Public Spaces in Lucknow -the influence of power (page 7)

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The Ambedkar Udyan (recently renamed as Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Sthal or Site of Social Change), designed by Satish Gujral, on the banks of the river Gomti, has become a major landmark of Lucknow." Conceived by Mayawati in 1995, work has continued sporadically on it over a decade, incurring huge expenditure from the state exchequer. Sprawling over 25-acres, the domed memorial hall crowns a cascading built structure 112 ft high above the road level, visible from miles around. Replete with Buddhist imagerychaitya openings, domes reminiscent of stupas, elephants the form is derivative of the Indic archetype of the sacred hill ringed by the seven seas. The landscape design is based upon the mandala pattern- square set within a circle and ringed by lotus petals. The eight principles of Buddhism are symbolised in the eight Sections of the landscape created by Swirling pathways. Cardinal orientation is achieved by entries in four directions, flanked by ramps and steps. Chattries on the elevated terrace provide outlook points to the larger urban landscape of the river Gomti, the street bridge with its gateway over the river and the riverfront plazas.

A library, museum and an administration building, designed by D S Bhui in 2003 to the south and a guest house to the east of the Memorial extends the complex over 60 acres." A raised entry plaza gives a Vantage point to the long vista of the Memorial. A steel obelisk slices the Ambedkar Memorial dome and is the Central marker in a piazza ringed by the buildings on the south and an amphitheatre on the north. The buildings, clad in the Dholpur Sandstone with glass facades towards the piazza reflect the Memorial, but fail to achieve the superb harmony of its form in their own design. A four-faced marble statue of Gautam Buddha dominates the soaring sky-lit three-storey atrium of the Museum and Buddhist urns on pillars line the buildings and form the converging view shed to the piazza.

Statuary animates the open spaces within the complex and its approach. Two groups of statues of Bhimrao Ambedkar and his wife Ramabai and Mayawati and Kanshi Ram line the main entry to the complex. The riverfront plaza has Ramabai Ambedkar's statue and upon entering the complex, one is greeted with Dr Ambedkar's statue in his characteristic pose. The foursome of Parivartan ChowkJyotirao Phule, Narayana Guru, Shahuji Maharaj and Bhimrao.

(Continues...)

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