The architectural and urban design fraternity mourns the loss of Prof. Ranjit Sabikhi, a trailblazing architect, educator, and urban designer. Prof. Sabikhi passed away on December 14, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has profoundly shaped urban design and architectural education in the country.
Prof. Sabikhi began his architectural journey in 1961, practicing in New Delhi after completing his education and gaining experience with Chamberlin Powell & Bon in London. During his time in London, he contributed to landmark projects like the Golden Lane Housing and the early concept designs for the Barbican Centre, experiences that honed his ability to merge modernist design principles with a human-centric approach.
In the early 1970s, Prof. Sabikhi founded India’s first Urban Design program at the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, where he taught from 1959 to 1975. His work as an educator also took him to prestigious international institutions, including the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University and Washington University in St. Louis, where he served as a visiting critic.
Prof. Sabikhi’s career was defined by a prolific body of work that spanned over six decades. As a founder of The Design Group in 1961 and later the Arcop Design Group in 1974, he led a diverse portfolio of projects across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. His major works included educational campuses, commercial complexes, urban design projects, and hospitality landmarks such as,Oberoi Wildflower Hall Hotel project at Shimla, National Council of YMCA in New Delhi, YMCA Institute of Engineering in Faridabad, Janakpuri District Centre, August Kranti Bhawan at Bhikaji Cama Place and Trident Hotel at Cochin.
His designs reflected a deep sensitivity to cultural contexts and the environment, earning him accolades, inclusion in international exhibitions, and recognition in publications on contemporary Indian architecture. As an advocate for better urban design practices, he participated in international conferences and served on juries for significant global projects, including the New World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Since 1990, Prof. Sabikhi practiced independently under Ranjit Sabikhi Associates, continuing his commitment to architectural excellence. Revered by his students and peers alike, he was a mentor, innovator, and thought leader whose contributions have set a benchmark for future generations of urban designers and architects.
In addition to his professional achievements, Prof. Sabikhi recently authored the book “A Sense of Space: The Crisis of Urban Design in India”. The book reflects his deep concerns about the unplanned growth of Indian cities and explores solutions to the challenges of urbanization. Through his writing, he urged architects, planners, and policymakers to adopt more inclusive and sustainable approaches to urban development, ensuring that cities work for all sections of society.
Prof. Sabikhi’s passing marks the end of an era, but his visionary work and ideas will continue to inspire for generations to come. The architectural community extends heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
4 Responses
Immeasurable loss to architectural fraternity.
My homage to Ranjit Sabiki. He was such a genuine person and I had known him since my childhood when he came a couple of times to our house to meet my father at Babur Road. Later on I met him a couple of times and found him to be an extremely sensitive person and an involved thinker. Naman.
A teacher, who can always provoke discourses on urban issues and their manifestations.multi faceted personality and keen observant of urban life. Initiated urban design thinking process in India and trying to make places work.
I met him at the International Conference on Indian Traditions in New Delhi in the winter of 1997. To me he came across as a mild mannered person and was interested in the poster we had made called ‘Recycling Buildings Ideas and Cities’ and appreciated what our office had achieved in the short period of ten years. I felt honoured and privileged to have met him as I had heard about him and seen his work in A+D.