Shyam Bhawan, 1941
Location : Netaji Subhash Marg
Architect : Channa Singh (probably)
Agency : Delhi Improvement Trust
Currently a commercial complex on Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, Shyam Bhawan has a facade with a variety of Art Deco style patterns : Chevrons, Frozen sunburst rays, Geometrical play of straight lines, squares and curves in some cases creating triangular forms. The older inhabitants recount Shyam Bhawan being built in phases, initially having horse stables towards the road and residences along the inner court. Architect Channa Singh, who used to stay in the complex but later moved, is said to be associated with the expansion works. Overall, the building bears a stepped profile with the central bay being higher and more emphasised, while fluted Pilasters and vertical lines add rhythm to the facade, dividing it further for geometric pattern rich cement grills at the balcony. The name Shyam Bhawan is casted in terrazzo at the entrance panel, mentioning its year in both English and Samvat, the hindu calender which is commonly found in other Art Deco residences in the city.
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Image Copyright : Sandra-Cohen-Rose and Colin Rose (Flickr)
Symmetrical Facade
Facade having symmetrical division of mass and features along the central axis, usually the entrance of the building
Vertical Fluting
Flutes are shallow bands curving outwards running as vertical bands on building facades, sometimes wrapping along the flat roofs of the Art Deco structures
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
Chevrons
Repeating triangles or Inverted V’s like pattern, one of the most popular Art Deco motifs
Relief or Embedded Ornamentation
Shallow relief work out of cement is often spotted adding ornamentation in the form of geometrical / indian art deco influenced patterns on the facade of Art Deco style buildings