RAJ REWAL

LIFE JOURNY

LIFE JOURNEYRaj Rewal born in 1934 in Hoshiarpur India.Creation of geometric systems and respondingvisual imageries are apparent in Raj Rewal’s architectural works.He lived in Delhi and Shimla in 1939-1951.He attended Harcourt butler higher secondary School.In 1951-1954, he attended Delhi “school of architecture” His imaginative leaps are based on his foundational knowledge and experience.

In 1955-1961 he moved to London and attended the architectural association school of architecture for one year.He Completed his formal professional training at the Brixton school of building, London.Raj Rewal worked as an assistant stage manager for several avante grade theatre productions in London .He became an associate of the royal institute of British architects, London.He was working in the offices of Michel Ecohard,in Paris,in 1961-1962.In 1962 he married with Helene.

He returned to new Delhi in 1962 to set up his own architectural practice.In 1963-72 taught at the Delhi school of architecture.He opened a second office in Tehran, Iran, in1974 .He founded the architectural research cell withRam Sharma in 1985.In 1986 he was the curator of the exhibition“TraditionalArchitecture in India” for the festival of India inParis.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILEHe completed his professional education in Europe.He recalls 3 encounters during those formativeyears which shaped his architectural ideology.First he relates to his interest in structures,which was cultivated by his English education,craft tradition, during the review of his diplomaprojects.

Second he worked as an assistant stage for manager several avante grade theatre productions in London. As a set designer he learnt that each dramatic work had its particular character which he interprets as the rasa of the building.Third he was working in the offices of Michel Ecohard, in Paris. In office he absorbed the principles of urban design and planning .He also had an opportunity to work on the design of a space frame structure for a Museum in Kuwait.Then he took the lead of the structural systems for the exhibition pavilions at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

He convinced his European structural consultants to develop the unusual structural systems for the Ismaili centre and the central public works department to undertake the construction of stone columns and ferro cement domes for the Parliament Library.The only 2 other influences that he admits wereimportant to his development as an architect wereon his return to India.On seeing the works of Le Corbusier.Teaching history at the School of planning andArchitecture, New Delhi.Corbusiers works convinced him that it waspossible to be rational and impliment modern meansto build in India.

Teaching history exposed him to the classical and vernacular traditions of building in India.They seem to exemplify what Le Corbusier once said “What makes our dreams so daring is that they can be realised”.

MEMORY AND GEOMETRYHis architectural pursuit is centered on attempts to evolve a contemporary architecture rooted in traditional wisdom.He has been influenced by the architectural style of Le Corbusier and Louis khan.Also influenced by the typologies of traditionalbuildings and cities like Jaisalmer

In his work continuity and change consort one another in familiar terms.The strategy thus allows a monumental quality to be imported in the projects.In 1962, he created a hyperbolic paraboloid structure with newspapers plastered on board toarticulate the skin.The pattern for Bhikaji Cama pplace designed in1965 is reminiscent of the organization of traditional urban settlements.Much like traditional bazars he created designsmodulated on a rhythm based on repetition ofcubic forms

For the HALL OF NATIONS and industries he drew lessons from the Humayun’s tomb.In Nehru pavilion he draws parallels with stupas that enshrine sacred relics.The Satish Gujral house and Rewal house resembles the “Havelis” in Rajasthan .Spatial orientation, use of cavity walls make the designs responsive to the climate.He derives lessons from different sources such the layering of wall patterns in tombs and trellises.

FEATUERS OF HIS DESIGN URBAN FABRIC CLUSTERS STREETS GATEWAYS INNER COURTYARDS ROOF GARDENS

URBAN FABRICThe forts of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur offer fromhigh plateaux splendid overviews of the cities.Settlement patterns are clearly visible and thetexture of the city with its closely related solidsand voids .The densely packed building breathe through the courtyards at different levels .Cool shadows and air currents are built into thegrain of the city of Jaisalmer and are excellentdemonstration of the achievement of low rise,high density development.The sense of enclosure and continuity of movement is maintained throughout the cities

Raj rewal tried to evolve mass housing schemesbased on similar criteria.In the Asian games village and Sheikh sarai housing project , the peripheral roads are connected to parking squares.The central spine of the layout is reserved fornarrow ,shaded, pedestrian pathways .The layout plans follow traditional methods ofcreating shade and cross ventilation.The creation of the traditional narrow street,linking all the housing units, provides for intimate encounters between people and a sense of belonging to the neighbourhood square.

ASIAN GAMES VILLAGE

CLUSTERSThe joining together of several bldg which retain their identity yet from a cohesive cluster, is an enduring vernacular tradition within the Indian subcontinent.The endless repetition of a single type of block orslab has proved a dreary (dull) solution.The street facades of Jaisalmer exhibit a simple methodology,where each house owner boughtreadymade elements of carved stone balconies and doors, creating a rich street composition.Traditional clusters surround a variety of open spaces with different functions around a unified pattern of movement.

Raj rewal designed his housing schemes at Sheikh Sarai and the Institute of Immunology as a series of district clusters which are interrelated.The buildings are unified by means of similarfaçade treatment, using sandstone grit render,the piercing of parapets, proportions of doors,deep set windows, and stone flanking walls forthe courtyard

JAISALMER NATIONAL INSTITUTE IMMUNOLOGY

COURTYARDSThe public courtyard accommodates a multiple of activities ranging from religious like marriage ceremonies to the celebration of secular festivals.The interlocking courtyards at Fatehpur Sikri, toaccommodate different functions creating a microclimate, free from dust, heat and sandstorms.Courtyards are protected by external walls and verandahs or are defined by rooms, and act as a light and air wells in which cool night air is trapped.Raj rewal designed courtyards with similar consideration in mind for a variety of housing and educational buildings eg. Institute of Immunology

GATEWAYSGateways were built in the cities to define particular zones.Each Gateway is like the opening of a newchapter.Gateways in the Asian Games village markterritory

ASIAN GAMES VILLAGE

ROOF TERRACESRoof terraces are an essential component of thelifestyle of north Indian cities.They provide welcome outdoor space during the summer nights in the dry, hot climate when theinterior rooms receive the heat absorbed .Also provide an extension to living areas at upperlevels during the sunny „winter‟ days when interiorrooms can be cold.Private roof terraces and courtyards are an integral design component of the housing for the institute of Immunology and Asian games village

ROOF TERRACES IN ASIAN GAMES VILLAGE

STREETSThe narrow shaded streets of Jaisalmer generate movement patterns full of fun,pleasure and surprise.The plans for the Asian games village and Sheikh sarai are based on similar narrow shaded streets linking a variety of clusters.The streets are broken up into small units, so there are pauses , points of rest and changingvistas.

ASIAN GAMES VILLAGESTREETS IN

AWARDS AND HONOURSHe has received among many otherhonours.In 1989, he was awarded the gold medal bythe Indian Institute of Architects.The Robert Mathew award by the Commonwealth Association of architects.In 1993 he was honored by the Mexican Association of Architects, london.Raj Rewal is also the 1995 recipient of theJK Trusts Great Master‟s award.

RAJ REWAL’S WORKSRaj Rewal’s works can be divided in the followingparts: RESIDENCES Satish Gujral house, New Delhi Sham Lal house, New Delhi Rewal house, New Delhi HOUSING French Embassy Staff Quarters, New Delhi Sheikh Sarai Housing Complex, New Delhi Zakir Hussain Co-operative Housing, New Delhi Asian Games Village, New Delhi

EXHIBITION AND LARGE SPAN Nehru Memorial Pavilion, New Delhi Hall Of Nations and Hall Of Industries, New Delhi Karnataka Pavilion, New Delhi OFFICES Bhikhaji Cama Bazaar, New Delhi Engineers India House, New Delhi State Trading Corporation, New Delhi SCOPE Office Complex, New Delhi RESEARCH &EDUCATION National Institute Of Public Finances and Policy, NewDelhi. National Institute Of Immunology, New Delhi French School and Cultural Centre, New Delhi Central Institute Of Educational Technology, New Delhi

SATISH GUJRAL HOUSE, NEWDELHI,

SATISH GUJRAL HOUSE, NEWDELHI, 1970Designed for an artist, the Gujral houseprovided approximately 800sqm of living spacealso intended for the display of paintings andworks of art.The split level configuration of living room,mezzanine and basement spaces was basedupon to previous houses in Delhi.A central staircase connects various levels ofthe dwelling which have the difference in heightof one and a half meters.Certain interior spaces have direct access tooutdoor gardens at differing levels

basement, for example, is one and a half metersfrom ground level and contains a workshop forceramics joined to sunken open court.Similarly the main living space at plus one and ahalf meters can be continued outwards on to theraised garden.The Gujral house was constructed with exposedbricks, Moreover the concrete floor slabs andbeams were left exposed;Large pivoting doors of teak and glass separatethe living areas and the garden

Certain interior spaces have direct access tooutdoor gardens at differing levels

Main entrance

PLAN

SHYAM LAL HOUSE, NEW DELHI, 1973The Shyam lal design placed an emphasis onblending the entrance hall, dining and livingroom spaces with the front garden as much aspossible.The large pivoting doors of glass and teak define the living room garden boundary and can be opened for social occasions.The house was designed for a leading journalistand writer .A double height space contains the entrancehall and stairs to the first floor.

Three bedrooms and the upper floors have access to roof terraces.A small basement under the dining room serves as library.Construction is of reinforced concrete and brick with traditional materials such as kotah stone and teak for finishings.

View of double heightentrance

REWAL HOUSE ,NEW DELHIIn 1973, he designed 2 independent house units,one for the architect and his family, the other for his parents.It was designed in such a manner as to giveboth privacy and inter-relatedness to each other.Communication between the two houses isthrough the kitchen yard, at the back.While separate entrances and front gardens areprovided across an extremely narrow frontage ofonly 5 meters for each.Living, dining, kitchen and study areas are on the ground floor, yet the introduction of a small cellar under the dining room offered the possibility of a split-level and hence greater richness.

Part of the living room is of double height, and isoverlooked by mezzanine.A small interior courtyard within the two units brings indirect light and good cross-ventilation to these spaces.Large pivoting glass doors provide continuity between the living room and the garden outside.The use of material is restricted to exposed brick externally and internally (painted white outside).The ceilings and cantilevered stairs are of exposed concrete, softened by the texture left by wooden form work.The flooring of kotah stone in brown and bronze achieves a certain continuity, carried through in the teak-framed doors and windows

The rewal house served as a prototype for hislater large scale mass housing designs

A viewdownwardinto theliving anddining area

Sheikh Sarai Group Housing, NewDelhi, 1972-82The programme for 550 apartments was based on the norms in force for self-financed housing in south Delhi.Six different types of units, ranging in area 70-120sqm,were organized into two distinct clusters, three and four storeys in height.Density is approximately 100 apartments per hectare.An important aspect of this solution is the pattern of interrelated squares of an intimate scale that has been created.While there is a clear demarcation between pedestrian and vehicular spaces within these,the movement of people within the enclosures has been closely aligned with the access points for vehicles on the periphery.

The scale of the various squares has been adjusted to encourage and to serve different community activities.All the units have been provided with a courtyard or roof top terrace, the wall or parapets of which have narrow slits (jalis) ensuring both privacy and good ventilation.Although the structure is of reinforced concrete posts and beams, the walls are of brick infill covered with roughcast plaster.This is customary for economical mass housing in the region, and allows for some modification bythe users.

ASIAN GAMES VILLAGE, NEW DELHI, 1980In 1982 India hosted the Asian Olympic gamesin New Delhi.The housing development was commissioned and built by the public authorities to accommodate the athletes.It was forseen by the public client, the Delhidevelopment authority(DDA), that the units would be sold off to private individuals once the games had finished.It was least expensive construction which at thetime, cost approx. 170 rupees a sq.foot.The asiad village was built for 210 to 280 rupeesa sq.feet for a middle class population.

A relatively wide variety of unit types, fromindividual houses (types A, B, C) to apartmenttype (E, F, G) and variations on the specialarrangement of these, was conceived-in part,undoubtedly, to anticipate the needs of familieswith different social beck ground. In all, there are some 510 housing units,comprising 200 individual town houses and 300apartments in two-storey to four-storey „walkups‟with an overall density of 50 units perhectare. The combination of various dwelling types intoan urban pattern of unusual diversity makes theasiad village quite remarkable. The concept is based upon a sequence of openspaces linked by narrow, shaded pedestrianstreets and containing both recreational andcommercial activities.

The passage and lanes are consciously interrupted by units which span them overhead to produce “gateways” to identifiable groupings within the complex.Vistas are constantly changing, although a continuity of movement is maintained throughout each series of enclosures.An obvious source of inspiration for such narrow streets linking the housing units is the traditional street scale and pattern found in many indian cities, where narrow paths become spaces for encounters between people, and the open squares offer a sense of neighbourhood.Peripheral roads are connected to cul-de-sac parking areas which in turn give access to individual garages or car porches attached to houses or apartment block.

Vehicular and pedestrian movements is thereby segregated but closely interlinked for convenience: about 80% of the dwellings have access from both pedestrian enclosures as well as the parking areasCentrally located within the Asiad village, but easily accessible from outside as well, was a dining complex for those participating in the games.This now serves the local community as a recreational and commercial center

HALL OF NATIONS & HALL OFINDUSTRIES, NEW DELHI,1970

HALL OF NATIONS , NEW DELHI,1970A limited competition was held in 1970 for the design of permanent exhibition spaces for the International Trade Fair 2 years later, & Raj Rewals proposal was selected.The main pavilion of the hall of nations has a clear span of 78 m and a height vary from 3 m to 21m , thereby providing a vast capacity for items to be exhibited from books to bulldozers.The hall of industries on the other hand is a combination of 4 smaller pavilions by ramps enclosing a central area for open air exhibits,utilities, toilets, and other services are located under the ramps.Although each of the halls was initially conceived as a full pyramid the truncated form was adopted in order to avoid unnecessary constructions.

The steel for this space frame construction was expensive in India.As the result, it was built in the latter material.Octahedra measuring 5m from joint to joint were employed as the basic 3D unit of the space frame,which rests on 8 points around the essentially square planned and allows 11m wide openings between the supports.An effective system of environmental control inside the building was another outcome of the 3D structure , as solid triangular panels at regular intervals provided sun screens – a modern equivalent, according to some authors of the traditional jali in Indian architecture .

Structure detail

Interior of Hall of Nation

Overall view of the complex