An Annexe Anew

Architect Bipratip Dhar, Epsilon Architecture, Kolkata, and his design team transformed the annexe of Dalhousie Institute into a warm and welcoming recreation centre.

- Brinda Gill

At the Delhi Durbar of 1911, in one of the best-kept secrets of British India history, King George announced the transfer of the ‘seat of the Government of India’ from Calcutta, now Kolkata, to Delhi. The unexpected shift shocked the residents of the Kolkata that had been the capital of British India since 1772, been regarded as the second city of the British Empire after London, and had developed as a city of culture, business and administration graced with majestic buildings, gardens, and broad roads.

Over a hundred years have passed since that fateful move, yet the core of Kolkata retains the grace of an imperial city in its buildings, some with a patina of the passage of time; in its heritage museums and academic institutions; its roots anchored in culture; and its cosmopolitan populace. Among the many institutions with a historic past is the Dalhousie Institute whose annex recently underwent a complete makeover by the design team of Epsilon Architecture, headed by principal architect Bipratip Dhar. And it emerged as Indoors@DI, a warm and welcoming recreation center, a wonderful synopsis of the city straddling old-world charm and a modern style.

The Dalhousie Institute: A Great Heritage

The Dalhousie Institute, founded in 1865 as an institution for scientific and literary pursuits, was originally located in a grand classical style building at Dalhousie Square (now BBD Bagh). During World War II, the building was requisitioned for the use of US troops, and it was unfortunately demolished in 1948. In 1956, the institute moved to its present location at 42 Jhowtalla Street, Ballygunge, which was once the garden house of Gen J N Chowdhury.