The state government has decided not to change the shape of the Legislative Assembly, High Court, Secretariat and Head of Department office buildings in the capital Amaravati. Along with the administrative city plan, the designs for the iconic buildings were designed in 2018 by renowned London-based architect firm Norman Foster and Partners.
–Galla S Kiran Kumar, Bureau Chief
Iconic buildings in the capital
with the same designs as the High Court, Legislature and Secretariat buildings,
Norman Foster, the government’s decision
came forward again!
Today – Amaravati
The state government has decided not to change the shape of the Legislative Assembly, High Court, Secretariat and Head of Department office buildings in Ra Jadhani Amaravati. Along with the administrative city plan, the designs for the iconic buildings were designed in 2018 by renowned London-based architect firm Norman Foster and Partners. After the NDA came to power in the state and decided to speed up the construction of the capital, there was a high-level discussion on the shapes of the iconic buildings. It was discussed from the point of view of whether any changes should be made in those forms which were made about six years ago. They came to the opinion that no changes should be made in their external shape, but some internal changes should be made if necessary. The government is thinking that another year and a half will be wasted if they are changed. Moreover, since the construction of the foundations of the High Court and Secretariat towers has already been completed…now it is thought that it is not appropriate to change the shapes. CRDA officials recently met with the judges of the High Court regarding the layout of the High Court building and got their views. On the other hand, the CRDA has invited tenders for the appointment of an architect to complete the pending works related to the designs of the iconic buildings. Representatives of London firm Norman Foster also attended the pre-bid meeting. CRDA officials believe that the company has also filed a bid. The bids will be opened in another three to four days and the architect will be finalized. CRDA is preparing to call for tenders for the construction of the High Court and Secretariat buildings as the experts of Chennai IIT have certified that the foundations of the buildings are still strong.
Even if Jagan’s government threatens..!
Before 2019, none of the reputed companies that were involved in the construction of Amaravati during TDP regime…are ready to give up if the opportunity comes again now. This is evidenced by the fact that Norman Foster and Partners is interested in becoming a partner in the construction of Amaravati again. Norman Foster is one of the foreign companies that faced many bitter experiences under Jagan’s government. The Vaikapa government has caused many problems for companies like Norman Foster. CRDA signed agreements with them. Norman Foster threatened the company with non-payment of dues. Finally, Norman Foster approached the Supreme Court to collect the dues. Even after facing all the harassment, CRDA officials did not expect that Norman Foster’s company would come forward again. But after attending the pre-bid meeting…it came to know that the company is interested. Did the company attend the pre-bid meeting only? It is not clear whether the bid was also filed. CRDA officials are of the opinion that if the company bids and the tender is finalized for it, it will take time.
At that time, the shapes were like this..!
At that time, the shape of the High Court was inspired by the Buddhist Stupa, and the shape of the lily flower that decorated the Legislative Assembly building. They wanted to construct the office buildings of the Secretariat and Heads of Departments in five towers…diagrid system. As per the then estimates, their construction cost was Rs.11,752 crores. The built up area of the Legislative Assembly building is 11.67 lakhs, the built up area of the High Court building is 16.85 lakhs, the built up area of the Secretariat and Heads of Departments office buildings is 68.88 lakh square feet. At that time, tenders were called for the construction of the High Court and Secretariat buildings and the works were handed over. Construction of foundations is complete. Their foundations cost up to Rs.330 crores at that time. The foundation stone of the Legislature building was laid. After that Jagan government stopped the works.
