Discover the forgotten yet fascinating brutalist buildings in New Delhi
In a city celebrated for its Mughal grandeur and colonial elegance, New Delhi also harbors an overlooked architectural legacy—brutalist buildings. These structures, made of exposed concrete, sharp lines, and commanding mass, may not fit the typical image of Indian architectural beauty, yet they form a significant part of the city’s post-independence narrative. Brutalist buildings in New Delhi speak volumes about India’s socio-political transitions and the government’s push for functionality over ornamentation during the late 20th century.
This blog explores New Delhi’s brutalist architecture in depth, tracing its evolution, highlighting key examples, and reflecting on their cultural and architectural importance today.
Understanding Brutalism in the Indian Context
Brutalism, which emerged in post-WWII Europe, emphasized honesty in materials, especially concrete (“béton brut” in French). Its principles of rawness, repetition, and geometric formality found a surprisingly strong resonance in post-independence India, where rapid urbanization demanded cost-effective, scalable architecture. The government, led by modernist ambitions and socialist ideals, embraced Brutalism to express progress, nationalism, and efficiency.
Indian architects like B.V. Doshi and Raj Rewal adapted Brutalism to the country’s climate and cultural context, introducing brise-soleil (sun-breakers), shaded corridors, and ventilation-friendly designs. New Delhi became a canvas where these ideas materialized through public institutions, government complexes, and cultural centers.
Top Brutalist Buildings in New Delhi
1. Hall of Nations, Pragati Maidan
Architect: Raj Rewal
Year: 1972
One of India’s most iconic brutalist structures, the Hall of Nations was constructed for the 1972 International Trade Fair. With its massive concrete grids and triangular geometry, it showcased India’s engineering capabilities during a time of limited resources. Despite its international acclaim, the building was controversially demolished in 2017, sparking debates over heritage preservation.
2. National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) Building
Architect: Kuldip Singh
Location: Hauz Khas
Year: 1978
A classic example of brutalist geometry, the NCDC building features stacked concrete blocks and bold cantilevers. Its exposed surfaces and rigid symmetry give it an imposing presence, perfectly embodying the strength of India’s cooperative movement during the 70s.
3. State Trading Corporation (STC) Building
Architect: Raj Rewal
Location: Near Connaught Place
Year: 1980s
This high-rise brutalist marvel consists of modular blocks interlocked to create a visually striking vertical silhouette. The STC building illustrates how Brutalism can be adapted to a dense urban context while maintaining natural light and ventilation through strategically placed voids.
4. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Campus
Architects: C.P. Kukreja, Raj Rewal, and others
Year: 1970s
The JNU campus is an expansive example of brutalist planning. Built to be both cost-effective and climatically responsive, the campus uses concrete in raw form, punctuated by courtyards, overhangs, and open corridors that reflect both academic freedom and architectural integrity.
5. Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET), NCERT Campus
Architect: Not widely credited
Location: Sri Aurobindo Marg
Year: 1970s
A hidden brutalist gem, the CIET building features rhythmic concrete columns, deep overhangs, and modular aesthetics. It reflects the modernist spirit of India’s educational revolution, emphasizing simplicity and durability in design.
6. Akbar Bhawan (formerly Hotel Akbar)
Architect: Shiv Nath Prasad
Year: 1972
Now housing South Asian University and various government offices, Akbar Bhawan was once a luxurious hotel. It presents a rare instance where brutalist and modernist luxuries merge, with exposed concrete surfaces softened by large internal courtyards and gardens.
7. NDMC Convention Centre
Architect: Charles Correa
Year: Late 1980s
Although better known for blending regional styles with modernism, Correa’s design for the NDMC Convention Centre includes unmistakable brutalist features: bold massing, rough concrete surfaces, and volumetric play that adapts form to function.
Why New Delhi Embraced Brutalism
New Delhi, as the capital of a newly independent nation, needed to project strength, modernity, and self-reliance. Brutalism, with its raw aesthetic and no-nonsense utility, became the natural choice for institutional and governmental architecture.
Moreover, Brutalism suited India’s climate and socio-political conditions. Its thick concrete walls offered insulation; its modularity allowed rapid construction. It also symbolized a break from colonial and Mughal pasts, asserting an Indian modernity that was pragmatic and progressive.
Public Perception and Changing Attitudes
For decades, brutalist buildings in New Delhi were seen as cold, unattractive, and outdated. Many were neglected or altered in favor of glossy facades and air-conditioned glass towers. The demolition of the Hall of Nations highlighted the fragile status of these architectural assets.
However, recent years have seen a revival in interest. Urban historians, architects, and students are beginning to appreciate the aesthetic and historical value of these concrete giants. Social media platforms have played a key role in spreading awareness and sparking conservation efforts.
Challenges in Preserving Brutalist Heritage
Preserving brutalist buildings in New Delhi poses unique challenges. Concrete ages poorly without maintenance. Public apathy and lack of heritage recognition worsen the problem. Brutalist structures often lack the ornamental appeal that typically motivates preservation campaigns.
Many of these buildings are also on prime real estate, making them targets for demolition and redevelopment. Advocacy for heritage listing, architectural documentation, and adaptive reuse are now critical for their survival.
Notable Architects Who Shaped Delhi’s Brutalism
- Raj Rewal: Celebrated for integrating modernist principles with traditional Indian elements, Rewal’s work like the Hall of Nations and STC building shaped the brutalist landscape of Delhi.
- Kuldip Singh: His signature work, the NCDC building, showcases expressive concrete use and innovative urban form.
- Shiv Nath Prasad: Known for experimental forms like Akbar Bhawan, his designs merged luxury with rigidity.
- C.P. Kukreja: Played a key role in the institutional layout of JNU and contributed significantly to Delhi’s modern campus design ethos.
Brutalism and the Indian Identity
Brutalism in India was more than an architectural trend—it was a symbol of Nehruvian socialism, of a young country staking its claim on the global stage. These buildings embodied austerity, ambition, and innovation. They offered a sharp contrast to both colonial opulence and traditional Indian craftsmanship, asserting a uniquely postcolonial identity.
In New Delhi, these structures became physical metaphors for the ideals of democracy, self-reliance, and egalitarianism. They housed educational institutions, government offices, and cultural venues—public spaces where India shaped its future.
Reviving and Reimagining Brutalism
As India grapples with urban challenges, brutalist buildings can offer practical solutions. Their robust frames and large footprints are ripe for adaptive reuse. With sensitive restoration, these concrete structures can become vibrant co-working spaces, art galleries, student hubs, or even affordable housing units.
Globally, cities like London, Belgrade, and Boston have seen successful brutalist revivals. New Delhi, too, can take inspiration by blending preservation with innovation.
Conclusion
Brutalist buildings in New Delhi are raw, rigid, and sometimes polarizing—but they are undeniably powerful. They capture the ethos of a transformative era in India’s history, offering architectural lessons that are still relevant today.
Instead of dismissing them as outdated relics, we must recognize their contribution to the capital’s identity. These structures are more than concrete; they are carriers of ideology, resilience, and unfiltered creativity.
With thoughtful preservation and imaginative reuse, New Delhi’s brutalist buildings can once again become symbols of purpose and pride—standing tall in both memory and modernity.
If you’re interested in learning more about architecture firms in Europe, check out this comprehensive list of the top 50 firms compiled by Archgyan. From innovative startups to long-established industry leaders, this list has it all. Take a look and discover some of the most inspiring and influential architecture firms in Europe today.
If you’re interested in architecture and want to learn more about this amazing field, subscribe to our podcast on youtube
For more SketchUp tutorials, head to https://www.sketchupguru.com
