Neelkanth Chhaya

Prof. Neelkanth Chhaya announced as inaugural recipient of Balkrishna Doshi Guru Ratna Award by Vastu Shilpa Foundation

Professor Neelkanth Chhaya has researched and worked extensively in the domain of appropriate architecture for India and has extensively documented places of historic significance.
Neelkanth Chhaya

Vastu Shilpa Foundation has announced Prof. Neelkanth Chhaya as the inaugural recipient of the ‘Balkrishna Doshi Guru Ratna Award 2023’.

Prof. Neelkanth Chhaya announced as inaugural recipient of Balkrishna Doshi Guru Ratna Award by Vastu Shilpa Foundation 1
Prof. Neelkanth Chhaya. Image © VSF

The award is given in recognition of his exceptional contributions to education, innovation and transformative mentorship.

Prof. Neelkanth Chhaya is an architect and academic who has been practicing in Ahmedabad since 1987. He started Mandala Design Services in Vadodara with partners Kallol Joshi and Sohan Neelkanth. He taught at the Faculty of Architecture at CEPT University from 1987 to 2012, when he retired as the Dean of the Faculty. He also taught earlier at the University of Nairobi and at the Institute of Environmental Design, Vallabh Vidyanagar, and has been an Adjunct Faculty at Srishti School of Design, Bengaluru. Professor Chhaya has researched and worked extensively in the domain of appropriate architecture for India and has extensively documented places of historic significance. He recently collaborated with Hunnarshala to build a cost-effective crafts centre in Kutch, Gujarat

12 Responses

  1. Wonderful news Prof Chhaya !!
    Heartiest Congratulations and best wishes
    Regards,
    Arun & Anita Bhattacharya

  2. Chhaya is a fine human being, a thinking architect and teacher. Eminently deserved Award!!
    Congrats Chhaya Sab!!

  3. Congratulations Prof Chayya,
    A wonderful moment indeed.
    So happy to see you as the first recipient of this award. You brought alive our history clases where the buildings and landscape spoke volumes to our young minds. We were indeed blessed to have your presence and guidance through all the years of Architecture design studio and thesis years at SA CEPT.
    Hope you leave your teaching legacy behind for the future generations to come.
    Warm Regards
    Suparna Ray

Share your comments

Recent

Architecture Ouroboros © Kavas Kapadia1

Indian Architecture: Taming the Ouroboros for a Brighter Future

In his article, Kavas Kapadia paints a hopeful picture of the future of Indian architecture, showcasing how despite challenges like identity struggles and limited support, dedicated Indian architects are beginning to thrive, innovate, and establish their presence, hinting at a promising future for the profession.

Read More »

What It Takes to Succeed in Architecture Profession

Anoop Menon writes about architecture as a profession requiring more than talents—critical thinking, problem-solving, and significant financial commitment. He presents an overview of what students should expect from academia and profession in general.

Read More »
Herati village, post-2023 earthquake. © UNDP/ People in centre

Domes of Identity: When Earthquake Challenges Herat’s Earthen Traditions

While the devastating 2023 earthquakes in Herat, Afghanistan, destroyed countless traditional earthen homes, exacerbating vulnerabilities, Juhi Desai and Vivek Rawal, People in Centre (PiC), elaborate on PiC’s reconstruction efforts with UNDP. The focus was on empowering local communities by incorporating hazard-resistant features into familiar building techniques like adobe and domical vaults, bridging tradition and safety.

Read More »