By Vidarshana Prasad
From exquisite Iranian craftsmanship to the British touches of functionality, Mumbai is a feast for the eyes from an architectural stand point.
There are a total of 94 buildings set around the Oval Maidan that was previously known as the Esplanade. This ornamented structure is an example of 19th century collection of Victorian structures and the 20th century Art Deco buildings. This building is the collective brain child of the Indian Institute of Architects, Bombay. This group revolutionized the Art Deco movement in India. Extensive port commerce at that period, there was extensive port commerce in Mumbai, and thus resulted in a sudden need for offices and workspaces. And thus, these structures were built to resolve this predicament.
The principle on which the Art Deco movement was entirely based on was ‘perfect and efficient architecture’ and a futuristic approach. This shows the outlook of the people in 1930’s on the word ‘perfection’. The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble shows the imposing extent to which the architectural community had gone to provide adequate means of accommodation to migrating middleclass workers. This ensemble is a highly ornamented structure with very fine detailing, but also made to be efficient. The basic construction materials like stone and brick were replaced by metal beams, steel columns and reinforced concrete. Old and orthodox methods of construction were not abandoned, but an insight to the near future was welcomed with open arms. These characteristics gained it its much-deserved popularity and in 2018, it was declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble are acknowledged around the world for numerous reasons. Some recognize it for the clever craftsmanship, while some distinguish it for the fact that the buildings are still functional and in use. But the most significant part of these buildings is the fine details that are engraved onto the very roots, and what they signify and show.
Portholes as windows, ship-deck styled railings and observation towers were some of the many features that showcased the influence of ships in the design of these buildings. Mumbai was in contact with the new era of ocean liners in that period, among which were The Bremen and Queen Mary. These ocean liners had been a symbol of luxury and class in that time period. Acquaintance with these notable streamliners, the buildings were built with these ship-inspired decorations as a declaration of a status symbol among the other structures.
The use of Glass Fountains and metal grills is seen in many of the building facades of this collection of buildings. This was symbolic for eternal youth, much popularized by the French Glass designer, Rene Lalique. Art Deco adapted this idea from some of his prominent works where he exhibited the idea of eternal youth with a glass fountain.
The city had an abundance of tropical vegetation and was shown in the form of waves, sunburst rays, tropical flora and fauna which can be seen in porch railings, facades, metal balcony grills, ornamental gates and porch railings. An abundance of Tropical imagery that was similar to waves and floral murals were featured in the buildings, which successfully demonstrated the tropical vegetation of Mumbai. As a symbol of appreciation to Mother Nature and a verification to the fact that people may exist in harmony was the purpose of these designs.
For Ornamentation, The Eyebrows, which were also known as outward projecting edges or ‘shelves’, was another observable object. These had been constructed above a structure portico for the purpose of offering shade from direct sunlight and also to keep the interior cool. They also highlight the rhythmic horizontality of the buildings. Art Deco lettering on buildings in the form of Architectural lettering, depicted the sleek and streamlined structural appeal of these buildings. The typefaces consisted of a combination of straight lines and segments of circles. One of the most noticeable features of these buildings is the use of stepping up and stepping back of roof lines, to mimic a zigzag pattern or a ziggurat. Ziggurats are worship towers seen in early Mesopotamian structures. The restrictions on the height of the buildings on reclaimed land were the most important reason to adopt this concept. The ziggurats kept the visual verticality of these buildings alive while also adhering to the height restrictions.
A few prominent buildings in the Victorian and Art Deco movement are as follows-
Built in 1938, The Eros Cinema is located in the Cambata building in Churchgate, but now defunct due to legal issues. It’s mostly painted cream and constructed with red Agra sandstone. A foyer made of white and black marble, with a few tasteful touches of gold. A divided structure into two distinct wings, each of which converge at a central block. Marble staircases and chromium rails take up to the upper floors, with are filled with frescoes and murals with muted colours, a typical characteristic of Indian architecture.
Formerly known as the Victoria Terminus, the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a structure in one of the most widely known Railway stations all over the world. It’s the adaptation of Italian Gothic architecture and Indian architecture, built by the widely known architect Frederick William Stevens. The CST resembles the floor plan of an Indian palace, but the turrets, pointed arches and the main tower resemble an 18thcentury Cathedral. This structure is filled with beautiful statues made of marble, and the entrance is guarded by two pillars. These pillars have a lion representing Great Britain, and a tiger representing India.
Just a mile away from Victoria Terminus, is the home to the Mumbai police force. The police headquarters is an example of Gothic Revival architecture. It is made up of yellow basalt unlike the Maharashtra Police Headquarters, which is built with blue basalt. The central tower is clearly visible even from a prominent distance away.
Opposite to the Police Headquarters is the Crawford Market, one of Maharashtra’s largest wholesale markets. With a blend of indigenous elements, it is an excellent example of Victorian Gothic architecture. The structure was built using coarse buff coloured Kurla stone, with redstone from Bassein. A 15m skylight brightens up the marketplace. Its consists of three doorways, each divided by a column which had a space for a carving depicting everyday life, only two of which were completed.
The new architecture of pre-independence Bombay resembled ‘Deco’ in Europe with all the ornaments, stark geometry, trappings etc, but in consideration for the Local. With its purpose, solely for the comfort of the residential citizens. Even if considered a colonial agenda, the buildings fit well even into the second decade of the millennia. Being figurative of global aspirations and a commerce driven metropolis while addressing the context of region environmentally. This is one of the small and usually overlooked details that make any architecture stand out for decades. Plagiarism from other parts of the world is generally frowned upon. But influence, while keeping in mind the region, culture, environment etc, can be the foundation for memorable architecture.
This ensemble shows how everyday aspects of life can be beautifully depicted into the ornamentations of a building, which is open to interpretation for the masses. These buildings were built with an idea of being futuristic and efficient in the coming years, thus they still hold significance today and are still in use. This also showcases the British rule in a very different way. History books depict them as tyrants, but their good influence is something that should be noted more often. The Victorian Gothic buildings built during their reign not only attract millions of tourists each year, but also stand as a symbol of elegance for the city of Mumbai. In the present time, these buildings have become such an integral part of the life of Mumbaikars that only a few may stop and appreciate these masterpieces hiding in plain sight.
By Vidarshana Prasad
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