India Habitat Centre, Convention center in Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, India.
India Habitat Centre is a multipurpose building in Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, begun in 1993 for the Housing and Urban Development Corporation. Architect Joseph Allen Stein designed it as an urban design project rather than a conventional office block, with five blocks linked by aerial walkways around multiple courtyards. It holds the Stein Auditorium, a Visual Art Gallery, a library and resource centre, an amphitheatre, conference and banquet halls, and restaurants.
The India Habitat Centre opened in 1993, built on nine acres for the Housing and Urban Development Corporation, whose chairman Santosh Sharma wanted an office building for HUDCO staff. He and architect Joseph Allen Stein instead invited non-profit organisations working on habitat and environment issues to share the space, turning the project into an urban design scheme with shared courtyards, meeting rooms, library and restaurants.
The centre hosts ongoing art exhibitions, theatre productions, book readings, and musical performances that shape the city's cultural calendar. Its four galleries and auditorium serve as gathering places where artists and audiences connect, fostering local creative communities.
The complex is straightforward to navigate, with clear paths connecting the building blocks and courtyards that provide spaces to pause and rest. Visitors should allow time for exploring the different areas, especially if planning to visit multiple galleries or attend events.
The India Habitat Centre was the idea of Santosh Sharma, chairman of HUDCO, who chose to open the office building to nonprofit organisations working on habitat and environment issues instead of housing only his own staff. The architect Joseph Allen Stein designed the complex, which opened in 1993 on nine acres.
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