Born in Pune on August 26, 1927, Balkrishna Doshi joined the Sir J. J. School of Architecture in Bombay (Mumbai) in 1947, then continued his studies at the Polytechnic University of London.
Inspired by Le Corbusier and the modern movement, Balkrishna Doshi strives to reconcile the influences of the modern movement and its deep respect for the traditions of Indian culture and architecture. He joined Le Corbusier’s agency in the early 1950s, before returning to India in 1954, where he supervised the projects of his mentor, including the Filateurs' Palace and the Villa Shodhan in Ahmedabad.
Starting in 1962, he worked alongside Louis Kahn, for the commission of the campus of the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad where he founded his agency and made most of his work. Very committed to the realization of housing with moderate rents for the greatest number, he carried out many projects among which the whole of Aranya in Indore (1989) or the one developed in 1973 for the Life Insurance Corporation in Ahmedabad.
The architect is also known for his investment in the environment and sustainable architecture. In 1978, he founded the Vastu Shilpa Foundation, which works in favour of the environment and the adaptation of the built environment to the socio-cultural and environmental environment.
The career of this great architect, honored by the entire international community, is a shining example of the need to involve architects in the construction of quality housing for the greatest number.
The Minister of Culture welcomes the social and environmental commitment of Balkrishna Doshi, which is part of the Ministry of Culture’s sustainable development strategy for the period 2016-2020. She also highlights the magnificent illustration that this man’s personal history and his learning with Le Corbusier offer cultural bridges that France weaves thanks to his talents around the world.