Global Modern Architecture

W2 – Simple Case Studies

Case Study 1 – Indian Institute of Forest Management

The Indian Institute of Forest Management complex in Bhopal, India houses the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), which trains and promotes forestry and natural resource management. The space is designed to provide multiple semi-separate areas connecting to create a larger whole to provide autonomy within the academic community. The complex contains classrooms, conference rooms, admin offices, an auditorium, a library, and a spacious courtyard. Separate from the academic area is a zone designated for living, with dormitories and eating/cooking areas. In recent years, visitors have noted that the maintenance of the buildings has decayed.

  • Type: Institutional
  • Architect: Anant Raje
  • Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Stale
  • Year:1988

Case Study 2 – Moscow metropolitan underground railway system

Opening in 1935, the Moscow Metro consisted of 13 stations along one line. The earliest stations show a relatively modest design style. Over time, stations adopted anything from incredibly ornate baroque to art deco and modernist architecture and interior architecture. Pre-war Stalinist style is also common in earlier stations with large, strong columns (see Mayakovskaya station) and vaulted ceilings. Much later in time during the cold war, design took a back seat to economics. However, as the cold war progressed, heavily decorated stations emerged again as a symbol of Moscow’s technological progress (perceived or otherwise). Technological themes like aviation made larger appearances during this era. In the 21st century, modern stations look just that – modern and more standardized against other international metros.

  • Type: Station
  • Architect: Multiple – some examples: Vladimir Schuko, Vladimir Gelfreich, Robert Pogrebnoi, and Yuriy Zenkivich
  • Location: Multiple stations within Moscow
  • Year: First station build 1935

Case Study 2 – Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre

The Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre resides in the capital of New Caledonia, Nouméa, and was intended to soften the sociopolitical conflict between the indigenous Kalak population and the French colonizers. While the architects design is meant to invoke images of the Kanaks vertically shaped structures. It is noted that the architect is not Kanak, and bulk of the materials used to construct the center were imported from off the island. The vertical beams of the structure are undeniably whimsical in their open, almost unfished appearance.

  • Type: Cultural center/leisure
  • Architect: Renzo Piano
  • Location: Nouméa, New Caledonia
  • Year: 1998

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