Imperial Delhi

Book excerpt: Designated by King George V to replace Calcutta as capital of British India,New Delhi was constructed between 1912 and 1929 under the steady eye of architect Sir Edward Lutyens who sought to bring to this British Colony a sense of classicism, order, and institutional beauty. Brimming with more than 300 color and black and white illustrations, plans and photographs, this book presents the most comprehensive examination to date of how this city was envisioned, planned and constructed From the massive war memorial arch to the spacious gardens and the gloriously imposing Viceroy's House, the evidence of Lutyens ̕architectural genius is everywhere throughout New Delhi. Architectural historian Andreas Volwahsen discusses the importance of Lutyens ̕work and provides a fascinating account of the making of a city: the contentious debates and cultural considerations, the inspiration and the painstaking construction, and finally the ways in which New Delhi has evolved into a modern city. With the growing interest in the preservation of historic sites worldwide, this magnificently detailed yet highly accessible history is certain to become a classic in the fields of architecture and urban design.