It’s time to glorify the elegant New Parliament Building, the apex of India’s democratic basis. This architectural wonder, which stands towering in the heart of New Delhi, is a tribute to the nation’s progress and unity. It reflects the spirit of a new era, when tradition meets innovation, with its clean lines and sophisticated design. It represents the democratic ideas that define the nation’s governance as the home of India’s legislators.

The design brief for New Delhi’s new Parliament building intended to produce a modern and iconic structure that symbolizes India’s democratic principles and acts as an emblem of its national pride. The structure has to provide practical areas for parliamentary sessions while adhering to sustainable design principles and blending in with the underlying urban fabric.

• Building Name: The New Parliament Building
• Architect: Bimal Patel 
• Architecture firm: HCP Design, Planning and Management Pvt. Ltd.
• Location: New Delhi
• Date of Construction: 1 October 2020- 28 May 2023

Architects

The new Parliament building in New Delhi, which inaugurates on May 2023, by the Ahmedabad-based Architect – Bimal Patel & architecture firm HCP Design, Planning, and Management Pvt. Ltd. The firm was chosen in a competition run by India’s Central Public Works Department (CPWD).

Concept

Using a variety of materials and aesthetic qualities to generate a sense of grandeur and elegance is one of the new Parliament Building’s primary design concepts. The structure combines classic and contemporary architectural aspects. The façade features complex stone carvings, ornamental screens, and a blend of traditional and modern materials such as sandstone and glass.

Location and Design Aspects

The new Parliament building is adjacent to the present Parliament House in New Delhi’s Central Vista neighborhood. This location is historically significant since it has served as the center of power in India from the colonial period. The new building’s architecture honors the historic surroundings while providing a modern and efficient area for parliamentary activities. The location has evolved to serve numerous legislative and administrative agencies, and the newly constructed structure is part of the wider Central Vista redevelopment project aimed at rejuvenating New Delhi’s center.

Urban Aspects and the Built Environment

The new Parliament building incorporates the local climate and urban characteristics in mind. To improve energy efficiency and limit environmental effects, sustainable design ideas have been integrated. Natural ventilation, daylighting measures, and resource efficiency are among the aspects of the structure. The surrounding infrastructure and utilities are to facilitate the operation of the Parliament and offer members and guests easy access.

Features of Design

The new building is a four-story tower with a seating capacity of 1224 and an estimated cost of Rs. 970 crore. The aesthetics stress a blend of classic and contemporary design elements. The structure’s scale, proportions, and harmony are meticulously addressed to create an imposing yet balanced appearance. The building’s shape exudes grandeur, with a domed central hall and lofty, sculptural components inspired by Indian architectural traditions. The interior spaces are efficient while also providing a dignified atmosphere for legislative proceedings. Remarkably, Sanatan parampara and vaastu shastra were the guiding concepts behind the roughly 5,000 pieces of art — paintings, ornamental art, wall panels, stone sculptures, and metal objects — displayed throughout the new Parliament building.

Functionality

The new Parliament building functions as an efficient location for parliamentary activities. The architecture facilitates effective communication and circulation between different sectors, allowing for seamless operations and interactions among parliamentarians.

Structural Aspects

To ensure longevity, safety, and aesthetic appeal, the new Parliament building incorporates modern construction techniques and materials. While specifics are not known, the structure is strong and visually appealing. The materials and textures used contribute to the building’s overall appearance and utility.

Plan

The architectural design for the new Parliament building stipulates a meticulously planned layout, with the exact number of rooms, sizes, and connectivity decided to suit the functional needs. 

The new triangular structure has red stone exteriors and larger rooms for the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, as well as a Constitution Hall, a library, dining areas, and parking space. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers, committee rooms, offices for members and administrative staff, as well as public areas and support services, combine in the facility.

Materials

To meet its design aesthetic and practical needs, the new Parliament building includes a variety of materials. Traditional materials, such as sandstone, are certainly used for the outer façade, highlighting India’s heritage of architecture. Glass and other modern materials create transparency and a modern touch. A variety of materials utilizes to create a welcoming and dignified ambiance in the interior areas.

Services

Air conditioning, security systems, and communication infrastructure are all interconnected to support building operations. To ensure energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of ecologically friendly materials, sustainable design principles have been considered. Smart technologies should also optimize resource utilization and increase overall building efficiency. Meanwhile, the new building features cutting-edge technology such as biometrics for easier voting, computerized language interpretation or translation systems, and programmable microphones. According to reports, the halls’ interiors are outfitted with virtual sound simulations to set the appropriate amounts of reverberation and limit echoes.

Conclusion

HCP Design, Planning, and Management Pvt. Ltd.’s new Parliament building in New Delhi seek to be an iconic representation of India’s democratic values and cultural heritage. It combines traditional and contemporary design features, with an emphasis on different materials and aesthetic aspects. The building’s architecture honors the area’s historical significance and is part of the wider Central Vista redevelopment project. Hence, The new Parliament building, with its functional spaces, sturdy structure, and focus on sustainability, is to serve as a dignified and efficient center for India’s democratic processes for many years to come.

By Srajati Tiwari

A young and enthusiastic learner who enjoys experimenting with the complexity of architecture in light of the evolving environment and the way society functions, while also being mindful of the sustainability aspect and the history of the specific area or build. I think that words and architecture assist individuals in expressing their deepest selves & aim to calm curiosity with a pen and tame the endless why’s and hows through a research method followed with meticulous attention to detail.

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