The Transformation of Indian Cities into 'Anywhere Cities'

Understanding the Concept of "Anywhere City"

The term "Anywhere City" is used to describe urban areas that adopt a universal, global style. These cities are characterized by their high-rise buildings, glass facades, and a sense of corporate uniformity, making them indistinguishable from urban centers worldwide.

Why Are Indian Cities Becoming 'Anywhere Cities'?

In recent years, Indian cities have increasingly mirrored Western or East Asian architectural models, often at the expense of local traditions. This trend is particularly visible in rapidly urbanizing areas such as Gurugram, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.

Traditional Indian Architectural Styles Overshadowed

• Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring arches, jalis, and domes, as seen in cities like Delhi and Lucknow.
• Rajasthani havelis known for their courtyards and stone latticework.
• South Indian Dravidian temple architecture, including gopurams and mandapas.
• Bengal's terracotta temples with sloping roofs designed for heavy rainfalls.
• Goan-Portuguese colonial styles with arcades and vibrant facades.
• North-East vernacular bamboo and timber houses, adapted to seismic zones.

These traditional styles are being replaced by steel-and-glass towers and non-descript concrete blocks.

Globalisation's Impact on Indian Architecture

The forces of globalisation have pushed cities to appear investment-friendly and modern, resulting in a prevalence of air-conditioned towers, malls, and private gated enclaves. This shift emphasizes speed, scale, and standardization over cultural identity.

When Did This Architectural Shift Begin?

The transformation began in the 1990s with liberalisation, as private real estate developers, special economic zones, and multinational corporations started reshaping urban layouts, particularly in metro and Tier-1 cities.

The Risks of Losing Traditional Architecture

Traditional designs are not only culturally significant but also climate-responsive, utilizing local materials and sustainable practices. Their decline raises energy consumption, reduces resilience, and severs connections to cultural heritage.

Effect on Public Life and Social Spaces

Traditional public spaces like squares, chowks, and street bazaars are being replaced by private malls, gated communities, and corporate plazas, which restrict inclusive access and dampen cultural diversity.

Resistance from Local Architects

Some architects and urbanists are championing culturally sensitive, climate-appropriate, and community-oriented designs. They advocate for the adaptive reuse of heritage structures and the integration of traditional forms in new constructions.

Cultural Amnesia in Urban Development

Cultural amnesia refers to the gradual erasure of local heritage, stories, architectural identity, and the social ethos embedded in the design of older Indian towns and cities.

Blending Tradition with Modern Development

Indian cities can indeed balance tradition with modern development through a hybrid approach that preserves traditional aesthetics while incorporating modern infrastructure. Projects like the Jaipur Metro and parts of New Town Kolkata exemplify such efforts.

"A city becomes great not by how tall its buildings rise, but by how deeply its roots hold."