Embassy building reminds Germans of Red Fort

BERLIN, JAN. 21. A red sandstone structure stands out in the landscape of the German capital as the Indian Embassy gets a new home in the exclusive diplomatic quarters here.

Located along the edge of one of Berlin's lush green gardens - Tiergarten - the $ 10-million premises were jointly inaugurated by the External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh, and the German Foreign Minister, Mr. Joscka Fischer, on Thursday in the presence of a galaxy of German dignitaries. The inauguration coincided with the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Germany.

Mr. Singh dedicated the building to the friendship and understanding between the peoples of the two countries. The President, Mr. K.R. Narayanan, laid the foundation stone for the building during his visit in September 1998.

The new building has been variedly described as an ``architectural tribute to India'' and a ``fascinating architectural statement'' that blended the old with the new, the East with the West and the modern with the traditional.

``It combines Indian elements with local architectural traditions,'' architects of the Leon, Wohlage, Werik firm said. The Berlin-based architects said they made an intensive study of India's architectural tradition while preparing their building plans. ``The result is a cubistic building wonderfully adorned with interior gardens, open stairways and an elegant floor plan.''

Besides the spacious chancery building, a multi- purpose hall, a business centre and 13 residential apartments are housed in the 5,500 sq.m. embassy complex. The modern interpretation of Indian building tradition finds expression in the structure clad in red Baroli sandstone from Rajasthan, a type not found in Europe.

The full, glowing tone of the sandstone-evoked images of the Red Fort in New Delhi and memories of the double walls of the Agra Fort for several dignitaries. ``This stone is India's true ambassador in Berlin,'' said one political commentator.

Quarried and carved in India, the Baroli sandstone was shipped to Germany. The Ashoka pillar emblem on the building's facade has also been made of sandstone. Water, as a symbol of life, dominates the building in its different moods - as a quite flat pool at the entrance, as a bubbling, sonorous fountain in the centre and as flowing, murmuring cascades in the garden. The circular entrance area surprises visitors with arranged water basins.

The design was meant to be a miniature version of the Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

The architects have experimented with diverse materials with the use of stone, exposed concrete, stained and untreated woods, stained green glass, stucco and plaster. India among the few countries to have its own building in the German capital. Some countries have renovated their earlier missions or rented premises while some are still scouting for property.

- PTI

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