OBITUARY VIKRAM LALL– The Pride of CCA

OBITUARY: VIKRAM LALL– The Pride of CCA, by Dr S.S. Bhatti

The sad, sudden, and untimely demise of Vikram Lall comes as a rude shock to all members of CCA Extended Family. He breathed his last in Brussels [Belgium] on 27 December 2020 from heart-related complications. He was one of CCA’s most conscientious, creative, and promising alumni. He showed his mettle as the principal architect of Lall & Associates, an architectural firm that he established in New Delhi after his graduation, followed by a master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Design from the University of Cambridge.
OBITUARY VIKRAM LALL– The Pride of CCA

The sad, sudden, and untimely demise of Vikram Lall comes as a rude shock to all members of CCA Extended Family. He breathed his last in Brussels [Belgium] on 27 December 2020 from heart-related complications. He was one of CCA’s most conscientious, creative, and promising alumni. He showed his mettle as the principal architect of Lall & Associates, an architectural firm that he established in New Delhi after his graduation, followed by a master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Design from the University of Cambridge.

True to the spirit of holistic education that I had sought CCA to impart to the students, Vikram diversified the gift of his enviable creativity into architectural practice, teaching, research, musicology, and art appreciation. He taught at several architectural schools in India and abroad and was also a member of the Visiting Faculty at the School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi.

Vikram’s passion for the conservation and promotion of India’s rich cultural heritage led to the formation of a non-profit organisation called SAAR, Society for Art Appreciation and Research. For SAAR, he curated concerts and gave presentations on the literary, artistic, and musical traditions of India here and overseas. Until recently, he was directing and anchoring a television series on the History of Musical Traditions of India for Doordarshan, India’s National Television broadcaster.

Lall helped design several landmark buildings, including the Akshardham Temple in New Delhi in collaboration with BAPS [Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha] and Sompuras, traditional temple architects. In addition to his important role in the design of the Akshardham Temple, Lall was a design management consultant in the creation of the Indian School of Business and contributed to the design of Buddha Smriti Park, Patna.

Image may contain: sky, plant, tree and outdoor

In his path-breaking book “The Golden Lands”, he described the history, styles, and interpretation of Buddhist temples, monasteries, and ancient monuments across Southeast Asia. The book was released in London, Brussels, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. In India, it was launched by the Buddhist leader Dalai Lama.

Vikram Lall was an award-winning architect, educator, author, and patron of the arts. Well versed with the eastern and western ideologies, he had the knack to creatively bridge them under his personal signature. He was honoured by the President of India, and his projects have been extensively covered in several national and international journals. Vikram had taught at several architectural schools in India and abroad. His areas of research and interest included History, Theory, and Criticism of Architecture, and Conservation Studies.

Vikram’s untimely demise is a tragic loss to the profession of architecture, in general, and his alma mater, CCA, in particular. I will personally miss him for his winsome demeanour, disarming civility, and ebullient creativity, in my capacity as his teacher and principal.

Image may contain: sky, cloud, outdoor and nature

I pray to the Almighty Father to grant his bereaved family the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss in submission to His inscrutable will. Vikram will be missed by all those who had the good fortune to be enriched by his blessed presence beside his invaluable contribution to various branches of Architecture and allied disciplines. Vikram had taught at several architectural schools in India and abroad. His areas of research and interest included History, Theory, and Criticism of Architecture, and Conservation Studies.

I pray to the Almighty Father to grant his bereaved family the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss in submission to His inscrutable will. Vikram will be missed by all those who had the good fortune to be enriched by his blessed presence beside his invaluable contribution to various branches of Architecture and allied disciplines.

Image may contain: 1 person

May the departed soul rest in peace!

—Dr SS Bhatti
Founder-teacher and former Principal,
Chandigarh College of Architecture [CCA]

Share your comments

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Recent

Grid, Bangalore, by ma+rs

Grid, Bangalore, by ma+rs

Grid, Bangalore, by ma+rs, redefines institutional architecture by addressing the shortcomings of conventional office designs in the Indian context. Through a thoughtful fusion of form and function, the building seamlessly integrates public, private, and collective spaces across its distinct volumes.

Read More »
Thapar University

The Architectural Reshaping of Thapar University

Thapar University, DesignPlus Architecture by was redefined by infusing traditional and modern elements. At the forefront stood the majestic learning laboratory buildings, a multi-story edifice adorned with a striking red stone facade.

Read More »
Book Launch | Making Chandigarh: A Vintage History

Book | Making Chandigarh: A Vintage History

“Making of Chandigarh: A Vintage History” co-authored by Sarbjit Bahga and Arun Mirchandani offers a unique pictorial journey through 575 vintage photographs, capturing the city’s evolution from 1950 to the 1990s. With a focus on the city-making process, the book, enriched with more than 50 drawings, serves as a comprehensive tribute to the photographers and the multitude of contributors who played a crucial role in shaping Chandigarh.

Read More »

The 100, Calicut, by Nestcraft Architecture

In this rural escape, The 100, Calicut, by Nestccraft Architecture, ensures a firm marriage between functionality and aesthetics and the planning suggests four bedrooms with attached toilets in a plinth area of 21OO square feet. The home and wabi-sabi landscape within this boundary facilitate meaningful life to 1OO souls.

Read More »
Pune

Pune – An Ever-Evolving Jewel

The essay traces the transformation of Pune from a quaint town to the vibrant city it is today. Mostly it is about the city’s aspects, which make it different and unique. The narrative reminisces about the city’s cultural richness and festive glory. It also points out a bit about the challenges posed by urbanization. But despite everything, Pune successfully retains its cultural essence, making it a city that preserves its glorious heritage while transforming.
This essay by Arpita Khamitkar is amongst the shortlisted essays.

Read More »

Reflection of Urban Inclusivity And Reality

The essay reflects on the author’s childhood memories centred around the Kohinoor Textile Mill. The mill, part of Mumbai’s Girangaon, played a significant role in the city’s industrial growth until the early 1980s. The essay fondly recalls the mill’s impact on the community, its cultural richness, and personal experiences. The author expresses concern about the loss of community identity and the impact of privatization, highlighting the need for sustainable urban development that preserves the city’s history. This essay by Pornima Buddhivant is amongst the shortlisted essays.

Read More »

WE ARE HIRING /

ArchitectureLive! is hiring for various roles, starting from senior editors, content writers, research associates, graphic designer and more..

 

PARTICIPATE /