“As an architect, you design for the present, with an awareness of the past, for a future which is essentially unknown.”
Norman Foster
Inside the BMC Building, Mumbai
Guess Frederick William Stevens believed in the above quote to have used multiple architectural styles of the past to create this masterpiece. One hundred and twenty-five years later, his designs are iconic! An extensive restoration by the famed conservation architect, Abha Narain Lambah, brings to fore many of the nuanced and intricate designs inside the BMC Building.
But, to have an eyeful of the iconic interiors today and understand the thought behind the creation, a heritage walk organised by the municipal body is worth the effort. The walk takes one through the foyer, courtyard at the back, two floors of offices, one more floor closer to the gilded ceiling, and traverses back to the foyer through the museum. Allow me to take you on this spectacular visual journey.
The foyer inside the BMC building
As we enter through the main entrance (Entrance no.2), intricate carvings on the pillars draw our attention. Trees, fruits, birds, and animals depicting local flora and fauna are prominent designs. The cross beam ceiling is another exquisite feature in the verandah.
The foyer is a spectacular exemplar of Venetian Gothic architecture, with a grand staircase reaching up to the second storey. Two large winged lions with serpents for tails stand guard at the bottom of this stairwell, symbolising dominance over land, water, and air. As we look up, an arched gallery bearing Corinthian columns precedes the extravagant ceiling.
The striking ceiling, covered in real gold leaves, is not the one seen from the outside. The gap between the two holds a water storage tank, which is now in disuse. This water tank powered the hydraulic lift before electricity came.
Features within
A spacious backyard with an elevated platform is what all internal galleries look into. The platform hides a source of water. The duck fountain around it is a unique feature of this area. On entering within, one can see long galleries adorned with original Minton tiles in arresting designs.
Another interesting architectural marvel, the floating staircase takes us to the first floor. This right-angled staircase stands attached to one side of the wall without the support of any pillars.
To the left of the landing is the Corporation Hall, inspired by British halls of the era. The entire room is a dream created in wood, with chandeliers and statues embellishing its interiors. To one side is the Mayor’s seat. Circular pews for the councillors cover the entire room. The highlight of this room is the figures of citizens representing the Athra Pagad Jati (Eighteen turbaned communities) that called Bombay their home.
Upwards and onwards
Apart from the main stairwell, winding stairs exist within the side towers that go up. On this side, facing the street, are windows with a pageantry of stained glasses. Each one outdoes the other in pattern and usage of colours. The highest gallery is close to the gilded ceiling and also offers an inspiring view of the foyer below.
The gallery on the second floor has another large meeting hall with original high beam ceilings and designed with acoustics in mind. A portion of the second floor is a museum now, with artefacts, pictures, and maps depicting the historical journey of the Municipal Corporation since its inception.
A two hundred and fifty-five feet tall building with just two occupied floors and another level that reaches only the lower ceiling puts it way above any of Mumbai’s buildings, historical or contemporary. I’ve shown you what a visual delight this monument is. But to hear anecdotes and stories around it, do book yourself for the walk. It’ll be a discovery.
