Vikas Minar Explained

Vikas Minar (The Tower of Progress) is a 23-storey building in Delhi that houses offices of the Delhi Development Authority. Built in 1976, it was designed by Habib Rahman and was at completion the first building in Delhi to surpass the Qutb Minar in height.^{[1] [2]}

Design and construction

Vikas Minar was designed by Habib Rahman, the then Chief Architect of the Central Public Works Department, as a point-block tower and construction lasted from 1969 to 1976.^[3] Actual construction was undertaken by the Ansal Group at a cost of 85 lakhs.^{[4] [5]} At 82 meters in height, it was the tallest building in Delhi and the first to surpass the Qutb Minar and became a landmark in Delhi.^[6] With its exposed beams and columns, the building, which is devoid of louvers, façades or any decorative elements, is an important example of Modernist architecture in Delhi although its structure and design have been criticized as being visually unappealing and grossly energy inefficient.^{[7] [8] [9] [10]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: vikas minar, Feature Photo, Aerial view of the Vikas Minar... . www.timescontent.com . 7 May 2022.
2. News: Roy . Sidharatha . Once Delhi's tallest building, iconic Vikas Minar is all set for a facelift Delhi News - Times of India . 7 May 2022 . The Times of India . 29 October 2019 . en.
3. Book: Lang . Jon T. . A Concise History of Modern Architecture in India . 2002 . Orient Blackswan . 978-81-7824-017-6 . 93 . 7 May 2022 . en.
4. Book: Namburu . Manoj . Moguls of Real Estate . 1 October 2007 . Roli Books Private Limited . 978-93-5194-074-6 . 7 May 2022 . en.
5. Web site: Ansal Housing . www.ansals.com . 7 May 2022.
6. Book: Versaci . Antonella . Conservation of Architectural Heritage (CAH): Embodiment of Identity . 2022 . Springer Nature . 978-3-030-95564-9 . 294 . 7 May 2022 . en.
7. Book: Akhtar . S. M. . Habib Rahman: The Architect of Independent India . 16 October 2017 . Copal Publishing Group . 978-93-83419-35-7 . 47–48 . 7 May 2022 . en.
8. Book: Lang . Jon T. . A Concise History of Modern Architecture in India . 2002 . Orient Blackswan . 978-81-7824-017-6 . 93 . 7 May 2022 . en.
9. Book: Hashmi . Faizi O. . Beyond My Manor: A Life of My Choosing - Not Giving a Fig, Is Not the Best Option! . 15 June 2015 . Partridge Publishing . 978-1-4828-4822-9 . 7 May 2022 . en.
10. Book: Buch . Mahesh N. . Environmental Consciousness and Urban Planning . 1993 . Orient Blackswan . 978-0-86311-376-5 . 76 . 7 May 2022 . en.