Heritage of modernism: why we cannot sit back

The world over, modernism was marked by a break from history- of new ideas, new materials and technology, of industrial growth and also a universal style. Progress, growth and moving forward without the burdens of the past were crucial in this era. In India, after two centuries of British rule, this also meant a huge sense of freedom and an urgent need to claim a new nation’s place in the world. We are fortunate to still have some links to this time, through stories from our parents and grandparents, their struggles and achievements – of a sense of frugality, hard work and dedication to the Nation. 

In Delhi, anyone will direct you to the Red Fort or Humayun’s Tomb, to Chandni Chowk or Connaught Place. Quite in the same vein, most will be able to tell you about Pragati Maidan and Palika Kendra. The latter two are symbols of modern India, built post-Independence to mark institutions and events of our free nations. In the spirit of modernity, they are also evidence of our technological advancements. Modernism, as you may know, belongs to our most recent history- the 19th and 20th century. I believe that it is very important to create a larger awareness about modern heritage and why we need to preserve it, particularly in the current environment of threats of demolition of many of these structures without proper assessment or discussion of the values embedded in them. The Hall of Nations at the Pragati Maidan is an example of this. Much has been written in the past few months. Architects, historians, preservationists and academics from around the world have come together and voiced their concern and outrage at the possibility of losing this structure to a new mega scale convention-cum-exhibition centre. Other buildings in different cities are under similar threat.

Urban growth and the process of urbanization in India are moving forward at lightening pace. By 2050, more than half our population will be living in cities. There is an urgency to make space for new development, a need to make our cities livable and vibrant. We need the new swanky malls and glitzy multiplexes, and we need world-class airports and convention centres. But do we really need to wipe out our past to achieve this? For better or worse the British colonial legacy first set up laws in India to protect antique monuments and sites which sadly is still our only - Preservation Act of 1904, with some amendments. It is not only dated in its method but also its listings are stuck in time. It is 70 years since India became an independent nation, but we have not been able to decide if anything built in this time deserves to be protected. The INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) and, earlier, even the DUAC (Delhi Urban Arts Commission) have made important recommendations and listings. But they do not have powers to make laws and take decisions.

A bulk of the building stock of most of our cities today is made up of buildings built 50-80 years ago from this time. Many of these may be seen as rather unremarkable and banal buildings, often in disrepair. But this needs to be put in context of the emphasis on functionality and lack of decoration, characteristic of the modern. The Brutalist style of that time also foregrounded honest expression of structure and exposed materials, may also be an additional reason for our public apathy and even disdain for some of these structures.
However, there are some very innovative buildings from the modern era that are exceptional. Innovation – technological and otherwise is another unique hallmark of the modern. Reinforced concrete and steel now seen all

over, were the avant-garde materials popular the world over, which helped imagine and create exciting new institutional buildings, stadia, bridges, large span buildings and high rises. These building types and designs marked a break from the past and were inseparably bound to progress then and often, even today. But the stymied view of preservation of antique or “protected” monuments sees no value in these seemingly old and dilapidated buildings. Maintenance costs means that “demolish and build-new” makes more economic sense.

The question is - whether we understand or like “modern art/ architecture” or not- is it okay for a few to decide whether or not to erase this part of our history? Unlike philosophy and literature, the building edifice is all we have and if demolished is gone forever. Many of the remarkable modern buildings have over time become landmarks of our city and images of our heritage. These need to be protected and funds needs to be invested in their upkeep and even dynamic re-use. Modern heritage is under threat the world over and there is a growing awareness that it matters. The active engagement of the people in creating and preserving their urban-scape, its landmarks and memory of their cultural heritage is moot. We cannot leave the domain of preservation of our past only to the historians and conservationists, or to those in seats of power and decision-making. Cities should be- and are- of interest to its citizens, its visitors, its migrants, its students, its scientists and doctors, its rickshaw drivers and hawkers. The layers of history and memory in our cities, are our inheritance.

Our general apathy- or disregard- for our public places, could also be due to having no means or voice to be connected to our cities. The growing need to be in our private condos and gated communities exacerbates this, whether for a sense of security, cleanliness or control. Smart cities and world-class infrastructure seem to be the mantras of our times. The unclear fussy language of these seemingly futuristic terms have only shown a myopic vision and regressive means of development and progress. If we do not know the language of respect and accountability for the symbols of progress, development and truly world-class creations of our previous generation, how will we be able to create our contemporary symbols? The past should not threaten our present- but empower it! This is our Modern Heritage. Embedded in this oxymoron is a new language, if you will, is a call to educate and empower and finally protect with reverence that which defines the essence of our modern history.

Progress consists not in destroying yesterday but preserving its essence, which had the strength to create the better today. — Ortega Y Gasset