1. ArchDaily
  2. Bhopal

Bhopal: The Latest Architecture and News

Eklavya Foundation Building / Biome Environmental Solutions

Eklavya Foundation Building / Biome Environmental Solutions - Exterior Photography, Office Buildings, Garden, Facade, CityscapeEklavya Foundation Building / Biome Environmental Solutions - Interior Photography, Office Buildings, Facade, Beam, Lighting, BenchEklavya Foundation Building / Biome Environmental Solutions - Exterior Photography, Office Buildings, Door, FacadeEklavya Foundation Building / Biome Environmental Solutions - Exterior Photography, Office Buildings, Facade, DoorEklavya Foundation Building / Biome Environmental Solutions - More Images+ 24

Action for Social Advancement (ASA) Head Office / Biome Environmental Solutions

Action for Social Advancement (ASA) Head Office / Biome Environmental Solutions - Exterior Photography, Office Buildings, Facade, Balcony
© Pratik Chandresha

Action for Social Advancement (ASA) Head Office / Biome Environmental Solutions - Interior Photography, Office Buildings, Fence, Facade, HandrailAction for Social Advancement (ASA) Head Office / Biome Environmental Solutions - Interior Photography, Office Buildings, Facade, BeamAction for Social Advancement (ASA) Head Office / Biome Environmental Solutions - Interior Photography, Office Buildings, Courtyard, Facade, Arch, Arcade, DoorAction for Social Advancement (ASA) Head Office / Biome Environmental Solutions - Interior Photography, Office Buildings, Garden, Beam, Facade, Column, LightingAction for Social Advancement (ASA) Head Office / Biome Environmental Solutions - More Images+ 30

A Tour Through the Many Doorways of India

A Tour Through the Many Doorways of India - Image 5 of 4
Pahara Village in Uttar Pradesh. Image © Priyanshi Singhal

The door: despite being one of the most fundamental architectural elements, the immense significance these portals hold in architecture and culture can hardly be questioned. Historically, empires erected gigantic gateways to welcome visitors and religious shrines installed doors with ornate embellishments to ward off evil just as contemporary governments have built arches to commemorate important events.

In this photo-series, however, architect Priyanshi Singhal directs her focus to doors in a humbler vein—those of homes and hole-in-the-wall shops. Armed with her camera, she travels through narrow winding streets in age-old Indian towns and villages—characterized by their mixed land-use—as she studies and documents the inherent relationship between architectural tradition, culture, and a people. A door and its chaukhat (threshold) hold deep spiritual meaning in India’s traditional vastu shastra system of architecture. Furthermore, Singhal’s work provides us a brief glimpse of the imprint that the vagaries of time, community and economy have left on India’s historical urban fabric.

A Tour Through the Many Doorways of India - Image 1 of 4A Tour Through the Many Doorways of India - Image 2 of 4A Tour Through the Many Doorways of India - Image 3 of 4A Tour Through the Many Doorways of India - Image 4 of 4A Tour Through the Many Doorways of India - More Images+ 30

AD Classics: Bharat Bhavan / Charles Correa

In the late 1970s, the Government of India launched an initiative to build in every state capital an institution to celebrate the cultural and creative output of the nation. Although the scheme was largely unsuccessful, one shining example remains: Bharat Bhavan (‘India House’), located in Bhopal.

Designed by Indian architectural luminary Charles Correa, this multi-arts center first opened its doors in 1982. More than thirty years later, it continues to house a variety of cultural facilities and play host to multitude of arts events. The design of the complex is a product of Correa’s mission to establish a modern architectural style specific to India and distinct from European Modernism. Drawing on the plentiful source material provided by the rich architectural heritage of his home country, at Bharat Bhavan Correa produced a building for the modern era which manages to also remain firmly rooted in the vernacular traditions of India’s past.

AD Classics: Bharat Bhavan / Charles Correa - Cultural Center, Garden, Fence, Facade, HandrailAD Classics: Bharat Bhavan / Charles Correa - Cultural Center, Door, FacadeAD Classics: Bharat Bhavan / Charles Correa - Cultural Center, Stairs, FacadeAD Classics: Bharat Bhavan / Charles Correa - Cultural Center, BeamAD Classics: Bharat Bhavan / Charles Correa - More Images+ 45

The Mango Tree House / Ujjval Panchal + Kinny Soni

The Mango Tree House / Ujjval Panchal + Kinny Soni - Houses, Garden, Door, Facade, StairsThe Mango Tree House / Ujjval Panchal + Kinny Soni - Houses, GardenThe Mango Tree House / Ujjval Panchal + Kinny Soni - Houses, Courtyard, FacadeThe Mango Tree House / Ujjval Panchal + Kinny Soni - Houses, Door, Table, Chair, LightingThe Mango Tree House / Ujjval Panchal + Kinny Soni - More Images+ 25

Bhopal, India