The Project of Independence: A Conversation with Raj Rewal

Following the end of British rule in 1947/48, architects in the territories of today’s India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka embraced the language of modernism as a means of proclaiming their autonomy, articulating their national identities, and enacting social progress. The Museum of Modern Art’s The Project of Independence presents more than 200 works that showcase South Asia’s groundbreaking modern architecture, focusing on work conceived and realized by local, rather than international, architects, designers, and planners.

The New Delhi-based architect Raj Rewal is prominently featured in the exhibition with two seminal projects: the Hall of Nations and Halls of Industries (1970–72) and the Asian Games Village (1980–82).

Join Martino Stierli, curator of The Project of Independence, and Rewal for a live conversation about his practice in post-Independence India, his material experimentations, and architecture’s active role in shaping new societal identities.

Speakers:
Raj Rewal, Founder and Principal, Raj Rewal Associates
Martino Stierli, The Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design, The Museum of Modern Art

About the Speakers:

Raj Rewal is a distinguished doyen of architecture from India, who has for long set global precedents with urban narratives of design that are richly steeped in their context. The concerted juxtaposition of traditional concepts and contemporary syntax is reflective of his fascination for weaving expressions of heritage and history into a modern vocabulary. Through a repertoire of residential, housing, public, and institutional buildings, his approach to architecture responds to the complexities of place and time and the context of climate, nature, and culture in a unique sensitive way. Innovative structural systems and craft impart a distinct architectural expression—Rasa—to his civic projects. Rewal has taught at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, and has lectured extensively at universities around the globe. He is the recipient of many honors, including the gold medal given by the Indian Institute of Architects and the Robert Mathew Award by the Commonwealth Association of Architects. He has been named Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres and Chevalier des l’Ordre National de la Legion d’ Honneur by the French Government. Rewal’s works have been widely exhibited and published with monographs in English and French. His works are a part of the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Centre Pompidou, and M+ Hong Kong.

This event is offered in person and virtually; proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination (for attendees ages 5 and up) with photo ID for adults is required to attend in person. Food and beverages will be served. Face masks are required for visitors ages 2-5, and optional for those vaccinated. Read our full Health and Safety Protocol here.

If you register for an online ticket, you will receive an email with a Zoom link to access the program.