The architect on pedestal

Despite protests around building the Chhatrapati Shivaji memorial, its architect Jay Kartikar is a positive man. Talking to us about the nuances of the structure he tells us, “The pedestal that will support the 395-ft-tall statue will be 84 metres high. You could imagine 30-odd floors to get an idea.” However, the pedestal that he has planned will have only 11 floors. “We will have taller floors, which will be built as public spaces, but essentially, the core of the structure is to hold the statue,” he points out.

Challenges, he says, are many. “Especially the way the structure is planned, the statue will point towards Nariman Point, which means it will face the wind. We have to keep cyclones and other adverse weather conditions in mind,” Jay explains.

“The major challenge is that of metallurgy — how to keep the bronze from corrosion in a saline atmosphere,” adds Jay. To keep a check on the health of the structure, Jay is planning to plant highly specialised sensors that are often used in critical nuclear installations.  

On the structure’s impact on the marine biodiversity, Jay says that he has full faith in the researchers who gave project a green signal. “I believe we all are responsible enough, and would not build anything that could have major impact on our environment,” he says.

Speaking on the daunting responsibility, and his role as the architect of the project, he adds, “If the project is successful then we will be remembered fondly, but if things go wrong, then I will probably have to sink into the Arabian sea along with the statue,” he concludes.