Contextuality Louis I. Khan's work in the subcontinent

Abstract

Kahn's works in this region is often underestimated and not properly apprised. A very important aspect of his works is its contextuality - even though its architectural manifestation is extremely modern, idealist, and timeless. It thus becomes crucially important to understand Kahn's work in the aspect of "conteXt" so that we may also be able to perceive context in a more profound manner instead of subjective to elemental presentation and cliche in order to uphold regional values in terms of culture and religion in an attempt to be regionalistic. Kahn's work in the region is rich in the understanding of place, climate, history and culture - yet it goes on to deliver an extremely universal architectural language rich in values, ideals and vision and gifted with the quality of timelessness. This study takes a close look at the events and background of the projects in the region, Kahn's understanding of the context of the project - his manifestation of context, and his philosophical standpoints. Thus the study provides direction in order for us to embrace greater architectural values and uphold context in difficult times, when it is easy to loose focus and external pressure leads to confusion. The validity of his understanding of context h•as been discussed by bringing in references of modern philosopher and . theoreticians His own views have been highlighted in the study. Finally, the study also provides a better understanding of Kahn's work in the region in terms of context so that we can learn more from them. It is not an attempt to question "how well" or "how much" but rather a serious discussion attempted to bring out how Kahn perceived "context" in order to try to appreciate it and learn from it.