How Architecture Heals and Honours—A Republic Day story of the Veer Balak Smarak by Design Factory India

Created by Design Factory India, the Veer Balak Smarak stands as a poignant tribute to the 185 children and 20 teachers who tragically lost their lives during the Republic Day parade in the 2001 earthquake at Anjar. Spanning 3.15 acres, this thoughtfully designed space integrates cultural and social areas, including a museum and a memorial, among others. It serves as a place of remembrance for the local community, honouring the departed souls, while inspiring the younger generation to embrace resilience and prepare for a brighter future.

Through innovative architectural elements like narrative pavers, immersive scenography, and a nightly beam of light reaching to the sky, the memorial transcends traditional commemorative spaces. As India prepares to celebrate its Republic Day, we explore how Siddharth Bathla and Prashasti Chandra have reimagined public spaces as emotional landscapes that connect generations, preserve memories, and inspire hope.

How does your design approach change when working on government projects versus private commissions, particularly in terms of representing democratic values and accessibility?

For us, the story is always the hero. Every project has a unique narrative to share, and our primary goal is to bring that story to life in the most compelling and meaningful way possible. We focus on uncovering the essence of the project and crafting a design approach that best narrates its story. This emphasis on storytelling is what creates authentic connections with visitors.

By prioritising the narrative, we naturally address themes such as accessibility, inclusivity, and democratic values, ensuring they are woven seamlessly into the visitor experience—whether it’s a public museum or a private exhibition. Our commitment to impactful storytelling remains the driving force behind every project we undertake.

What specific design elements do you incorporate to ensure your public buildings are accessible to all citizens, regardless of physical ability or socioeconomic status?

To connect with visitors across socioeconomic backgrounds, we prioritise the universal language of emotions. By creating experiences that resonate on an emotional level, we ensure that the stories we tell are both relatable and memorable. We design museum experiences that cater to all age groups, from scholars and experts to families and the elderly. Our approach involves multilayered storytelling, allowing visitors to choose the level of detail they engage with. Thoughtfully placed pause points throughout the galleries provide time to reflect on each exhibit before moving forward. Our goal is to create meaningful experiences that deeply connect with visitors, making the museum accessible to all.

How do you address the challenge of creating spaces that are both monumental (befitting government institutions) yet welcoming to ordinary citizens? Can you share an example quoting feedback or stories from users of the space?

By weaving storytelling into every aspect of the space we try to bring life through diverse mediums—ranging from collaborations with world-renowned artists to creating larger-than-life immersive experiences. However, what truly makes the difference is not the grandeur of the medium but the message it conveys. By focusing on the heart of the story, we ensure that the experience resonates deeply with visitors, making even the most monumental spaces feel personal and welcoming.

One powerful example is the Veer Balak Smarak memorial, dedicated to the children who lost their lives in the 2001 earthquake. Here, the storytelling transcends design elements—the parents of these children donated their belongings to the memorial, making it a deeply personal and emotional space. Over time, this space has transformed into a community centre where families come together to celebrate festivals and honour the memories of the lost souls.

This evolution highlights the power of storytelling in creating spaces that, while monumental in their intent, become deeply connected to the lives of ordinary citizens. By focusing on the emotional resonance of the message, we ensure that our spaces inspire reverence while fostering a sense of belonging and connection. For us, the story is the bridge between monumental design and human connection, ensuring that our spaces inspire awe while remaining inclusive and inviting.

How do you see the role of architecture evolving in shaping India’s public and urban spaces?

In a country as rich and diverse as India, architecture plays a pivotal role in shaping public and urban spaces by serving as a medium for storytelling. Our nation is a tapestry of stories, and we are dedicated to bringing these narratives to life through design across various verticals.

Whether it’s telling the tales of the Varanasi ghats through sculptures and signage, highlighting the splendor of the Sun Temple in Modhera through heritage illumination, or upgrading the Vadnagar heritage street precincts, our approach to design emphasizes the power of storytelling. Museums and public spaces offer innumerable opportunities to tell these stories in ways that engage and inform visitors, allowing them to connect with the cultural and historical essence of the place.

Through innovative and sensitive design, we strive to create spaces that not only enhance the urban fabric but also make visitors more aware of the heritage, traditions, and stories that define us. In this way, architecture evolves as a tool to preserve, celebrate, and reinterpret India’s identity in its public and urban spaces.

In your experience, how has the design of public spaces evolved since India’s independence, and what key lessons have influenced your work?

Storytelling has always been integral to Indian culture, evident in temple carvings that serve as timeless narratives. Museums represent a contemporary continuation of this tradition, evolving as dynamic spaces for storytelling. Since independence, public spaces have shifted from utilitarian designs to immersive, experiential environments, fueled by government support and public interest. A notable example is the Smritivan Earthquake Museum, which reflects this evolution. Since its opening, it has witnessed an average daily footfall of 2,000 visitors, demonstrating how well-designed spaces can engage and inspire. This reinforces the lesson that blending cultural heritage with modern storytelling can create meaningful public experiences.

Photography: Techfrog
Client: Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority