The seed of modernism-

The 1900's saw a great amount of ornamentation in buildings that swallowed the
whole idea of its conception and purpose. Buildings that spoke too loudly, that
allowed you to spend hours in the realm of its many intricacies. Beneath the
facade of culture and history was a great distinction among the social classes.
Logic and Architecture were swimming in the vastness of ornamentation, until
modernism came as a keystone that locked them together. With that the early
20th century saw two great twin ideas developing-democracy and modernism.

Modernism- the defined structure

Modernism came as a movement that was born mainly out of rebellion toward
the design excesses of the Victorian and the Edwardian period. It came with a
straight forward approach of "form follows function", allowing the buildings to
have a simplified design and over ruling any beautifying that did not support
function. function and utility, abstract beauty, functional form, use of modern
materials and technology as well as the use of natural materials were the basic
tenets that erected the structure that the style followed. They were also anti-
historicism of any sort. The pioneers of this movement envisioned the aesthetics
of a machine as their muse.

The new modernism spread from architectural practice to colleges and

universities where veteran architects like Le corbusier, Gropius, Van der Rohe
among many others, assumed the role of teachers and spread it to the younger
generation.
Modernism and the society.
Their link with the changing phase in politics also altered their style to suit the
society at large. The modernist style has such a strong social responsibility that
they took architecture as the chief tool to raise the living condition of the
masses. Modernism also came up with design solutions by keeping abreast of the
latest technological developments but it also harboured unrealistic ambitions.
Architects came to use steel, iron and glass extensively but what was most
interesting was the revived use of concrete in
construction. Concrete which had
been actively used by the Romans in 5
B.C had been shelved to make way for
stone, marble and brick up until
modernism took charge.

The modernist movement gained much

momentum after the Second World
War where modernist planning was
implemented to fulfil social needs.
This was also when around 15% of the urban
population was living in poverty. Social housing
projects began in full swing, following these
principle guidelines religiously. In due time, there was a great amount of
acceptance from the people who began to associate it to progress and prosperity.
It then received the status as the "style of the century". More than anything,
Modernism came with a strong belief that design and technology could transform
society

Modernism in India- Golconde

Modernism in India has no definite date but then again a building that made a
significant difference to the scenario was the Golconde. The Sri Aurobindo
ashram, Pondycherry saw a significant growth in members between 1926 to the
year 1934.The Ashram was asked by the Government of French India to stop
renting out houses for their growing number of disciples. under Mother's
supervision, the building adopted various styles influenced deeply from
.Admissions were put on a standstill for the coming few years. It was then that
the Ashram received a generous donation from the ruler of the state of
Hyderabad which allowed them to fund a dormitory for the ashram. The building
was made to house ashramities seeking spirituality, it went down to becoming
landmarked in India's Architectural history sough ting space of a new kind for
itself. An institutional building by type, it underwent a series of design challenges
to emerge as one of the building that truly introduced Modernism to India.
History of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Aurobindo was born in a family of great prominence in Calcutta. He did his
schooling in St. Pauls's School in London and later studied at Kings College in
Cambridge. Upon his return in 1893,he became an active participant in the
Indian freedom struggle against the British rule. He was imprisoned in 1908 for
playing a part in the anti government activities. His one year sentence made him
experience much spiritual growth and on his release ,he decided to relocate to
the French colony of Pondicherry.16 years after he established a spiritual
community with his spiritual partner, Mirra Alfassa who was addressed by the
devotees as 'The
Mother'.

Architects profile
 Antonin
Raymond
Born in Czech Republic, Raymond work made him travel extensively to the USA
and Japan. His growing years as architect were extremely profound as he learnt
under American architects, Cass Gilbert and Frank Lloyd Wright. An experience
that gave him a deep understanding of modernism with the use of concrete for
texture and structure which saw much refinement in his six decade long career. It
was during this that he was also pronounced "The Father of modern architecture
in Japan".

Raymonds association to the Golconde began through Philippe B.St. Hilaire

(Pavitra),a French engineer and ashram devotee who had a befriended the
architect in Japan. Raymond and his wife took an instant liking to Pondicherry
because of its immaculate nature especially the roads along the ashram which
stood in great contrast in comparison to the other Indian cities. During his tenure
in Pondicherry, he spent a great amount of time absorbing the atmosphere of the
ashram and participating in group
meditations enjoying the state of existence
over anything. For a building that started off to
become climatically efficient, Antonin
Raymond has done great justice to it
because he has paid attetion and given
much detain to distinguish even the most
ignorable details to create something which
truly stands for what it believes it-The physical
manifestation of the divine.

George
Nakashima
Born in 1905 in Spokane, George Katsutoshi Nakashima trained to be an
architect at the University of Washington and later branched out to do furniture
design in India, Japan and Seattle. George who was working in Raymond's office
at that time frequented the ashram for site visits. He along with Francois
Sammer, a Czech architect supervised the building through its construction
phase. Nakashima continued to stay in the ashram for the next 3 years as a
disciple and took the name 'Sundernanda' as given to him by Sri Aurobindo
which meant 'one who delights in beauty'.

External Influence
Pondicherry had been influenced by foreign countries during the early 16th
century. The Portuguese, Dutch, Danes had already set up colonies during this
period. The entry of French happened only in the 17th century. The French came
on invitation to start trading units in Pondicherry .In due time, the French and the
Dutch were ruling and the invitation went out to whoever was considered good
competition. There was a constant need for power between the colonies and
after many treaties and alliances ,it was in 1816 that the French gained complete
supremacy over Pondicherry. Apart from the commerce and trade ,the
architecture of Pondicherry saw a significant influences imparted from the French
especially. The most notable influences in the Golconde are as follows-

Japanese influence-

Following design principles from ken, a form of traditional architecture has been
used. Tokonama, a shallow slightly raised alcove a traditional proportioning of
rooms by use of tatami mat system. Standard size of tatami mat 3'*6'
Zen

Zen is a form of japanese landscape that seem to have influenced the Golconde.
Interestingly, Zen is the buddhist version of the sanskrit word 'dhyana' and has
several concepts of meditation.

Colonial French architecture-

Golconde does not depict symmetrical planning but features inter connected
rooms ,less the corridors with huge gallery galleries opening out into the
landscape areas, though it does not depict the French influences of resurrected
styles .French influence in the Golconde extends to as much as the planning
concepts and does not allow its interference in the style of the structure.

Golconde's influence on local architecture-

Modern architecture along with local architecture has crept in. Typical features of
Golconde have been repeated at many places in new structures of Pondicherry.
However, the colour code followed in French town has been broken. Modern
technology with modern materials is vastly used.

Site analysis-

Location-

Golconde is located in Pondicherry, a union territory south of India which has a

history that speaks of various foreign colonies and their establishment mainly
highlighting the role the French played. The building is in the White town, close
to the ashram.

InfluencePavillion suisse-
Antonin Raymond drew inspiration and sought out the Pavillion suisse or the
swiss pavillion as his very own muse to create the Golconde. Pavillion suisse was
constructed to house students studying in the Cite Internatonale Universitaire in
Paris. A notable similarity would be the breezeway underneath the building which
is like the space beneath the Pavillion suisse created by Le Corbusiers
characteristic pilotis.

Site planning-

The site is tilted at angle of 8 thus the structure not only derives the benefit of
south east breeze from the sea but also makes an effective use of the limited
site.

Climatic concepts-
Raymond has very interestingly mitigated the effects of the climatic condition of
Pondicherry with the orientation of the building. He put the site dimensions to
good use and the Golconde has been oriented such that the east and west have
minimum exposure thus reducing heat gain whereas the north and south has
long facades that are louvered thus allowing a great amount of air flow across.

Landscape

The landscape has been used effectively in this aspect. The north and south
gardens are lined with water channels and reflecting pools along their length
which act as coolants. Another way in which landscape was put to use is by the
density difference in plantations in both the gardens. while the north has a very
spare ground cover, the southern garden has a more densely planted region in
order to facilitate natural convention currents through the building. Especially in
terms of aesthetic ,the landscape has balanced the otherwise abstract
permutations of the operable concrete skin with serenity that together gives a
meditative environment.

Ventilation-
Cross ventilation is provided by placing louvers on both N and S directions
while the rooms face the windward directions and the corridors face the
leeward direction.
As the louvers start from a lower height, there is air movement in the
living zone.
 High ceiling throughout the room ensures maximum air circulation.
Dense vegetation on the south side cools the surroundings.On the
contrary,less vegetation on the north side creates temperature difference
thus creating high pressure zone on south and low pressure area on the
north zone,thereby facing he wind from South to North through the
canal,where the cool air displaces warm air thereby cooling the
surroundings and facilitating cross ventilation.

Solar Radiation-
The structure is oriented with longer sides facing north and shorter to the
east-west thereby exposed to less solar radiation.

East West facade-

Creepers are provided on the eastern facade to minimise the effect of
solar radiation. The eastern and the western walls are made of hollow
blocks and are plastered white for reflecting direct solar radiations.
The western wall of the service block has hollow concrete blocks,placed
vertically along with 10 cm thick concrete wall.The former is provided with
brass fixtures which enhance air exchange in the same.

North South facade-

The upper floor projects beyond the external line of the basement on the
Northern and Southern face,hence protecting the lower floors from
climatoc factors.

Roof-
The roof is double with the top layer comprising thin concrete shell roof
providing additional insulation .

Lawns-
Gross absorbs heat and minimises re readiation.The vegetation on the
south side casts shadows on the structure.

Flat Roof-
Flat roof of the terrace has a raised false floor which forms an air cavity for
insulation as well as houses the drainage.

Technological advancement-

The whole building was protected against attacks by lightning and in

foundations arrangements had been made to make the structure
earthquake proof.
water pressure hydrant connections were provided around building for fire
fighting.
 The semi basement has utility rooms implementing modern services like
pump rooms, hot water supply, store room etc.
All the pipes were channelised and put into one shaft from top to bottom
of the building, accessible for repairs at every level.
The louvers were to be made of imported zinc sheets but this wouldn't
have stood the corrosion of sea water, hence asbestos cement concrete
was used to make the louvers accordingly.
The blades of louvers were in 2 half widths hinged around the centre line.
Groups of nine louvers were joined to one another and controlled by a
connecting rod. Each set could be kept open that is with blades horizontal
or half closed. The outer half of the blades were little wider than the inner
half would overcome the fictional force and resistance of control device
and close the louvers automatically.

Design concepts-

Golconde is a steady blend of modernist architecture while attending to the

pragmatic impositions of a tropical context. It has been cited as one of the
earliest works of sustainable modern architecture in the world with its passive
strategy giving it complete control over climatic difficulties. Even by today's
standards, it is one of the most cost efficient and ecologically minded
buildings.The allotted site has been well utilized along its length in order to avoid
wastage of space and allow more rooms to be incorporated in the design in
lesser floors. The materials used gives the building a monkish atmosphere.The
structural framework is in RCC and it depicts the influence of modern
architecture which was at its peak worldwide and did not imitate the existing
colonial architecture of Pondicherry at that time.

Planning

A tall dynamic door in line with the boundary wall along the edge of
footpath leads to the raised entrance porch.
 Gallery serves as a double function of acting as a corridor and creating a
deep insulating area in front of the room.
Rooms act as a pleasant place to sit and sleep in summer and is provided
with window ledge.
Entrance porch is well connected to the central service block,flanked on
either sides by two staggered wings set at an angle,at split level.
Service block comprises of boiler room in basement with showers and W,C
at landing and midlanding served by main staircase and service staircase.
The basement houses utility ooms.Basement,level tunnels cut through the
centre of each wing.
The lobby area cleverly joins a space which acts as a waiting area for
guests and outsiders.

Facade-
The facade is purely modern structure with perforated hollow blocks in the
E.W plane which enhances the structure.The north and south facades are
composed of moveable louvers, which are in multiple of three.

Materials-
The Golconde has a material palette that has been sparse but at the same time
been put to good use. It includes reinforced concrete primary structure, bowed
concrete shell roof, polished cuddapah floors. The buildings presence is nothing
more than anomalous with its exposed concrete wall and oversized teak door.
Cement louves cover the facade and make their presence inevitably felt. The
interiors are lined with woven teak sliding doors that define the bedroom space
from the corridors. Another distinguishable feature about the materials used in
the Golconde is the custom made brass hardware.

walls are plastered with chettinad plaster made of shell lime ground with a
local stone called Kalma.The fine coat particularly is ground very fine and
all laid at one time without joints.The coat while drying out is constantly
rubbed with a polishing stone,which makes it pure white.
White ceramic tiles have been used in the lavatories.Curved tiles have
been used at edges.
Flooring polished black cudappa stone is laid in butt joint for floors and
window ledges,thus absorbing solar radiation in day time and re radiating
at night.
Fittings and fixtures custom fabricated fittings and fixtures of brass are
used.
Burma teak wood has been used for doors and furniture in its natural form.
Louvers are made of pre cast asbestos cement concrete.
Process of construction-

Antonin Raymond had initially charted out a six month time period for the
construction to be completed without putting in consideration Sri Aurobindo's
desire to shield the ashrams environment from the din associated to the
commercial construction company. In order to avoid this, a workforce was
constituted comprising solely of the ashramities. Construction began. The
feasibility of the design was put to test with a model house which was
constructed as a full scale mock up in the adjacent temple compound. The model
house continued to serve its purpose as construction material and details
became revised and refined. After construction, it was utilized as a residence
space by an ashram member.

At the onset of the war, Raymond had to leave Japan and come to Pondicherry
but it wasn't long before he had to return to the United States.Due to this, the
construction had to be looked after by Nakashima and Sammer.The crew not
being qualified or experienced for construction was a drawback countered with
much detail and supervision.The political unrest in Asia and Europe made it
difficult to import the materials and hardware as originally stipulated.The
solution to this was a foundry made where devotees of the ashram made
generous donations of brass utensils,including cups and plates which were
melted and re cast as bolts,hinges and door handles.The steel that would arrive
at the port would undergo tremendous changes on being unloaded and brought
to the site on bullock carts.They would be sprawled out of shape until labourers
were made to further work on them and set them straight.Similarly there were
many such instances where the crew faced many challenges and hardships.After
George Nakashima left in 1939,Udar Pinto an aeronautical engineer and his
British wife Mona took over supervising the construction of the golconde until it
was substantially completed in1942.

Construction Technology-

High quality reinforced concrete has been used with exposed concrete
surfaces
Hollow concrete blocks have been used .In roofing , louvers and pivoted
sashes in the basement ,Pre cast units have been used. Hollow concrete
blocks have been used as partition walls throughout the structure.