Rajon ki Baoli, Rajasthan, India.© Victoria Lautman.

Stepwells are a form of architecture unique to South Asia that first appeared in rudimentary form in India between the 2nd and 4th centuries A.D. Sunk deep into the earth, these underground edifices not only harvested and preserved water, but also functioned as civic centers, temples, cool retreats, and caravan stops. However, as many stepwells have been barricaded, filled in, repurposed, or altogether destroyed, they are quickly disappearing from historic record.

Journalist Victoria Lautman is a frequent traveler to India and former contributing editor for Architectural Record, Metropolitan Home, HG, Art+Auction, and Chicago magazine. In India, she’s written for The Hindu, Architectural Digest, Vogue, and GQ. Her writing about India has also appeared in Town & Country, ArchDaily.com, and The Huffington Post. Lautman’s long-running radio programs were heard on WFMT and WBEZ.

This talk is co-sponsored by AIA Chicago and Society of Architectural Historians.

Related Links
Society of Architectural Historians
http://www.sah.org/conferences-and-programs/events-and-opportunities/2013/09/25/subterranean-ghosts-india-s-vanishing-stepwells
AIA Chicago
http://www.aiachicago.org/events.asp#November2013