Steel’ great going

With alien looking steel structures coming up in its green belt, very soon AIIMS Flyover will don a new look Everyday while crossing AIIMS Flyover, the regular commuters on this stretch must have noticed some shiny little sculptures standing in the huge expanse of land right below the flyover, giving the impression that some aliens have stepped onto the land. Fortunately or unfortunately these aren’t aliens. These happen to be massive steel sculptures standing upright in the garden and are called ‘Sprouts’. But what exactly does ‘Sprouts’ mean? Vibhor Sogani, the man behind designing these structures explains the concept as ’when the seeds begin to sprout’. “This is a metaphor symbolising the journey that India is on to bloom as a global force. This is the first of its kind public installation project in the country," informs Sogani, then adds,” and with the Commonwealth Games 2010 coming up, such endeavours would help Delhi get on to the world map as a world city.”

These stainless steel globes seem to be shooting or sprouting from the ground below, therefore sprouts. Being solely developed by Jindal Stainless Limited (JSL), the project is nearing completion.

Ratan Jindal, VC MD, JSL, explains, “We were offered AIIMS Flyover for redevelopment by the government. We decided to introduce this new aspect to make for a very contemporary attraction for the city. The whole project is worth Rs 4 crore.” Argues Sogani, “Till date history dictated public images, but a public figurine could use a new language as well.”The project has been approved by the Delhi Government. Speaking to SDP, Chief Engineer, PWD Suraj Deo Prasad informed, “The project is a part of the beautification process of the city and it has been started with AIIMS Flyover.”