Historical Sites in Mumbai

If you are visiting India or even a resident of the country, you haven’t seen it all unless you visit Mumbai. The city is deemed the commercial Capital of the country and houses some of the many marvels it has to offer. Quite the metropolitan in every sense of the word today, Mumbai has come a long way since the time a collection of seven small islands on the west coast of India were known as Bombay. It is amongst the most populous cities in the world. Through history this small island has been under the rules of the Maurya Empire and the Silhara dynasty, who built a number of Buddhist and Hindu monuments, the Islamic rule, Portuguese rule and lastly the British monarchy, who built a large number of buildings that have a then trendy gothic and Victorian influence. Thus, it comes as no surprise that you come across historic monuments and sites that are worlds apart from each other.

The Elephanta caves are one of the must-see ancient sites in Mumbai. Located about 10 kilometers from the Gateway of India by waterway, there are many waterboats at Apollo Bunder that can take you right to the temple. The site is renowned as an architectural marvel, as the entire temple is a huge sculpture carved out of a single rock. The whole temple is dedicated to the praises of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. The built site covers a large area of about sixty thousand square feet. This includes the main chamber, two lateral chambers, courtyards and a number of subsidiary shrines. There is a fascinating hall built with 20 pillars, the Shiva Linga at the western end of the temple, and an enormous 20 feet tall carving of Lord Shiva at his Sadasiva manifestation at the north south axis that are worth a visit. The temple has three entrances and bears a natural rock on the peak.

Fully functional even after two centuries, the Victoria Terminus which is now known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only standing functional structure in the world making the UNESCO list. The Victorian Gothic style architecture style of this structure is unparalleled in magnificence. In fact, even today many architectural design firms of the country yearn to recreate this style for their clients and fail. Designed by architect, Frederick William Stevens, the huge structute was made to look like the St Pancras Station in London. While the construction of the site started in the 1878, it was fully operational only after ten years and opened to the public in 1882. The building has spectacular stone domes, pointed arches, wood carvings, brass railings and an unusual ground plan.

No article about historical sites or architectural design in Mumbai would be complete without the mention of Gateway of India. Located in Apollo Bunder, it overlooks the great Arabian Sea. This monument way built during the British Raj to commemorate the landing of their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary at Mumbai in 1911. The architectural style used to build the structure is Indo-Saracenic. The monument is also symbolic of the end of British rule as the last British troops that left the country following independence passed through the gateway. The central dome is 15 metres in diameter and 25 metres in height with large halls on both sides that can hold up to six hundred people.

There are many architectural design firms in Mumbai that take inspiration from the city’s history. The various influences Mumbai has had from its many rulers are intriguing to locals as well as visitors.

Architects in India

The field of architecture has come a long way in India. There was a time when developers had started employing architectural talent from abroad to assist in some prestigious projects being built in the country, but today the scenario is entirely the opposite. Not only are the architects in India bearing responsibility for the urban architectural development, city planning, world-class structures and the like, but also involved in many ongoing projects throughout the world. The various colleges that produce this crop of architects each year are giving them hands-on education and sources to gain experience while studying itself, so that they are as experienced as a working architect long before they join the work stream. The innovative and talented ones most often get hand picked by the leading architect and interior design firms, while the rest are absorbed by smaller firms.

If we talk about the leading architects in the country, there are a few services and some expertise that they hold, which sets them apart from the rest. They strive to create environments that exude lasting value that not only meet but exceed the client’s expectations. It is no wonder that these are the firms that have successfully collaborated with different international architects and interior design specialists to create and manage major projects the world over. Listed below are some facets that may give you an insight into their expertise and help you appreciate their effort.

Their architecture services include aspects of facilities planning, conceptual design studies, having all the documentation needed for approval, facility layout planning, project feasibility analysis, creating schematic design and design development, detailed construction documentations, and periodic site supervision among many more. They also aid in construction management from end to end within the budgeted price and timeline. Services included in such management consists of checking the pre-qualification of contractors, bid evaluation, negotiation, contract administration, field supervision and monitoring progress, quality inspection and control, cost and variance analysis, etc.

With the national population booming beyond belief, conservation of natural resources and land is high on the priority list for most architects that pride themselves in being environment friendly. These architects in India are at the forefront of the green architecture movement, which is picking up pace, fast and wide. These kind of architectural designs are also known as green buildings or sustainable architectural projects. The approach to architectural design in such project emphasizes on preserving the local ecosystem, global environment, controlling pollution, being environmentally friendly, and energy efficient. For example, the projects may include thermal energy storage system, water conservation sources, external cladding systems, design to promote use of day lighting, and so on. This helps in minimizing the consumption of power, while also keeping up with the modern trends of architecture design.

Construction Management

Construction management refers to the by and large planning as well as coordination and control of any construction project from the time it is incepted to the time of its conclusion. The primary goal of superior construction management is to meet the client’s expectations, requisites, requirements, and desires, while producing a space that is functionally and financially viable, and delivering the final product on time without compromising on the quality standards or granted budget. The functions included in this kind of work typically comprise of four parts. First is specifying the objectives and plans of the project. This consists of demarcation of scope, budgeting, scheduling, selecting worthy participants, setting performance requirements, etc. Second is maximizing the efficiency of resources through employing ideal labour, and acquiring quality materials and equipment. Third is implementing a range of operations to improve aspects of design and construction through proper coordination and planning. And fourth is developing effective communications and mechanisms to resolve conflicts quickly.

Property development is a versatile business which includes activities like renovation of existing properties, redevelopment of buildings, re-leasing of buildings and houses, procurement and sale of undeveloped or developed land, etc. Developers, construction management companies and architects and interior designers are all coordinators of such activities to bring into reality projects that stand apart from the rest and bring about an exclusiveness that is new and unique. Today, property development has become big business, thanks to the growing demand for investment in metropolitans and grade B cities of India.

This shift has also made way for state of the art urban planning and design in some parts of the country. Urban planners take into account the political and also technical channels concerned with the welfare of the people, control and use of land, transportation and communication networks, protection and improvements in the city’s environment and civil infrastructure. The spaces designed by them exude character and give meaning to the city’s environment. The goal for urban planning and design is to enrich the quality of life for the people who live in the city, encouraging an organised growth in the country.

While urban design deals with the appearance, arrangement and functionality of the cities or public spaces, it has been traditionally regarded as a disciplinary subset of various arenas of architecture and urban planning. Urban planning is what incorporates processes in order to develop the economic and social milieu of communities by transforming spaces. Today, leading design firms are integrating architects, interior designers, urban planners and construction management agencies to provide developers with the complete package. Not only is this becoming a fast-growing trend in metropolitans like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangaluru, etc., but also well-liked by the trendy developers as these companies are looked upon as a one stop shop for all their requirements to make their projects successful.