An era of Indian Architecture came to an end on January 24, 2023, with the passing away of Prof. Balkrishna Vithaldas (B.V.) Doshi– one of the greatest Indian Architects of all time. The Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee leaves behind a career spanning over seven decades. An Educator and Urbanist, Prof. Doshi had closely worked with Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn and Anant Raje. The first Founder Dean of the Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT) was also instrumental in revolutionising Architectural Education in India.
His passing away is indeed the end of an era, but like Professor Doshi said, “Life is Intangible”- the Architect continues to live in the legacy he left behind. He lives within the campus of IIM Bangalore and the humble Aranya housing, the walls of CEPT- whose studios he would casually walk into to interact with students and the Mecca for Indian Architects- Sangath, the studio of his practice Vastu-Shilpa. A life beautifully lived, one of India’s Greatest will live on as an inspiration to Indian Architects and Architectural Students, many of whom regard him as their teacher and idol. His passing away leaves behind a void that cannot be filled.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Prof. Doshi and to the entire community of Architects- India’s first and only Pritzker Awardee will remain an indelible part of Indian Architecture.
