(IN)TANGIBLE HERITAGE(S)

Abstract

The term ‘Critical Regionalism’ was first coined by Alexander Tzonis and Liane Lefaivre and later more famously and pretentiously by Kenneth Frampton in “Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six points of an architecture of resistance”. According to Frampton, “Critical Regionalism should adopt modern architecture critically for its universal progressive qualities but at the same time should value responses particular to the context”. Emphasis was laid on topography, climate, light, tectonic form rather than scenography and the tactile sense rather than the visual. Critical Regionalism is an approach to architecture that strives to counter the placeless-ness and lack of identity of the International Style, but also rejects the whimsical individualism and ornamentation of postmodern architecture. Critical Regionalism is not simply regionalism in the sense of vernacular architecture. It is a progressive approach to design that seeks to mediate between the global and the local languages of architecture. Based on the following principles of Critical Regionalism Contextual response, Historical knowledge, Climate responsiveness, Ecological sensitiveness, Local materials and construction, Technological sustainability and Cultural appropriateness an observation has been made, that these have been applied to the structures built in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Which can be studied and experienced in the structures like Vidhan Bhavan by Charles Correa, Bharat Bhavan by Charles Correa, IIFM by Anant Raje and Action for Social Advancement Centre. Further in this study, case studies will be looked at in detail to identify how each principle of Critical Regionalism has influenced/applied while designing/constructing them.