Architectural Heritage of SRCC: The Story Behind the Red Bricks and White Domes
Today, Shri Ram College of Commerce stands as the epitome of Commerce and Economic education in the country. Its distinct colonnade façade in the Art Deco style of the neo- classical school of architecture makes it a landmark in the University of Delhi. Spread over 16 acres of land, with 25 lecture rooms, 140 seats for residential male students, 53 seats for residential female students and 22 staff quarters; this structure was conceived by architect G.C.Sharma.
Prior to 1954, the erstwhile commercial college was a hired bungalow situated in Darya Ganj. Since 1954, when the main building was inaugurated by the then Vice- President of India, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, the structure of S.R.C.C. has evolved exponentially.
The college building has witnessed several historical and architectural milestones over the years. In 1949, The Delhi Improvement Trust allotted land for the construction of the college building in North Campus. The following year saw the construction of 6 staff quarters, followed by the commencement of construction of the main building as a single structure in 1951. Finally in 1954, the construction was completed and on January 31, erstwhile Vice President inaugurated the building.
Since then, new additions have been made to the college- most of which have been sensitive to the original character of the existing building. These additions have indeed improved upon the College’s functionality. In 1963-64, the students’ centre [now auditorium], tutorial blocks and girls’ hostel blocks were constructed. In the same year, the swimming pool and the gymnasium were built under a Shramdaan Movement by the students. In1967, the bust of Late Shri Ram was installed on August 25. In 1980, the auditorium was damaged by an inferno and was revamped and renovated.
Looking closely, the college building possesses great architectural and heritage value. It exemplifies the architecture of the transitional phase (post independence) – from the Indo – British colonial architecture to modernism. It is a fine spectrum of the Art Deco style of architecture in India. The same style had been used in several prominent monuments and landmarks of Delhi such as the St. Stephens College building.
S.R.C.C. is one of the earliest examples of Art Deco style of architecture in Delhi which has retained all characters of this style. Its façade with R.C.C. columns – typical of the British colonial style is contrasted with exposed brickwork; a sign of modernism. Usage of the clock tower, domes, vertical panels and elements give definition to the centre and ends of the building. It is a fine specimen of marriage of R.C.C and brickwork – a trademark of this architectural style.
Over the years, additions and alterations have led to problems like seepage, deterioration of chajjas, cracks due to the change in seasonal temperatures and live load, etc. the conservation policy of the college is, thus, to retain and improve upon the heritage values.
Madhavi Katre
Sourovi De
Sumedh Sen
Photograph courtesy: Utsav Mitra
This article was published as a commemorative article in 80th issue of Yamuna, 2007-08.
