Critical Regionalism - A different Approach

Azuma House, Tadao Ando

Critical regionalism is an architectural concept that seeks to balance local needs and capabilities with the progressive lessons of modernisation. Even before the term was coined in the 1980s, architects in India had subconsciously begun pursuing the ideas of critical regionalism in designing their buildings. As the eras of the earlier discussed topics, i.e., Romanticism, Modernism, Postmoderism, became more popular, people began to realize that these crazy chaotic buildings were often extremely tacky. And so a third school of thought emerged: Critical Regionalism.

Indian architects like Charles Correa, Raj Rewal and Balkrishna Doshi sought to overcome the dominance of modernism that they had themselves inherited through their Western education. They began incorporating the ideas of critical regionalism in their works to counter the homogenisation of architecture resulting from modernism. Critical regionalists insisted that the building must reflect the culture and tradition of its region through its design and materials. While the postmodernists celebrated ornamentation for its own sake, critical regionalists insisted that stylistic flourishes must only be applied in a measured and meaningful way.

In order to have a better understanding of the progression of critical regionalism in postcolonial India, it is important to firstly identify key architectural projects realised in India since 1947 that adhere to the ideas and principles of critical regionalism.

Bagsværd Church

An example, that spits the thoughts behind Critical Regionalism is Bagsværd Church by Jørn Utzon, built in 1976. An exceptional work of contemporary church architecture, the Bagsværd Church exemplifies Kenneth Frampton’s writings on critical regionalism. Much of its popularity stems from its architectonic quality, a result of Utzon’s mastery of Danish construction combined with oriental precedents. Frampton described the church as “a self-conscious synthesis between universal civilization and world culture”. The plan of the church, obtained from the Old Testament, is the universal aspect of the design which is transformed by its materiality and form. Another aspect of Frampton’s theory that is highlighted in this project is the supremacy of natural elements within the design, as opposed to artificial elements. The unique internal geometry of the space interacts with natural light to create a distinct atmosphere.

Bharat Bhavan, Charles Correa

Jørn Utzon

I think critical regionalism is about responding to context (both manmade and natural). It's about seeing your design as part of a bigger picture- a holistic environment or an urban fabric- instead of just a stand alone building. Whether its Frank Lloyd Wright making a house blend in to its natural landscape or Walter Gropius using local materials/regional construction methods to reference the traditions of New England, critical regionalism has always been an important part of modern architecture.

"Some of the best work that's happening right now is from architects who have remained in their home countries and who have focused on a local or national identity and the idea of critical regionalism."

- Cameron Sinclair

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