Constructed in 1968, the Shri Ram Centre stands for an expression of structural and programmatic integrity. Situated in the heart of Delhi, adjacent to other cultural institutions at Mandi House, the 0.25 Ha plot holds a significant position. It was sponsored by the Shri Ram family under Mrs Panna Bharat Ram, with supervision from Vinay Bharat Ram (who was active in promoting dance, drama and music).
The client’s needs were extensive considering the small site available, which provided an opportunity to its architect, Shiv Nath Prasad, along with guidance from Ebrahim Alkazi, to express individual functions at different levels, using distinct forms supported by independent structural supports. The design was shaped by the structural expertise of engineer Mahendra Raj and the execution by contractor Tirath Ram.
The expression chosen to display the functions and add a dramatic outlook to the building resulted in a Brutalist composition of a square parasol theatre placed on a cylindrical core, both cast in situ concrete, resolved through two distinct structural systems. Visually, this distinct composition and choice of a cast concrete facade resulted in a language like none other in the city. Windows on the square facade with slanting concrete louvres added the correct amount of rhythm and poetry to it that aligns with the rhythm of the coffer slab beneath.
One can notice fine grains of the formwork still present on the facade. Other details, such as a miniature version of a waterspout that is much observed in many other modernist structures, especially from Corbusier’s Chandigarh buildings, can be found at the Shri Ram Centre as well.
© Meaningful Design Labs
Supported on circumferential and radial beams cantilevering out of six columns, the 650-person drum-shaped auditorium appears to be floating above the ground, anchored in space by the parasol roof, which houses the 31m x 31 m rehearsal hall. The hall is supported on four independent cross-shaped columns placed at 19 metres centres with 6 metres cantilevers all around.
The auditorium is 21 metres in diameter and is enclosed by a hollow concrete wall, also supporting its balcony. The hollow wall is pinned at the bottom on the circumferential beam and at the top to the parasol slab, creating a balancing couple that counteracts the cantilever moment generated by the balcony.
© Meaningful Design Labs
The final product that we see is quite different from the designs originally proposed by the architect. For instance, the floating effect of the building, now its most distinct feature, was introduced by the structural changes suggested by Mahendra Raj.
In Raj’s words,
“Shiv Nath Prasad was a very appreciative man. When given the suggestion of the balcony and the separation of the structures on the four columns, he was very happy and integrated these ideas in the design. Tirath Ram Ahuja, an experienced contractor who worked with Indian and foreign architects on many embassies and significant buildings like the Ashoka Hotel, was the contractor on board with the architect-engineer duo.”
Gallery:
Sources:
- Architecture in India. Paris: Electa Moniteur et Association Française d’Action Artistique, 1985.
- Mehta, Vandini, Rohit Raj Mehndiratta, and Ariel Huber. The Structure: Works of Mahendra Raj. Zurich: Park Books AG, 2016.
Credits:
- Prashansa Sachdeva, Research Associate
- Interview: Mr Deolalikar, Plumbing Engineer, and son of Mr G.B. Deolalikar
Keywords:
brise-soleil, natural formwork, shear walls, radial beams, parasol
