State Trading Corporation building, Government office complex in New Delhi, India
The State Trading Corporation building is a government office complex in New Delhi made up of twelve vertical towers arranged in pairs. The complex houses administrative offices, retail shops, and the Central Cottage Industries Emporium across its multiple floors.
The complex was built between 1976 and 1989, during a period when Indian architects were actively combining modern construction methods with traditional forms. The result is a building that reflects that shift in a direct and visible way.
The facade uses red and yellow sandstone along with Jali lattice patterns drawn from traditional Indian design, reminiscent of forts in Rajasthan. These handcrafted details appear on windows and walls throughout the interior and are easy to notice on a visit.
The open courtyards and the clear arrangement of facilities make it easy to find your way around the complex. Those planning to visit the Central Cottage Industries Emporium should allow enough time, as it covers a broad range of goods.
The building uses Vierendeel trusses, a load-bearing system that works without diagonal bracing and allows wide, column-free rooms across all floors. Natural light reaches every level through the inner courtyards, which reinforces the open feel of these spaces.
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