On Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the wisdom and guidance of those who shape minds, inspiring generations with their knowledge and experience. Architecture, like any other discipline, is built upon the teachings of visionaries who have pioneered paths for others to follow. The following architects have not only crafted iconic structures but have also taught us invaluable lessons through their designs, philosophies, and innovative thinking.
In the field of architecture, a space that merges creativity with functionality, our mentors are those whose work transcends time. Let’s explore how these Indian architects have shaped our understanding of the built environment, imparting timeless wisdom that continues to inspire.
Charles Correa: A Master of Tradition and Modernity
Charles Correa’s work stands as a lesson in balancing cultural sensitivity with modern needs. His Kanchanjunga Apartments are a perfect example of how traditional Indian courtyard-style living can be brought into modern urban settings. This seamless blend is a lesson in respecting history while embracing the future. His designs serve as metaphors for balancing the old with the new, teaching us that architecture is as much about preservation as it is about innovation.
“The thing about architecture is that you cannot teach it. You can learn it, but you cannot teach it.”
B.V. Doshi: Learning from Legends to Create Your Own Path
Doshi’s experience working with Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn taught him to marry the modernist framework with Indian aesthetics. His designs, like the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Ahmedabad, reflect this synthesis. By incorporating elements like the step-well into a contemporary design, he teaches us how to reinterpret traditional elements within modern contexts, showing that great design is a continuous conversation between the past and the present.
“If you want freedom, break away from all the rules—forget history books.”
Achyut Kanvinde: Lessons from Climate and Geometry
Kanvinde’s work reminds us that architecture isn’t just about buildings—it’s about responding to the environment. The IIT Kanpur campus is an example of how to create spaces that work with the climate. His geometric precision and thoughtful use of RCC structures teach us that understanding local conditions is the cornerstone of sustainable design. Kanvinde reminds us that every architect is first a student of their surroundings.
Sheila Sri Prakash: Sustainability as a Life Lesson
Sri Prakash’s designs are lessons in environmental responsibility. One of her most notable works is the LEED Platinum-rated office building, which serves as her own design headquarters. This project is a testament to her commitment to green architecture, as it integrates natural airflow, green spaces, and shelter from the elements to reduce environmental impact. Her design for the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Project and the Meenakshi Temple renovation further illustrates her dedication to blending functionality with sustainability. These works teach that architecture must serve both the people and the planet, leaving a lasting impact both aesthetically and ecologically.
Brinda Somaya: Building with History, Preserving for the Future
Somaya’s approach to architecture is a masterclass in preservation. Through her work on projects like the Bhuj rehabilitation, she teaches that design is most powerful when it engages the community. Her efforts to involve residents in the design process serve as a reminder that architecture is a collaborative process, one that should honor the cultural heritage of the space it occupies.
Hafeez Contractor: Bold Designs, Bigger Lessons
Contractor’s daring designs, such as the Global Education Centre in Mysore, are a lesson in ambition. By blending the architectural language of Mysore palaces with contemporary forms, he shows us that architecture can be both grand and grounded in tradition. His work teaches us to think big, embrace glamour, and yet stay rooted in history.
“Nothing is impossible if you apply your mind. And, if designers apply their mind, they can overcome the functional challenges easily.”
Raj Rewal: Crafting Living Heritage
Raj Rewal’s designs, inspired by ancient Indian cities like Fatehpur Sikri, are a testament to architecture’s role as a living heritage. His Asian Games Village, with its courtyards and communal spaces, teaches that architecture can bring people together, creating spaces that foster connection and community. His use of sandstone and brick underscores the importance of local materials, a lesson in sustainability.
Laurie Baker: Simplicity and Genius
Laurie Baker’s work is a lesson in the power of simplicity. His minimalist designs, such as brick jaali walls and vernacular materials, teach us that beauty lies in function. Baker’s approach shows that architecture doesn’t need to be elaborate to be effective—sometimes the simplest solutions are the most profound.
“There’s an old saying: manners maketh the man. I think they also make good architecture.”
Nari Gandhi: Craftsmanship as Philosophy
Nari Gandhi’s architecture teaches us the importance of craftsmanship. Known for his innovative use of materials, Gandhi’s work, such as creating a staircase out of bricks, shows us that architecture is as much an art as it is a science. His designs remind us that hands-on experience is essential and that every structure is an opportunity for creative expression.
“Land is the purest form of nature, and buildings grow towards the light like a plant.”
These architects are more than just creators of buildings—they are teachers. Each structure they have left behind speaks volumes about the lessons they have imparted. On this Teachers’ Day, let’s remember the wisdom that architecture offers, as we continue to learn from these timeless masters.
