Landmark buildings to keep up with changing cityscape

Landmark buildings to keep up with changing cityscape
The TImes of India

Bangalore: They have stood as mute testimony to Bangalore’s changing contours. And they’ll now be re-cast as modern day citadels in keeping with the cityscape.
The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has embarked on a project to re-construct some of the most popular landmark buildings in the city. These buildings, which have stood the test of time for decades now, will be re-built in a spanking new design.
Among the buildings listed for the exercise are Puttanna Kanagal theatre, Jayanagar 4th block shopping complex, Public Utility Building including Shankar Nag theatre (Symphony theatre). Construction of a Rajkumar Memorial Glass House at the BBMP premises is also being planned.
Explains V Jaiprasad, technical consultant, BBMP, “The whole point is to renovate landmark buildings in Bangalore. We will be asking architects of international repute to compete in the bidding process and come up with new designs for the existing ones. It will be done on DBOT basis (design-build-operate-transfer). Architectural recommendations are the key here, because we want to retain the flavour of the architecture too.’’
Traders who have been in Public Utility Building on M G Road for decades now reckon that this may bode well for the building, provided their interests are taken care of.
“This has been our only source of livelihood all our lives, I hope this doesn’t mean they are going to demolish the building.’’ The same sentiment is echoed by theatre-persons who have been requesting that the Puttanna Kanagal theatre be converted into an art space. The plan for Puttanna Kanagal theatre is to convert it, if not into a multiplex space, at least into a public space, where art, theatre and movie screenings can take place.
As for the Public Utility Building, plans are afoot to only give the facade a facelift, so as to retain the authenticity of Bangalore’s oldest skyscraper.
It’s the Jayanagar shopping complex at 4th block which is slated to undergo a sea-change.
Any plan to re-do the structure has met with stiff opposition from traders and BBMP workers alike, the dank walls and stench notwithstanding.
The new constructions that are being planned by the BBMP authorities include a tower at the Palike premises, as also a modern abattoir at Iggalur. Are the architects paying attention?