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China Yemen Turkmenistan Maldives

Indonesia Malaysia Singapore Brunei
Pakistan Nepal State of Palestine Saudi Arabia
Bangladesh North Korea Lebanon Afghanistan
Japan Syria Oman Laos
Philippines Sri Lanka Kuwait
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South Korea United Arab Timor-Leste
Emirates
Iraq Israel Cyprus
 B.V DOSHI Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi
“I believe Life celebrates when lifestyle and
architecture fuse.”

Born: August 26, 1927, Pune, India

Died: January 24, 2023, Ahmedabad, India

Background:

 First from that country to be

awarded the prestigious Pritzker
Prize (2018).
 Doshi's architecture is a balance
between modern and traditional
forms.
 He learned from working with Le
Corbusier and Louis Kahn.
 In 1947 he entered the Sir J.J.
School of Architecture in Bombay
(Mumbai).
 Vastushilpa Consultants is the
name of the firm he established.

WORKS & CONTRIBUTION

1. Aranya Low Cost Housing, Indore

Completed in 1989, this Township was designed by BV Doshi to establish a sense of community
and facilitate harmony between the built environment and its inhabitants. It was also the
recipient of the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1996.

2. Atira Housing, Ahmedabad

One of Doshi's older projects, construction on this complex began in 1956 and was completed
in 1960. The ATIRA factory and its homes are located in a green front area at the Indian
Institute of Management. It is a small complex that reveals many similarities to Le Corbusier's
projects.

3. ECIL, Hyderabad

The ECIL township was built by BV Doshi between 1969 and 1971, and was part of a planned
expansion of the Hyderabad electronics industry. The settlement is about 15 km from the
centre of Hyderabad. Doshi designed the structure specifically for Hyderabad's climate, by
using charts to establish sun angles and wind direction so that it can best exploit it through
openings and shorts.

4. IFFCO Township, Kalol

Another economically driven housing project, this eco-friendly township was designed as part
of the expansion of the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Co-operative Ltd.

5. Jnana-Pravah Centre for Cultural Studies, Varanasi

Inaugurated in 2001, the new building of Jnana-Pravaha, was christened Pratichi, by then
Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Professor Vishnu Kant Shastri. The building houses a multi-purpose
hall, seminar and classrooms, an exhibition area, a library, museum, and an entire block
dedicated to the administration.

6. Sawai Gandharva, Pune

Built in this hometown of Pune, this performance art centre took more than 10 years to
complete, starting in 1990 to 2001.

7. Tagore Hall, Ahmedabad

A truly Brutalist building, a series of rigid concrete folded plates frame the outer shell to this
hall. The hall, located on the banks of Sabarmati River, was designed by Doshi in 1966. Inside
the hall is a 'seating bowl' with a capacity of 700.

8. LIC Housing, Ahmedabad

Designed in 1973 for the Life Insurance Corporation in Ahmedabad, this complex was locally
called Bima Nagar. It consists of 324 units arranged in a duplex terraced unit scheme on 54
plots. The initial development was focused on efficient provision of sites and services with a
phased plan for growth.

9. Sangath, BV Doshi's Office, Ahmedabad

The iconic roofscape of Sangath is easy to recognise. The space features a series of sunken
vaults sheathed in China mosaic, a small terraced amphitheatre with intricate water details.

References:

- https://www.architecturaldigest.in/content/photos-9-iconic-buildings-designed-by-architect-bv-doshi/

- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Balkrishna-Doshi

- https://bluprint-onemega.com/doshi-2018-pritzker-prize-winner/
 CHARLES CORREA Charles
Mark Correa

“Form follows climate.”

Born: September 1, 1930,

Secunderabad, Hyderabad

Died: June 16, 2015, Mumbai, India

Background:

Indian architect
and urban planner
known for his
adaptation of
Modernist tenets
to local climates
and building styles.
 His work was
distinguished by
standard symmetrical rooms, modernist use of materials, distinctive
concrete forms, and location.

WORKS & CONTRIBUTION

1. Sabarmati Ashram

The Mahatma Gandhi memorial at the Sabarmati Ashram is considered to be one of the first
important works by Charles Correa. It was built between 1958-1963. Served as one of the main
centres of the Indian freedom struggle.

2. Kanchanjunga apartments in Bombay

The garden terraces in the 28-story Kanchanjunga apartments in Bombay are a modern
interpretation of traditional Indian verandah. In this building the verandahs are built in such a
way that it shields itself from the sun and monsoon rains. It is a direct response to the present
culture, the escalating urbanization, and the climatic conditions for the region.

3. Incremental Housing

Considered to be a pet project of Correa, the incremental housing plan in New Bombay is a
perfect example of affordable and high density housing. It was built in mid-80s. uses and re-
interprets traditional Indian urban spatial syntax. And, by putting into practice some of
Correa’s social and economic ideals, which derive from the traditionally incremental method of
building, the project promises to vitalise the satellite city’s previously drear housing
programme.

4. The National Crafs Museum

National Crafts Museum is situated on the corner of the Pragati Maidan, facing the Purana Qila
complex in New Delhi. It is run by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

5. The Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Physics, Pune

The Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Physics, Pune was built in 1992. The
picturesque campus has lush green lawns and old British styled fountains. The complex,
designed by renowned architect Charles Correa, is situated on around 10 acres within
Savitribhai Phule Pune University. It has three distinct sections, with a total built-up area of
over 1,50,000 square feet: Akashganga, the housing complex; Devyani, the institutional
complex; and Aditi, the auditorium.

6. Ismaili Centre

The most striking feature of the Ismaili Centre in Toronto is the prayer hall with crystalline
frosted glass dome and elegant steel trusses. Correa sought to create a building that responds
to the traditions of Islamic architecture in a contemporary way using modern materials.

7. Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown

Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown in Lisbon, Protugal was designed by Correa in 2004. It
is a research foundation with a mission to develop programmes of advanced biomedical
research and provide clinical care of excellence.

References:

- https://www.dnaindia.com/india/photo-gallery-best-works-of-india-s-greatest-architect-charles-correa-
2096317/ismaili-centre-designed-by-charles-correa-2096342

- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-Correa
 LAURIE BAKER Laurence Wilfred
Baker, Master of Bricks

“Small is not only beautiful but is often

essential and more important than Large”

Born: March 2, 1917 Birmingham, England

Died: April 1, 2007 (aged 90)

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

was a British-born Indian


architect, renowned for his
initiatives in cost-effective
energy-efficient architecture
and designs that maximized
space, ventilation and light and
maintained an uncluttered yet
striking aesthetic sensibility.
 the true meaning of
architecture lies in the
responsible and prudent use of limited resources and imbibing the
characteristics that surround it.

WORKS & CONTRIBUTION

1. Leprosy homes across India, various dates Children’s Village, Kulashekaram,

1965

2. Loyola Women’s Hostel, Sreekaryam, 1971

3.Centre for Development Studies, Ulloor, 1971

4. St John’s Cathedral, Thiruvella, 1973

5. Fisherman’s village, Poonthura, 1974

6. Chitralekha Film Studio, Thiruvananthapuram, 1976

7. Tourist Centre, Ponmudi, 1980

8. Experimental Houses, New Delhi, 1980

9. Indian Coffee House, Thiruvananthapuram, 1989

References:

- https://www.architectural-review.com/essays/reputations/laurie-baker-1917-2007
- https://surfacesreporter.com/articles/82410/architectural-inspirations-the-work-of-laurie-baker

BRINDA SOMAYA
“The Architect's role is that of
guardian – his is the conscience of the
built and un-built environment.”

Born: June 28, 1949 (age 74 years)

An Indian architect and


urban conservationist who
has merged architecture,
conservation and social
equity in projects ranging
from institutional campuses
and rehabilitation of a
village impacted by an
earthquake, to the
restoration of an 18th
century cathedral. She
founded SNK in 1978.
 Brinda Somaya is Principal
Architect & Managing
Director of Somaya & Kalappa Consultants (SNK), based in Mumbai, India.

WORKS & CONTRIBUTION

1. Rajabai Clock Tower and Library Building, Mumbai

The Neo Gothic Bombay building was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, an English architect
of Victorian age who also designed the Convocation Hall. The foundation stone was laid on 1st
March 1869. It took 9 years (November 1878) to complete.

2. Goa Institute of Management, Goa

Spread on 50 acres of land, the environment of Goa Institute of Management is a closed-

campus institutional facility. The site opens up to panoramic vistas of the Western Ghats and
has many levels – gradual and sudden. The program for the institutional facility with the
residences for students and faculty is fragmented in 4 sets of buildings. Spread over the site
and connected by many pathways, these sets are organized along two perpendicular axes. The
campus is environmentally planned to harvest rainwater from recharge pits and swales while
the Laterite extracted from the site is used in construction.

3. Colaba Woods
First realized public project. The small piece of land where Colaba Woods now stands was the
only piece of open land left from the original reclamation. One of the most significant aspects
of the project was that it was one of the first public–private partnerships where private
citizens partnered with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai to design a citizens’
public space. This project points the way to the sort of initiatives that are necessary in many
large cities in India.

4. Nityanand Ashram

Ganeshpuri is a small temple-town on the peripheries of Mumbai and the Nityanand Ashram is
a religious hermitage with a temple as the center of the complex. The temple and its environs
were in a constant state of deterioration, and there were encroachments by the flower sellers
and small shops. The plaza of the temple was disorganized, and the board of temple trustees
were keen on revamping this plaza. In the process, they relocated the shops at some distance
from the temple in contemporary facilities. When the shops were complete, the shop owners
declined to move.

As I visited the temple complex in the following week with some of my colleagues from the
studio, I asked the flower sellers about the reason for their resistance to move into new and
well-built shops. We then realized their needs for the project. One of the sellers said, “Nobody
asked us what we wanted. They have built the shops far away from the temple. We have to be
located on the way to the temple so that devotees stop and buy our flowers. We don’t sell all
our flowers every day, and we can’t afford to throw them away in the evening! We have to
have a raised platform; below which we can keep our flowers overnight. We also need a place
to display and hang our wares on posts outside. How do people know what we have and what
we are selling: the types of flowers and lengths of malas (garlands)?” This project enabled me
to understand the significance of some fundamental questions that architects often don’t ask:
What is our role? Whom are we building for? What are their needs? What are their dreams
and aspirations? After all, we are not building for ourselves.

References:

- https://www.holcimfoundation.org/experts/brinda-somaya

- https://mascontext.com/observations/on-the-precious-work-of-brinda-somaya

-https://architecture.live/brinda-somaya/#:~:text=Her%20philosophy%3A%20the%20Architect's
%20role,built%20and%20un%2Dbuilt%20environment.

HAFEEZ CONTRACTOR Hafeez

Sorab Contractor

“Architecture should be honest and should

respond to the spirit of the time.”

Born: June 19, 1950 (age 73 years), Mumbai,

India
  He has designed many skyscrapers in India, primarily in the city of Mumbai.
 As of 2019, he is the architect of the three tallest buildings in India - The 42 in
Kolkata, and the twin towers of The Imperial in Mumbai.
 Ar. Contractor has also invested a lot of time in researching and hypothesizing ways
in which he could bring positive impact to the urban environment of the country
with proposals for public spaces and slum redevelopment.

WORKS & CONTRIBUTION

1. DLF Ericsson, Gurgaon – 122002, Dlf Cyber City, Sector-25A

DLF Ericsson, A Technologically advanced company in the field of telecom and electronics was
looking to erect a new facility in New Delhi with an architecture that reflected its brand values.
The building designed by Hafeez Contractor offers world-class infrastructure including global
connectivity, flexible floor plans, high-speed elevators, and international fire safety standards.
Construction Year 2015.

2. Ideal Topsia Kolkata Topsia Post Office, Topsia, South 24 Parganas

Designed in the eastern fringes of Kolkata, in the neighbourhoods of Topsia, this tower stands
out in the entire area. It is one of the Luxury hotels in the locality. The architect has used the
glass facade, which is part of the style of architecture that Hafeez does. Construction Year 11
June 2015.

3. Sarala Birla Academy, Jigni Road Bangalore

Although the structure doesn’t have a complete glazed Facade, still Hafeez’s signature style is
evident in the Sarala Birla Academy at Bangalore. In the opinion of some, the building looks
like a church, more than an education institute. Construction year 2004.

4. Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology Dhai Ali Rd, Matok Gohain,
Assam

Another Institutional building designed by the Contractor, RGIPT is an institution of national

importance. Hafeez has designed the campus using a series of green spaces and the water
bodies. Also, considering the climate, most of the structures are designed using sloping roofs.

5. Indian School of Business

Indian School of Business in Hyderabad is yet another good example of the Institutional
Campus by Hafeez. This is among his initial great projects before he started using glass
everywhere. The campus uses a straight axis with buildings on either side. Also, the choice of
material was stone and concrete for this. Construction Year: 2001.
6. Pimpri- Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Mumbai-Pune Road, Pimpri, Pune-
411018, Maharashtra, INDIA, Construction Year: 1982.

6. Mahindra World School, Tamil Nadu, Construction Year: 2002.

7. Mahindra World School, New Delhi, Construction Year: 2005.

8. Aakriti Skypark, Mumbai, Construction Year:2006.

9. D Y Patil Sports Stadium, Construction Year: 2008.

References:

- https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/know-your-architects/a304-20-iconic-projects-by-hafeez-
contractor/

- https://www.famous-architects.org/hafeez-contractor/

- https://gosmartbricks.com/hafeez-contractor-7-interesting-things-to-know/

I.M. PEI Ieoh Ming Pei

“Form Follows Intention”

“Bridge Between the Old and New”

Born: April 26, 1917, Guangzhou, China

Died: May 16, 2019, New York, US

 Chinese-born American architect

noted for his large, elegantly
designed urban buildings and
complexes.
 Pei's first major recognition came
with the Mesa Laboratory at the
National Center for Atmospheric
Research in Colorado (designed in
1961, and completed in 1967).
WORKS & CONTRIBUTION

1. Place Ville-Marie, Montreal, Canada (1962)

Place Ville Marie was one of the first completed buildings by I.M. Pei in partnership with Henry
N. Cobb, and transformed the skyline of Montreal — at the time of its completion, it was the
third tallest skyscraper on Earth outside the United States. It remains a bold example of the
International Style, and cemented Pei and his firm as a key advocate of Modernist
architecture.

2. Luce Memorial Chapel, Taichung, Taiwan (1963)

One of Pei’s most striking buildings, the Luce Memorial Chapel was completed in 1963 and
stands as a central landmark of Tunghai University. Originally designed as a multi-planar,
wooden structure, the structural system was altered due to seismic concerns. Instead, an
elegant lattice of reinforced concrete beams was used to brace each swooping plane of the
building, giving the chapel its unique, iconic form.

3. Mesa Laboratory (National Center for Atmospheric Research), Boulder, Colo.

(1967)

An example of I.M. Pei’s love of blending Modernist and vernacular styles, Mesa Laboratory is
famous for its Anasazi-inspired architecture and use of bush-hammered concrete, a material
common to the area. Basing the design on the incredible cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, Pei said
he wanted the research center to look “as if it were carved out of the mountain.” The building
was named Laboratory of the Year upon opening in 1967.

4. Dallas City Hall, Dallas (1977)

I.M. Pei’s use of an inverted prism for Dallas City Hall was a direct result of the programmatic
requirements of the building — much less space was needed for public areas and citizen
services than for the governmental offices above. Pei designed the building to act as the civic
heart of the city. “When you do a city hall,” he said, “it has to convey an image of the people,
and this had to represent the people of Dallas.”

5. East Building, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. (1978)

Pei’s addition to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., struck a remarkable contrast
with John Russell Pope’s original neoclassical building. Façades of warm-colored stone and a
monumental sense of scale were designed to pay homage to the older building, but Pei
eschewed ornament and fussy fenestration to form a truly modern wing for this historic
institution.

6. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston (1979)

Following the tragedy of John F. Kennedy’s assassination, a powerful architectural statement

was needed for the Presidential Library, one that would stand as a fitting tribute to one of
America’s most popular leaders. Pei provided it, composing a striking form from concrete and
glass that became an instant icon for Boston. The architect considers this “the most important
commission” in his life.

7. Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong (1989)

Considered one of Hong Kong’s most iconic skyscrapers, I.M. Pei’s Bank of China Tower is a
stunning, asymmetrical construction set in the center of the city’s skyline. The 70-story-tall
tower anchors Hong Kong’s massive business district and serves as a symbol of the ambitions
of the Chinese people and goodwill toward the British colony. The design, a faceted prism clad
in reflective glass, was inspired by the growth patterns of a bamboo plant.

8. Louvre Pyramid and La Pyramide Inversée, Louvre, Paris, France (1993)

After nearly 25 years of existence, the glass and steel pyramid that serves as the Louvre’s main
entrance is one of I.M. Pei’s seminal works. The crystalline structure, a perfect juxtaposition
against the museum’s French Renaissance style, matches the proportions of the famous
Pyramids of Giza. Standing 22 meters high (72 feet) with 30-meter (98-meter) sloping sides,
the pyramid invites visitors underground to explore this historic museum.

References:

- https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/industry/i-m-pei-passes-away-aged-102/

- https://www.britannica.com/technology/skyscraper

- https://whereisthenorth.com/im-pei-famous-works-and-philosophies/