V&A explores role of concrete in Tropical Modernism

The Tropical Modernism movement, which emerged in the late 1940s, found its roots in British West Africa and India, serving as both a colonial imposition and a symbol of postcolonial nation-building.

At the heart of the exhibition is an exploration of the pivotal role concrete played in shaping the Tropical Modernist movement. Curator Christopher Turner emphasizes that while Tropical Modernism may be experiencing a revival as a trendy architectural style, its history is far more nuanced, often intertwined with colonialism and the struggle for independence.

The exhibition traces the journey of Tropical Modernism from its colonial origins to its adaptation as a tool for nation-building in newly independent countries like India and Ghana.

British architects Jane Drew and Maxwell Fry are credited with developing the movement, employing Modernist principles to create buildings suited to the hot, humid climates of the region.

Concrete, with its versatility and durability, became a central element in their designs, allowing for innovative solutions to climate control, such as adjustable louvers and wide eaves.

The exhibition does not shy away from addressing the problematic aspects of Tropical Modernism's history. It highlights how the movement was often used by colonial powers to maintain control and suppress calls for independence.

Buildings designed by Fry and Drew were sometimes commissioned as propaganda tools, aimed at pacifying local populations amidst political unrest. Yet, as nations gained independence, leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru in India and Kwame Nkrumah in Ghana reappropriated Tropical Modernism as a symbol of progress and internationalism.

The exhibition showcases how these leaders embraced the movement while also seeking to infuse it with local identity and cultural elements.

Concrete, once again, played a crucial role in this phase of Tropical Modernism, as architects experimented with blending traditional motifs with modernist design principles.

Through architectural models, drawings, and archival imagery, the exhibition illustrates how Tropical Modernism evolved into a diverse and dynamic architectural style, reflecting the aspirations of newly independent nations.

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the exhibition invites visitors to reconsider Tropical Modernism's principles of passive cooling and sustainable design.

Turner hopes that by revisiting this architectural movement, we can draw inspiration for addressing contemporary environmental challenges while also recognizing the complex legacies of colonialism and independence.

The Tropical Modernism exhibition at the V&A Museum runs from March 2nd to September 22nd, 2024, offering visitors a thought-provoking journey through the history and significance of this influential architectural movement.