Brutalist Architecture in India, Bhawna Dandona 1

BHAWNA DANDONA

From the Curator 

Brutalist India is a photo essay series, curated by Bhawna Dandona in collaboration with ArchitectureLive!. The series will serve as a platform to explore and curate information about India’s Brutalist architecture—a style that emerged in the post-independence era. Renowned for its innovative use of exposed concrete, Brutalist structures often showcase bold geometric forms with a raw and functional aesthetics. 

This initiative aims to highlight both iconic and lesser-known architectural works from across India, providing valuable insights into the historical narratives and context, design principles, and technical intricacies of these structures. The detailed narratives will also explore the relevant techniques, forms, materials, and finishes to inculcate an appreciation for their significance. 

In light of the recent demolitions of concrete buildings, the series intends to raise awareness, foster a deeper understanding about the importance of preserving India’s irreplaceable architectural heritage. By promoting the knowledge and understanding of Brutalist architecture through this series, the aim is also to inspire efforts towards preservation and sustainable practices ensuring that these structures continue to enrich our built environment. 

Bhawna-Dandona

 Bhawna Dandona

Bhawna Dandona is a conservation architect with a Master of Science in Architectural Materials Conservation from the University of Pennsylvania. She has worked extensively with heritage sites in both India and the United States. Her expertise includes documenting, assessing conditions and developing sustainable conservation strategies using scientific methods. She has a keen interest in construction histories, the impact of climate change on building materials, and investigative techniques for preserving heritage sites. She was honoured with a scholarship for her research on Lakhori brick. Currently, she is focused on researching and mapping modern Indian architecture, with a particular emphasis on Brutalist structures. 

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