India's Greatest Architect Charles Correa

Summary

Charles Correa, known as India's greatest architect, left an indelible mark on Indian architecture. His designs, such as the Gandhi Smarak Sanghralaya and the Navi Mumbai masterplan, showcased a harmonious blend of modernism and Indian culture. Correa's belief in architecture's ability to elevate the lives of all, regardless of economic status, was evident in his work. His legacy continues to inspire, with initiatives like the Drawing Board competition honoring his contributions to urban design and low-cost housing.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Charles Correa was a renowned architect from India, known for his modern yet culturally rooted designs.
• 🌟 He was titled 'India's greatest architect' and designed over 100 buildings in a career spanning 5 decades.
• 🌱 Correa's architectural philosophy was deeply influenced by his Indian roots and he aimed to blend modernism with tradition.
• 🏛️ His early work, the Gandhi Smarak Sanghralaya, showcased his ability to create culturally rooted, modern structures.
• 🏙️ As Chief Architect for Navi Mumbai, Correa's urban planning principles transformed the lives of millions by creating a well-planned city.
• 🏗️ He addressed urban issues and focused on creating low-cost shelters, emphasizing equality in design for all income groups.
• 🏫 He founded the Urban Design Research Institute in Bombay, dedicated to protecting the built environment and improving urban communities.
• 🏞️ Correa's designs often featured open spaces and courtyards, reflecting his belief in the importance of outdoor spaces for all.
• 🌐 His work transcended borders, with notable projects in New York, MIT, and Lisbon, earning him international recognition.
• 🏅 Correa received numerous awards, including the Royal Gold Medal by RIBA, and the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award.
• 🕊️ His legacy continues to inspire architects and designers, emphasizing the transformative power of spaces on people's lives.

Q & A

Who was Charles Correa and what was his contribution to architecture?

Charles Correa was a renowned Indian architect known for his modernist designs that were deeply rooted in Indian culture and context. He designed over a 100 buildings and inspired a generation of architects, teaching them how Modernism could be adapted to Indian conditions. His work included the Gandhi Smarak Sanghralaya, the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, and the Navi Mumbai project, among others.

What was unique about Charles Correa's approach to architecture?

Charles Correa's approach to architecture was unique in that he did not see tradition and modernity as mutually exclusive. He aimed to honor the beliefs, myths, and traditions that have shaped Indian society while incorporating them into a new modern architectural language.

What was the significance of the Gandhi Smarak Sanghralaya in Charles Correa's career?

The Gandhi Smarak Sanghralaya was one of Charles Correa's earliest works in India and showcased his ability to create modern buildings that were still rooted in Indian culture. The museum's simple concrete framed structure with brick walls, louvered windows, tiled roofs, and stone floors was an ode to Mahatma Gandhi and reflected Correa's architectural philosophy.

What was the Navi Mumbai project and what was Charles Correa's role in it?

The Navi Mumbai project was an initiative to create a new urban area to accommodate the growing population of Mumbai. Charles Correa was appointed as the Chief Architect for Navi Mumbai in 1970. He aimed to make it one of the most well-planned cities in the world, with a focus on decentralization, balanced land distribution, and a well-planned transport system.

How did Charles Correa's work in urban design impact the lives of millions of people?

Charles Correa's work in urban design, particularly the Navi Mumbai project, helped transform the lives of millions by providing housing and job opportunities in a well-planned urban environment. His approach to urban design considered the needs of people across different income groups and aimed to create a balanced and inclusive city.

What was the significance of the National Crafts Museum in Delhi in Correa's body of work?

The National Crafts Museum in Delhi, designed by Charles Correa in 1975, was significant as it was an 'anti-museum' that shied away from the street and emphasized open-air spaces. It showcased Correa's belief in the importance of outdoor spaces and the relationship between the built environment, nature, and the sky.

How did Charles Correa's designs reflect his belief in the importance of outdoor spaces?

Charles Correa's designs often featured central open-to-sky spaces, such as the amphitheater at Jawahal Kala Kendra in Jaipur and the courtyards in the Belapur housing scheme. These designs reflected his belief that outdoor spaces should not be a luxury but a part of everyday life, especially in warm climates.

What awards and recognitions did Charles Correa receive during his lifetime?

Charles Correa received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Royal Gold Medal by RIBA, the Japanese Premium Imperiale, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, and India's second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan.

How did Charles Correa's teachings and work influence future generations of architects?

Charles Correa taught a whole generation of designers about the significance of spaces and how they can transform people's lives. He demonstrated through his work and teachings that architecture could be modern, beautiful, and rooted in culture at the same time.

What is the significance of the Drawing Board competition mentioned in the script?

The Drawing Board is an annual competition for graduate students initiated by Rohan Builders & Mindspace Architects. The competition's theme for the year mentioned in the script was to design a memorial for Charles Correa, which is a tribute to his unparalleled legacy and influence on the field of architecture.

Outlines

00:00

🏛️ Life and Legacy of Charles Correa

Charles Correa, known as India's greatest architect, had a profound influence on modern Indian architecture. His career spanned over five decades, during which he designed more than a hundred buildings that resonated with the Indian people and culture. Born in 1930, Correa studied at the University of Michigan and MIT, where he was exposed to Western architectural styles but remained deeply connected to his Indian roots. Returning to India in 1958, he established his practice and sought to integrate traditional Indian elements into modern architecture. His early work, such as the Gandhi Smarak Sanghralaya, showcased his ability to create culturally rooted, yet modern designs. Correa's philosophy did not conform to the global definition of modernism, which often rejected tradition. Instead, he aimed to honor and incorporate Indian beliefs and traditions into his architectural language.

05:03

🌆 Navi Mumbai: A Masterpiece in Urban Planning

Charles Correa's significant contribution to urban design was evident in the planning of Navi Mumbai, where he served as the Chief Architect from 1970. The city, designed to accommodate the burgeoning population of Mumbai, was spread over 344 square kilometers and was based on the principle of decentralization. Correa's vision included balanced land distribution, well-planned transportation, and diverse community spaces, making it a model for urban planning. His approach to urban issues was inclusive, focusing on people from all income groups. After his tenure as Chief Architect until 1975, Correa continued his work in urban design by founding the Urban Design Research Institute in Bombay in 1984. His later projects, such as the National Crafts Museum in Delhi and Jawahal Kala Kendra in Jaipur, emphasized the integration of outdoor spaces and the importance of community spaces in architecture.

10:04

🌟 Global Impact and Enduring Legacy

Correa's architectural influence extended beyond India, with notable projects like the Permanent Mission to the UN in New York and the Neuroscience Center at MIT. His work was recognized with prestigious awards, including the Royal Gold Medal by RIBA and the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award. Correa passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy that transcended mere buildings. His teachings and designs continue to inspire architects and urban planners. The video concludes with a tribute to Correa's legacy, highlighting a competition to design a memorial in his honor, reflecting the profound impact he had on the field of architecture and urban design.

Keywords

💡Architecture

Architecture refers to both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings and other physical structures. In the context of the video, architecture is portrayed as an art form that can reflect human qualities, blending functionality with cultural significance. The video emphasizes Charles Correa's approach to architecture that respects Indian traditions and modernity, as seen in his designs like the Gandhi Smarak Sanghralaya.

💡Modernism

Modernism in architecture is characterized by simplicity, lack of ornamentation, and the use of modern materials. The video discusses how Charles Correa was influenced by Western modernist architects but chose not to conform to the prevailing definition of modernism that rejected tradition. Instead, he integrated traditional Indian elements into his modern designs, creating a unique architectural language.

💡Indian Roots

The term 'Indian Roots' signifies the deep cultural and traditional connections to India. Charles Correa, despite being exposed to Western architectural styles, remained grounded in his Indian roots. This is evident in his designs that incorporate local materials, construction techniques, and cultural symbols, reflecting a commitment to creating architecture that resonates with the Indian context.

💡Gandhi Smarak Sanghralaya

The Gandhi Smarak Sanghralaya is highlighted in the video as one of Charles Correa's early works, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. It exemplifies his architectural style that is simple, culturally rooted, and devoid of flamboyance, aligning with the principles of the man it honors. This project showcases Correa's ability to create modern structures that are still deeply connected to Indian culture and tradition.

💡Urban Design

Urban Design pertains to the planning and design of the built environment in cities. The video underscores Charles Correa's significant contribution to urban design through the Navi Mumbai project, where he applied the principle of decentralization to create a balanced and well-planned city. This project is a testament to his belief in designing urban spaces that cater to the needs of diverse communities.

💡Decentralization

Decentralization in urban planning refers to the distribution of resources and functions across different areas to prevent overcrowding and improve quality of life. The video mentions how Charles Correa applied this principle in the planning of Navi Mumbai, creating a model for urban expansion that provides housing and job opportunities while maintaining a high standard of living.

💡Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai is a planned city and node of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The video describes it as one of Charles Correa's defining projects where he served as the Chief Architect. His work on Navi Mumbai's masterplan, which included a well-planned transport system and nodal communities, is considered a major contribution to urban design and had a profound impact on the lives of millions.

💡Urban Issues

Urban Issues refer to the social, economic, and environmental challenges faced in urban areas. The video highlights Charles Correa's engagement with urban issues, particularly in the context of housing and community development. His work aimed to create better living conditions for all, regardless of income, reflecting a commitment to social equity in urban planning.

💡Low-Cost Shelters

Low-Cost Shelters are affordable housing solutions designed for low-income populations. The video mentions Correa's pioneering work in designing low-cost shelters, demonstrating his belief that economic constraints should not hinder the creation of joyful and triumphant architecture. His approach to designing for the economically disadvantaged is a key aspect of his legacy.

💡Royal Gold Medal

The Royal Gold Medal is an award given by the Royal Institute of British Architects for significant contributions to architecture. The video notes that Charles Correa was awarded this prestigious medal in 1984, marking international recognition of his work. This award is a testament to his influence and the esteem in which his architectural contributions are held.

💡Culturally Rooted

To be 'culturally rooted' means to be deeply influenced by and connected to the traditions, values, and practices of a particular culture. The video emphasizes how Charles Correa's architecture is culturally rooted, reflecting Indian traditions and culture in his designs. This is evident in his use of local materials, incorporation of traditional elements, and the creation of spaces that resonate with the cultural context.

Highlights

Charles Correa believed architecture is a form of sculpture used by humans.

Correa was titled 'India’s greatest Architect' and designed over 100 buildings.

He contributed to society by inspiring a generation of architects.

Correa's legacy extends beyond architecture, influencing urban planning and society.

Born in 1930, Correa pursued architecture in the United States before returning to India.

He was exposed to Western architects but maintained a strong connection to his Indian roots.

Correa wanted to create modern buildings that were also rooted in Indian culture.

The Gandhi Smarak Sanghralaya is an early example of his work, reflecting simplicity and cultural roots.

Correa's work often includes outdoor spaces, emphasizing the connection between architecture and nature.

He was appointed Chief Architect for Navi Mumbai, aiming to create one of the world's most well-planned cities.

Navi Mumbai was planned with decentralization, balanced land distribution, and a well-planned transport system.

Correa's urban design work transformed the lives of millions.

He addressed urban issues and designed low-cost shelters, focusing on people regardless of income.

Correa founded the Urban Design Research Institute in Bombay.

The National Crafts Museum in Delhi is an example of Correa's innovative approach to museum design.

Jawahal Kala Kendra in Jaipur reflects the city's spatial planning and traditional construction.

Correa's designs often feature central open-air spaces that bind the building's other spaces together.

He believed outdoor spaces should be accessible to all, not just a luxury for the wealthy.

Correa's work is recognized internationally, with buildings in New York, MIT, and Lisbon.

He was awarded the Royal Gold Medal by RIBA and other prestigious awards.

Correa's legacy continues to inspire future generations of architects.

The Drawing Board competition theme for the year is to create a memorial for Charles Correa.

Transcripts

The reasons that buildings might look more human is that I feel architecture is sculpture,

but it is sculpture used by human beings India’s greatest Architect.

That was the title given to Charles Correa when he was alive.

In a career spanning 5 decades, he designed over a 100 buildings, with a design style

that spoke to and of the people.

But perhaps his biggest contribution to society at large is a generation of architects that

he inspired, teaching them what Modernism could mean for India.

But the legacy of this man goes much beyond just architecture.

So today lets uncover his story, Welcome to Blessedarch and today on this channel we are

looking at the life and designs of Charles Correa.

Charles Mark Correa , was born on 1 September 1930 in Secunderabad.

He was born in an India that was still under British rule.

But when he completed his school education, he graduated into a new and free country.

In 1949 he decided to pursue architecture at the University of Michigan and later a

masters at The MIT or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Now studying in the west he was undoubtably exposed to the works of Architects like Corbusier

& Louis Kahn.

But while he loved their design style, he never lost touch with his Indian roots.

He wanted to create modern buildings, but for India and so finally in the year 1958,

he came back to India to establish his own practice.

Now at this point of time, modernism was spreading all over the world.

This new design style did away with the crutches of the past, from religion and tradition.

But Charles never conformed to this definition of modernism.

He didn’t see tradition and modernity as mutually exclusive.

He was very aware and appreciative of the beliefs, myths and traditions that have shaped

the Indian society and the built environment in India for thousands of years.

He wanted to honor these systems in place, and wanted to include them in his designs,

but ofcourse he wanted to do so in a new modern architectural language.

The Gandhi Smarak Sanghralaya is one of Charles’s earliest works in India.

This museum which is an ode to Mahatma Gandhi is simple concrete framed structure, with

brick walls, louvered windows, tiled roofs, and stone floors.

There are no decorative or flamboyant elements anywhere in this building.

It is simple, and it is rooted in its culture and place just like the man it is made to

honor.

In this early project you can see how Charles wanted to give modern India a new architectural

language, but still holding on to the rich vocabulary of culture and material already

in place.

In the years to follow he went on to work on more projects like the Madhya Pradesh Legislative

Assembly in Bhopal, the Sonmarg apartments in Mumbai and the Ramkrishna and Parekh House

in Ahmedabad.

But then came the Project that is probably considered a defining project for Charles

Correa, one that did not just change his life, but also of more than 6 million people.

Now before we continue with our story I want to tell you about the sponsors of this video

The Drawing Board.

This is an initiative by Rohan Builders & Mindspace Architects.

Rohan builders along with mindspace architects have collaborated on some wonderful projects

in the past three decades and understand the massive contribution that architects can bring

to the future.

Hence, this competition platform was created.

The drawing board is an annual competition for graduate students and this year, the subject

is about designing a memorial for Charles Correa.

You can find out more about this by going by clicking on the link in the description

below.

I will be looking forward to seeing some amazing designs.

And now let's get back to our video.

After Independence India experienced a phenomenal rate of urban growth and mumbai had a big

part to play in it.

From 2.9 million residents in 1951 to 5.9 million in 1971, Mumbai saw an unprecedented

growth.

But there was not enough space in the city.

The quality of life of people and the built environment started going down.

The city needed to expand, and to keep up with the growing Population, a new project

was put in place called Navi Mumbai.

This new Urban area was to provide housing and job opportunities for a large population

of the current city.

In the year 1970, Charles was appointed as the Chief Architect for Navi Mumbai.

He wanted to make this one of the most well planned cities of the world.

Spread over an area of 344 square kilometers, this city was planned on the principle of

decentralization.

Charles created a pattern that ensured a balanced land distribution and zoning across the city.

With a well planned transport system, nodal communities to accommodate people of different

income groups, and thoughtful community spaces a lot of people consider this project as Charles’s

biggest contribution to the field of urban Design.

It was indeed one of his biggest projects and it helped transform the lives of millions

of people.

And it was not just the masterplan of this city.

He took on many challenging Urban issues, to try and create a new and better society.

He gave equal attention to people regardless of their income.

It did not matter whether he was designing for the poorest or the richest.

In an essay titled, ‘Great City…Terrible Place’ he once wrote : ‘A good architect

does not have to be fazed by working under severe economic constrains, however drastic

they might be.

Having perforce to use only the humblest materials, such as mud, need not prevent him from creating

a joyous and triumphal piece of architecture.’

He carried this belief with him in all his projects.

He worked hard on the design of Navi Mumbai but he was the chief Architect only till 1975.

Nevertheless his relationship with Urban Design did not end there.

In 1984, he founded the Urban Design Research Institute in Bombay, dedicated to the protection

of the built environment and improvement of urban communities.

And During the final four decades of his life, Correa did pioneering work in urban issues

and low-cost shelters.

But we are getting ahead of ourselves, Lets come back to the year 1975.

In the year 1975, Charles returned to private practice designing the National Crafts Museum

in Delhi.

It is museum that some call an anti museum.

A building that shies away from the street, one where you travel much more in open air

than you do indoors.

This relationship that the built environment shared with the surrounding, with nature and

with the sky was important to him.

He believed that outdoor spaces are not a luxury reserved only for those who could afford

it.

A best example of this is a project that came in 1986, one that has fascinated me even before

I became an architect the Jawahal Kala Kendra in Jaipur.

I remember going to this structure when I was younger and just being fascinated by everything

that the spaces had to offer.

He designed this building to mimic the spatial planning of the city of Jaipur.

This multi-arts Center reflects the city of Jaipur in the use of traditional construction

materials, colours, and art.

But one of the best spaces here is the centrally placed open to sky amphitheater.

It binds all the other spaces together in one symphony.

I remember sitting here specially during the monsoons and just admiring the beauty of the

design.

This central courtyard, this open to sky community space, is probably a defining characteristics

in of all his designs.

One of the best and most mature examples of this is the Belapur housing scheme, where

the whole scheme is developed by creating modules and arranging them around different

hierarchies of courtyards.

Creating communal spaces that are both shared and intimate.

The Blessings of the sky this was the title of one of his essays where he went on to write,

‘In India, the sky has profoundly affected our relationship to built-form, and to open

space.

For in a warm climate, the best place to be in the late evenings and in the early mornings,

is outdoors, under the open sky.’

Charles wasn’t just responding robotically to natural elements or ticking off some checklist,

he was responding to people, to their habits, their communities and their culture.

And he did so in all of his projects, right until the very end of his life.

Charles went on to create a lot of beautiful projects in his lifetime, like the Surya Kund,

the Inter University Centre for Astrology and Astrophysics and the British Council.

And not just in India, his designes crossed borders when he created buildings like the

Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, the Neuroscience Center at MIT, and the Champalimaud

Foundation Centre in Lisbon.

In the year 1984, Charles Correa was awarded the Royal Gold Medal by RIBA or Royal Institute

of British Architects, and it was at this time that he was named "India's greatest architect".

A name well deserved if you ask me.

Ofcourse Charles won a lot of awards and titles in his lifetime like Japanese Premium Imperiale,

Aga Khan Award for Architecture, and the Padma Vibhushan which is India's second-highest

civilian award.

But his legacy today are not just these titles and awards but something much greater.

On 16th June in 2015.

Following a brief Illness, Charles Correa passed away.

At the time his death, I remember I was in my 4th year of college.

I saw so many people pray tribute to this great architect.

It was almost like a lot of people had lost their mentor.

He had taught a whole generation of designers what spaces could mean, and how they can transform

the lives of the people inhabiting them.

He taught them, both literally and through his work, how architecture could be of the

people, and yet be modern in its approach, be beautiful and yet be rooted.

It is an undeniable fact that Charles Correa revolutionized Indian architecture in the

post-independence era.

And if you have ever seen any of his buildings in person, I think you will agree with me.

The British Architect David Adjaye once said about him

Charles is someone who has that rare capacity to give physical form to something as intangible

as ‘culture’ or ‘society’.

His work will continue to inspire and to thrill for many generations to come."

Its been 7 years since the man has passed and this statement today holds more true than

ever before.

Now Charles Correa was a teacher to many.

And to pay tribute to the unparalleled legacy of this great guru, The theme of the drawing

board this year is to create a memorial for Charles correa.

You can checkout more details about this competition in the description below.

I cant wait to see some inspired and beautiful designs.

And that was it you guys, that was the video on the life and designs of Charles Correa.

Let me know how you found it in the comments below and also don’t forget to give this

video a thumbs up to share this video and to subscribe to Blessedarch.

Don’t forget to checkout the drawing board and I will see you guys soon with more such

content.

Until then.

Bubyee