Brisbane/Lucknow:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared with his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott and US President Barack Obama the fascinating story of an American architect who had an emotional link with their countries.
The discussion among the leaders who met for the G20 summit here centered around Walter Burley Griffin, the well-known American landscape architect who designed Australian capital Canberra and who is buried in Lucknow.
Around 15 students from department of landscape, University of Western Australia will do a joint studio with second year Master of Architecture (M Arch) students of faculty of architecture (affiliated to UP Technical University) for the design of a memorial for Australian architect Griffin on the banks of river Gomti.
Christopher Vernon of the Australian delegation had earlier told TOI, “Griffin died in Lucknow on February 11, 1937 at the age of 61 years. He was buried here. Griffin and his wife Marion in their memoirs talked about walking on the banks of Gomti and so we thought it would be appropriate to have a memorial there.”
Griffin’s house in Butler Palace was destroyed. The only place which still exists is his house in New Hyderabad.
The prime minister shared with Abbott and Obama the fascinating story of Griffin, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted. A couple of photos of the three leaders engaged in the discussion were posted on the spokesperson’s Twitter account. A photo of the final resting place of Griffin at Lucknow Christian Cemetry was also among them.
He is known for designing Canberra, Australia’s capital city and has been credited with the development of the L-shaped floor plan, the carport and an innovative use of reinforced concrete.
Influenced by the Chicago-based Prairie School, Griffin developed a unique modern style. He worked in partnership with his wife Marion Mahony Griffin.
In 28 years they designed over 350 buildings, landscape and urban-design projects as well as designing construction materials, interiors, furniture and other household items.
Through their contacts during their time at the Greater Sydney Development Association, Griffin won a contract in 1935 to design the library at the University of Lucknow in Lucknow.
Although he had planned to stay in India only to complete the drawings for the library, he soon received more than 40 commissions, including the University of Lucknow Student Union building; a museum and library for the Raja of Mahmudabad; a zenana (women’s quarters) for the Raja of Jahangirabad; Pioneer Press building, a bank, municipal offices, many private houses, and a memorial to King George V.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / November 16th, 2014