The orders for the construction of the BMC building came soon after the successful completion of the Victoria Terminus station. The Municipal Authority was promoted to the corporation status for its exemplary work, and the building was a just reward to celebrate the same. Though this was a well deserved pat on the authority’s shoulders, a lot of things went back and forth before the building could actually see the first spade go into the earth. Changes in architects, architectural styles and the site for the building itself underwent a change, causing the project to be delayed.  

 

The first architect to design the BMC building was R. F. Chisholm, whose design conformed to the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. The form perhaps did not match the preferences of the decision makers. And F. W. Stevens was awarded the project. (Stevens was one of the most acclaimed architects of that time, who also had to his credit the design of the Victoria Terminus station). 

 

Stevens’ design was out and out Gothic Revival, the much preferred architectural style of 19th century Mumbai. He submitted his proposal after carefully studying the new town halls of Europe. The outcome was a well ventilated, convenient building that oozed charm, practicality and above all else, spelt comfort for its users. He had quite skillfully converted the disadvantage of the strangely shaped (V shaped) site into an architectural marvel. He converted the corner of the site into the focal point of the design. A tall façade capped by a dome was erected at this point. The V shaped building was built almost at the edge of the boundary of the site. This allowed Stevens to carve out a garden between the arms of the V shaped building. 

 

Being the next door neighbour to the magnificent Victoria Terminus station could have diminished the status of the BMC building. However, Stevens made sure that the building was at least 20 feet taller than its daunting neighbour. And the cherry on the cake, literally, is the sculpture representing ‘Urbs Prima in Indis’ on top of the central gable. ‘Urbs Prima in Indis’ was a motto devised by Frere, which means ‘the principal city of India’. The sculpture was the work of British artist Hems. 

 

The building was also an example of what the state of the art technology of that time had to offer. Almost 20 years before Mumbai could boast of complete electrification, the BMC building was fully electrified at the time of inauguration. The structure was made partially fireproof by the use of concrete for flooring. The water tanks on the roofs could actually store up to 40,000 gallons of water. 

 

The BMC building is therefore an appropriate compliment to the BMC, which today, is the largest civic organisation in India, administering an area of over 400 sq km. 

 Ruchika Batra

 

 

BMC Building, Dadabhai Naoroji Road, Opp. CST Station, Mumbai – 400 001