basil martin sullivan: architectural contributions of a legendary

Rehman, R, Almas, R, Naz, N, Khan, M,A GBER Vol. 8 No 1 pp 2-22

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Commentary

Basil Martin Sullivan: Architectural contributions of a

legendary British Architect of Colonial Lahore

Abdul Rehman* Neelum Naz* Muhammad Arif Khan*

University of Engineering & Technology Lahore

Rabia Almas*

National College of Arts, Lahore

Abstract

Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan and second largest city after

Karachi is remarkable for its variety and uniqueness of architectural

heritage spanning over three historical periods, i.e. pre-Colonial,

Colonial and Post-independence period. During colonial period

predominantly representative buildings of the Indo-European style

developed, from a mixture of European and Indian-Islamic features.

These buildings stand testimony of genius of the architects of that time.

Basil Martin Sullivan, the most renowned architect of the colonial

period, set the foundation of modern Lahore. Being the Chief Consulting

architect, Government of Punjab, India (1913-1938) he designed variety

of prestigious projects in and around Lahore and in other cities of

Punjab expressing his sensibility and sensitivity towards site, function

and context.

But the irony is that his life, his design philosophy and his architectural

contributions have never been discussed adequately in any scholarship

hence, little is known about him in Pakistan.

*Abdul Rehman, Professor, Department of Architecture, University of Engineering & Technology Lahore, Email

[email protected] Tel 92-300-8162423 *Rabia Almas, Lecturer, Department of Architecture, National

College of Arts, Lahore, Email [email protected] Tel 92-300-4112234 *Neelum Naz, Professor,

Department of Architecture, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore, Email [email protected] Tel 92-

42-99029223 *Muhammad Arif Khan, Associate Professor. Department of Architectural Engineering, University

of Engineering & Technology, Lahore. Email [email protected] Tel 92-42-99029223

mailto:[email protected]





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His architectural vocabulary and approach to urban planning shows

dynamism and enthusiasm in giving the city of Lahore a new image. The

architectural projects designed by him amply demonstrate his pragmatic

approach as well as emphasis on form and visual quality. There has not

been any research paper discussing his contributions therefore, the

paper analyzes his design philosophy in the light of his built structures

spanning over twenty five years, from the original sources in the Punjab

Archive, Communication and Works Department as well as British

Libraries. The paper discusses his approach in dealing with variety of

design problems in different situations. This paper begins with the life

history and professional work in England followed by his contribution as

consulting architect in the province of Punjab, India

Keywords: Lahore, British period architecture, urban design, Neo-classicism. Visual landscape.

Early Life, Education and Professional Career

Basil Martin Sullivan, the second son of Mr. Michael Sullivan, R.C.A. who was the head of

Hastings School of Art. He was born in the historic town of Hasting in East Sussex, England in

1881 and received his early education in Hasting Grammar School and Brassey Institute.

Sullivan got his professional education from the Architecture Department of St. Leonard School

of Arts (Brodie, 2001:732). The physical environment of the campus enriched in visual arts and

Gothic Revival style of architecture must have had a strong impact on the grooming of this

young architect. After graduation, Mr. Sullivan shifted to London where he started his career as

unpaid assistant to Messer Colcutt and Hamp [Thomas Edward Colcutt (1840-1924) & Stanley

Hinge Hamp [1877-19680] between 1803-04 when Savoy hotel was being built. He later in

association with his brother designed a large number of country houses. The design of Dean’s

house in his early days of his carrier in 1906 shows his genius. The plan, composition of masses

and arrangement of double pitched roof along with chimneys made it an impressive project

(Fig.1).


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Figure 1: Marwood Cookmam Dean House: A perspective view by Basil M. Sullivan

Mr. Basil Sullivan thereafter, worked as assistant with various London based architects including

William Howard Seth Smith (1858-1928), M/s, Rowland Plumbe (1938-1919) to Henry Louis

Florence (1843-1916). From 1909-11 he ran his own independent practice. In 1911 he joined Mr.

Lanchester and Richard architects [Henry Vaughan Lanchester (1863-1953) and Edwin Alfred

Richards (1872-1920)] as Managing assistant and remained with them till 1913 (RIBA

Nomination paper). In 1912 he passed qualification examination and on March 3, 1913, became

associate of Royal Institute of British Architects on the proposal of H.V. Lanchester, E.A.

Richards, and W.H. Seth Smith (Brodie, 2001:732).

The Golden period in the life of Mr. Sullivan started in 1913 when he was appointed as

Consulting Architect to Government of Punjab (RIBA Nomination Paper). He joined the

department in January19, 1914 (Begg, 1916:7) and served until 1938 (Brodie, 2001:732). During

his long stay in Lahore he also rendered services as Secretary Lahore and Amritsar Improvement

Trust in addition to his own duties. As consulting architect he designed a large number of

important buildings throughout Punjab depicting his own design philosophy. Before the

completion of his long carrier in the subcontinent, he was appointed architect for the British

Ministry at Kabul, where he designed outstanding group of buildings and gardens. In 1938 Mr.

Sullivan returned home and started independent practice in Partnership with his brother Lee

Sylvester Sullivan (RIBA Nomination File).7


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On his return to London, Sullivan took keen interest in the activities of Royal Institute of British

Architects (RIBA). His wide administrative experience proved of greatest value and before long

he found himself on a large number of committees. As Chairman Board of Architectural

Education he became member of the council and its executive committee in April 1944; he was

also one of the moderators and on the visiting board and member of Architectural Education

Council of UK. He was honorary secretary of the Ministry of Works committee; the Town

Planning Committee and the ad hoc committee on Landscape Architecture etc. He was also

RIBA representative on the building Industries National Council.

Mr. Sullivan died on Saturday March 30, 1946 as a result of serious injuries sustained on while

on fire watch a year ago at St. Paul Cathedral during World War II (Brodie, 2001: 732).

Meanwhile, failing his health, he resigned from many of the above mentioned committees.

Although he is no longer with us from but his contributions continue to remain cherished and his

design project speaks for them in the history of architecture of Lahore. On the basis of his

remarkable work, commitment and contribution in the field, he was awarded Fellowship of the

Royal Institute of British Architects on 4th

of January 1922 and honored with “Order of the

British Empire” (Broody, 2001:732).

Paying him tribute, Henry Vaughan (RIBA Journal: July 1946) wrote; “… Apart from his

marked ability in various directions, his charm of character, his sympathetic attitude towards all

with whom he came in contact and his unfailing tact in handling difficult situations makes his

loss and irreplaceable one, both to the profession in general and to his large circles of personal

friends (RIBA Journal: July 1946).”

Mr. Sullivan came to Lahore at time when a number of important buildings were either got

completed or were under construction. He inherited strong architectural context in the colonial

city in the form of churches, educational, administrative and club buildings. Prior to his arrival in

Lahore in the third quarter of the 19th

century, a debate was initiated among the British architects

“what should be appropriate style for India.” In this respect, two schools of thoughts emerged,

the aesthetic imperialist and revivalists of indigenous architecture (Vandal & Vandal, 2006: 98).

The first school was of the opinion of imposition of European architecture. They argued that

British should seek to emulate the Romans and impose British architecture with confidence. The

buildings built on this concept were Government College, PWD Secretariat, Gymkhana and

Lahore Cathedral. These buildings were inspired from Gothic and classical architectural

tradition. The other group favored revivalism and thought that uninterrupted living tradition

existing in architecture connecting present and the past should continue. The true policy should

be to discard all imported forms and ideas, and to foster living traditions by sustaining the local

master builders, whose crafts, skills and expertise were in danger of dying out from lack of

patronage. This group was led by John Lockwood Kipling. The buildings which represent this

ideology are the Punjab University, Lahore Museum, Mayo School of Arts, Aitchison College

and Lahore High Court.


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In this scenario Basil Sullivan started contributing in the architectural scene of Lahore. Sullivan

followed Neo-classical architectural tradition. He gave more emphasis on the form and volume

with strong attention to intricate details. This made his buildings more articulate, elegant and

temporal. He preferred to use natural finishes of building materials in the exterior. He primarily

used fair face brickwork but in few cases he preferred plaster finish. The use of double columns

in openings, square pilasters, semi-circular and elliptical arches were predominant features of his

projects. He used this philosophy in places which were away from the historical buildings or

where there was not any strong architectural context such as Governor House, building of

Charring Cross and Hydraulic Laboratory in the compound of Communication and Works

Department. The projects he designed became landmark in the history of Lahore. He designed

buildings following latest philosophies and international trends prevailing at that time.

One of earliest major work Basil Sullivan undertook was the addition to Government House

(Begg, 1916:32). This building was initially developed around the tomb of Muhammad Qasim

Kahn. The building was taken over by Sikhs and later on taken over by the British. The British

engineers soon made additions in the building to fulfill the residential cum office requirement of

Lieutenant Governor. 1914-15, it was felt that rooms of various shapes and sizes are badly

lighted and ventilated due to the piecemeal development. They were some serious functional and

aesthetical problems which need to be ratified. To overcome these shortcomings Mr. Sullivan

made a comprehensive proposal obviating objectionable features. In 1915 northern wing

extension containing ballroom (now Darbar Hall) 50 x ft x 76 ft and private apartments above

Governor’s office suite were added. Two separate wings were substituted for the mass of rooms

on the north part of the house; each of them was double storied and provided well lighted and

well ventilated bed rooms, office of the Lieutenant Governor, his staff and a large cloak room.

The front facade comprised series of openings placed at regular internal. The solid masonry

separating the two opening has square double storied pilasters crowned with series of moldings.

Figure 2: Front Facade of Governor House Lahore designed by Basil M.Sullivan


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Finally the facade is defined with horizontal projection on all side. Each ground floor opening

has semi circular columns on inner side while balcony supported an RCC slab with cast iron

railing is the main feature of the first floor. The minute details of woodwork designed by Basil

Sullivan were exquisitely carried out at National College of Arts.

As a member of the Town Planning Institute, Mr. Basil M. Sullivan was deeply concerned with

achieving sustainable built environment and improving the townscape of Lahore by applying the

principles of urban design. While presiding over one of series of six lectures held in 1943 on the

subject of town planning he stated that “town planning is very much, and has always been the

concern of architects (Kenyon, 1943: 103).” His involvement in improving the urban design

quality of Mall Road, design of Government Officers Residence Lahore and Civil Lines

Sheikhupura proved his respect with context and environmental design issues. While he was

deeply involved in the expansion and remodeling of Governor House he also started working to

improve the visual image of Lahore.

The first major and most important urban design project he undertook was the Charring Cross

scheme on the Mall road Lahore. The project included Civil Secretariat and Legislative Council

Chamber building. The Mall, a principal thoroughfare of colonial Lahore remained focus of

attention of British administration. Basil M. Sullivan gave as consulting architect and as

Secretary Lahore Improvement Trust gave lot of attention to its development. He improved the

layout of squares and proposed urban design solutions for important junctions. Initially small

Figure 3: Initial plan of Charring Cross before intervention


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scale plan of the New Civil Secretariat was prepared but according to Sullivan “before they

could be advanced beyond a very fluid state it was necessary definitely to settle the proposed re-

planning of Charring Cross (Begg, 1916: 15).”

In 1914 the most important urban design project

of Charring Cross was undertaken. Therefore, a most comprehensive scheme was worked out by

changing the alignment of the roads to create strong vista from all abutting roads.

It comprised of the layout plan of New Civil Secretariat which was in two blocks, new office for

Public Works Department and large blocks of buildings belonging to private office. From the

Urban Design point of view, Charring Cross, an important square on the Mall Road, is the most

outstanding example. Since this area would be a future centre of the city, therefore the Punjab

government in January 1915 invited consulting architect of Government of India for

consultation. He looked into the whole scheme and felt satisfaction over the progress of the

project (Begg, 1916: 15). The project started assuming its spatial character with construction of

Shah Din Building in 1914 and Masonic Lodge in 1917. In 1919-20 Mr. Sullivan visited Italy in

connection with the project for the Council Chamber and Civil Secretariat buildings

(Government of the Punjab, Communication and Works Department.1921: 10). This study trip

had a stronger impact in finalizing the architectural form of the above mentioned buildings.

These buildings defined the space on the Southern end and Legislative Assembly building on its

northern end with Pavilion of Queen Victoria in the middle (Figure 3). The buildings located on

southern side beside different interior planning stands as a mirror image to each other on either

side of Queen’s Road. These buildings enclose a semi circular urban space and provided a visual

continuity and spatial harmony. Each of these buildings has monumental projected entrance

placed in the middle of the colonnaded arcade. The verandah supported on Doric columns

provided an additional depth and created more speciousness in the physical environment. The

verandahs on the ground floor are wider and have columns on either side of the openings while

the openings are smaller at upper floor but placed in the middle of opening below. The facades

are finally crowned with deep friezes of moldings which define the vertical limits of the

buildings. These friezes are executed in plaster work. One of the common features of these

buildings is monumental staircases, large halls and proper handling of interior spaces. The wider

spaces at the turning of architectural axis of corridors provided them corridor legibility and

speciousness. One of the most important aspects relating to the success of the project was design

of private buildings in the scheme by the Basil Sullivan and handed over to private clients for

implementation.


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Figure 4: Suggested improvement of Charring Cross Lahore: Third Scheme (Credit: C &

Department)


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The intersection of the Charing Cross was in triangular form without having any visual

experience (Figure 2). He made it a grand square by locating legislative Assembly building on

the axis of Ferozepur Road (later Queen’s road and row Sharah-e-Fatima Jinnah). The two

building at the corner of Ferozepur roads in concave form made this space brilliant with sunshine

visually grand and axially balance. While coming from Regal Chowk the buildings are placed

parallel to the Mall on either side of it from where, one suddenly reaches a grand space inspired

from high renaissance. It is an element of surprise as well as a place of rejuvenation. While

traveling on Mall Road and reaching at grand Charring Cross is psychologically an awe inspiring

experience. This realization and transformation of triangular space into a grand square was

completed in 1915. He created a rectangular urban space in front of assembly chambers and semi

circular space punctuated by radiating node to house flanking buildings made it a transition and

change in the built environment.

Figure 5: Improved Layout of Charring Cross Lahore (Credit: C& W Department)


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Figure 6: Final layout design along with recent developments in the neighboring

environment (Credit: C & W Department)

The imposing Legislative Assembly Building (1935-38) occupies the most prestigious location at

the head of urban space overlooking the Queens road (now Shahra-e-Fatima Jinnah). This stately

complex of serene beauty occupies an area of 112 Kanal. The longer east-west axis (358ft) due

to its podium and facade in yellow and red sandstone facing the square takes command of the

enclosed space. The Assembly Building, Shah Din building and Free Mason hall makes it one of

the most successful urban spaces in Lahore. A flight of steps flanked by red sandstone bowls

resting on pedestals is the prominent feature of the main entrance. The projected entrance foyer

built entirely in sandstone supported on four double height columns resting on square pedestals

and crowned with Corinthian capitals. From the entrance lobby one leads to grand staircase

which takes one to semi circular assembly chambers located


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Figure 6: Shahdin Manzil : East facede Figure 7: Legislative Assembly building

overlooking the grand Square

Figure 8: Free Mason building west facade Figure 9: Aerial View of Charring Cross

on the first floor. Below the main hall lies cafeteria for the members. The double storied building

facing south contains general offices on ground floor and offices of ministers, leader of the house

and opposition on the first floor. At the end of the corridor building turn north words on either

side. The turning point is in oval shape which makes this point a transition and change. All the

openings of the building are rectangular. The interior design details follow classical tradition.

The details of door, windows were carried out in sympathy with the general scheme of

architecture. The front verandah has gable roof which begins from projected eave resting on

brackets placed at regular interval. The acoustical design of the building was undertaken in

England by Mr. Hope Begenal who had been responsible for much of the latest work done in

England on this subject (Government of the Punjab, Ministry of Agriculture, Communication

and Works Department 1935: 8).

Another urban space located between Maclagon Road and Anarkali Bazaar deserves special

mention. The space widens up on either side along the entire length but on south side buildings


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get closer to the Mall near at Maclagon Road intersection. This experience of transition and

change with green belts on either side of Mall Road is quite refreshing. Patrick Geddes visited

Lahore in 1916 and prepared a report on the improvement of the city. Here he met with Basil

Sullivan and recorded his opinion about his personality and architectural projects. Describing his

personality he stated (Geddes, 1965: 3): “I have found a warm ally in PWD. Architect, Sullivan,

brother of illustrator of “Sartor” etc and an old pupil and warm admirer and friend of

Lanchester’s: who is keen for me to tidy up the whole Punjab Towns, and is going to

Government on that line! So instead of setting with headquarters in Lucknow, as I have been

thinking, it may come to be Lahore.”18

He also admired Sullivan’s contribution in the following

words: “I am glad to find that improvements of some of the defects in the network of roads are

already in active progress. Beginning with Charing Cross, I have nothing but approval of the new

layout, and congratulate Mr. Sullivan accordingly. His improvement of the mall as its crossing

with Maclagan Road is also, I like it, the best that could be made of that difficult situation

(Geddes 1965: 28-29).”

Another landmark achievement of Basil M Sullivan was the successful implementation of the

garden city concept in Government Officers Residential Estate (GOR) in Lahore. The concept of

Garden City was widely accepted and practiced in England in the beginning of twentieth century.

The development of GOR coincided with the construction of Welwyn in England. The idea of

this scheme begins after the end of First World War when economic prosperity increased

manifold which resulted in development of many construction projects. New market towns were

founded and a network of railways increased the economic activity in the province. The

residential accommodation for high officials of the Punjab Government was not sufficient.

Therefore a new residential scheme east side of Charring Cross known as Government Officers

Residence (GOR) was planned in suburb of Lahore in 1920’s over an area of 192 acres. At this

time the idea of garden city was being very well received and appreciated. GOR in Lahore

fulfilled all criteria’s mentioned in the original concept. It was away from the heat and dust of the

city and maintained the qualities of suburb. Where houses were planned in the middle of large (at

least one acre) plots with garden all around. The avenues were specious and lined with variety of

trees.

In 1914, the work on site were commenced and in the middle of 1915, the roads were laid out,

trees planted and water courses from canal were got completed (Government of the Punjab.

Communication and Works Department: 1915-16: 6). Mr. Mustoe, the chief gardener of

Lawrence garden was involved in the landscaping and selection of trees. The houses were of two

types; the summer houses and winter houses. Although Lahore was capital of Punjab but during

the hot summers the high ranking officials moved to Shimla. At the same time some officers

used to stay in Lahore during hot summers. Therefore GOR-I had summer houses and winter

houses. It was reported in 1918-19 (four year after the inception of the scheme) that six houses

have been built and three more are in design stage. The most fascinating aspect of the

implementation of the design scheme was that roads were first completely built for the entire


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GOR, and then comes tree plantation, followed by telegraph office. Then came the markets with

shops and last to start were the first six houses.

In 1919 another three houses came up talking number to nine. The house of commissioner (1936)

Deputy Commissioner (1930) Chief Justice (1935) and Minister of Finance residence (1938),

Ministry of Education (1939) were built subsequently. After the completion and occupation of

these houses GOR became an elite area where all power of civil bureaucracy resided. In the

design of these houses Basil Sullivan was sensitive to certain important issues. In his 1939-40

stated that “With the introduction of new building materials, the changed mode of construction,

scientific advancement in planning and design, the style of architecture has been changed, along

with the social development and modern mode of living, making it a simple straight forward,

more functional and utilitarian and having its own artistic beauty. In the design of building

special considerations was given to the local materials and climatic conditions (Government of

the Punjab, Communication and Works Department 1941:10).”

Mr. Sullivan also keenly interested in Landscape projects. He laid Company Bagh at Lyallpur

now Faisalabad on the theme of Lawrence Garden Lahore. This park has winding walkways.

There are numerous plants of all different types which makes it an island of peace. He also

designed a fountain and kiosk in Faisalabad at the junction of four roads. It is one of the few

fountains designed by British architects in Punjab. The piers on the Ravi Bridge in Gwalior

Stone and Victoria entrance gate of Lawrence Garden, Lahore are few examples in this direction

(Aijazuddin, 2003: 162).

The respect of strong architectural concept was one of his strong believe and given due

importance in the design of Chemical Laboratory building of Punjab University Lahore. This

project is located right opposite to Mayo School of Arts and adjacent to main building of Punjab

University, both designed by Bhai Ram Singh on the Mall Road Lahore. The construction of the

project got completed in 1923 and opened for classes on March 22, 1924 by His Excellency

Governor of the Punjab. The building adopts from Mughul and Rajputana style of architecture

and hence an interesting example of indo-Saracenic Architecture. It’s a double storey building

with pierced open arcade. The arcade on the ground floor has scalloped arches and the upper

floor has flat arches decorated with brackets and the most interesting part is the blend of

scalloped and flat arch at the corners of the projected parts of the building. The main verandah

flanked by projecting building and copulas strongly relate with the architectural context.


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Fig 10: Chemical Laboratory Block: Front façade. Fig 11: Chemical Laboratory: Projected

structure with minaret representing influence of local design tradition

The main characteristics include the use of Jali – decorated stone screens right above arches to

cover ventilators, Chajja – screens slanting outside from a building to protect from scorching sun

and monsoon rains of India. The overhanging eaves are also supported by decorated brackets.

Another feature of the building is a dome-like structure usually with pinnacle known as the

Chatri , a design unique to India, used in ancient times to give relief to travelers by providing

shade from the hot Indian sun.

The outward camouflage may be Indian and Indian labor may have been used, but the designs,

plans and overall control remained British, in much the same way as the British remained the

power behind the princely states. This style was a transmutation of a national Gothic image into

Indo-Saracenic form. Another experiment undertaken for the first time in Lahore in the

construction system was use of reinforced brick slab which came out very successfully.

The Hydraulic Laboratory of Irrigation Department of the Government of the Punjab located in

the premises of Public Works Department (PWD) was designed by him in 1926-27 (Government

of the Punjab, Ministry of Agriculture, Communication and Works Department 1929: 6). The

project got completed in 1929. The architectural design followed neo-classical architectural

tradition of the earlier building of PWD Secretariat. The main entrance is slightly projected by

using an arcade with single columns and three roman semi-circular arches on both sides of the

main entrance arch which has a decorative key stone. The upper storey has segmental arches

while the central arch remains the semi-circular but without the decorated key stone. The central

arches are blocked by wooden doors to control the entrance. The entrance is crowned by a series

of decorative eaves and a parapet on the top which gives a feeling of grandeur to the whole

building. One important feature is the stairs right in front of the main entrance which is very rare

in Sullivan’s building.


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Figure 12: Detail of main entrance of Hydraulic Research Laboratory (Left) Figure 13:

Hydraulic Research Laboratory: South Facade

During the British rule in the Sub-Continent, many impressive buildings were raised in Lahore,

which blended beautifully the traditional Mughal with the Western Gothic and Victorian styles

of architecture and among one of those is the government college boy’s hostel that was built in

1891 to accommodate approximately 200 students. The building is different in a way that the

gothic and Victorian style is more dominant in it as compared to the other buildings of Sullivan.

The building is in rectangular shape with two projected porticos giving that it an iconic feel. It

has a use of cement which is very rare to be used for embellishment purposes. The veranda’s

have scalloped arches and on the top of that is the use of pierced cement jali’s to blend it with

local architecture. On the first floor a beautiful use of decorated columns that beautifully blends

with semi-circular arch filled again with jali’s.

Another important example in strong historical context was the project of Lady Wallington

Hospital Lahore. In 1930’s a serious absence of gynecological hospital was felt which will

serve the people and aid King Edward Medical College in teaching. Therefore, a new hospital

was planned and built in the neighborhood of Badshahi Mosque Lahore built during the reign of

Emperor Aurangzeb. The project started in the name of Tikka Devi Health Center in 1930 as an

outpatient clinic for women. In 1933 the foundation stone of the Hospital was laid by Lt. Colonel

S.N. Hayes, the first medical superintendent of the Hospital. It was built to accommodate 77

patients on area of 104 kanal with a covered area of 193489 Square feet. The building was

designed on the west side of grand Badshahi Mosque. The main building is and nurses’ hostel

was deliberately kept double storied high so that view of the mosque may not be obscured from

the front lawn as well as main road. The height of the hospital does not exceed the plinth of the

mosque. The main building faces east-west while two arms extend towards west side forming an

enclosed open space facing the main building. The northern arm contains administration, the

west facing block contains labor rooms and surgical department while south side arm contains

emergency. The hospital


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Figure 14: Administration Block (top left). Figure 15: Partial view west facade of operation

block. (Top right). Figure 16: Nurses Hosel Southwestern corner (bottom left). Figure 17:

Tikka Devi Clinic: Presently serving as outdoor clinic (bottom right)

building was built in fair face brick work following the design principles set in Physics

Laboratory. The building has verandah on both east and side so as to keep it cool from direct sun

rays. The hospital wards, labor rooms and operation theaters are 20 feet high on the ground as

well as first floor. The verandahs on the ground floors also have the same height but it has series

of semi-circular arches to divide the linearity of the corridor and provide a nice perspective.

Being the high ceiling the outside opening are divided into two parts. At the lower level the

openings are spanned with horizontal lintels with semi circular arches above. These arches are

divided into three equal parts covered with terracotta grills. The internal as well external arches

have same height. Similarly the ventilators of the wards open in the verandah making building

more comfortable. The verandah on the first floor has low roof with flat openings on the outer

side. The front façade is very pleasing. It has series of horizontal bands run all along the building

both on the ground floor as well as first floor. The verandah has low roof, followed by slightly

higher wards and then lift machine rooms. The receding building heights break the monotony of

the volumes. With the completion of Operation theater block, the construction got completed in

March 12, 1933. `


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Beside architectural design projects Basil M. Sullivan, as Secretary of Lahore and Amritsar

Improvement Committee, also worked on conservation projects. He prepared roofing details for

the conservation of Roman Catholic Church in Lahore. He prepared the very first conservation

note for the improvement of the walled city of Lahore. In this regards he undertook three visits

covering the entire city (Sullivan, 1929). He wrote detailed notes on each area describing the

problems and difficulties. The problems thus found were extremely high density of construction

of 50 or more houses in one acre compared with12 houses in ideal condition should. The other

problems he found are narrow winding lanes, kucha bandi (gates in the beginning of the streets),

numerous encroachments (particularly in the bazaars, around Wazir Khan Mosque and in

circular garden), absence of proper system of solid waste disposal and presence of domestic

animals.

Fig: 18 a Plan of R.C. Cathedral Fig.18b Section of R.C Cathedral

He described three main objectives of the conservation and upgrading of the walled city and

these were; to ease the congestion, provision of more amenities and creation of healthy

environmental conditions in and outside the walled city of Lahore. In his recommendations he

suggested the following actions:

*The removal of all kuch bandi, opening up of blind alleys and the consequent more provision of

police.

*The widening of bazaars and lanes and provision of satisfactory sewerage and water supply.

*Careful rearrangement of electric light standards and removal of tangles and nests of wire from

the streets. He also suggested the underground cable system to improve the urban aesthetics.

*The opening up of small areas for public gardens.

*Removal of encroachments from circular garden and its up keeping.

*Removal of encroachments and enforcement of rules pertaining to maintenance of building

densities.

*Prohibition of use of cattle for purposes of grinding wheat, pressing oil, inside houses in the

presence of electricity.

*Construction of dairy farm outside the walled city and shifting of all domestic animals.


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*Protection and preservation of all historical buildings.

*Proper construction of grain godowns as heaps of grains lies in heaps among dust.

*The taking up of areas on the East side of the City for the provision of open spaces, dwellings

and shops.

After the lapse of eighty years, the situation of the walled city further worsened rather than

improving. The massive communication of goods traffic created congestion and difficult

situation for the pedestrians. The commercialization became responsible for the demolition of the

historic residential buildings for transforming them into commercial buildings. Thirdly the

development of workshops in residential building created enormous problems of solid waste

disposal. Cluster of electrical wires in front of historic buildings still exists. The suggestions

made by Mr. Sullivan in the conservation note are still valid and if applied can still improve the

situation. The suggestions such as widening of bazaar, opening up of dead end alleys and

removal of chajjas destroyed the urban design character of the historic city.

Master Planning and Architecture of Public buildings in the Civil Station,

Sheikhupura.

The master plan of Sheikhupura Civil Station is another project on his credit. The master plan

was prepared in 1920 based on grid iron pattern with spacious tree lined road. The plots were

spacious with wide open spaces all around the buildings. The scheme comprised local

municipality buildings, court houses, police station district administration offices (Government

of the Punjab, Ministry of Agriculture, Communication and Works Department 1922:10). These

groups of buildings are one of the best architectural projects of the architect. The District Court

building built in 1923 is still most imposing and grand structure in Sheikhupura. The building

was designed in pure neo-classical style. The linear façade is symmetrical in plan and faces east

west side with verandah all around it. The verandah is lower in height then the actual buildings at

the back. The main projected pedimented entrance is higher from the verandah and dominate the

front façade and skyline. The extreme ends are slightly projected and define the limit of the

building.

The monotony of the linear verandah between the main entrance and project end is further

broken with secondary projected entrances on the either side. The verandah is supported on the

double Doric columns. The overhang projection on the roof is supported on the brackets and in

this way every detail of the building has been minutely detailed out. In 1937 an additional bar

room was required to build. The design was prepared by the executive engineer and sent to site

for implementation. Subsequently, he paid visit to the site and impressed with the architectural

qualities and stopped the work and asked the local staff to modify the design and make it in

harmony with the main building. Consequently, Mian Abdul Majid, the site engineer redesigned

the architectural form and thus the building was completed in this manner. This in other words


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was paying tribute to the work designed by Sullivan. Nearby, the tehsil administration building

is again a linear building faces with low height verandah. At the extreme end additional rooms

on the outer side of verandah define the extreme limits of the building. The verandah is

supported on double columns with a projected pedimented entrance.

Figure 19: Taxila Museum: South façade with projected main entrance.

Architecture in Stone: Taxila Museum

While Sir, John Marshal was excavating World Heritage Site of Taxila, Basil M. Sullivan was

busy in designing Taxila Museum (Government of the Punjab, Ministry of Agriculture,

Communication and Works Department 1927: 7). The site is located south side of Sirkap, the

most important archaeological site of Gandhara period located on Taxila Haripur Road. This

simple but elegant linear building faces north south with slight extension on the two extreme east

and west ends. The building is divided into three parts. The central hall is higher than the two on

the either sides and projected from t he side ones. The main entrance framed with semi-circular

arch incorporating main door flanked by two Doric columns provides access to the mail hall. The

building has double pitched roof supported on the trusses. High level windows are provided for

security reasons. Internally the false ceiling is provided with Burma teak. The three halls are

separated through opening. The side walls of the opening are covered with wood paneling with

Corinthian pilaster on both sides to give it a classical touch and relate it with neighboring

environment. The main entrance is project and has a low roof. In this way every part of the

building i.e., entrance, central hall, side halls etc., is well defined. The project got completed in

1926.


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Conclusion

Leading British architect Basil M. Sullivan worked with a number of architectural projects in

Punjab and England but his architectural contribution in giving the city of Lahore a new image is

unprecedented. He can be ranked as one of the most leading British architect of the Colonial

Period in Punjab. Appointment as the Chief Consulting Architect, Punjab proved a heavenly sent

opportunity to work on a broader horizon. Being more interested in the quality of visual

landscape of urban environment, his emphasis is on the Garden City concept. The view and

vistas, continuity and change and unity and diversity are clearly adhered in his projects. As a

secretary of Lahore Improvement Trust (LIT) he took special interest in maintaining the quality

of built environment.

Every scheme was properly scrutinized and implemented in such a way that it will contribute

positively in the built environment. He gave special emphasis on the Mall Road and particular

attention was given on the avoidance of possibility of encroachments and this has been

frequently mentioned in the administrative reports. His concern with improvement of the walled

city led him to make practical suggestion. At the time of his arrival in the provincial capital,

Lahore had no detailed plans of built up areas, therefore comprehensive plans were prepared for

the first time. Although he designed most of his buildings in neo-classical style but he also gave

importance to the immediate context. In the administrative report of 1920-21 it is clearly stated

that Chemical laboratory building was designed in the Indo-Saracenic style considering strong

architectural context of neighboring University buildings (Government of The Punjab,

Communication and Works Department 1922: 11). As consulting architects of Punjab a large

number of schools, hospital, and official residences were designed and constructed under his

supervision with deep concern on architectural details and craftsmanship.

He followed the garden city concept and successfully implemented in the design of Government

Officers Residence in Lahore and Civil Lines in Sheikhupura. His buildings are rigorous

examples of austere beauty, ranging from residences to educational institutions, hospitals to state

buildings. Ironically, extent and impacts of his architectural works is little known in Pakistan as

well as abroad. He brought Lahore into modern times and gave Mall its distinct character of

thundi sarak (cool road). Though Sullivan is no more with us but his fabulous works will keep

on reminding the citizens of Lahore about his presence in the many years to come.

References

1. Aijazuddin F.S. (2003) Lahore: A Recollected Album. Lahore: Sang-e-Meel Publications.

2. Begg, John. Annual Report on Architectural Works in India for the year 1914-15 by the

Consulting Architect to Government of India. Calcutta: Superintendent Government

Printing India.

3. Brodie, Antonia. (2001) Directory of British Architects 1934-1914.London: British

Architectural Library, Royal Institute of British Architects.


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4. Geddes, Patrick. (1965) Urban Improvements a Strategy for Urban Works. Study No. P.

P. & H.21 Karachi: Government of Pakistan. Planning Commission, Physical Planning

and Housing Section.

5. Government of the Punjab, Public Works Department. (1914) Administration Report of

the Building and Road Branch for the year 1913-1914. Lahore: Caxton Printing Works

6. Government of the Punjab, Agriculture Department (1913-14) Administration Report,

Lahore: Administration Report of the Buildings and Roads Branch for the Year 1913-

1914. Communication Board.

7. Government of the Punjab, Public Works Department. (1914): Lahore, Caxton Printing

Works.

8. Government of the Punjab, Public Works Department. (1921) Administration Report,

Building and Road Branch for the year 1919-20. Lahore: Superintendent Government

Printing Punjab

9. Government of the Punjab, Ministry of Agriculture, Public Works Department. (1922)

Building and Road Branch Administration Report for the year 1920-21. Lahore:

Superintendent, Government Printing Punjab.

10. Government of the Punjab, Ministry of Agriculture, Public Works Department. Building

and Road Branch (1927) Administration Report for the year 1925-26. Lahore:

Superintendent, Government Printing Punjab

11. Government of the Punjab, Ministry of Agriculture Public Works Department. (1929)

Building and Road Branch Administration Report incorporating the report of The

Communication Board and the Rural Sanitary Board for the year 1927-28. Lahore:

Superintendent Government Printing Punjab.

12. Government of the Punjab. Ministry of Agriculture, Public Works Department. Building

and Road Branch. (1935) Administration Report incorporating the report of

Communication Board for the year 1933-34. Lahore: Superintendent, Government

Printing Punjab.

13. Government of the Punjab. Public Works Department. Building and Road Branch. (1941)

Administration Report incorporating the report of The Communication Board for the year

1939-40. Lahore: Superintendent Government Printing Punjab.

14. Kenyon, Arthur W. (March 1943) The Village and Small Towns. London: Journal of the

Royal Institute of British Architects

15. RIBA Nomination Paper Av21 no.2395 File No1860

16. Royal Institute of British Architects. (July 1946). Appreciation And by Dr. H.V.

Lancester. London: RIBA Journal

17. Sullivan, Basil M. (1929) Conservation Note and Improvement of the Walled City of

Lahore. Lahore: Lahore Municipal Corporation, 1929.

18. Vandal, P & Vandal, S. (2006) The Raj, Lahore & Bhai Ram Singh. Lahore: Publication

Cell, National College of Arts

basil martin sullivan: architectural contributions of a legendary

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