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Golconde: The Introduction of Modernism in India
Golconde is an astonishing architectural accomplishment. With technical finesse and extraordinary craft, it offers a living testament to the original modernist credo – architecture as the manifest union of technology, aesthetics, and social reform. Here exists an undiluted view of a wholly triumphant tropical Modernism, built during the tumultuous years of the second world war.
Mira Nakashima, George Nakashima’s daughter, contributes with a new 800 word introduction essay for this new edition.
Mira Nakashima, George Nakashima’s daughter, contributes with a new 800 word introduction essay for this new edition.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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January 29, 2022
Golconde was an important project for all involved. The Raymonds paused in India as they made their way to the United States. Growing hostility as WWII brought more and more countries under its spell made it impossible for the Raymonds to remain in Japan, forcing them to make the decision to close down the office and leave. They would eventually make their way on to the United States, leaving George Nakashima behind to oversee the project. When Nakashima also made his way to the United States, he would find himself and his family in one of the United States's infamous internment camps. The Raymonds were able to sponsor the family, allowing for them to be released. They would settle in New Hope, Pennsylvania. The Raymonds returned to Japan after WWII.
One particularly interesting aspect of Golconde is that there was no firm budget or time frame that the project had to be completed within. This wasn't the case because The Mother* was interested in some frivolous creation; if Golconde were designed today, it would likely be described as low-tech sustainable. The real reason is far more interesting. The Mother's philosophy included the belief that everything, including inanimate objects, possess an essence that deserves respect. The need to meet budgetary or schedule requirements would not prevent the resources used from attaining their best expression. This approach is one of the primary reasons why Golconde exists today in such a remarkable state of preservation; this sense of respect extends to respect when objects are put into use.
Several climatic responses are described. Golconde utilizes a double-shell roof because it was understood that a membrane roof wouldn't withstand the wide temperature swings, future roof access would be difficult, and the outer shell would help deflect heat. One side of the garden was heavily landscaped, the other side left mostly as lawn so that the warmer air on the lawn-side would rise, convection pulling cool air from the heavily landscaped side through the building on days with little air movement. Building orientation, louvers that allow for ventilation and privacy, etc., were all considered during design and are discussed. Although the title describes Golconde as a modernist building and it's widely regarded as such, I would describe it as an early critical regionalist work.
Originally published in 2010, this new edition has been revised to include an introduction by George Nakashima's daughter, Mira.
* Mirra Alfassa was known as The Mother.
One particularly interesting aspect of Golconde is that there was no firm budget or time frame that the project had to be completed within. This wasn't the case because The Mother* was interested in some frivolous creation; if Golconde were designed today, it would likely be described as low-tech sustainable. The real reason is far more interesting. The Mother's philosophy included the belief that everything, including inanimate objects, possess an essence that deserves respect. The need to meet budgetary or schedule requirements would not prevent the resources used from attaining their best expression. This approach is one of the primary reasons why Golconde exists today in such a remarkable state of preservation; this sense of respect extends to respect when objects are put into use.
Several climatic responses are described. Golconde utilizes a double-shell roof because it was understood that a membrane roof wouldn't withstand the wide temperature swings, future roof access would be difficult, and the outer shell would help deflect heat. One side of the garden was heavily landscaped, the other side left mostly as lawn so that the warmer air on the lawn-side would rise, convection pulling cool air from the heavily landscaped side through the building on days with little air movement. Building orientation, louvers that allow for ventilation and privacy, etc., were all considered during design and are discussed. Although the title describes Golconde as a modernist building and it's widely regarded as such, I would describe it as an early critical regionalist work.
Originally published in 2010, this new edition has been revised to include an introduction by George Nakashima's daughter, Mira.
* Mirra Alfassa was known as The Mother.
Displaying 1 of 1 review