Kalpavriksha

Tata Steel was the client for this collaborative competition: of designing an architectural symbol for India, in steel. Siddhartha Chatterjee and Mann Singh conceptualized the design in 81 sq m of area to symbolize India, a country of complexity and flux. To depict the notion of a nation numerous links emerge for the idea of India as embodied in an enduring ever growing Banyan Tree. The representation of aspirations of our nation, the forward looking spirit of our times, progressive self belief culminates in a tree of dreams ('Kalpavriksha' in Sanskrit) with its diversities. The construction reflects the interconnection of the parts to provide support and derive strength from the whole.