IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION

Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Balakrishna Vithaldas Doshi

Balakrishna Vithaldas Doshi, (born 26 August 1927) the 2018

recipient of The Pritzker prize or the “Noble in Architecture” is
an architect, academician and an urban planner. He was born in
Pune, India. He started his architectural education at the J. J.
School of Architecture, Mumbai in the year 1947. He is
consistently considered a pioneer of modern architecture in
India.

Several international and national awards and honours that Dr. Doshi has received for his
recognition are:
 Pritzker Architecture Prize, 2018
 Padma Shri, Government of India, 1976
 Honorary doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.
 France's highest honour for arts the 'Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters', 2011.
 6th Aga Khan Award for Architecture for Aranya Community Housing, 1993-1995

BV Doshi, is the first ever Indian to win architecture’s highest honor in its 40-year history. The
prize which has the likes of Philip Johnson, Frank Lloyd Wright, Norman Foster and Zaha Hadid
in its recipients’ list is often considered to be architecture’s highest honor.

Early works:
He worked with Le Corbusier, the pioneer of modernism for 8 years, earlier in Paris and in the
later years overseeing his projects in the cities of Chandigarh and Ahmedabad, the profound
impact of which can be seen in his modernist principles. He established the Vastu-Shilpa
Foundation for Studies and Research in Environment Design in 1955, known for pioneering
work in low-cost housing and architecture. His biggest contribution, though, would
undoubtedly be the Centre for Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT) in
Ahmedabad, which he founded in 1962, arguably India’s best school of architecture.
Having worked with Louis I. Kahn, a celebrated American architect, at the Indian Institute of
Management, Ahmedabad, Doshi’s architecture frequently witnesses the manifestation of
simplicity, clarity, austerity, consistency and precision conspicuous in Kahn’s architecture.
Doshi referred to Corbusier as the ‘Acrobat of architecture’ and Kahn as the ‘Yogi of
architecture’, a paradigm to Corbusier’s pliability to risks and innovation, and Kahn’s affinity
towards simplicity.

Nisham Limbu
2019 batch (2nd Sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
Architecture culture & history BAI1432 Page 1
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Background:
He was brought up in a large, tradition-bound family; so myth and story, ritual and ceremony,
sensuous delight seen in the intense tropical environment which contrasted with simplicity and
austerity in everyday life, forms Doshi’s childhood. Doshi’s childhood and youth were the years
when the Indian Independence movement had gripped the imagination of all. He can thus be
seen as an inheritor of the values thrown up during the pre-Independence era.
Therefore, his work shows a different and divergent set of interests. A sense of playful ease, an
enjoyment of difficult juxtapositions, a preference for multifarious and often fragmented parts
coming together, the acceptance of circumstance overriding or leavening the purity of the
concept, a sensuousness of material articulation, a joyful inclusion of the capriciousness of
natural or human actions.

Notable works:
Institutions like IIM, Bangalore and CEPT University, Ahmedabad are some of his notable works,
which incorporated nature and blurred the boundaries between the exterior and the interior,
continuously promoting interaction among the students.
A pioneer in low-cost housing and urban planning, Doshi’s ‘Aranya Township, Indore’ is an Aga-
Khan award winning project. This large-scale, low cost dwelling for the poor accommodates
80,000 people, incorporating hierarchical green spaces and commercial hubs, along with
private courtyards and well-maintained drainage systems.
He built for the masses, prioritizing the users over aesthetics. Doshi’s own architectural studio,’
Sangath’ is a masterpiece in itself, with the design conforming to site terrain and landscape,
assimilating sunken barrel vaults , blending and integrating north light into the built mass.

Architectural style:
BV Doshi is considered a pioneer of modern architecture in India. So, we can see modernism in
his architecture. Modern architecture was based upon new and innovative technologies of
construction, particularly the use of glass, steel and reinforced concrete; the idea that form
should follow function (functionalism); an embrace of minimalism; and a rejection of ornament.
Not only that, Brutalism is also seen in his works. Brutalist architecture, or Brutalism, is an
architectural style which is characterized by simple, block-like structures that often feature bare
building materials. Exposed concrete is favoured in construction; however, some examples are
primarily made of brick.
Thus, he is known as the pioneer of modernist and brutalist architecture in India. Having
worked under Le Corbusier and Louis Khan, he had the influence.

Nisham Limbu
2019 batch (2nd Sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
Architecture culture & history BAI1432 Page 2
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

In consideration to India’s traditions, lifestyles, and environment, Doshi designed structures

that offered refuge from the weather and provided spaces in which to gather. The buildings
designed by Doshi focus on conserving energy of the people and the nature that surrounds
them — by taking into account climate, natural surroundings like trees and gardens that help
create a synchronous life.
Examples:
Doshi’s early works show the influence of his mentors’ projects in India. The School of
Architecture in Ahmedabad, which Doshi founded and designed in 1966, recalls the grid facade
of the Mill Owners’ Association Building, while the use of brick and concrete evokes the Villa
Sarabhai. Appreciative of Le Corbusier’s ability “to create a soft light that makes people’s faces
glow,” Doshi included slanted skylights and sliding doors to manipulate light and to regulate
temperature. Ever mindful of India’s heat, he included recessed plazas shaded by leafy trees
throughout the campus to offer spaces where students could meet in comfort.
Doshi quickly became known for his commitment to providing affordable housing throughout
India, where a shortage of homes had plagued cities for decades.
Notably, he designed the Life Insurance Corporation Housing in Ahmedabad (1973) and the
Aranya Low Cost Housing in Indore (1989).
In addition to addressing practical needs, Doshi’s work could also be playful, as seen in one of
his most experimental projects, Amdavad Ni Gufa in Ahmedabad (1994). The art gallery
features the colourful work of artist Maqbool Fida Husain within an underground space. The
cavernous interior uses irregular columns that resemble mineral deposits and, like a cave, offers
a cool refuge from India’s heat. The bulbous roof, which is covered in a mosaic of white tiles, is
low enough to the ground that visitors can walk upon it, sit, and interact with one another.
Doshi’s other notable projects included the Institute of Indology, Ahmedabad (1962),
Premabhai Hall, Ahmedabad (1976), and the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (1977–
92). He was a visiting professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Washington
University in St. Louis, the University of Hong Kong, and other universities.

By seeing most of his works and knowing his design principles, we can already know that he
Doshi’s architecture is based on his observations and reactions to climate, to tradition, to
economy, and to landscape. Each work of his, is a journey for him, continuously evolving,
searching and changing. Few architects have stroked the enigma that he represents.

Nisham Limbu
2019 batch (2nd Sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
Architecture culture & history BAI1432 Page 3
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Aranya Low-Cost Housing Society:

Aranya Low-Cost Housing Society was constructed in 1989 in Indore and is located just 6 km
from the city centre. Conceptualised by Indore Development Authority, the total built-up area
of this society is 1 lakh sq. metre, constructed at a cost of Rs 100 million. The total idea of
conceiving this project was to improve and upgrade the existing slum area and provide around
6,500 residential plots of varying sizes starting from 350 sq. ft. for economically weaker section
to 4,750 sq. ft. for high-income groups. The entire project was funded by the sale proceeds of
the middle-income plots.

Site selection:
The location of Aranya Low-Cost Housing was strategic. The area has Delhi-Mumbai Highway
running on the east and has developing industrial areas on the north, south and west and
internal city roads to the north, south and west. The site was selected on the basis of linkages
to the city and employment opportunities in the surroundings.
Inspiration:
The word ‘Aranya’ means ‘forest’ in Hindi. Being a slum development project, the inspiration
was taken from the existing slum settlements where a small neighbourhood is formed with
houses extending to the outdoors. Trees were planted in public places and streets that could
accommodate social, economic and domestic activities were planned. Most of the plots are
small in size and clustered in low rise blocks along with longer side façade oriented in the north-
south axis to reduce the solar radiation on the building.
Design objective:
 Create a township with a sense of continuity and fundamental values of security in good
living environment.
 Achieve a community character by establishing harmony between the built environment and
the people.
 Create a balanced community of various socio economic groups to evolve a framework
through design.
Nisham Limbu
2019 batch (2nd Sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
Architecture culture & history BAI1432 Page 4
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Neighbourhood concept:
The community was designed in a way so that all the facilities are evenly distributed and a link
with the town centre can be maintained. It’s mixed and multiple land use which is formed of
small neighbourhood and houses extending to the outdoors. Pedestrian access was made easy.
The aim was to create a central spine. Aranya master plan was informal with interlinked space
of cultural context and maintenance of roads, open spaces and a central location for basic
community services. The central spine was a focus of the converging six sectors. Six sector
enabled segregation of pedestrian and vehicular movement, good distribution of built and
unbuilt spaces by promoting interactive land use. The MIG and HIG plots were placed close to
arterial roads while EWS and LIG plots were uniformly distributed across the plot. Almost 58 per
cent of the total space was occupied for housing, 26 per cent for roads, 9 per cent for open
spaces and 7 per cent for community and commercial facilities. The building height to street
width ratio is such that streets are shaded except when the sun is overhead. The courtyards
within the houses, public squares and small activity areas are shaded adequately by adjacent
buildings. Back in 1989, each plot was provided with a water tank, sewerage connection, paved
access with street lights, storm water drainage.
Landscape:
For landscaping the area, trees that require little maintenance were planted including
casuarinas, bottle brush and eucalyptus. For clear segregation of vehicular and pedestrian
traffic, informal interlinked open spaces were created that were only used for pedestrians.
Vehicular access was limited to rectilinear and formal roads which were 15-meter wide. The
service slot has been integrated as design element helping break the continuous built mass and
becoming useful play area for children with platform for neighbourly interaction.
Interior:
The units are dense, and space is achieved through verticality and opening rooms to one
another without separating them by doors. Though the units are attached, this is not designed
as each dwelling has its own entrance and stairs, giving a sense of belonging and ownership to
the dwellers. Majority of the spaces are used as private areas, and not all the units have living
area/public place. The privacy in the units is minimum since in all units there is no lobby and
one enters directly into the private area. No space has been wasted, and maximum use of space
is achieved by providing optimum spacing for circulation. This has been done by minimizing the
partitions and doors between the rooms. A house plan included 2 rooms and a living area,
followed by a kitchen and a lavatory which was constructed between the front extensions, with
a multi-use courtyard at the back. Most of the houses were provided with an additional access
at the back, which also provided space for keeping animals, a vehicle or even renting out a
certain part of the house.
Nisham Limbu
2019 batch (2nd Sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
Architecture culture & history BAI1432 Page 5
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Exterior:
A group of 10 houses comprised of a cluster that opened into the street. The courtyard at the
back opened into the open space of the cluster and was used as a play area and service area;
trees and multi-use platforms were added further. Bright color in the façade, railing, grills and
cornices are used in old houses of Indore used in some houses in the township. They were free
to use any material like brick or stone that were locally available.

Materials and technology:

 Conventional and locally available building materials and construction techniques were
adopted.
 The CRC roof was always constructed at a later stage because it was a high investment
item.
 The black cotton soil of the site necessitated pile foundation even for simple and 2-
storeyed buildings.
 Low cost handmade CRC piles were built for the core house (latrine, wash room) and the
residents were provided with ready built foundations.
 The doors, windows, and grills were made on site by all of the residents who made it their
role.
 Railings, parapets and cornices were made to ornament the house.
 The structures were constructed with load bearing brick walls.
 Walls were plastered and painted.
 Floors were made of cement concrete.

Nisham Limbu
2019 batch (2nd Sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
Architecture culture & history BAI1432 Page 6
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is a public management school and an
Institute of National Importance located in Bangalore, India. Founded in 1973, it was the third
IIM to be established, after IIM Calcutta and IIM Ahmedabad. Its location site is in hilly area in
South Bangalore on Banerghatta and the area is 102 acres. In addition to its main academic
programmes, IIMB is also engaged in facilitating research, offering consultant services,
conducting seminars and academic conferences and publishing journals.

History:
After 1947, the Government of independent India focused on the development of indigenous
science and technology. As a technology base was being created, it became clear that the
country needed to simultaneously augment management talent and resources. This led to the
creation of the Indian Institutes of Management in the country. The Indian Institute of
Management Bangalore was established in 1973.

Concept:
The 54,000 sq. metre IIM B complex, built on a 100-acre campus, is based on the design of the
town of Fatehpur Sikri, laid out by Akbar in the 16th century. The architect, BV Doshi, achieved
this vision by linking a network of corridors, courtyards and external spaces allowing for future
extensions.

Nisham Limbu
2019 batch (2nd Sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
Architecture culture & history BAI1432 Page 7
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Fatehpur Sikri’s courtyards and the gardens of Bangalore merged in B V Doshi’s mind’s eye. He
picked up the gardens and put them in the courtyards, and the vision for a ‘glocal’ campus was
born. Instead of courtyards that are dry and rigid, he made green corridors, which allow for
academic exchanges to be carried beyond the classroom.

Nisham Limbu
2019 batch (2nd Sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
Architecture culture & history BAI1432 Page 8
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Structure:
 The design of IIMB reflects the architect’s perfect sense of scale, proportion and light.
 From the logo that portrays the rays of the rising sun to the design of the IIMB complex,
light plays a crucial role.

Plan:

Nisham Limbu
2019 batch (2nd Sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
Architecture culture & history BAI1432 Page 9
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Exterior and Interior:

 IIMB’s design therefore symbolizes a deep understanding of the past and a comfortable
relationship with the present. The aim, said BV Doshi, was “to create an atmosphere
where you don’t see divides and doors”.
 The ‘building’ includes external spaces, and the links between the buildings in the
Bangalore climate permit academic exchange beyond the classrooms.
 The functional and physical attributes of its design are related to the local traditions of
pavilion-like spaces, courtyards, and ample provision for plantations.
 A good integration of climatic factors ,the ‘Sun Path diagrams’, and proper
implementation of ‘Vastu Shashtra’ was one of the best qualities of B.V. Doshi’s
architecture.
 A perfect blend of modern and traditional architectural style.
 The construction of the entire complex is made simple and standardized using exposed
concrete, lattices, frames, and wall system using rough blocks of local gray granite.
 Local craftsmen worked on it with local material; it is low on maintenance; the building
is cool and light is controlled.
 Access to classrooms and administrative offices is provided through these corridors.
 The design offers students and faculty the ability to see and feel nature even when
inside the classroom.
 The IIMB campus was envisaged as a place to be inhabited, as a place to facilitate the
course of human interaction.
 The design therefore conserves energy – human or mechanical, optimizes technologies,
adopts innovative ways of building and uses alternative materials.
 Three-storied hallways, open quadrangles with ample area for greenery, a rough texture
finish are the unique features of this ‘glocal’ design.
 The voids in the structure lets in the fresh air from the green surroundings.
 The pergolas and geometrical roofs let in the controlled ‘Sun Light’ creating a dramatic
effect and eventually avoiding the excess heat from entering in.

Nisham Limbu
2019 batch (2nd Sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
Architecture culture & history BAI1432 Page 10
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

The Hallways:

Nisham Limbu
2019 batch (2nd Sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
Architecture culture & history BAI1432 Page 11
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

Sky Lights.
 Natural illumination is achieved due to provision of ‘Sky Lights’ and also saves lots of
electricity.
 Creates a dramatic effect by highlighting a certain area.

The Stairs:

Conclusion:

Hence, Architect Balakrishna Vithaldas Doshi - the first ever Indian to win The Pritzker prize or
the “Noble in Architecture” uses modernism and brutalism in his works. Also, Doshi’s
architecture is based on his observations and reactions to climate, to tradition, to economy,
and to landscape. Each work of his, is a journey for him, continuously evolving, searching and
changing.

Nisham Limbu
2019 batch (2nd Sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
Architecture culture & history BAI1432 Page 12
 IEC COLLEGE OF ART & FASHION
Affiliated with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology

References:
 https://books.google.co.in/books?
id=gxyGbhlKQXQC&pg=PA132&lpg=PA132&dq=CONSTRUCTI
ON+MATERIALS+USED+AT+iim+bangalore&source=bl&ots=ihO1R--
K_g&sig=lI_aJTSFQKkHRNVGMeN5CoKVl8k&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjSzK7Pgr_PAhWGs
I8KH bjaANkQ6AEIVjAM#v=onepage&q=CONSTRUCTION%20MATERIALS%20USED%20AT
%20iim%20b angalore&f=false
 http://www.iimb.ernet.in/about-iimb/architecture
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Institute_of_Management_Bangalore

Nisham Limbu
2019 batch (2nd Sem)
B.A in Interior Architecture
Architecture culture & history BAI1432 Page 13