Raj Rewal insists his driver slow down when passing iconic buildings such as the Asian Games Village, Parliament Library, Delhi Metro Corporation head office, British High Commission flats, and World Bank Building. These landmarks are not just buildings to Rewal; they represent milestones of his career and personal achievements. He enjoys taking these routes repeatedly, appreciating the sight of his creations. However, he avoids the Pragati Maidan area, as the Hall of Nations and Nehru Centre, two of his most cherished creations, were demolished a couple of years ago during redevelopment. This loss is a poignant reminder of how architectural heritage can be easily erased.
Rewal quietly celebrated his 90th birthday on November 24, in the company of friends, family, and students. This intimate celebration reflected his preference for keeping personal milestones low-key, even as his professional achievements continue to stand tall. He first gained recognition in the world of architecture with his design for the Hall of Nations, built for the Asiad ’72 exhibition. This project marked a turning point in his career, bringing him into the spotlight with its innovative use of materials and scale. He was not even 40 at the time. Its colossal scale and striking design immediately captured attention. The structure employed pre stressed concrete, a relatively new technology at the time, and achieved a sense of grandeur while maintaining lightness and elegance. The integration of natural light and ventilation within the large spaces was a testament to Rewal’s understanding of environmental design principles.
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Butler school to parliament library
An alumnus of Harcourt Butler School, Mandir Marg, Rewal feels proud that the Parliament Library building stands not more than four kilometers away from his alma mater. “It gave me immense joy and pleasure when I was working on the Parliament Library,” he once said in an interview. The Parliament Library building stands as a testament to Rewal’s exceptional design skills, with its domed roof supported by pillars. It is a project that encapsulates his ability to blend grandeur with functionality, reflecting his architectural vision. Even Edward Lutyens, were he alive, would have been proud. The building exudes grandeur and dignity. Meanwhile, Krishan Bhargava, an active member of the Harcourt Butler School alumni association, notes, “It is a matter of great honour for all the Butlarians that Mr Raj Rewal is from our school. We would definitely felicitate him.”
“Raj Rewal’s prolific career has indelibly shaped the Delhi skyline. His buildings aren’t just functional spaces; they are powerful statements, reflecting a deep understanding of context, material, and the human experience. His contribution transcends mere bricks and mortar; he has crafted spaces that resonate with the soul of the city,” says Bakshish Singh, a well known Delhi-based architect. Singh, a former student of Rewal’s at the School of Planning and Architecture—when it was still known as the Delhi School of Architecture—adds, “Raj sir was a brilliant teacher. His students never missed his classes.”
Undoubtedly, Rewal is one of the greatest architects of independent India’s first generation. His influence extends beyond the structures he designed, shaping the architectural landscape of post independence India and leaving a legacy for future generations. He first captured the art world’s attention with his designs for the Hall of Nations and the Nehru Centre at Pragati Maidan. Sadly, both were demolished during the redevelopment of Pragati Maidan. These structures were powerful symbols of Delhi’s modern heritage, and their demolition broke the hearts of the architectural community and art lovers. Their designs were even displayed in art museums in New York and Paris.
Why Rewal was disheartened
Rewal was deeply disheartened when the Hall of Nations and Nehru Centre were demolished. Architects, artists, and writers launched a campaign to prevent the demolition, questioning the need to destroy such important buildings. They argued that the structures could have been renovated and adapted to modern needs instead of being destroyed. The Hall of Nations, completed in 1971, was undoubtedly a masterpiece of modern architecture, vast and majestic. It represented an India grappling with resource scarcity but pushing ahead with bold, visionary projects. Built to commemorate India’s 25th year of independence, it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on November 3, 1972. Inspired by Le Corbusier, the architect of Chandigarh, it was widely considered an excellent example of contemporary architecture.
Rewal consistently strives for innovation, always pushing the boundaries of architectural design while maintaining a deep respect for cultural and environmental contexts. Take the Asiad Village, for example. Designed with foresight, even after more than fifty years, it still looks like a modern housing complex, a testament to Rewal’s forward-thinking approach to urban residential architecture. It housed athletes and others participating in the 1982 Asian Games.
Reflecting the character of cities
Rewal, anticipating its future use as a housing complex post-games, designed the Asiad Village with Delhi’s hot climate in mind, focusing heavily on landscaping. This foresight allowed the complex to remain functional and appealing long after the event, blending modernity with practicality. His work reflects the character of Indian cities, setting him apart from his contemporary and friend Charles Correa, whose work evokes the essence of rural India.
The hallmark of Raj’s work
Rewal’s work is characterised by meticulous attention to detail, skilful integration of natural light and ventilation, and a deep respect for the environment. He often utilises locally sourced materials, incorporating traditional building techniques with contemporary sensibilities, resulting in structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sustainable.
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Class of DDA’s Sheikh Sarai Colony
In addition to these landmark projects, Rewal has designed other significant buildings in Delhi, including the World Bank headquarters, the British High Commission housing, the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) Sheikh Sarai Colony, the Japanese Software Centre (Noida), and the Engineers India House. Each of these projects highlights his versatility and ability to cater to different functional requirements while maintaining an aesthetic signature. These projects, range from housing complexes to high tech offices. “Having lived in the Sheikh Sarai DDA flats for several years, I know how well they were designed. They are built in such a way that all the rooms receive sunlight,” says Surinder Nag, a South Delhi-based transporter.
With the ongoing redevelopment of Central Vista, it’s puzzling why the government hasn’t engaged a visionary like Rewal in this massive and challenging undertaking. However, Rewal only undertakes projects where he is given complete creative freedom.
The writer is a Delhi-based senior journalist and author of two books ‘Gandhi’s Delhi: April 12, 1915-January 30, 1948 and Beyond’ and ‘Dilli Ka Pehla Pyar
