Sanjay Singh-The visionary architect behind Bharat Mandapam
In the heart of New Delhi, a modern marvel stands tall, a testament to India’s burgeoning global stature and its rich tapestry of culture. The International Exhibition-cum-Conven-tion Centre (IECC), now christened Bharat Mandapam, is not just a structure; it’s a symbol of India’s aspirations, its past, and its future. The man behind this architectural marvel is none other than Delhi-based Sanjay Singh, the managing director of Arcop Associates.
On July 26, 2023, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the INR 2700 crore complex, the nation’s eyes were on this grand edifice, set to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit. The Prime Minister’s words resonated with pride, emphasizing India’s position as the “mother of democracy” and its trajectory towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy. Amidst the grandeur and the political statements, the brilliance of Sanjay Singh’s design shone through.
“Architecture is not just about buildings. It’s about crafting spaces that tell stories, evoke emotions, and stand as a testament to time,” Singh once remarked. His philosophy is evident in every corner of the Bharat Mandapam.
Sanjay Singh, a recipient of multiple awards, has been at the helm of this project since 2016, in collaboration with Aedas Singapore. The redesigned IECC complex sprawls over 123 acres, and its creation as a national project is a testament to the country’s ambitions. But for Singh, the journey was as much about overcoming challenges as it was about design.
Speaking about the intricacies of the project, Singh highlighted the logistical challenges, especially managing the vast footfalls. “Every brick, every pathway, every corner of this complex has been designed with the people in mind. We wanted to create a space where every individual, from any part of the world, feels welcomed and at ease,” Singh shared in a recent interview.
But Singh’s genius lies not just in managing complexities but in his ability to weave in India’s rich cultural heritage into a modern setting. The G20 pre-function wall is a testament to this. “We wanted to create a dialogue between the past and the present. A fusion of Madhubani art, rendered in three dimensions, combined with the marble inlay stonework reminiscent of Agra and intricate brass works, it’s our way of celebrating India’s rich artistic legacy,” Singh explained.
In an era where architectural designs often lean towards global homogeneity, Sanjay Singh’s Bharat Mandapam stands out. “In a world that’s rapidly changing, it’s essential to root our designs in our culture, our history, and our identity,” Singh opined. As world leaders converge in this architectural marvel for the G20 Summit, they won’t just witness India’s growth story but also the genius of Sanjay Singh, an architect who has masterfully bridged the past and the future.
