During the recent Walk Fest organised by the Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG), there was an 'Art Deco Walk' which focused on Art Deco buildings in Panjim city.
Heritage architecture | Art deco| Goa| Goa Heritage | Photo: Arti Das
BACK IN THE DAY
The two-hour walk was led by Leaxan Freitas, who spoke about various Art Deco elements, which were infused with local styles and designs. Most of these buildings were built in the 1950s and 1960s and are in dire need of repairs.
Heritage architecture | Art deco| Goa| Goa Heritage | Photo: Arti Das
TWO IN ONE
The first building, which was part of the walk, was a residential building, Damodar Prasad. It had all the elements of Art Deco and also Kaavi Art, which is quite unique.
Heritage architecture | Art deco| Goa| Goa Heritage | Photo: Arti Das
GEOMETRY LESSONS
This design with a circle and three lines, as well as grills with geometric patterns, are some elements of the Art Deco style.
Heritage architecture | Art deco| Goa| Goa Heritage | Photo: Arti Das
FINE DESIGN
The finest example of Art Deco in Panjim is the famous Hotel Mandovi, which was built in the 1950s and played host to many dignitaries.
Heritage architecture | Art deco| Goa| Goa Heritage | Photo: Arti Das
STILL LIFE
A fascinating aspect of the Mandovi is the murals which can be seen on the exterior. These panels depict Goan life with its many elements.
Heritage architecture | Art deco| Goa| Goa Heritage | Photo: Arti Das
IN SHIPSHAPE
The next building on the list was the Mahalaxmi building, or the Congress House building, near the Betim ferry point. According to Leaxan, the design of this building has been inspired by a ship.
Heritage architecture | Art deco| Goa| Goa Heritage | Photo: Arti Das
STEPPING BACK IN TIME
The Damodar building on MG Road, in the heart of the city, is one of the best maintained Art Deco buildings in Panjim. With no hoardings or billboards on it, its elegance has been maintained.
Heritage architecture | Art deco| Goa| Goa Heritage | Photo: Arti Das
A SLICE OF MESOPOTAMIA
The walk culminated at the 'Praça do Comercio' building near the Panjim Church circle. This building has been inspired by the Stepped/Ziggurat architecture of Mesopotamia, which is part Art Deco.