In pictures: Amaravathi Assembly, inspired by Kohinoor, to resemble a diamond

While the Andhra High Court at the greenfield capital Amaravathi will be shaped like a Buddhist stupa to signify happiness, the Assembly will resemble a diamond, inspired by the Kohinoor, according to plans finalised in a meeting with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

CM Naidu reviewed the detailed designs for the new Assembly, the High Court and the city infrastructure plan presented by representatives of the British architectural firm Foster & Partners.

“I am excited that we have reached the final stage. Not only in India, but people all over the world have high expectations of this city. No one has ever built a city of this scale from scratch”, said the Chief Minister, according to a statement from his office.

While the proposals had initially suggested a stupa-like structure for the Assembly and a diamond shape for the High Court, Naidu suggested that the two design choices be interchanged.

“The stupa signifies happiness, and justice is the greatest happiness I want my people to feel, reflected by the High Court. The Assembly building, at the centre of the city plan, should be inspired by the historic Kohinoor, which happens to be born in this very land,” said Naidu.

The CM also said that the “Justice City” complex, comprising the High Court and the judiciary residency complexes would have standards comparable to London and Hong Kong.

He also said that the area containing the High court and the judiciary residency complexes, “Justice City”, will be compared to the standards set by London and Hongkong.

Naidu also discussed various aspects of the city plan such as eco-friendliness, energy infrastructure and waste disposal, before giving his final nod. the Chief Minister gave the final nod. The architecture firm will meet Ministers in two days, to officially commence the execution, after they meet with the Chief Justice tomorrow, for more suggestions.