Hon’ble Padma Bhushan

Ar. B.V. Doshi

Pritzker Laureate

Prof. Ar. Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi (1927-2023) was a towering figure in Indian architecture, renowned globally for his profound contributions that blended modernist principles with a deep understanding of Indian context, culture, and climate. Having worked under architectural giants like Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn, Doshi developed a unique architectural philosophy rooted in human-centered design, sustainability, and social responsibility.

His illustrious career, spanning over 70 years, saw the creation of numerous iconic projects across India, including the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, the experimental Amdavad ni Gufa art gallery, his own studio Sangath, and the pioneering Aranya Low-Cost Housing in Indore. The Aranya project, which provides affordable and dignified housing, earned him the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

Beyond his prolific design work, Doshi was a dedicated educator and institution builder. He founded the School of Architecture (now CEPT University) in Ahmedabad, fostering a new generation of architects. His immense influence and innovative approach were recognized with the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2018, making him the first Indian architect to receive this highest honor in architecture. He was also awarded the Royal Gold Medal by the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2022, and India’s Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. Doshi’s legacy continues to inspire architects worldwide to create spaces that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also deeply connected to their environment and the communities they serve.