and social space. The double-height space at the entrance defines the grandeur of the home. This design with a local essence leads to a dialogue between modern spaces and traditional architecture.
03. Parliament Library Building, New Delhi
The Parliament Library by Raj Rewal is in New Delhi, next to the Parliament House. The proposal was in sync with the existing Beaux-Arts structure, which follows an axis of planning along the central line. A circular plan with three separate axes ends up at the central dome.
One of the iconic features of this structure is the blending of courtyards. These not only accentuate the essence of the space but also cater to the extreme climatic conditions of Delhi. The versatile design language followed in the structure not only suits the modern context but also hints at the historic significance and majestic stories of the site.
04. Hall of Nations, New Delhi
The Hall of Nations by Raj Rewal is a permanent complex designed for the exhibition on a ground area of 130 acres. It is one of the famous Raj Rewal buildings in which the design follows the modern ethos and enthrals all with its timeless appeal. The basic concept guiding the design was to have an avant-garde approach to the technology while keeping it rooted in India’s symbolism. The vast space exhibits anything ranging from a small diary to a grand tractor.
05. Jang-e-Azadi Memorial, Kartarpur
Jang-e-Azadi is a mark of respect and recognition of the sacrifices and contributions made by the Punjabi community during the Independence period for India. Jang-e-Azadi means Battle for Freedom. The memorial is on an area of 25 acres in Kartarpur, Punjab.
Various gallery spaces narrate a different tale of the freedom movements. Shaheed-e-Minar, a minaret dedicated to the martyrs, stands tall at a height of 45m reflecting the courage and pride of Punjab. A circular structure knits the entire design together, while also serving as the main attraction of the entire site.
“When I was asked to do the minar, I was a bit reluctant, as minars in modern architecture are very rare. Here it is supposed to be a symbol of victory, so we have also added a flame. Many people come and pay their respects. Young couples come to seek blessings for a strong and courageous baby,” mentioned Raj Rewal.
Accomplishments
Owing to his contributions in the field of architecture, Raj Rewal was presented with the Gold Medal of the Indian Institute of Architects in 1989. His works earned him various rewards and recognition all around the world, including the Robert Mathew Awards of the Commonwealth Association of Architects and the Mexican Association of Architects Award. He was honoured with the Great Masters Award by the JK Trust.
The commendable works of the architect are not restricted to India alone, but the deep, thoughtful architecture has reached various parts of the world via publications and exhibitions. Several monographs have been published in English and French, and the latest publication by Raj Rewal is titled Humane Habitat at Low Cost. He has been transferring and inspiring aspiring architects by teaching at the New Delhi School of Architecture and Planning. The knowledge transfer has gone to America, Europe, and pan-Asia, as he was invited to deliver lectures at various universities. In addition, he has been effortlessly threading together the episodes of design, merging scale with surroundings, geometry with rhythm, and binding the space with structure in his book, Raj Rewal: Innovative Architecture and Tradition.
5 Facts You Didn’t Know About Raj Rewal
01. Blending Traditional Design with Contemporary Approach
Raj Rewal succeeded in developing a new design language that’s flowy and poetic. His works pay homage to and attempt to preserve the rich cultural history of the site through a modern design language. These designs ensure sustainable development and result in architectural designs that are climate-responsive.
02. First Indian Architect to enter MoMA Collection
Raj Rewal is the first Indian architect whose models and drawings cut into the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art, New York. This department is one of the first collections of modern architecture in the entire world. The collection holds on to the works of notable modernist architects like Le Corbusier, Frank Llyod Wright, Louis Kahn, etc.
03. Brought a Revolution in Geometric Designs
The works of Louis Kahn and Le Corbusier greatly influenced him. Evidently, the works of Raj Rewal speak a local language. The blend of geometric forms on grid patterns makes the structures look even more Indian and makes the designs true to their surroundings. The cubic masses are a result of the confluence of modern and traditional architecture.
04. Three Encounters that Shaped His Design Approach
The deep and thoughtful architectural principles were the result of three encounters. During the first encounter, he realised his interest in the structural aspect of a project that took place during one of his diploma projects. The second encounter enabled him to understand the functioning of drama and apply the same concept to the design of a building. The third encounter was during his tenure at Michel Echohard’s office in Paris, where he learned the basic principles that guide urban planning in a city.
05. Worked with Michel Ecochard and returned to India
Before setting up his firm in New Delhi, Raj Rewal worked in Paris under Michel Ecochard. He returned to India in 1962 to establish his practice. Along with that, he was a faculty member at the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi. His successful practice eventually led to the opening of his second office in Iran in 1974.
Humane Architecture: Shaping India
The creator of humane architecture has left an influential mark all around the world, with his designs offering significance to the local culture. He has been one of the main figures in developing post-Independence India. While urbanisation demands modern solutions, Raj Rewal has always taken inspiration from the local craftsmanship of the particular location.
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Author Bio
Saili Sawantt – She is an Architect and Interior Designer by profession. Writing is what she treats as her passion. She has worked as an Architectural Writer, Editor, and Journalist for various design as well as digital portals, both national and international. Formerly she has also worked with Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) Design Studio, Mumbai, due to her keen interested in learning about Sustainability and Green buildings. Apart from this, she runs her blog ‘The Reader’s Express’ and is a practicing Architect & Interior Designer.