Balkrishna V. Doshi, a celebrated Indian Architect, Urban Planner, and Recipient of the Pritzker Prize was an invaluable asset of the architecture community of India & the world as well.
After receiving his education at the JJ School of Architecture in Bombay, he worked for Le Corbusier as a senior designer for four years in Paris (1951-1954). He then spent four more years working in India.
During the construction of IIM-Ahmedabad, he served as an associate to Louis Kahn and their collaboration continued beyond that project. Doshi was a unique personality, as the only Indian to receive both the Royal Gold Medal and the prestigious Pritzker Prize. In 2020, he was further recognized with the Padma Bhushan award.
Upon his passing, tributes were received from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his colleagues in the architecture community, honoring his 95-year life. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences in a tweet, stating that “Dr. BV Doshi Ji was a brilliant architect and a remarkable institution builder. The coming generations will get glimpses of his greatness by admiring his rich work across India. His passing away is saddening.”
Dr. Bimal Patel, President of CEPT and architect of the Central Vista Redevelopment project gave his tributes by saying, “Doshi’s portfolio showcases his lifelong pursuit of modern architecture that draws from Indian roots. The School of Architecture building at CEPT University is a prime example of his approach and of India’s great modern architectural tradition. CEPT University and I mourn his loss deeply.”
Prashant Parmar Architect, one of the renowned architects in Ahmedabad shared his heartfelt tributes. “Doshi sir has imprinted his design philosophy on the canvas of this earth through projects like the Hussain-Doshi Gufa (now known as Ahmedabad-ni-Gufa), IIM-Bangalore, the CEPT University campus in Ahmedabad, the National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi, and the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, etc. His projects will guide the coming generation of Indian architects to understand his design philosophy; follow his path. So, I believe that B. V. Doshi Sir will Live Forever.” – says Prashant Parmar Architect.
Doshi’s final significant project was the Smriti Van Memorial and Museum in Bhuj, spanning 470 acres on the town’s outskirts. It was constructed to commemorate the resilience demonstrated by the town’s residents after the 2001 earthquake.
Though he is not with us physically, his thought always encouraged us to “Celebrate Life.”
