3 architects shortlisted for Shivaji statue

The statue will be built on an artificially-created six-acre island,which will also house an amphitheatre,an exhibition gallery,museums,garden,food court and a library mostly centered around the life of the warrior king.

Describing his proposed design,Parish Kapse from Team One Architects said,“From the base of the island to the statue,everything is based on authentic traditional design in contemporary surrounding,comprising jetties,helipad and a state-of -the-art auditorium with proper acoustics. ”

Architect Nitin Parulekar said the design submitted by his firm stresses on the strength and valour of Shivaji and the expanse of his kingdom. “The peripherals have to gel with the image of the person who was known to be a strong leader and warrior. It’s a symmetrical design that celebrates space and provides for a dramatic aerial view.”

Akhil Bharatiya Maratha Mahasangh,a Marathi organisation,had written to the CM recently,opposing any move to include “Brahmanical” figures as part of the memorial.

Architect Shekhar Patki of R G Patki Architects Pvt. Ltd said the firm that is finally awarded the contract will work on the specifics such as these and build around his legacy in accordance with experts appointed by the state. “The idea is to erect the statue as an icon with which people can relate the city to. There will be large open spaces,around which facilities like open decks,art galleries and museums will be built. Much like Taj Mahal,the foreground will be an expression of the ceremonial arrival to the statue so that people can stand at a distance and appreciate the statue,” Patki said.