Soon after the British decided to build a new capital city in Delhi, there were calls for a distinct shopping centre to be established, primarily from the European commercial community. Leading builders of the day also requested for sites to be allotted so they could put up suitable buildings in line with the character of New Delhi. The layout was inspired by crescents like the Park Crescent in London and The Circus in Bath. The pattern was an incomplete circle or a horseshoe design consisting of two concentric rings of double-storeyed blocks. The buildings were constructed by the builders with their own capital and each block was sold individually. But to keep the design consistent the architect members of the Imperial Delhi Committee, Nicholls and then Russell were given the task of design and plans. The designs of Connaught Place’s arches, pillars and open verandahs are an instantly recognisable image. read more...