Architect Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi Passes Away Aged 95; PM Mourns Demise
Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi, one of India’s most famous architects, passed away at the age of 95. Doshi, who was awarded the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2018, was renowned for his innovative and sustainable designs.
Early Life and Career
Doshi was born in Pune, India, in 1927. He studied architecture at the JJ School of Architecture in Mumbai and later went on to work with the legendary French-Swiss architect Le Corbusier in Paris. Doshi returned to India in 1954 and established his own architectural practice in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Achievements and Contributions
Doshi was a pioneer in sustainable architecture and believed in designing buildings that were in harmony with the natural environment. He was instrumental in designing many iconic buildings in India, including the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore, the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Delhi, and the Sangath architecture studio in Ahmedabad.
Doshi was also known for his social housing projects, where he designed affordable housing for low-income families. His work in this area earned him international recognition and praise.
Awards and Honours
Doshi was the recipient of numerous awards and honours throughout his career. In addition to the Pritzker Architecture Prize, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1976, the Padma Bhushan in 1991, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2020, which is one of India’s highest civilian honours.
Doshi was also a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects and an Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. In 2011, he was awarded the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture by the French Institute of Architecture.
Tributes Pour In
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes to Doshi, describing him as a “courageous and versatile architect.” He tweeted, “His work was an inspiration for many and his brilliance will continue to be remembered for generations.”
Many other architects and designers also paid tribute to Doshi on social media, highlighting his contributions to the field of architecture and his commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Conclusion
Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi was a visionary architect whose work has left a lasting impact on the field of architecture in India and around the world. His innovative designs, commitment to sustainability, and social housing projects have earned him international recognition and praise. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of architects and designers.
Important Points of Learn from this News for Exams
| Topic | Main Points |
|---|---|
| Early Life and Education | – Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi was born on August 26, 1927, in Pune, Maharashtra. <br>- He studied architecture at the Sir J.J. School of Architecture in Mumbai. <br>- He was mentored by the renowned architect Le Corbusier. |
| Career and Contributions | – Doshi worked with Le Corbusier in Paris and Chandigarh, where he played a key role in designing the city’s master plan and several important buildings. <br>- He also worked with American architect Louis Kahn. <br>- Doshi’s own architectural practice, Vastushilpa Consultants, was founded in 1956 and has designed numerous landmark buildings and projects in India and around the world. <br>- He was known for his commitment to sustainability and promoting traditional Indian architecture and design. |
| Legacy and Awards | – Doshi won the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2018. <br>- He also received numerous other awards and honors, including the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan. <br>- His legacy lives on through the many architects and designers he mentored and inspired throughout his career. |
| Conclusion | – Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi’s passing is a great loss to the world of architecture and design. <br>- His work in affordable housing, sustainability, and urban planning has left an indelible mark on the field. <br>- His legacy will continue to live on through the buildings and projects he designed, the architects and designers he mentored, and the many people whose lives he touched and transformed through his work. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q: Who was Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi?
Ans: Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi was a renowned Indian architect known for his work in affordable housing, sustainability, and urban planning.
Q: When did Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi pass away?
Ans: Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi passed away on March 16, 2022, at the age of 95.
Q: What was Doshi’s education background?
Ans: Doshi studied architecture at the Sir J.J. School of Architecture in Mumbai and was mentored by the renowned architect Le Corbusier.
Q: What were Doshi’s contributions to architecture?
Ans: Doshi worked with Le Corbusier in Paris and Chandigarh, and also collaborated with American architect Louis Kahn. He founded his own architectural practice, Vastushilpa Consultants, which designed numerous landmark buildings and projects in India and around the world. He was known for his commitment to sustainability and promoting traditional Indian architecture and design.
Q: What awards and honors did Doshi receive?
Ans: Doshi won the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2018 and also received numerous other awards and honors, including the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan.
Q: What is Doshi’s legacy?
Ans: Doshi’s legacy lives on through the many architects and designers he mentored and inspired throughout his career, and his innovative work in affordable housing, sustainability, and urban planning that has left an indelible mark on the field of architecture and design.
