Channa Market Complex, 1954
Location : Karol Bagh
Agency : Delhi Improvement Trust
A double storied commercial complex at Channa Market, Karol bagh catches one’s eyes for its curving corner Deco features. The style in which the building is designed is particularly influenced by the Streamline Moderne characteristics. Western Extension Area was developed by the Delhi Improvement Trust in phases, where they often suggested design guidelines to adopt.
Built in 1954, it includes elements like curving edge, continuous eyebrows emphasising on horizontality along its sides, cement grills and ornamental patterns in its cement jaalis. The complex located at a roundabout is a great example of a typical convexing corner.
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Image Copyrights : Deco In Delhi
Streamlined Profile
Emphasis is laid on horizontal wings of the buildings through features like eyebrows, continuous overhang. Building edges often have mirrored curved circular towers encompassing staircases in them
Eyebrows
Continuous overhangs as sunshades, curving as the profile of the building, specially continuing around corners
Balcony Grills
Often seen casted in cement / metal are balcony grills with motifs and symbols, such as sun burst, swan or name initials of owners, adding to the ornamentation of the buildings
Integration of Religious Symbols
Religious symbols such as Om and Swastika, embedded within the Art Deco iconography can be spotted across facades, window grills or inlaid in terrazo patterns at entrances or walls.