Building the Indian Modern THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DESIGN
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In the remote stillness of an island in the Strait of Magellan, Miguel Lawner would sit quietly in his cell, by the mellow flicker of a candlelight and tear his lately finished drawings into shreds. He would then bury them somewhere so as not to be discovered in the night by a surprise raid. The next morning, he would be the first one to wake up and go to the lavatory to flush down all the slivers of paper, only to repeat the exercise again in the night— a mnemotechnical cycle that he had adopted to memorize, in stirring detail, the architecture of the Dawson concentration camp. When General Augusto Pinochet deposed the Popular Unity government of Salvador Allende in the 1973 coup, Lawner and other close friends of Allende were captured and imprisoned. Until then, Lawner was serving as the executive director of the Urban Improvement Corporation (CORMU) in Chile. He oversaw the construction and development of several social housing projects as well as the design of the iconic Gabriela Mistral Cultural Centre in Santiago, which was originally built to host the Third United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD III) in 1972.
During the course of his work at the camp, Lawner would
clandestinely survey and measure the site’s architecture, with his hands and his feet and the distances between them, and later fix the impressions at night in his transient drawings. In 1975, when he was finally released following international pressure, he found himself exiled in Denmark, perhaps in a setting close to the life of an émigré from the literary universe of Roberto Bolano. It was here, in this other continent, a part of which had once colonized Chile, that Lawner started to draw the remembered distances of the internment camp. In Guzman’s film “Nostalgia for the Light”, Lawner’s memory is seen to be whittled from an image of place to an image of time. His body, like a meter stick, had once measured separation between planes. Now, in its place, lies an hourglass: each grain of sand slipping through its limpid, frail neck passes a shell of time, between the dust of ancient stars and the residue of desert cadavers.
“Miguel, the architect of memory, is also a lover of stars. He was in
five detention centres where he contemplated the sky and used his memory to carve each prison into his mind. When the military saw the published drawings of the camps which they had dismantled, they were dumbstruck”,
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Guzman narrates. A few months before the coup d’etat in Chile, on 26th January 1973, Dasrath Patel and his two-member team which included M.P. Ranjan and B.V. Mistry had met President Allende in Santiago. Ranjan, who had joined the founding
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batch of the Furniture Design programme at the National Institute of Design (NID) in 1969, recollects in the eulogy that he wrote for Patel, “Somewhere in the archives of the Chilean media will be film footage of our hour long meeting in close quarters with one of the world’s great[sic] leaders whom Dasrath had a habit of meeting as part of his career it seems. Little did we know how the world will change forever that year on 9/11 when the President was assassinated and a coup drove Chile into depths of chaos and despair. Only later did we get to know about the great design journey that was being undertaken by the President through the book that arrived at NID that told the whole story – Platform for Change by Stafford Beer – and this had a deep and lasting impact on all of us over the years of trying to discover the role of design in a developing economy such as India.”
Patel and his NID team were in Chile that year, to set up the Nehru
Exhibition at the National Museum, Santiago. The South American leg of the exhibition, titled as “Nehru and New India”, made a successful tour of Santiago, Bogota, Port of Spain and Georgetown and whipped up considerable interest in favour of India, according to a report from the Ministry of External Affairs. The first edition of the Nehru exhibition was unveiled in a 10,000 sq. ft. area in the Union Carbide building, New York and ran between January and March, 1965. “Jawaharlal Nehru: His Life and His India”, as it was originally called, was by and large, the brainchild of Indira Gandhi, who after her father’s demise in 1964, had joined the cabinet of Lal Bahadur Shastri as the Minister of Information and Broadcasting. That the exhibition was part of expanding India’s Cold War cultural diplomacy, and thereby Nehru’s legacy, can be emphasized upon from the fact that Gandhi’s original idea was to open it simultaneously in New York and Moscow, which was thwarted by inevitable logistical challenges as well as the fear of a political gaffe. A review of the exhibition, published in the October 1965 issue of Architectural Design reads, “Government exhibitions have some recognizable features – standardised sentiment, overmuch respect for the official image, a reluctance to make a personal statement. But by entrusting the Nehru Memorial Exhibition to the National Institute of Design and to Charles Eames, the Government of India saved it from this pattern and the deadening stamp of publicity.”
When Gandhi commissioned the American designer duo, Ray and
Charles Eames to plan the Nehru panegyric, the couple decided to relocate to NID in Ahmedabad instead of assembling the exhibition from their California studio. The decision not only provided NID with a live ‘practical laboratory’ but it also brought the Eameses closer to the realities that
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shaped the life whose biography they were entrusted with. H.Y. Sharada Prasad, who was the editor of the Planning Commission journal, “Yojana” and a media adviser to Gandhi (when she became the Prime Minister in 1966), was appointed as an editorial consultant when Gandhi insisted that designers receive “political guidance”. All the structural parts required for the exhibition were fabricated at the NID workshops. The textual contents were printed, mostly on handmade paper, at the NID press and the blackand-white photographs were processed in the institute’s darkroom...
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Plates
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One of the board rooms on the ground floor of the main building in Paldi campus of NID as viewed from the Eames Plaza. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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The façade of the main building as seen from the north-east side. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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One of the multiple spiral staircases installed in the building which gives direct access to the studios on the second floor. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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View of the metal workshop (officially rechristened as Skill Development Lab) in NID. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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View of the metal workshop (officially rechristened as Skill Development Lab) in NID. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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View of the metal workshop (officially rechristened as Skill Development Lab) in NID. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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View of the metal workshop (officially rechristened as Skill Development Lab) in NID. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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View of the animation studio on the second floor with the reinforced brick dome as ceiling. The other studios can be seen in the background through the glazing. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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View of the Foundation studio on the second floor. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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A partial view of the dome above the foyer. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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A view of the workshops. The wooden floor and the steel beams, as seen in the photograph, were added to create two floors by reducing the original double height structure. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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A view of the brick-reinforced dome above the foyer. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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A view of the brick-reinforced dome above the foyer. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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A view of the brick-reinforced dome above the foyer. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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A view of the brick-reinforced dome above the foyer. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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One of the display galleries on the ground floor. The structure is usually called aquarium because of its transparent facade. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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The exterior of the main building as seen from the south-east corner. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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The lounge area and the director’s office near the foyer. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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One of the faculty residences in the campus. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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One of the studio spaces. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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Staircase leading to the main auditorium (officially called Presentation Hall). Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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Path leading to the Eames Plaza from the north side. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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A view of the main building staircase in the foyer. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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A view of the main building staircase in the foyer. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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A view of the main building staircase in the foyer. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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A view of the main building staircase in the foyer. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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Brick paved path adjoining the Eames Plaza. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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The fountain area. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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Brick paved path adjoining the Eames Plaza. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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Brick paved path adjoining the Eames Plaza. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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Brick paved path adjoining the Eames Plaza. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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Brick paved path adjoining the Eames Plaza. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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Entrance to one of the workshops. The elevated pathway on the west end provides a direct access to the workshop on the first floor. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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One of the spiral staircases. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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One of the faculty residences in the campus. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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The fountain. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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The fountain. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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The tree at the courtyard officially named Gautam-Gira Square after the founders of NID who also happen to be the architects of the building. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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The slender column rising to the full height of the building: an asymmetrical element in an otherwise symmetric structure. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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The main staircase. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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The amenities building which houses the institute mess. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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The façade of the main building as seen from the Eames Plaza on the eastern side. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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One of the faculty residences. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2019.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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The view from the workshop. NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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The view of the fountain area. NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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The view from the workshop. NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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The view from the workshop. NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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The double height structure of the workshops. NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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The gaps in the flooring left for accommodating electrical wires and other utilities. The modular pattern is followed throughout the building. NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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The hybrid dome with use of reinforced concrete at the edges and reinforced brick at the centre can be seen in the photograph. NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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The hybrid dome with use of reinforced concrete at the edges and reinforced brick at the centre can be seen in the photograph. NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID workshop. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during its construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographed by PM Dalwadi, 1968. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographed by Dasrath Patel, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographed by Baxi Kamdar, 1966. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographed by Baxi Kamdar, 1966. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID Workshop. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID Workshop. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID Workshop. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID Workshop. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID Workshop. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID hostels during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID hostels during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID hostels during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID hostels during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID hostels during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID hostels during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID hostel during construction. Photographed by FN Pathan, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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Interiors of NID hostel. Photographed by S Jodha, c. 1985. From the NID archives.
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NID hostel during construction. Photographed by FN Pathan, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographed by Baxi Kamdar, 1966. From the NID archives.
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Director’s Residence. Photographer unknown, c. 1980. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographer uknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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Architectural model for the faculty residence designed by Gajanan Upadhyay. Photographed by FN Pathan, c. 1980. From the NID archives.
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NID Workshop. Photographed by PM Dalwadi, 1968. From the NID archives.
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The tree at Gautam-Gira square. Photographed by Suranjana Satwalekar, c. 1980. From the NID archives.
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NID building during construction. Photographed by PM Dalwadi, 1968. From the NID archives.
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Fountain in the NID building. Photographed by Tushar, 1995. From the NID archives.
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Faculty residence. Photographed by Ravi Minocha, 1986. From the NID archives.
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Bird’s eye view of the NID Hostels. Photographed by Tushar, 1995. From the NID archives.
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Tent structure study with NID building in the backdrop. Photographed by Charles Eames, 1970. From the NID archives.
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Faculty residence. Photographed by Tushar, 1995. From the NID archives.
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Tent structure study with NID building in the backdrop. Photographed by Charles Eames, 1970. From the NID archives.
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Student activity at NID. Photographer unknown. From the NID archives.
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NID Workshop. Photographer unknown. From the NID archives.
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Bird’s eye view of the NID building. The chimney of the Calico Mills on the other bank of Sabarmati can be seen in the background. Photographer unknown. From the NID archives.
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NID building from Eames Plaza. Photographer unknown. From the NID archives.
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The studios of NID. The glass panels provided a direct view of the workshops from the studios in the original architecture. A new floor and walls were added later to make room for an increased strength of students. Photographer unknown. From the NID archives.
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The casts for constructing the domes of the NID building. Photographer unknown, c. 1965. From the NID archives.
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Fragmented views of various parts of the main NID building showing traces of everyday activities in the campus. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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A view of the main building from Gautam-Gira square showing the open plan of the architecture. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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A view of the textile design studio. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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A view of the Gautam-Gira square from the second floor. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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A view of the textile design studio. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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A view of the foundation studio (for the foundation batches). Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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A view of the graphic design studio. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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A view of the foundation studio (for the foundation batches). Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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A view of the foundation studio (for the foundation batches). Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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A view of the animation design studio. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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A view of the furniture and interior design studio. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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A view of the textile design studio. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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Façade of the building showing a part of its volume from the Eames Plaza. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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Façade of the building showing a part of its volume from the Eames Plaza. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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The historic monument presumably dating back to the era of Gujarat Sultanate was integrated into the campus as it stood within the land that was allotted to NID. A small amphitheatre was built much later around the monument which seamlessly merges with the green lawns. The monument is photographed here with the main building in the background. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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Façade of the main building. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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Façade of the main building. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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Façade of the main building. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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Foyer of the main building. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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The staircase which was added before NID hosted the UNIDO-ICSID conference in 1979. It was designed by Gajanan Upadhyay. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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Façade of the main building. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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Façade of the main building. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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Façade of the main building. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020. Gautam-Gira square, the courtyard in the main building. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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One of the voids within the volume of the building. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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Brick-paved pathway adjoining the Eames Plaza showing the open plan of the architecture. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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The passage leading to the library on the first floor. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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The courtyard near the fountain area. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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The newly built students’ hostel in the campus which interprets the structural vocabulary of the main building only in a stylistic sense as can be seen from the use of the circular column at the corner, which clearly is a non-structural element. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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The amenities building which houses the institute mess. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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Faculty residence. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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The hostel for the male students. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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The hostel for the male students. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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Faculty residence. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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The hostel for the female students. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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Faculty residence. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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The hostel for the female students. Photographed by Sourav Sil, 2020.
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Copyright © 2021 by Sourav Sil
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below.
NID Press Ahmedabad Gujarat, India.
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