It is a pleasure and a matter of pride for me to be reviewing this book.
The book “Innovative Architecture through the Ages” is starkly different from the traditional history books that we graduated reading, such as “A History of Architecture” by Sir Banister Fletcher.
“Totally devoid of architectural plans, sections and other drawings, the book draws you into the treasure-trove of selected examples of Architectural magnificence from across time and space.”
The sweep is breathtaking, starting from the cave paintings, the works of the Pharaohs and King Cyrus to the icons of the modern- day architecture of Bjarke Ingels, including in between the who’s who of the entire global architectural fraternity. Profusely illustrated with textbook precision description, strictly adhering to its title, this is a labour of love of one by the leading professionals of modern Architecture in India.
The book is a detailed inventory of a wide variety of Architectural buildings with description of the structures. The introductory remarks are a very valuable insight to the state of the profession in the early 60’s of Delhi/ India. Especially the part where Prof Sharma acknowledges the contribution of the Architectural competitions, and the positive effect of winning some of them had on his career growth.
Despite the introductory remarks where he acknowledges the role played by all these buildings in shaping his understanding of the social and cultural context and contributing to his professional growth, the author steadfastly restricts himself from expressing his own opinions or comments, other than wholeheartedly acclaiming the overall aesthetic appeal of the structure being discussed.
With one small exception, when he describes the demolition of the Hall of Nations and other structures as “unfortunate”. The same restrain is observed when he introduces in chapter 4,the making of New Delhi, un moved by the current wave of breaking the ‘Colonial shekels’ call, limiting his information to the well-known ,highly published debate amongst the British circle on the issue of following a suitable style of Architecture for the design of New Delhi which was later to be known as ‘the Indo Saracenic style’.
In this present-day vitiated atmosphere on the basis of religion and total disregard to conservation values, one little episode described by him brings warmth and joy. He describes how during his visit to the Bateshwar temple complex in Padavli, MP, he witnessed a team of concerned persons from diverse ‘professions’, including the dreaded dacoits of Chambal, assisting Shri K.K Muhammed, Assistant Archaeologist, Bhopal region, and others who collaborated to restore the lost glory of the group of these temples.
A perceptible thread that runs through all the selected works is the overlap of art. Some buildings house art while others are themselves pieces of art. The author pays a tribute to the architect as a ‘three –in-one person, architect, artist and engineer’ combined and it is noticeable in the mosaic of the eclectic global collection.
The chronology starts in the Palaeolithic age and includes major examples of handpicked buildings from every era, including European, Indian Hindu and Islamic, Colonial, Modernistic, Eclectic, Modern, and futuristic styles. Except for those monuments where the creator is unknown, all architects, engineers and artists associated with the creation are duly credited with their identity. It is a very useful addition to the library of the Architect seeking to refer to the innovation in the field around the globe. Of special interest to the younger generations would be the works selected under “the chapters 10 (The turn of the millennium, and chapter 11 Architecture of the future) which is a glimpse into the contemporary professional world.
All this begs the question, so how does the book contribute to the profession?
The answer perhaps lies in the top quality of the body of professional works produced by the author during his active life-both as an architect and as an academician. The book makes the case for travel and face-to-face encounters with these architectural gems, which have the potential to move you. They have the power to transcend the boundaries of your imagination and transform you. They leave a trace of unease in your subconscious that emerges at the moments of creative turmoil on the drawing board enriching your professional work. Most architects who have undertaken this ‘pilgrimage’ would agree.
As a teacher Prof Sharma was, and still is, a man of few words. However, the overwhelming beauty and simplicity of his work speaks for the power, and the rhythm of uniting his buildings to the earth through his mastery in landscaping.
The textbook format of the entire volume is put together with devotion by the editors, Malay Chatterjee, my classmate and Professor Sharma’s collaborator on earlier academic works and Dr. Meera Chatterjee and laid out in a very easy-to-refer and read, sleek colour photo format by Geeta and Brijender Dua of Studio Earth.
Images: © Ram Sharma and LA Journal
Book can be ordered by sending an email to lajournalindia@gmail.com, or through Flipkart.
