Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur

Jawahar Kala Kendra is a testament to the foresight of renowned Indian architect and urban planner Charles Correa. It was inaugurated in 1986 by the then Vice President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma. The center was named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, as a tribute to his contributions in the field of art and culture. The architecture of Jawahar Kala Kendra reflects Korea's modernist approach while incorporating elements of traditional Rajasthani architecture. The design is based on the principles of Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian architectural tradition.

The center consists of nine rectangular blocks, each representing one of the nine squares of the traditional Indian game "Navkranta". These blocks are connected by a network of courtyards and corridors, creating a harmonious and culturally rich space. Jawahar Kala Kendra has played an important role in fostering creativity and promoting various art forms including visual arts, performing arts, literature and crafts. It hosts a wide range of cultural events, exhibitions, workshops and seminars, making it a vibrant cultural hub in Jaipur.

The architecture of Jawahar Kala Kendra is a wonderful blend of modernist design and traditional Rajasthani architectural elements. The nine blocks symbolize the nine sections of the Navakkaranta game, creating an attractive and functional layout. Its design was prepared by the famous architect Charles Correa in 1986. The center houses huge exhibition halls, theatre, studios and an open-air amphitheater for performances. The intricate lattice work, lattice screens, and use of local materials like pink sandstone and lime mortar show the influence of Rajasthani architecture. The center's design also includes energy-efficient features to reduce environmental impact. The rooftop water harvesting system and natural ventilation system reflect Charles Correa's sustainable design principles.