National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai, INTACH Greater Mumbai Chapter, and Avid Learning present Motifs, Materials, and Makers of Neoclassical Architecture.
Neoclassical architecture, rooted in the revival of Greco-Roman antiquity, emerged as a dominant language from the eighteenth century onwards, shaping civic and institutional buildings across Europe and its colonies. Defined by symmetry, proportion, and geometric clarity, this style privileges restraint over ornamentation, where columns, pediments, and ordered façades derive their elegance from balance rather than excess. In Bombay, this architectural idiom found expression in landmarks such as the Town Hall, the Cowasji Jehangir Hall (now home to the NGMA), and the Army & Navy Building, as well as the cohesive urban fabric of Ballard Estate. Beyond Mumbai, Neoclassical principles were also monumentalized in projects such as the Rashtrapati Bhavan, reflecting the adaptability and endurance of this architectural vocabulary within the Indian context.
The fifth episode in the Motifs series turns its focus to the aesthetic discipline and underpinnings of Neoclassical design. The expert speakers will unpack how the ideals of civic order and imperial authority were translated into stone across Bombay's streets and Indian cities, and how Indian patrons, British architects, and local craftsmen together negotiated the demands of this formal tradition. The discussion will also reflect on contemporary approaches to conservation, adaptive reuse, and reinterpretation of these structures within India's evolving urban landscape.
Join us as we explore how Neoclassical architecture continues to shape the visual and cultural landscape of Indian cities, embedding ideals of form, function, and governance into the built environment.
Suprio Bhattacharjee is an Architect, Critic, and Pedagogue based out of Mumbai. He consciously bridges theory and practice, identifying as someone who builds, teaches, and writes. Suprio is currently pursuing a PhD in Architecture at the SVKM’s NMIMS University, where he teaches at the Balwant Sheth School of Architecture. Practicing under the moniker of S.BAU / Suprio Bhattacharjee Architecture Unit – he engages in work between Mumbai and Chennai while welcoming collaborations with other offices, having co-authored the Cidco Exhibition Centre in Vashi, amongst others. His writings can be found in the erstwhile DOMUS India and the TEKTON Journal, amongst others. His fundamental pursuit is an investigation into 20th Century Architecture up to the Present, from the perspective of residing in the Global South, between memories of a childhood spent in the Danube River Valley, and a youth shaped by visceral experiences of West Bengal’s Ganga – of vast, flat, Deltaic expanses.
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Sunita Kohli, is a globally recognized national award-winning interior designer and furniture manufacturer since 1971 and an architectural conservator-restorer since 1981. Her professional portfolio includes several significant public and heritage buildings, hotels and hotel boats, forts, palaces, libraries, museums and select residences in India, Egypt, Pakistan, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. She is the President of K2India, an award winning architectural and design firm, whose Co-Founder and CEO is Kohelika Kohli. Sunita Kohli is a former Chairperson of the School of Planning and Architecture in Bhopal- the first women to head a National Institute of Excellence. She has lectured and presented papers, on various subjects, at several universities in the UK, the USA and South-East Asia. She has had the distinction of being the first Indian designer or architect to be invited in 2003, to deliver an illustrated talk at the National Buildings Museum in Washington DC. In 1992, Sunita Kohli was conferred the Padma Shri, for contribution to national life in the field of interior design and architectural restoration, by the President of India. She was the first person to be conferred in this category and, to date, is the only recipient. In 1992, she was also presented the Mahila Shiromani Award by Mother Teresa, now St. Teresa, in Kolkata.
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Ar. Kirtida Unwalla, a 1979 architecture graduate, established her practice in 1983. Her interest in urban conservation led to advanced training in architectural conservation at De Montfort University, Leicester, UK, supported by the Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship in 1996. Her work aligns with Mumbai’s efforts to strengthen the Listing and Scheduling of heritage assets across the city and metropolitan region. She has contributed to projects involving broader historic contexts, including Matheran Hill Station, WHS Management Plan for Elephanta Island, and urban analysis with design guidelines for historic precincts. Her practice emphasizes conservation, restoration and adaptive reuse, with a focus on understanding the “structure and style” of historic fabric and articulate conservation action towards an authentic approach. Kirtida has served on several governing bodies including the Mumbai Heritage Committee, Matheran Heritage Committee, Matheran Eco-Sensitive Zone Committee and Satara Regional Plan Board. Kirtida remains an ardent educator in the chosen field.
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Sanaeya Vandrewala is a conservation architect, academician, and researcher specializing in architectural conservation, urban design, and heritage management. She holds an MA in Conservation Studies from the University of York, UK, and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Mumbai. With over 19 years of experience in India and the UK, she has worked on prestigious projects, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ajanta Caves, Mahabodhi Temple, and the Victorian & Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai, and most recently the CSMT (Victoria Terminus). Currently an Assistant Professor and Programme Coordinator at KRVIA for the master's programme in Urban Design and Urban Conservation, India, she plays a key role in curriculum development, research integration, and conservation studies. Her research focuses on urban heritage conservation, sustainability, and energy efficiency in historic buildings, with publications on topics like policy-practice gaps, the role of historic buildings in the circular economy, and heritage resilience. She actively presents at international conferences and contributes to academic discourse through journals and editorial roles. Through active engagement in both fields, she bridges academia and practice, advocating the preservation of cultural heritage through policy, education, and architectural interventions.
Read moreA Timeless Architectural Legacy in Mumbai
Neoclassical architecture, rooted in the Greco-Roman revival in India, continues to define Mumbai’s historic and cultural landscape. Emerging as a symbol of order, governance, and civic pride, this architectural style transformed the city through its emphasis on symmetry, proportion, and clarity. Today, its influence is most visible in landmarks such as Bombay Town Hall and the Ballard Estate, both of which exemplify the disciplined elegance of this tradition.
These structures were not merely aesthetic achievements but powerful representations of authority and urban planning, shaping what we now recognize as colonial civic buildings. Their enduring presence reflects a legacy that continues to inform how Mumbai engages with its past while navigating its future.
Understanding Neoclassical Design and Its Impact
At its core, Neoclassical architecture is defined by balance and restraint, expressed through columns, pediments, and carefully proportioned façades. The significance of Neoclassical motifs and materials lies in their symbolic representation of order and rationality, creating buildings that communicate both beauty and power.
When examined alongside Neoclassical vs Indo-Saracenic styles, the distinction becomes clear. While Neoclassical architecture prioritizes minimalism and classical purity, Indo-Saracenic design blends diverse cultural influences into more ornate and expressive forms. This contrast highlights the varied architectural narratives that shaped colonial India.
Iconic Structures and Their Evolving Narratives
Mumbai’s architectural heritage is enriched by structures such as the Cowasji Jehangir Hall (home to NGMA Mumbai), which demonstrates how historic buildings can adapt to contemporary cultural roles. This transformation reflects the growing importance of the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings in India, ensuring that these spaces remain relevant while preserving their identity.
Beyond Mumbai, the influence of Neoclassical design is evident in monumental projects like the Rashtrapati Bhavan, showcasing how this architectural language was adapted across India to suit different contexts and scales.
Makers, Experts, and Ongoing Conversations
The story of Neoclassical architecture is incomplete without acknowledging the individuals who study, preserve, and reinterpret it today. Esteemed voices such as Sunita Kohli, Kirtida Unwalla, Suprio Bhattacharjee bring critical perspectives to this evolving discourse. Their work, often associated with initiatives like INTACH Greater Mumbai Chapter, continues to shape conversations around heritage and design.
Conservation and the Future of Heritage in Mumbai
As urban pressures increase, the importance of architectural conservation in Mumbai becomes more urgent. Preserving historic structures requires a careful balance between maintaining authenticity and enabling contemporary use. Through conservation efforts and adaptive reuse, Mumbai’s Neoclassical buildings remain active participants in the city’s evolving identity.
