New Indian Parliament Building: A Symbol of Modern Democracy


The new hexagonal shaped parliament designed right next to the old circular parliament was inaugurated on 28th may 2023. This sparked a lot of controversies in the nation and the media.

But this new parliament has a lot of hidden design details and elements within it to be cherished.
This parliament is designed by Architect Bimal Patel of HCP design and planning.
Although the old parliament is still a monument and workable; new parliament is the first purpose-designed parliament of India. Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker designed the old parliament in 1927, which the British called the Council House. In 1947, Indian independence gave this house a new name, the First Indian Parliament.
Although the building is strong and workable, the design was not futuristic, which led to constant renovations and redesigning. 1956 two more floors were added to the old parliament in demand for more space and in 2006 a museum space was added within the parliament.

So the first element which was considered during the design and planning phase was to give more space for the parliament.

1. More space


The old parliament building accommodated:
Lok Sabha 550 members
Rajya Sabha 250 members

The new building can accommodate:
Lok Sabha 888 members
Rajya Sabha 384 members

A joint session chamber is added in the Lok Sabha hall for both houses to sit together during a special gathering or meeting. Spacious office rooms help our politicians in working towards the better tomorrow.

2. Publicly accessible Gallery


Architect planned to bring people to the heart of the structure by designing a museum grade gallery at the centre of the building. The display of various artifacts showcases the great rich heritage of India at the centre constitutional hall.

3. Futuristic Design


This building is designed to stand for over 150 plus years with no renovations or redesigns.
It is constructed to survive any natural calamities.
Both main halls have the next gen technology attached to the furniture.

4. Imprint of Various states


Many materials have been brought from different parts of the country. These materials represent their state in the parliament.
e.g.: teak wood: Maharashtra
Red and white sandstone: Rajasthan
Steel structure for false ceiling: Diu and Daman
Furnitures: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Bricks: Haryana and Uttar Pradesh

5. Themed Design


Lok Sabha was designed inspired by the Nation bird of India Peacock.
The abstract of the bird played well on the walls and the ceiling of the hall.
Teal blue colour gave a calm yet grandeur vibe to the space.

Rajya Sabha was designed inspired by the national flower of India; Lotus.
The interior played a deeper and dominant role with red. The walls and the ceilings were carved with the abstract design of Lotus.

Special mention to the Sengol from Tamil Nadu; playing a historical role.
The history of the Sengol dating back to the Independence era. It is said that it was made in Tamil Nadu during that time. It was presented to Jawaharlal Nehru by Lord Mountbatten as a token of highlighting the transition of power. We are not sure of the facts. But a historical element representing Tamil Nadu’s heritage, placed next to the speaker, should be cherished. This elevates the ambience with power and responsibility.

  

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