Postcards from The World

Sunday, August 06, 2006

Postcards from IIM, Ahmedabad

The IIM Ahmedabad building designed by Louis Kahn (Doshi and Raje too played a part, I gather, but I dont know how much), and is a visual delight, to say the least. The gaping circular, semi circular, squarish and rectangular holes, in the massive brick structure are quite impressive.

Most outside walls are like an outer shell that shadow, shield the insides - dorms, classroom, passageways. Maybe the architects were drawing parallel between shells of fruits or fruits shielded in leaves or bees in a hive or birds in nests...

It might look like a waste today, seeing the massive outer structures that serve seemingly no purpose but visual relief or artistic expression or maybe psychological peace to its inhabitants.

But let me not digress - the structure is, i will not say beautiful, but has enough to satisfy a person who wishes to explore.











Postcards from Pondicherry, India

Pondicherry-by-the-sea is a sleepy little town, a relic from the past, French buildings - i dont think these are more than 100 in number, across the sea front about a kilometer long or less.

Park Guest House by the sea side is a great place to stay if you dont mind living by rules. It lets out bicycles. And you should be able to rent a scooter from the resourceful watchman. The cafeteria serves some great food.

Auroville about 13-14 kilometers away is worth the visit.

Pondicherry-away-from-the-sea is another indian town bustling with activity.

Here are some photos taken hurriedly as the shadows lengthened.







Friday, August 04, 2006

Postcards from Lalbagh, Bangalore

Lalbagh is one of the largest botanical gardens in India. The flowers are a feast to the eyes - these photographs were taken just after summer (June or July) of 2003.