25 April,2017 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Krutika Behrawala
Discover the architecture of the 1920s and capture frames that make for great Instagram posts at an Art Deco walk in the Oval precinct
Shiv Shanti Bhuvan. Pics/Courtesy/Art Deco Mumbai
The sharp geometric patterns, rounded balconies and obsessively symmetrical grills on the facades of several buildings catch your eye when you scroll through Instagram and Facebook pages of Art Deco Mumbai. Launched last year by Atul K, it is a digital diary that documents and showcases the Art Deco architecture of Mumbai, along with advocating its conservation, considering the city is the second largest home to Art Deco buildings in the world, after Miami.
Fairlawn, a striking blue building on M Karve Road, features sleek and curvy balconies with banding highlights and central vertical blue lines, which create a tripartite symmetry
If you're keen to discover this architectural style, dating back to 1920s, sign up for The Deco Walk that will be conducted by the team at Art Deco Mumbai, which includes architects, Prathyaksha P and Aakriti C. It has been organised by Team Architails, a group of five students from Thakur College of Architecture and Planning in Kandivali, who curate city trails.
Located opposite Oval Maidan, Rajjab Mahal is a residential building that was built in 1930s by Merwanji Bana and Co. It is known for its iconic blue-and-green banding
"The idea is to allow guests to capture the details of these structures, which often go unnoticed even when you walk past them. This is the first time we're conducting such a walk," says Amey Dalvi, one of the founding members of Team Architails.
The ticket booking counter at Eros Cinema. The structure, which was built by architect Sohrabji Bhedwar in 1935, is a classic example of ziggurat or V-shaped stepped-style design
The two-hour walk starts from Rajguru Chowk at Oval Maidan and ends at Eros Cinema. It covers 18 buildings in the neighbourhood, including Moonlight, Oval View, Rajjab Mahal, Fairlawn, Court View, Shiv Shanti Bhuvan as well as Eros Theatre. "The Oval precinct has a unique concentration of Art Deco buildings, which are the most well-maintained and well-restored structures.
Team Architails' members Amey Dalvi, Rohit Singh, Rishabh Jain, Milan Jain and Shivalee Ghadigaonkar (foreground)
Since all the buildings are in a straight line, it's a wonderfully contiguous walk, and with Victorian Gothic architecture surrounding them, it makes for a picturesque setting," says Atul. Open to all age groups, the event also includes photography and sketching competitions.
On: April 30, 4 pm to 6 pm
Meeting Point: Rajguru Chowk, Oval Maidan, Churchgate.
Call: 9022260866
Cost: Rs 300
