B V Doshi Architecture works, Biography and Quotes

Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi (B.V. Doshi) is an Indian architect and urban planner, considered to be one of the most important figures in the development of architectural discourse in India. He was born in 1927 in Pune, India and received his architectural education at the Sir J.J. School of Architecture in Bombay. He later traveled to Europe, where he studied under Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn.

Doshi’s work is characterized by a deep understanding of Indian culture, traditions, and climate, and a commitment to sustainable design. He has designed a wide range of buildings, including low-cost housing, educational institutions, and cultural centers, and is known for his use of local materials and construction techniques.

One of his notable works is the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Ahmedabad, which is considered one of the most important examples of modern Indian architecture. The building is designed to incorporate traditional Indian courtyard spaces, with a central open courtyard surrounded by academic and administrative buildings. The design also incorporates passive cooling techniques, such as cross ventilation and shading, to reduce the need for air conditioning.

Another notable project is Aranya Low Cost Housing in Indore, India, for which Doshi was awarded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1996. The project, comprising of 80,000 homes, was designed to provide affordable housing for the economically weaker section of society, while also promoting a sense of community and self-sufficiency among its residents.

Doshi has also been a strong advocate for education and has been a visiting professor at several universities around the world. He has also established the Vastu-Shilpa Foundation for Studies and Research in Environmental Design, which conducts research and education on architecture, planning, and urban design.

Doshi has received numerous awards for his contributions to architecture, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan by the government of India, the Royal Gold Medal by the Royal Institute of British Architects, and the Praemium Imperiale by the Japan Art Association.

B.V. Doshi is considered a pioneer of Indian architecture and his works continues to be an inspiration to many Architects around the world. His work has been widely recognized and continues to be a source of inspiration for architects, urban planners, and students of architecture.