Redesigned by Arcop Associates in association with Aedas, the iconic Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi is a true landmark of India, enhancing the country’s rich cultural history by integrating art into architecture.
India added another architectural feat to its growing list, a Convention Center in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Termed Bharat Mandapam, the new structure boasts the usage of advanced materials and technology, claiming to be the new modern symbol of Indian architecture. A resounding testament to India’s evolving architectural landscape, the state-of-the-art convention center, also the venue of the recently held G20 summit, is an iconic site that has emerged as the torchbearer of modernity, seamlessly intertwining the threads of the past with the aspirations of the present. The inauguration of Bharat Mandapam on July 26, 2023, on the portentous occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, graced by none other than the Honourable Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, marked a significant milestone in the realm of Indian architectural achievement and the history of Pragati Maidan itself.
The architectural design of the Convention Centre is inspired by Indian traditions, displaying a blend of past heritage and modern facilities. Designed with an idea to showcase equality and diversity in India, unlike squares and other shapes, the building has no front or rear. It’s equal from whichever point you look at it.
Arcop Associates, in association with Singapore-based firm Aedas, was awarded the redevelopment of this Pragati Maidan project in October 2016 through an Open Architectural Competition. The project that was envisaged to be done in two Phases I & II came with a simple brief. It had to be an iconic landmark which could match the aspirations of New India aspiring to be the global leader. The aim was to redevelop Pragati Maidan as a modern world class Integrated Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre with large exhibition spaces and other associated facilities including parking of 4,800 Passenger Car Units (PCU) along with supporting infrastructure. For the design of this project, as its sub consultants, Arcop Associates brought on board Meinhardt for Structure and MEP along with façade, Mr Kelvin as Acoustics, IT, Lighting and Stage Systems Consultant, IRRIS as Security Consultants, Integral as Landscape Consultants, HPG as Facility Planners and Jaspal Singh as Cost Consultant.
Behind The Design
Sharing the inspiration behind the design and conceptualization of the Bharat Mandapam project, Sanjay Singh, Director, Arcop Associates, the architect of Bharat Mandapam, said, “From day one, we tried to assimilate and showcase India’s craft, culture and way of living in the form of art in the whole project. Our motive was to integrate India in all manners which shows its cultural diversity in each aspect of the design. During our research before the project commenced, we found in the architectural history that around 250 years ago, Yamuna extended to the area where the Bharat Mandapam stands. We took inspiration from the river, and its fluidity and accepting nature became the epicentre of our creativity. Just like the river water, the design of Bharat Mandapam is fluid and has no rough edges.”
The architects have given the building an elliptical form, eliminating any rough edges or strong corners. From any point you observe, the building will expand equally to both sides, just like the Yamuna water. Sanjay further informed, “We have raised the building to a podium of 6 meters. On both sides of the podium, there is a retreat lounge, a tea house and a business centre. So if you observe closely, the whole infrastructure will be seen rising and going down, just like a wave of the Yamuna.”
The project is designed to cover approximately 4.5 million sq ft of built area consisting of an exhibition complex covering approximately 1.5 million sq ft, a convention center of approximately 7,00,000 sq ft, parking and services covering approximately 1.7 million sq ft, an administration building and support facilities etc. The project has three amphitheaters for cultural functions besides a 3,000 pax semi-covered amphitheater tucked under the convention center. The convention center boasts of a 7,000 pax single format facility which is divisible into multiple formats, 22 meeting rooms of different capacities ranging from 50 to 500 pax along with VVIP meeting rooms, bilateral lounges, PM lounges, dining facilities, F&B outlets and training rooms to name a few. The convention center can seat approximately 13,500 pax in various formats.
The project seeks to open new design avenues in its zeal to incorporate art in architecture. Sanjay said, “The spaces were designed around art as a central theme. The pre-function spaces at level 3 were designed with high ceilings and curved walls which provided the canvas for the Surya Shakti and Zero to Isro. The G20 pre-function space created space for Madhubani Art fused with Agra and Moradabad handicrafts comprising stone inlay and brass work. The Pancha Mahabhutam inspired calligraphic installation was a subtle way to convey the constituents of life. Various furniture pieces had motifs inspired from Bidri Art from the South, Kashmiri motifs and Tanjore art to give a unique touch to each space.”
…All this has ensured that the rich heritage and culture of the country is captured in some way or the other in this architectural marvel.
(This article has been excerpted from our sister publication ‘Society Interiors & Design’)
