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Delhi's Architectural Gem 'Red House' Closing Doors
2 Oct
Summary
- Red House, an experimental architectural space, is set to close by October.
- Creator Arjun Shivaji Jain drew inspiration from John Ruskin and Laurie Baker.
- The property is being sold, likely leading to the demolition of Red House.
The Red House, an experimental architectural space in Okhla, Delhi, is set to close permanently by the end of October 2026, with the property slated for sale and potential demolition. Creator Arjun Shivaji Jain began shaping the site in 2016, describing it as a space of 'sheer experimentation' with no initial blueprint. His design process was heavily influenced by John Ruskin's 'Seven Lamps of Architecture' and Laurie Baker's approach to exposed brickwork, lime mortar, and lattices.
Initially a transformer factory, Red House transformed into a cultural hub following Jain's father's passing during the pandemic. Artists and musicians became integral to the space, which hosted art exhibitions and concerts, aiming to create a community with no hierarchy. Visitors praised the intentionality and labor evident in every detail, noting the space's thoughtful creation.
Jain conceptualized the building with a sense of permanence, referencing Ruskin's idea of building 'for eternity,' as lime mortar construction can last for millennia. Despite its enduring potential, the structure faces demolition due to circumstances surrounding the property sale, raising questions about preserving a building designed to last.
For Jain, the essence lies in keeping the 'soul alive' and making it greater than before. He emphasized the real sense of family people found at Red House, a unique space in Delhi's industrial landscape. If Red House disappears, its legacy will be the record of its creation and the community it fostered through years of experimentation.
