VIDHAN BHAWAN

CASE STUDY ON VIDHAN BHAWAN , BHOPAL , INDIA

GENERAL INTRODUCTION
ARCHITECT : CHARLES COREA
LOCATION : ARERA HILL , BHOPAL
TOTAL SITE AREA : 85000 m2
TOTAL BUILT UP AREA : 32000 m2
GROUND COVERAGE : 13 %
NO. OF USERS : 366

FUNCTIONAL SPACES
1. Upper house ( 75 members ) 2%
2. Lower house (366 members) 6.5 %
3. The combined hall 4%
4. Library 7%
5. The speaker of the house office 2%
6. The chief secretary & supporting staff offices 9.5 %
7. Chief minister office 1%
8. The ministers and PA offices 13 %
9. Services and utilities 6.5 %
10 Circulation area 48.5%
.
100 %
 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
After establishment of Madhya Pradesh, on 1 November 1956, legislative assembly came into exist-
ence. Reassembling the assemblies of four legislative assemblies formed the legislative assembly of Madh-
ya Pradesh.Minto hall of Bhopal was chosen as the building for first combined legislative assembly in Sep-
tember 1956, sometime before reassembling of states. It was then changed to Vidhan Sabha Bhavan from 1
November 1956 to 1984
Due to the increased work of Vidhan Sabha, some new blocks had to be added to Minto hall. Final-
ly, in 1980 the need for a new building grew much strong. The construction work started from 17 September
1984 on Arera hills, in between Birla temple and State assembly. Many difficulties obstructed the way and
work moved on at a slow pace. In 1994, the government formed a committee to make the work faster and
was ordered to get it completed within eighteen months. The committee cleared all the obstructions, ar-
ranged all the instruments & tools and got the work done within the time limit. Preliminary estimate of the
project was Rs.10 Crores but being constructed in 12 years and due to lavish expenditures on interiors, furni-
ture, advanced sound systems, air-conditioning, modern cafeteria, gardens and other facilities the final cost
came out to be Rs.54 Crores

SITE & LOCATION

The site chosen for the building is indeed a monumental one. It is in the
center of the Capital Complex, at the highest point on Arera Hill, overlooking
the city of Bhopal. It is obvious that the shape of the building needs to reflect
this unique location, with a form that is "Readable" from many different van-
tage points. Such clarity is difficult to achieve on this site with square or rec-
tangular forms since the angle of the main access road is not constant, but
swings considerably in relation to the building. Thus was gradually developed
the circular form.

The Arera Hill is flanked by a large lake on one side and greenery on the other.
Other government buildings are down the hill on the lakeside whereas govern-
ment residences are behind the green zone. The buildings site is cleared but there
is an old template in a distance.
EVOLUTION OF DESIGN CONCEPTS
The Vidhan Sabha Bhavan in Bhopal has always been looked upon as a masterpiece in
field of architecture for Madhya Pradesh. The building although designed on contemporary
base uses traditional architecture as well. Use of local material also makes it an outstanding
blend of contemporary and traditional architecture. The building features various philosophical
features from traditional, mythological to contemporary. ‘Navagraha Concept’ is one of them.
It divides the whole building into nine blocks on the basis of nine planets according to Hindu
mythology. The same way, plan of Vidhan Sabha is divided into nine blocks and each block is
defined by use and purpose.
The shape of building being circular incorporates another philosophy. The architect has
given a hierarchy to the shape starting from shape of earth, then shape of parliament and as
the legislative assembly comes below; it is also given a circular shape. The resemblance of
shapes in hierarchy would easily relate the building to a democratic structure. The plan of
building being circular is derived from conceptual and mythological theories. According to Hin-
du mythology, the earth is considered to be resting on ‘Sheshnag’; the same is symbolized in
Vidhan Bhavan. If we have a look at plan of the building and imagine it to be elevation, then

As already mentioned, the building is a blend of traditional and contemporary

philosophies. The traditional and mythological philosophies like ‘Navagraha Concept’
and ‘Earth on Sheshnag’ are incorporated brilliantly in the building. But, even after the
strong application of mythological philosophies, the contemporary philosophies do not
lose their existence. One of these is ‘building within building’. The Vidhan Bhavan itself
is an independent and functioning unit but due to open spaces, the building instead of
a whole looks as if divided into blocks. So to make these blocks bind in form of a build-
ing a boundary is provided at its circumference. This makes the building look like placed
into another building, the philosophy of using two buildings one in one is termed by the
architect as ‘building within building’. A similar philosophy ‘garden within garden’ is also
applied. A few courtyards are provided inside the building for sitting. Because these
sitting spaces are open to air, they can be termed as floored gardens. Also, the building
is surrounded by garden on all sides hence the architect terms these spaces as ‘garden
within garden’.
PHILOSOPHY & HISTORICAL REFERENCES
1. BLUE RIBBON FROM GWALIOR FORT
The exterior of Gwalior fort is marked with lines made of blue ink. This is used in
Vidhan Sabha Bhavan to associate it with skyline and give an outline to the build-
ing. The Gwalior fort being witness of victories and celebrations share these char-
acteristics with Vidhan Sabha Bhavan
2. DOME FROM SANCHI STUPA
Sanchi Stupa, a very famous and known structure has a hemi-spherical dome at
top. This dome represents the earth surface. The Stupa is symbol of Lord Buddha
which resides on the top of dome. Hence, in a way it represents heaven or god
above earth covering it. The dome is used in Vidhan Sabha Bhavan to represent
god covering earth or heaven above earth.
3. COURTYARD PATTERN FROM ISLAMNAGAR
The forts of Islamnagar have arched gateways leading to three palaces; Chaman
mahal, Rani mahal & Gond mahal. Rani mahal has square garden, Chaman mahal
has charbagh with pools, fountains and hamams. The same hamam pattern is used
in courtyard of Vidhan Bhavan which is connected by four pathways. 4. GHATS AT SHIPRA RIVER FROM UJJAIN
Ghats at Shipra River which crosses past Ujjain have a very inter-
esting flow pattern. The same flow pattern is used in steps of
public courtyard which goes up and down from end to end. This
associates the public courtyard to Shipra River and the entering
public feels as if walking along the river.

5. BHIL PAINTINGS
Bhil paintings are made by the tribes of Madhya Pradesh. Using
these in the Vidhan Bhavan would associate the building to the
people of the state. Also the general public entering the building
would feel closeness with the building and the paintings would
give a traditional touch to the building.
6. Narmada River
Narmada River has always served Madhya Pradesh for its water needs. It can be con-
sidered the lifeline or mother goddess of the state. In the building, a statue of Nar-
mada is standing in the pond of Madhya Pradesh’s shape. The hairs of statue are
untied which signifies flow and progression. A crocodile is also shown signifying sub-
mergence. Overall, the use of Narmada’s statue in the building reminds everyone of
the gifts endowed to the state and how the river has helped Madhya Pradesh in its
progress.

7. Drainage system of Mandu

Mandu has always been a place of pride for Madhya Pradesh. The fort of Mandu is
known very much for its architecture and excellent drainage system. The same
drainage system is used in Vidhan Bhavan because of its beautiful pattern and bril-
liant efficiency. The use of drainage system in building would relate the building with
higher efficiency and beauty in every aspect.
DESIGNING & PLANNING
The programme for the State Legislative Assembly specifies four
main functions:
the Vidhan Sabha (Lower House),
the Vidhan Parishad (Upper House),
the Combined Hall and the Library.
It also contains a host of other facilities: offices for 70 State Minis-
ters (together with their supporting office staff), Committee meeting
rooms, office suites for the Speaker of the house and his staff, offices for
the Opposition Parties, for the Chief Secretary of the Government, for the
Chief Minister and Cabinet Room, as well as Cafeterias and Common
Rooms for the Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Administration
and the Security Staff, etc. These requirements have to be organized so as
to provide independent access to three separate categories of users: the
Legislators, the VIPs, and the General Public- who, for reasons of the
security, need to have an independent path.
The building is located on a hill in the centre of Bhopal. Since the
main access road is not axial, but swings towards the site in a rather casu-
al manner, the plan of the building developed as a circle, so that it could
have an autonomous unity and presence, regardless of the direction from
which one approached it. This circular form was reinforced by other cul-
tural and historical references as well- i.e., the Parliament Building in New
Delhi, and the earliest Buddhist Stupa nearby at Sanchi.
In a total break from modernism and post-modernism, designer has de-
veloped a deep understanding of the Vedic principles of architecture, from which
has emerged an extra ordinary synthesis of the totally traditional with the totally
modern, “The Kund”, which is ritualistically dedicated to Surya and which is central
to both ancient and medieval architecture in India, therefore, the main entrance
to the Vidhan Bhavan is through the Kund area. Any entrance to a building would
normally be associated with a constant rushing to and fro, a passage crowded with
people. The Kund area however, is a place for slow progression, for contemplation
of the sky above, a place to sit and rest whilst admiring the magnificent tribal wall
paintings.
The Vidhan Bhavan is divided into nine compartments of squares each
enclosing in it a pattern of gardens within gardens. The five Central squares form
hall and courtyards which are not only assemblage points but also house the vari-
ous offices of the Vidhan Bhavan Secretariat and support services which a legisla-
ture need. The four corner squares are occupied by structures given over to spe-
cialized function. I.e. the Vidhan Sabha or Lower House, the Vidhan Parishad or
upper House, the combined hall for joint session of both houses and any other
non-Legislative function which might be organized by the Vidhan Bhavan and a
cabinet room and the offices of the Chief Minister and other Ministers. Entry to
the building is through three main gates or 'dwars', one for people at large
through the kund, one for member of the legislature and minister and one for the
Speaker of the House. There is also a smaller entrance for the Chief Minister and
Ministers attending cabinet meeting.
 ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION
The whole building is circular in shape of 140m diameter, located at a height of
573.25m from sea level. It is centrally air-conditioned and divided into six sectors. Build-
ing consist of a hall for legislative council in addition to the legislative assembly situated
in sector 1, having seating capacity of 90 members. It has facility of official galleries, me-
dia galleries and visitor’s galleries. It is 20 m. high, square in plan having roof of space
truss. It has facility of natural light. Its furniture is made of sadar wood.
In Madhya Pradesh there is no constitutional provision for a second house,
hence in present time this hall is used for seminars and training. There is a huge painting
called ‘Tree Of Life’ at the entrance on which historical sites of state are shown. Organi-
zation hall 2(Ajanta), chambers of leaders of opposition and branches of chambers are
located in sector 1.
Vidhan Sabha hall is located in sector 2 opposite to Vidhan Parishad. Its main
entrance is in the shape of ‘Toran’ (main entrance) of Sanchi Stupa. The roof of lower
house is domical in shape, which is 31m. in diameter and 26m in height, provided with
void for natural light. The official and executive galleries are on the ground floor. A beau-
tiful lobby for members of assembly is attached to the lower house with five entrances
to the house and a mini cafeteria. On the above floor eight galleries are placed. Amongst
these two are for press, two for general public, one for governor, one for executives,
one for ladies and one for V.I.P.s. All the galleries are endowed with natural light. Com-
mon hall has advanced sound and electronic voting system.
The assembly hall formerly had capacity for seating 366 members, which after
separation of Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh was reduced to 250. Next to the assem-
bly hall are chambers of speaker, deputy speaker and secretary of Vidhan Sabha. A cen-
tral hall; 11m high and 10000ft2 in areas is located in sector 4 at center of the building
with roof resting over four pillars. The hall is center point of the building and is a con-
nector of all four directions and has excellent settings for natural light. Bank, post office,
railway reservation counter and ayurvedic clinic are in vicinity to the central hall.
 A descriptive library is in sector 5 containing 1.75 Lakhs books and literatures. Various books and
biographies of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru are also preserved here. The library is divided into four
sections; two are for books and literatures. Separate compactors are provided for important books and docu-
ments. First floor is used as a speaking room for members of assembly. A seminar hall is located in sector 6
with seating capacity of 600 persons. The roof is a marvelous example of civil engineering. It is 25cm. thick
without any beam. The level difference of highest and lowest point of roof is 6m. A separate entrance is pro-
vided for V.I.P.s and the hall has advanced sound systems.
The chamber of chief minister is in sector 3. The ministers’ chambers are on ground and first floor. On
second floor the chambers of officials are located along with three committee rooms. An Ashok Stambh made
of bronze, weighing 2 tons and 12 ft. high is located at center of courtyard of sector 3. There are 57 rooms, 7
large and 7 small committee rooms for ministers in the building. There are 300 rooms having 350 doors and
1000 windows in the building along with 60 utility spaces. Nearly 26 lakhs bricks, 10.3 lakhs kilos of cement
and 1.65 tons of steel were used for construction of the building. At the western gate cafeteria is located
equipped with modern kitchen appliances.

MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION

Façade-White and colored Indian marble, granite, Red sand stone and local red stone
Walls - Bricks,
Cladding - Dholpur sandstone
Paints - Polyurethane paints
Borders - Hand made ceramic tiles
Plastering - Cement plaster for
Acoustics and insulation - Gypsum and cement particle boards
Roof – RCC, transparent polycarbonate sheets
Skylight – Fiber glass
Foundation of the whole complex is made from reinforced concrete cement. The structural
system used is framed structure and structural elements are: Cast in situ RCC frame struc-
ture , Slabs, beam, column , Domes, Shell roofs, Flat slabs
Cast in situ reinforced concrete construction is used for construction. All material testing
done on site. Concrete pouring, form work, reinforcement fabrication done at site manually.
All the other works like plumbing, electrical, HVAC executed at site with manual labour.
Fig: Ground Floor
Fig: Ground Floor Plan: Gar-