Sunday 6 March 2022

LET'S GET TO KNOW THE ARCHITECT OF THE SADDLE SHAPED AUDITORIUM

 


Today  after reading the article title  "STRANGEST ARCHITECTURE AROUND THE WORLD" in Blog Chatter's  Bestorified  :https://www.theblogchatter.com/BeStorified/culture-and-entertainment/strangest-architecture-around-the-world/

I thought to share an architectural beauty which I wondered and stared at it as a school goer. 

It is "The Srinivasa Auditorium" at Sri Venkateshwara University, Tirupathi,  an expression of the Architect's rare ability to evolve new structural forms to address contemporary challenges. The saddle shaped, hyperbolic paraboloid shell structure is unique to Indian architecture, and the colossal auditorium  can accommodate over 1,400. It is the second biggest auditorium without pillars in ASIA.

It is the masterpiece of S.L. Chitale, a respected architect, social philanthropist and planner. He is the son of legendary architect Padma shri L.M. Chitale.  He inherited the firm Chitale &son established in 1932 perhaps the oldest architectural practice in India.

Deeply influenced by the freedom struggle of 1947, Chitale believed in simplicity. Each project was pragmatic and utilitarian, and responded to functional needs, site context, and was equipped with ample, natural light and ventilation.

Chitale was also known for mentoring several architects at his design office in Chennai. THe firm's prestigious projects include many several university campuses, industrial projects, banks, townships, schools and residences.

Chennai's Famous LIC building in Mount Road, The Kothari building and Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital to name a few.

S.L. Chitale is remembered for his valuable contributions in the field of Architecture.

4 comments:

  1. Next time I pass by LIC building, I will remember this article Anuradha :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is interesting. I was looking for examples of famous modern Indian architects for a class I am going to teach. This was a good pointer. Thanks

    ReplyDelete

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