Silent Spaces and Other Stories of Architecture

An insiderýs view of public architecture ý ancient monuments and contemporary landmarksIn this sequel to Punjabi Baroque and Other Memories of Architecture, Gautam Bhatia is on a reflective journey, as a tourist and architect, viewing Indiaýs architectural legacy. There has been a discernible purpose and design in all architecture down the ages, be it the quiet peace offered by ancient temples, the beauty and comfort reflected in Mughal architecture, or the expression of an imperial presence in British architecture. But public architecture today subsides into crumbling, peeling ruins even before work is completed on the buildings. As Gautam Bhatia notes in this account that is dosed liberally with his hallmark wit and sarcasm, neither utility nor aesthetics but caprice and prejudice form the guiding principles for those in power effecting architecture today.