Over the past year, we delved deeply into the influence of the Bauhaus in India. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this project emphasized Walter Gropius’ pivotal role in advancing architectural modernism via his protégés, Habib Rahman and A.P. Kanvinde. Together, they shaped a new architectural identity spearheaded by the first generation of Indian architects. Their works, emblematic of a transformative era, laid the groundwork for a movement that defined a generation and shaped the nation's postcolonial narrative. In the challenging aftermath of colonial rule, these trailblazers of modernism became instrumental in constructing the framework of a bold, dynamic, and unapologetically modern India. Their contributions bridged the aspirations of a nascent nation with a global vision of architectural modernity.
Sneha Singh and Marc Kratzer presented a poster successfully at the Society of Architectural Historians Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, held from April 17th to 21st, 2024, under the theme "Projects in Process." Following this, Jorik Flohr attended the Deleuze & Guattari Camp at TU Delft from July 3rd to 5th, 2024, focused on the theme "Intelligence, Instituting, and Archiving." Subsequently, on October 25th, 2024, as a team we curated a one-day workshop at Stiftung Bauhaus Dessau to critically evaluate the project's intent, examine existing literature, and outline next steps in collaboration with young researchers and COOP Design Research staff.
A significant phase of the project culminated during a visit by Pappal Suneja to the Department of History, Theory, and Criticism of Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, from September 16th to October 17th, 2024. This visit included an intensive archival study, seminar discussions, and the presentation of fellowship outcomes under MIT’s Visiting Scholar program.
As we reflect on the continuing evolution of India’s architectural landscape, the enduring legacy of the Bauhaus shines brightly — a testament to the transformative power of ideas that transcend borders. The echoes of modernism reverberate through India's cities, a reminder of the indelible impact of Gropius and his disciples. Their work continues to inspire, underscoring architecture’s profound role in shaping both history and identity.