Celebrated architect behind Indian Institute Of Management–Lucknow design passes away

LUCKNOW: Celebrated architect Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi is known world over for his pioneering designs of the Gujarat's CEPT University, Amdavad ni Gufa, NIFT Delhi , IIM Bangalore and Udaipur , Aranya Low Cost Housing Development in Indore and Atira Housing-Ahmedabad among others. But what many may not know is the Padma Bhushan and Pritzker Prize recipient's strong connection with UP.

Doshi, who died at 95 at his home in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, had designed the Jnana-Pravaha Centre for Cultural Studies in Varanasi that overlooks the majestic Ramnagar Fort across the Ganga.Doshi - Pole Star in the world of architecture - had also drawn the masterplan of IIM-Lucknow, which is spread over 185 acres and set in a placid environment.

The iconic new building of Jnana-Pravaha was christened Pratichi and inaugurated by the then Governor Vishnu Kant Shastri in 2001. The building houses a multi-purpose hall, seminar and classrooms, an exhibition area, a library, museum, and a block dedicated to the administration. Talking to TOI, Doshi's son-in-law Rajiv Kathpalia, said: "Doshi believed in celebrating life.

He used to say architecture is a backdrop to life and all his classics are dedicated to life." About Jnana-Pravaha, Kathpalia, also an architect, said: "The building is a homage to the Ganga... It represents the kind of complexities and sanctity Kashi represents."

"Apart from Jnana-Pravaha, Doshi also designed the masterplan of IIM-Lucknow," he said before dashing to attend the stalwart's funeral.

Bimal Patel , President of CEPT University in Ahmedabad and Central Vista Project architect, said: "Doshi's death is a great loss to the world of architecture. It marks the end of an era. Doshi's contribution to architecture is multi-faceted." UP's imprint is also visible in the building of IIMBangalore, a pilgrimage for the students of architecture and practicing architects.

The sprawling 100-acre campus is based on the design of Fatehpur Sikri, the town laid by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 16th century. Doshi, who worked with legends like Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn , designed the campus by linking a network of corridors, courtyards and external spaces allowing for future extensions.