Mumbai’s rich Art Deco heritage, among the world’s largest collections, faces threats from rapid modernization. Campaigners and architects are working tirelessly to conserve these architectural treasures, blending tropical motifs and geometric designs into a unique "Indo-Deco" style.
A towering cinema with a roofline reminiscent of an ocean liner stands out in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, a testament to the city’s remarkable Art Deco heritage, which campaigners warn is in urgent need of protection.
Just a short walk away lies a state-run insurance office adorned with Egyptian-style carvings, alongside a palm-lined seafront promenade featuring pastel-colored apartments with porthole windows, curved balconies, and exotic motifs.
While Miami’s South Beach often claims the spotlight, the coastal megacity of Mumbai boasts what experts consider one of the world’s largest collections of Art Deco buildings.
However, decades of neglect have resulted in the demolition or careless modernization of many of these iconic structures. Lovers of this dramatic architectural style fear these losses will only escalate as Mumbai undergoes a massive $30 billion infrastructure overhaul, including new roads, railways, and bridges.
In 2018, some of Mumbai’s Art Deco buildings—encompassing offices, colleges, and residential complexes—were inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, alongside the city’s Victorian Gothic architecture. This "Indo-Deco" style is praised for its unique fusion of tropical imagery and geometric patterns.
Today, a small yet determined group of architects, building owners, and heritage enthusiasts strive to preserve the city’s Art Deco character amidst relentless urban development.
"Constant Vigilance is Required"
"The job requires constant vigilance," says Nayana Kathpalia, a resident of a recently restored Art Deco building. The restoration was carried out meticulously, maintaining its original character.
Many apartment building owners, however, seek to redevelop their properties, contributing to a monotonous modern skyline. Kathpalia warns, "If too many buildings are altered beyond recognition, the World Heritage Site committee might intervene." Losing these treasures, campaigners argue, would erase vital aspects of the city’s history and charm.
The Rise of Art Deco in Mumbai
Art Deco originated in France before World War I, blending geometric patterns and streamlined designs with elements drawn from Mayan and Japanese art. Indian architects returning from Europe in the 1920s and 1930s embraced the style, creating buildings for wealthy business families in Mumbai.
"Art Deco enabled a certain cosmopolitanism and helped shape Mumbai as a modern, open, and friendly city," explains Atul Kumar, founder of Art Deco Mumbai, a non-profit dedicated to conserving this architectural legacy.
Kumar’s organization has documented numerous buildings and now offers pro bono restoration guidance, having supported sensitive renovations on nine buildings, including some within the UNESCO World Heritage zone.
Challenges persist, including strict rent control laws that financially constrain landlords and limited awareness among residents. "Many don’t realize they live amidst art," says Pranati Mehta, a school teacher on a walking tour of the city’s Art Deco landmarks. For Mehta, however, Art Deco is far from foreign: "We recognize it as a Bombay style. Art Deco is also an Indian brand."
With AFP
Comments