Balkrishna Doshi Receives Coveting 2018 Pritzker Architecture Prize

March 20, 2018

Balkrishna Doshi Receives Coveting 2018 Pritzker Architecture Prize ⇒ The proficient Indian architect, Balkrishna Doshi has received the highest honours in the architecture world with the coveting 2018 Pritzker Architecture Prize. Known for its poetic and functional creations, his work can be best described as being deeply personal, responsive and meaningful.

⇒ Subscribe our Newsletter and be up-to-date with CovetED Magazine ⇐

Balkrishna Doshi Receives Coveting 2018 Pritzker Architecture Prize 2

Balkrishna Doshi. Photo Courtesy of VSF

Doshi has been an architect, urban planner and educator for the past 70 years and has been a leading force in shaping the architecture of India as well as internationally. The architect has been able to interpret architecture and transform it into built works that respect eastern culture while enhancing the quality of living in India. Since the 1950s, his ethical and personal approach to architect has, without a shadow of a doubt, completely changed the world, especially in socio-economic terms.

Balkrishna Doshi Receives Coveting 2018 Pritzker Architecture Prize 3

Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology. Photo Courtesy of VSF

Doshi’s architecture explores the relationships between fundamental needs of human life, connectivity to self and culture, and understanding of social traditions, within the context of a place and its environment, and through a response to Modernism. Childhood recollections, from the rhythms of the weather to the ringing of temple bells, inform his designs. He describes architecture as an extension of the body, and his ability to attentively address function while regarding climate, landscape, and urbanization is demonstrated through his choice of materials, overlapping spaces, and utilization of natural and harmonizing elements.

Balkrishna Doshi Receives Coveting 2018 Pritzker Architecture Prize 5

Institute of Indology. Photo Courtesy of VSF

“Professor Doshi has said that ‘Design converts shelters into homes, housing into communities, and cities into magnets of opportunities. The life’s work of Balkrishna Doshi truly underscores the mission of the Prize—demonstrating the art of architecture and an invaluable service to humanity. I am honored to present the 40th anniversary of this award to an architect who has contributed more than 60 years of service to us all.” – Thomas Pritzker, chairman and chief executive officer of the Pritzker Organization.

Balkrishna Doshi Receives Coveting 2018 Pritzker Architecture Prize 4

Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. Photo Courtesy of VSF

The Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore and the Aranya Low Cost Housing in Indore are two of the architect’s most remarkable projects. The former was inspired by traditional maze-like Indian cities and temples and is organized as interlocking buildings, courts and galleries while the latter is comprised of more than 6,500 residences that range from modest one-room units to spacious homes, featuring overlapping layers and transitional areas that allow for fluid and adaptable living conditions, a custom in Indian society.

Balkrishna Doshi Receives Coveting 2018 Pritzker Architecture Prize 1

Aranya Low Cost Housing. Photo Courtesy of VSF

Furthermore, Doshi’s architecture portfolio also includes the Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT University), in Ahmedabad, the Tagore Memorial Hall, the Institute of Indology, and a private residence Kamala House, all located in Ahmedabad.

Balkrishna Doshi Receives Coveting 2018 Pritzker Architecture Prize 6

Kamala House. Photo Courtesy of VSF

In regards to their decision, the 2018 Jury stated that “Over the years, Balkrishna Doshi has always created an architecture that is serious, never flashy or a follower of trends. With a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to contribute to his country and its people through high quality, authentic architecture, he has created projects for public administrations and utilities, educational and cultural institutions, and residences for private clients, among others.” They continued by saying, “Doshi is acutely aware of the context in which his buildings are located. His solutions take into account the social, environmental and economic dimensions, and therefore his architecture is totally engaged with sustainability.”