Ahmedabad’s Calico Dome Awaits Revival
In the bustling heart of Ahmedabad, the Calico Dome stands as a poignant emblem of the city’s rich industrial heritage and architectural innovation. Erected in 1962, this geodesic marvel was the brainchild of architects Gautam and Gira Sarabhai, drawing inspiration from Buckminster Fuller’s pioneering designs. Serving as a showroom for the illustrious Calico Mills, the dome not only showcased the mill’s premium textiles but also hosted Ahmedabad’s inaugural fashion shows, with luminaries like Parveen Babi gracing its platform in the 1970s.
The dome’s unique design featured a five-pointed structure, a departure from the conventional six or eight-point configurations of geodesic domes. Constructed using diamond-shaped bent plywood panels connected by steel studs, the 12-square-metre canopy was supported by eight curved iron struts. This innovative approach marked it as India’s first space-frame structure, symbolising the city’s architectural prowess and industrial prominence.
However, the passage of time has not been kind to this architectural gem. The 2001 Gujarat earthquake dealt a severe blow, causing the central portion of the dome to collapse. Subsequent heavy rains in 2003 further compromised the structure, leading to its eventual complete collapse. The closure of Calico Mills in the 1990s had already left the dome in a state of neglect, and these natural calamities only exacerbated its deterioration. Recognising the dome’s historical and cultural significance, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) acquired the property in 2006, aiming to restore it as an industrial heritage site. In 2010, the Gujarat High Court directed the AMC to restore the dome within a year, underscoring its importance to the city’s heritage. Plans were laid out to undertake the restoration in two phases: first, restructuring the basement at an estimated cost of ₹42 lakh, followed by the repair of the entire structure, projected between ₹60-70 lakh. The total restoration budget was anticipated to be around ₹1.2-1.5 crore.
Despite these intentions, progress has been painstakingly slow. In April 2012, the AMC issued tenders for the restoration work, aiming to complete the project by the end of the 2012-13 financial year. Yet, by August 2019, the restoration remained incomplete, with the dome’s revival still in limbo. The delays have sparked concerns among conservationists and citizens alike. The prolonged neglect not only jeopardises the physical structure but also erodes a tangible link to Ahmedabad’s industrial and architectural legacy. The Calico Dome is more than just a building; it represents a period of innovation, creativity, and economic prosperity for the city. In an era where sustainable and eco-friendly urban development is paramount, the restoration of the Calico Dome could serve as a beacon of adaptive reuse. Reviving the dome aligns with the principles of conserving resources and preserving cultural heritage, contributing to the creation of equitable and sustainable cities. Moreover, reinstating the dome could revitalise the surrounding area, potentially transforming it into a hub for cultural and community activities, thereby fostering social cohesion and economic growth.
The AMC’s commitment to restoring the dome is commendable, but the execution has been fraught with challenges. To expedite the process, it is imperative to streamline bureaucratic procedures, allocate adequate funding, and engage experts in heritage conservation. Public-private partnerships could also be explored to infuse fresh perspectives and resources into the project. As Ahmedabad aspires to position itself as a modern, sustainable city, honouring its historical landmarks like the Calico Dome is crucial. These structures are not merely remnants of the past but are foundational to the city’s identity and narrative. The restoration of the Calico Dome is not just about rebuilding a structure; it is about rekindling a spirit of innovation and acknowledging the city’s rich tapestry of history.
The journey to restore the Calico Dome has been long and arduous, but it is a journey worth undertaking. With renewed focus and collective effort, this iconic edifice can once again stand as a testament to Ahmedabad’s enduring legacy of architectural brilliance and industrial might.
