Introduction
The Vidhan Bhavan is a huge building, covering an area of more than 32,000 sq. metres of built space. Seeing the form taken by the normal run of Government architecture, the Vidhan Bhawan could have degenerated into a lump of heavy dough perched on a hill. In point of fact viewed from any point of the compass the Vidhan Bhavan impresses by its light footedness and efferverscence. The whole buildig presents as extremely pleasing vision of powerful curves and sraight vertical and horizontal lines. Whereas the building could have fallen into the trap of being merely monumental, its pristinely simple lines raise it to an altogether different plane.
Situation
The site chosen for the building is indeed a monumental one. It is in the centre of the Capital Complex, at the highest point on Arera Hill, overlooking the city of Bhopal. It is obvious that the shape of the building needs to reflect this unique location, with a form that is "Readable" from many different vantage points. Such clarity is difficult to achieve on this site with square or rectangular forms since the angle of the main access road is not constant, but swings considerably in relation to the building. Thus was gradually developed the circular form.
It is a form which has many important connotation in meta physical terms, it symbolises both equality and self containment, i.e, autonomy, at the same time, from a historical perspective, it finds many echoes in Bhopal's history, from the magnificent stupa at Sanchi to the Great capital of Mandu.
Concept
The Concept of Correa's 9 square plan comes to life when the Great Sanchi Stupa is replicated and crowned over a magnificent panorama which embodies a tasteful joy and color of both the state's art and culture. In a total break from modernism and post-modernism, Charles Correa has developed a deep understanding of the Vedic principles of architecture, from which has emerged an extra ordinary synthesis of the totally traditional with the totally modern, The Kund", which is ritualistically dedicated to Surya and which is central to both ancient and medieval architecture in India, is almost a signature of Charles Correa and, therefore, the main entrance to the Vidhan Bhavan is through theKund area. Any entrace to a building would normally be associated with a constant rushing to and fro, a passage crowded with people. The Kund area however, is a place for slow progression, for contemplation of the sky above, a place to sit and rest whilst admiring the magnificent tribal wall paintings of Late Shri Jangad Singh Shyam.
The Vidhan Bhavan is divided into nine compartments of squares each enclosing in it a pattern of gardens within gardens. The five Central squares form hall and courtyards which are not only assemblage points but also house the various offices of the Vidhan Bhavan Secretariat and support services which a legislature need. The four corner squares are occupied by structures given over to specialised function. i.e. the Vidhan Sabha or Lower House, the Vidhan Parishad or upper House, the combined hall for joint session of both houses and any other non-Legislative function which might be organised by the Vidhan Bhavan and a cabinet room and the offices of the Chief Minister and other Ministers. Entry to the building is through three main gates or 'dwars', one for people at large through the kund, one for member of the legislature and minister and one for the Speaker of the House. There is also a smaller entrance for the Chief Minister and Ministers attending cabinet meetings.
Spaces
Site and shape : In the center of the capital at the highest formation on Arera Hills. The Building circular in plan having 140 Meter dia. Assembly Hall :The major attracion is the assembly hall. Circular in plan have been 15.5 mts radius covered by hemispherical dome of dia 31.00mts and thickness varies 150 to 90mm The height of the crown from floor is 25mts. The capacity of hall is 231. Vidhan Parishad : There is also provision for vidhan parishad hall and its roof has been designed as a inclined space truss roof covered with R.C.C. slab 150 mm thick.The capacity of hall is 86 members. Central Hall : This is square in plan 29.40x29.40M size with its roof has been designed as a drop panel slab resting on four circular 1100 mm dia columns. Along the outer edges and in the centre, there are FRP skylights provided for the natural light. It can also be used as banquet hall. Common Hall : For the joint session of Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad, there is provision for common hall, presently using as a audotorium. Its roof has been designed as a warped slab (Hyperbola cum Parabola slab).
