"GLOBALISATION & ARCHITECTURE"

The single most important influence on mankind today is technology.

Globalization is a fact of life today.  Architecture is a product of culture and traditions and therefore cannot be expected to be untouched by the forces of globalization which are shaping culture, not only in India but also elsewhere in the world.  The influence of globalization on Architecture is multi-faceted.

A number of multi-national companies are doing business in India, especially in the Metro.  Foremost among them are the IT sector companies.  What kind of architecture would these companies create for their buildings in India?  Invariably, they are bound to project certain images to which they are accustomed back in their own countries.  But how can such images be integrated into the local context of climate, culture and technology?  After all, India has a rich culture and heritage of thousands of years, which is a major influence on Architecture.

India has plenty of chap labour, which needs to be employed in the construction field.  The tropical climate may not be ideally suited for huge surfaces of structural glazing which is very common in the west.  Cast-in-situ concrete is still very commonly used here, unlike in the west, where steel construction is in vogue.

Many Indian IT companies have their clients in the developed countries.  The officials of such companies are forced to interact with their clients in the developed countries through visits and exchange of inputs and outputs.

Globalization has also led to more and more Indian Architects being educated in the west before returning to practise here.  The exposure to thoughts and ideologies of a different culture will influence their beliefs.  The prevalent technology and architectural styles in the west are also bound to make an impact.

The proliferation of architectural magazines and journals is another major influence today not only on practicing architects but also on the budding architects.  The internet provides almost unlimited access to various aspects of architecture including the architectural styles.

Let us not underestimate the influence of magazines and internet on the discerning client himself/herself.  As Charles Jencks states, “We are influenced partly by global culture and partly local culture”.

The Indian Institute of architects, Karnataka Chapter, has deemed it fit and appropriate to discuss the broad theme of ‘Globalization & Architecture’ at its State Level Convention to be held in Bangalore on 18th & 19th March 2006.  There cannot be a better location than Bangalore for deliberation on this theme.  Bangalore is today recognized as a Global City and one can find the full force of globalization impacting on architecture.  A large number of eminent architects are assembling to explore the implications of the unstoppable forces of globalization on architecture.