Author: Mehta Kaiwan
Place: New Delhi
Publisher: Niyogi Books
Year: 2016
Pages: 232
ISBN: 978-93-85285-30-1
Subject: Architecture
Sub-Subject: Modern Architecture
Keyword: I. M. Kadri, IMK Architects, Mumbai Architecture, Commercial Architecture, Modern and Traditional Architecture
Shelf: C9R4
Accession No: B1608
Contents: Foreword by Peter Scriver, Five Decades of Change, A Convergence of Architectural Idioms, Building Life in a Metropolis, Designing the Urban Home, The Question of Beauty, Transitions in Architecture, The Journey of Life, Portfolio of Drawings, Project Chronology, Acknowledgments, Index
Abstract: *The Architecture of I. M. Kadri* explores the extensive body of work by Iftikhar M. Kadri, founder of IMK Architects, who began his practice in Mumbai in the 1950s. As a key figure in shaping post-independence architecture in India, Kadri played a crucial role in the development of emerging building typologies such as high-rise residences, office towers, and hospitality projects. Working at the heart of India’s commercial capital, his career mirrors the architectural and economic evolution of Mumbai—a city with a distinct trajectory from other architectural centers like Delhi or Ahmedabad. Over five decades, Kadri’s work extended beyond India to regions such as the Middle East, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Tajikistan, showcasing his adaptability to various cultural and commercial contexts. His architecture bridges modernist ideals with traditional influences, all while navigating complex forces of commerce, politics, and state patronage. Despite his significant contributions, Kadri’s impact has not been thoroughly acknowledged or critically analyzed within Indian architectural discourse. This retrospective not only sheds light on his built legacy but also invites broader reflections on the role of architecture in society, aesthetics, and the built environment’s relationship with power, economy, and identity in a rapidly evolving nation.