What a loss! Devastated to know that Architect Balkrishna Doshi (26th August 1927- 24th January 2023) has left the mortal body in the age of 95. One of the most extraordinary talents of our time and a phenomenal force in the world of architecture, I cannot completely comprehend the enormity of this loss. Professor Doshi was a world in himself, always creating, caring and celebrating architecture & life.
The words that come to my mind when I think about Ar BV Doshi are “irreplaceable, extraordinary and full-of-life” - and that relates to both his work and life. And yes, who can forget his smile, so sweet and welcoming always!
A note from the family says, “Loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, no one loved life more than him, ‘Anand Karo’ - Celebrate Life as he would always say.”
He made India so proud as the first ever architect from the country to receive the Pritzker Prize (2018). With his background of working under masters like Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn, Ar Balkrishna Doshi has built a repertoire of projects so grounded, sensible and for the people and community. From his humble beginnings in the family owned furniture unit to designing amazing projects for 70+ years, Ar Doshi will be forever remembered for his outstanding contribution, child-like enthusiasm, groundedness, passion and commitment to sensible & sustainable architecture.
Among his many iconic projects are the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore; Amdavad ni Gufa, a cave-like art gallery that exhibits the work of artist M F Husain; Shreyas Comprehensive School Campus in Ahmedabad; Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and many more.
Apart from being awarded the Pritzker, an international recognition equivalent to the Nobel Prize in Architecture, Prof BV Doshi was bestowed with the coveted Padma Shri in 1976 and RIBA’s Royal Gold Medal in 2021.
I feel immensely privileged to have known and met Ar Doshi during our sessions with Surfaces Reporter.
Ar BV Doshi’s message for WADE ASIA for #WomeninDesign is one of my treasured possessions. He had said, “Vertica, I think to stabilise architecture, women must be more and more involved in this profession and they must be successful!”
Another fond memory is to receive a signed copy of his book, “Paths Uncharted.” This book is a treasure house with insights of the life of an architect and a compilation of several decades of learning, architecture and his time with the masters.
PM Narendra Modi has tweeted, “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. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
SURFACES REPORTER (SR) salutes the legend and will be focusing an issue on the great architect.
Share your messages for Ar Doshi to press@surfacesreporter.com
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Author - Vertica Dvivedi, Publisher, Surfaces Reporter Magazine