Award Winners for Volume 18
Deciphering the Underlying Geometry in the Buildings of Bhai Ram Singh: The Case of Khalsa College, Amritsar
Bhai Ram Singh, an Indian-origin carpenter-turned-architect, designed Indian traditional craft-inspired carved furniture and interiors before graduating in building design during the Indo-Saracenic period during the later part of nineteenth-century colonial India. His works reflect the use of geometrical proportions derived from his traditional knowledge of carpentry. The iconic building of the Khalsa College, Amritsar, in India, is one of the best-known works by Bhai Ram Singh. The chosen building reflects his signature architectural style and is a representative work of Bhai Ram Singh. This study presents a geometrical analysis of Khalsa College, which is a significant visual marker and an iconic building for the city of Amritsar and the state of Punjab. The study aims to analyze the underlying geometry in the design of this well-proportioned building. The research is conducted through the primary study and architectural documentation of the Khalsa College building. This study will be significant in understanding the design approach through geometric proportions in the works of Bhai Ram Singh.
This paper highlights the role of Bhai Ram Singh, a native Indian carpenter turned architect who used his traditional understanding of geometrical proportioning system to design one his most eminent projects, the Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab designed in the late 19th century British India. This study holds significance as it presents the geometrical analysis of the academic building of the Khalsa College, Amritsar. Despite the building's heritage status and architectural importance, no prior research has specifically focused on deciphering its underlying geometry and proportioning system. This study addresses this gap by analyzing the design of Khalsa College to understand Bhai Ram Singh's design approach through the lens of geometric proportions.
The paper is significant because it reveals how Bhai Ram Singh, influenced by his hereditary craftsmanship and understanding of Punjab architectural styles, as well as training at the Mayo School of Arts, Lahore under John Lockwood Kipling, created the design of the college. By identifying the use of a basic square module and root proportions in the building's plan and elevation, the research demonstrates that geometry was a driving force in achieving its well-proportioned and harmonious design. The use of traditional elements and features of Sikh architecture and their proportioning system are a testimony of Bhai Ram Singh's creative genius. Furthermore, it establishes a link between Bhai Ram Singh's early geometrical Pinjra-work patterns and the architectural geometry of Khalsa College, showcasing the continuity of his traditional craftsmanship in his larger architectural works. This study enhances the understanding of Bhai Ram Singh's signature style and his unique contribution to the preservation of traditional craftsmanship and architectural style of undivided Punjab. In essence, this paper provides valuable insights into the design philosophy of Bhai Ram Singh, the crucial role of geometry in achieving architectural harmony, the lasting influence of traditional craftsmanship, and a methodological framework for future research in architectural history and analysis.
—Ripu Daman Singh, Nisar Khan, and Hina Zia