HISTORY OF

ARCHITECTURE

Mayne Memorial,
Allahabad
EJAS MUHAMMED
A/3183/2018
Mayne Memorial,
Allahabad

Richard Roskell Bayne

Contents

About Architect
Education and Works

About Mayne Memorial

Overview
Architectural Details
Design Elements

Bibliography
Inference
About Architect
Life and Education

Richard Roskell Bayne, born in Warwickshire, England, 7

July 1827,

Received his early training in architecture from his father. In 1858, while
he was a student at University College in London, Bayne took up a
job in the office of the British architect, Charles Barry.

Practiced in Calcutta and other Indian cities between 1866–90 was an employee of the East Indian
Railway.
His long stay in British India, was productive and he designed many buildings, etc. After retirement from
the railway company on 30 April 1890, he settled down in British Columbia and opened an architectural
office in May 1891.

Works Some of his main works are:-

- Mayo Memorial Hall, Allahabad - Oak Grove School at Mussoorie

- New Market, Kolkata
- Husainabad Clock Tower, Lucknow
Mayne Memorial,
Allahabad
Richard Roskell Bayne
 Overview

Location: Alfred Park Prayagraj, Uttar

Pradesh

Architect: Richard Roskell Bayne

Year: 1864

Allahabad Public Library also known as Thornhill Mayne Memorial is a public library situated at Alfred
Park in Prayagraj. Established in 1864, it is the biggest library in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
The building was designed by Richard Roskell Bayne and is considered a remarkable example of Scottish
Baronial Revival architecture. The monument has served as the house of legislative assembly in British era
when Allahabad was the capital of United Provinces. In 1879, the Public library was shifted to the present
premises at Alfred Park.
Marker in Space
The Divine integration of Form, Scale, Color and Size of the Built space have contributed to deriving a Marker
in space. They are surrounded by a large green space which acts as a buffer.
This Circle of place enhances the outer space. They also contribute to the aesthetics of overall building complex.
Scale of Spaces and Effective daylighting
The Amount of daylight penetrating through the space provides a visual and psychological value to the interior.
The gigantic scale of the space integrated with the daylighting adds a Majestic touch to the Building.
Spatial Hierarchy

Mayne memorial have various types of

spaces which act perfectly when laid together in
terms of transition scale and experience. The
transition of the space is simple and effective.

There are open, Semi-open and closed spaces

which are effectively connected by transition
spaces. These transition spaces are also well
designed with adequate daylighting and great
quality.
The transition starts from the semi open space
just outside the entrances into the Hall and
enters to a single heighted collineated space
which then opens to the the main Double height
Hall.

Overall, All the spaces seems visually pleasing and

thermally comfortable due to the scale, the form
and ornamentations.
Play of Symmetry and Repetition
The Architect has played with symmetry as an architectural element to add balance to the design. Repetition
of Arches, Windows, Columns etc. has been introduced looking at the balance of the space and aesthetics of the
building. These repeated fenestrations brings in quality daylighting enhancing the indoor areas.
Attractive Organic Ornamentation
The Ornamentations and Decorations on the pillars, Arches etc enhance the beauty and quality of the space
giving it a sense of majestic touch. These Organic ornamentations rule out the geometry and symmetry of the building,
Thereby bringing a balance to the space.
Attractive Semi-Open Spaces
The Entrances to the Complex is made grand yet smooth by introducing large attractive semi-open spaces. It
is also made in such a way so that there is enough diffused sunlight entering. It acts as an inviting space for the people.
Historical Significance

Among the well-known heritage colonial buildings in this

city which is famous for the Sangam - confluence of Ganga
and other holy rivers, Thornhill-Mayne Memorial is a
unique one just for the simple reason that it was built in 1864
in Scottish Baronial Gothic Revival architecture style with
sharp pillars, turrets of granite and sandstone, lofty towers
and arcaded cloisters.

The total cost of this building when completed in 1870 was

about INR 94,222 and the cost was borne by Commissioner
of Allahabad, Mr. Mayne and was opened as a memorial to
Lord Thornhill, the Commissioner of Allahabad and Mr.
Mayne, then the Collector and subsequently converted it
into a library. This monument had earlier served as the House
of Legislative assembly in the colonial period when Allahabad
was the capital of United Provinces, the former name of Uttar
Pradesh.

Housing Scottish baronial architectural style, the Allahabad

Public Library is designed with typical granite and sandstone
turrets and a tall spire. The library premises also sites
enclosed green spaces and alongside colorful polychromatic
structures.
INFERENCE
---- One of the many prominent architectural feature is the use of windows to derive patterns so as to enhance the
visual space. The placement of windows, the design of windows all act favorable in creating that mood.

---- Light plays an important role (Especially in library and reading zones). Achieving an effective daylight is a task in
which the architect succeeded in flying colors.

----Another less noticed but vital feature is the material itself. The color, the texture and the vibe that the materials
reflect plays a great role in achieving an effective architecture. Here, the construction materials have been integrated
with Indian colors to achieve the local yet foreign Space.

----Flexibility of spaces is another aspect that can usually be seen in the building. The space above the collineated is
flexible in terms of function hence it can be converted to any special zones whenever required.

----The transition from the single heighted collineated space to a double height large can bring in the suspense and a
divine ambience to the space and providing peace.

----The effective use of jaali enhances the space by screening the harsh sunlight and also helps in the character of the
building.

In short, the building is made to be comfortable at any stage of climatic influence. The effective use of
architectural features such as ornamentations, Arches, arcades, vaults, windows, columns etc have contributed to
all the aspects of comfort. The exquisite buildings reminds of a dreamworld while the sprawling green surrounding
will calm the soul.