Around the world there are over 1,000 UNESCO World Heritage sites. They protect properties that are significant from a cultural and natural perspective. The list expands regularly as new sites earn protection. As one of the best architects London has to offer, we appreciate all the hard work that goes into preservation, especially when it saves notable architecture.
Mumbai’s incredible buildings
Mumbai, India is home to one of the newest UNESCO sites, taking its total to three. The new addition protects stunning Victorian Gothic and Art Deco architecture, including Bombay High Court and several apartment blocks. If all of these properties stood side by side it would cover around 66 hectares.
The oldest Victorian Gothic buildings date back to the late-mid 19th Century. They face west across a patch of open space known as the Oval. The Art Deco properties are around 50 years newer and are raised on reclaimed ground. These buildings face east.
Both styles of building came from the era of colonialism. As a result the older buildings reflect the British Empire at the time. The Art Deco apartments came later when imperial design was on the wane.
Important details
The incredible thing about both styles is they have been specifically adapted for Mumbai. Typically Christian imagery as well as kings and queens would have adorned Gothic properties. This would not have worked in India though. Instead the motifs feature local plants and wildlife. Statues celebrate British India.
The Art Deco buildings are even more significant from an architectural point of view. While many of the Victorian properties were by British architects, most of these later structures are by the first generation of Indian architects. Their local knowledge was invaluable in designing buildings to cope with the heat and humidity. In addition they made use of reinforced concrete plus ceramic tiles and ColourCrete.
Coffey Architects is a team that appreciates architectural history and cultural heritage. As one of the best architects London has, we have no choice but to take inspiration from the incredible buildings around us. It is great when they have protection against rapid redevelopment and urbanisation.
If you would like to discuss a project with us we are just one call away.