Swati Janu writes about Sambhavna Clinic, Bhopal 2011, landscapes of memory
‘Situated on a two-acre piece of land just two kilometres from the Union Carbide Plant, the clinic acts as a research and documentation facility for the study of industrial disasters. The proximity of the clinic to the site of disaster is no coincidence, and stands as a defiant testimony to positive development in the area. The location of the thoughtfully designed architectural intervention, in one of the poorest precincts of Bhopal which was also the worst affected by the disaster, is symbolic of lasting change that architecture can bring about.
‘“Architecture is a tool to improve lives… a medium to strengthen cultural and individual confidence, to support local economies and to foster the ecological balance.” These lines by Anna Heringer best summarize the intent behind the design of the clinic. The building has been instrumental in helping build the confidence of the community, instilling in them a sense of pride and giving them an identity. It has succeeded in healing not just the survivors physically but also the psyche of a scarred community.’
Read more of this thoughtful description of the ethos behind the Sambhavna Clinic’s architecture: CLICK
