R E V E R S E A R C H I T E C T U R E
The Life Insurance Corporation Housing
by BV Doshi
Series : There is Life Between the Cracks
Typology : Architecture Illustration (Black and White)
Medium : Mixed Media (Hand-made sketches with ink pen and pencil. Shadows and additional elements on Photoshop)
(prints available in multiple sizes)
Modernism is done right, in the Indian context, bears some fruitful architectural results. In this case, BV Doshi's relatively lesser-known Life Insurance Corporation Housing really caught my eye at first glance, primarily due to its grounded-ness, as well as its empathetic design. Doshi reversed the conventional hierarchy and placed the larger rooms on the ground floor, while the smaller units were placed on top to accommodate socio-cultural flexibility. This introduced flexibility, which allowed the ability to transform spaces, especially for the lower economic class, thereby establishing their sense of belonging with the space.
As I was scouting for some architecture references to inspire me, I came across this multi-residential housing also called 'Bima Nagar'. The symmetrical staircase and stacking of blocks were fascinating display of form, and I could immediately feel space playing a part in keeping communities close-knitted. My head played out narratives while I marveled at the structure's photograph, as if a film or a documentary playing, with families sitting on the steps and conversing while the kids play in the foreground. A cycle goes past. This illustration captures that vibe.
I loved experimenting with clouds while exploring Photoshop brushes, and I approached layers with a bit more organization.
For prints, purchases, commissions or just to say hi, drop a message on Behance, or DM me on Instagram (@jaidev_tripathy).
