craft wooden ceilings reiterate the South
Indian architecture. Taking cues from traditional architecture, new hotels in India have tried to recreate bygone eras through the use of materials, motifs and architectural features symbolic of that time. The recent Imperial Palace in Mumbai, a 418-key hotel has been built on the concept of ‘erstwhile palaces that represent our cultural heritage, simultaneously, not overpowering the visitors’. Oberoi Udaivilas in Agra meanwhile, lends itself to the Mewar tradition through its courtyards, water bodies, cusped arches, brackets, and the city’s famous deep green
typical of the legacy of Moorish and Mughal architecture, also reminiscent in the intricate filigree, marble inlay work, jaali screens, gold thread, wood carvings, and handcrafted furniture in the interiors. In recent times, India has seen an influx of global hotel groups keen to establish a presence in the region. This has led to new properties being built in line with international standards. Innovative design that combines modern technology and contemporary fittings marries with traditional influences to create a new era of hotel.
Like much of the rest of the world, Indian The need to stand out from the crowd, and the
appointment of US and European architects is likely to have some influence on the future of hotel design
marble. Architects Nimish Patel and Parul Zaveri feel it is a testimony to the continuing relevance of the traditional materials, technologies, and the still available craftsmanship in the contemporary context. Colonial architecture became assimilated
into India’s diverse traditions in the late 19th century through the influence of British architects. It draws elements from native Indo-Islamic and Indian architecture, fusing them with the Gothic revival and Neo- Classical styles favoured in Victorian Britain. The classical design of The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, spread over elaborate gardens, terraced lawns, fountains and pavilions is
hotels have developed into recreation zones providing much more than a room in which to sleep. Resorts, prevalent in coastal areas, take into consideration sports and entertainment facilities as well as a range of international and Indian dining options. Examples include the Golden Palm Hotel & Spa, Bengaluru, and Poovar Island Resort with land and eco-friendly floating cottages. With newer projects like the Aamby Valley City and Lavasa, resorts incorporate shopping malls and golf facilities. India has also recently stepped into the
zone of ‘green hotels’ with Bengaluru’s seven-star ITC Royal Gardenia Hotel, the
world’s largest LEED Platinum rated hotel. The joint project by Delhi-based architects firm Rajinder Kumar & Associates, interior designer Francesca Basu, and Delhi-based energy and sustainability consultants Environmental Design Solutions (EDS), features a contemporary design that concurrently manages to achieve eco- friendly status. A growing awareness of ecology, the
need to stand out from the crowd, and the appointment of US and European architects is likely to have some influence on the future of hotel design in India. However the inspiration provided by the country’s history and strong culture looks set to continue. The ancient text of Vastu Shastra – a belief that the architecture and layout of a room follows a set of principles to ensure overall human wellbeing – has recently experienced a revival and continues to be used in the design of modern Indian hotels.
Apurva Bose Dutta is a qualified architect having completed a Bachelors of Architecture at Chandigarh College of Architecture in 2005. She also has a Diploma in Freelance Journalism and is now based in Bengaluru.
www.apurvabose.com
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