Buildings.....

Seeking cover against the forces of Nature, prehistoric man took shelter in caves and grottos. But wherever he lived, whatever his means, Man always left his imprint on his habitat….. shaping, devising and designing dwellings that matched his needs even as they defied time.

The cave paintings of Alta Mira in Spain, the planned cities of Mohenjo Daro, the Colosseum of Rome …… all stand testimony to Man's artistic and architectural skills. With the march of time, as civilizations advanced, simple all-purpose edifices gave way to specific structures suited to the multifarious needs of growing human societies: industries, educational, community and medical centers, airports and railway terminals……each inspired a structure that was unique. Over the years, PIL has the distinction of designing and constructing buildings of varying styles for different purposes. The variety of construction work undertaken by the company speaks volumes about its versatility.

A host of highly specialized skills were employed to create buildings that are miracles of technology. The first to be erected was a multistoreyed building for All Indian News Paper Publishing Houses in Gandhinagar. Another prestigious project was The State Water Data Center, housing the Gujarat Engineering Research Institute, the Ground Water Development Center and Water Resources Investigation. This building, with its spectacularly authentic view, was constructed under WRI division in 1997- 1998.

The well-equipped educational campuses of the English medium school near Borsad town and the Vrajbhoomi Vidyapeeth at Mogar, Anand, are also worthy of mention. The R.C. Technical Institute, Ahemedabad, spread over a vast area, was completed between 1994-97 under a grant from the World Bank.

Every conceivable facility, viz. Technology Bhavan, L.R.C. Bhavan, Students Amenity Center, workshops, hostel, Principal's bungalow, staff quarters, guest house, water supply distribution system is included in its precints. Besides, PIL has built various categories of staff quarters, both low-rise and high-rise, for the Medical College at Rajkot.

Significantly, PIL has contributed in yet another way, both to the state of Gujarat and to the Nation. In the wake of the terrible earthquake in January 2001, heritage structures like the 90-year-old Jamnagar Circuit house building were severely damaged. Adhering to the stipulations of the Government of Gujarat, its exquisite Roman architectural features were retrofitted and strengthened, while its original splendour was retained.

The extension and renovation of the old U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre, Ahemadabad, is yet another success story. The O.P.D. Ward Block building in “Sir T” Hospital campus Bhavnagar, constructed for the Health Department, Government of Gujarat, is only one example of the multi facility construction activities PIL excels in. Its spacious structures accommodate the latest cutting-edge technology and the O.T.s and ICUs measure up to world standards. Every conceivable convenience for patients as well as for hospital staff is lodged within its pleasant environs.

PIL's other laudable ventures include The Walmi Administration building and a number of strikingly attractive little farmhouses, all at Anand in Gujarat. Each of these reflects the perfect fusion of ultra-tech convenience and chic design.