MASTER ARCHITECT

BALAKRISHNA DOSHI

ABOUT THE ARCHITECT

• Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi (born on 26 august 1927) is an
architect, considered an important figure of south Asian
architecture and noted for his contribution to the evolution of
architectural discourse in India.
• Apart from his international fame as an architect ,Dr. Doshi is
equally known as an educator and institution builder. Dr. Doshi
has been instrumental in establishment in establishing the
nationally and internationally known research institute
VastuShilpa Foundation for studies and research in environmental
design in 1955.
• Over the years Doshi has created architecture that relies on
sensitive adaptation and refinement of modern architecture
within an Indian context

PRINCIPLES
1. Mythical Sense
2. Vasthu Purusha Mandala
PROJECTS 3. Transformation Of Energy
1. SANGATH, AHMEDABAD 4. Human Institution
2. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FASHION 5. Flexible Approach
TECHNOLOGY, DELHI 6. Symbolism
3. INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANGEMENT 7. Amorphous Form
,BANGALORE 8. Timelessness
4. GANDHI LOBOUR INSTITUTE, AHMEDABAD NAME : ANUSHA K L
5. AMDAVAD-NI-GUFA ,AHMEDABAD USN NO:01FA17BAT005
6. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, AHMEDABAD III SEMESTER B.ARCH
7. INSTITUTE OF INDOLOGY, AHMEDABAD KLE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
 SANGATH, AHMEDABAD
Sangath expresses Balakrishna Doshi’s
desire for a connection between nature
and the individual. The overall form
exaggerates the details of nature with
its rolling mounds , cave like spaces
,terraces land ,playful water channels
and reflective surfaces .storm water in
funneled through the sites by the slick
round vaults and water through .
Water cascades into descending series • The ventilating window at
Location -Ahmedabad , Gujarat. of pond and channels. Light shade, upper volume releases the
Client - Balakrishna trust. water and air –aspects of the natural accumulated hot air through
Year - 1979-1981 elements are celebrated in and around pressure difference.
Site area - 2346sqm the building • The top finish of china
Total built up area-585sqm mosaic glazed tiles further
Building Type-Architectural office adds to the insulation.
Designed by- B V Doshi. • Being white and glossy it
reflects sun while being made
from clay retards the heat
transmission
•SANDWICHED
CONSTRUCTION OF VAULT.
Doshi's office studio • The vaulted roof is of
locally-made clay fuses over
concrete slab, which
provides a non-conducting
layer.
Conferenc entrance
e hall
Geometry of the sangath’s
construction was defined by
rules of the golden section
and the platonic circles .If
library the circle implied by the
“SANGATH” is a designed laboratory where
professionals from diverse disciplines are
Inference curve of the vaults was
invited to explore new visions, concepts and • very less dependent on completed, the base would
solutions integrating arts, craft , engineering mechanical energy . rest on the ground
and philosophy of life. Sangath to see that • Continuity of spaces
each individual in the coming millennium is • Wise use of rain water
beneficial from its visions and design • Diffused light
solutions. • Lot of vegetation
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FASHION DESIGN, NEW DELHI

PROJECT- NIFT DELHI SITE PLAN

OWNERSHIP- MINISTRY OF TEXTILES, Hostel block BUILDING LAYOUT
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
ARCHITECT- STEIN, DOSHI, &BHALLA • Different blocks acquire different shapes and forms
BUILT UP AREA- 11560 Sq m depending upon the function they are
accommodating.
SITE AREA- 13570sqm (INCLUDING • The building blocks are concentrated around
BASEMENT sunken court thus generating activity and creating
YEAR OF COMPLETION- 1986 ADMINISTRATIV lively environment.
SITE PLAN
ORIENTATION: building is long sides E BLOCK
along NW and SE axis facilitating good
exposure to sun and breeze.
Different blocks of building complex are
placed according to the site lines. All the
peripheral building lines are parallel to ADMINISTRATIVE ACADEMIC BLOCK
the site lines. BLOCK ENTRANCE FOYER
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
INFERENCE
• The whole complex forms a vibrant composition .
• The idea is to create a relationship between the built&
• The academic blocks are connected through
the unbuilt spaces.
different
• There are evidences of blend of traditional and
of circulation over looking the central court.
contemporary architecture.
• Academic facilities have been provided in the areas
• The site is well segregated into various zones with
joined together in the form of a cluster. The duster
respect to the functions.
The protruding edge of the square windows, cut comprises of lobby lecture rooms, labs and toilets.
• Circulation spaces are minimised to obtain efficiency
away of to reveal the bridge above the entrance in design.
which links admin and academic block
 INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT, BANGALORE
Staircase, showing Doshi's
dramatic use of modern
ENTRANCE materials to create an effect
that is simultaneously
monumental, airy, and light.

SITE PLAN
• DATE OF ESTABLISHMENT:1977-
1985
• LOCATION OF SITE :HILLY AREA IN
The institute resembles a city in miniature, enclosed within a single unifying
THE SOUTH BANGALORE form
BANERGHATTA. Corridors of column beneath
• CONTEXT-URBAN SETTING, LINKED pergolas creates a rhythmic
BY A HIGHWAY. progression of light and shadow
• TOPOGRAPHY-UNDULATING
TERRAINS WITH GENTLE SLOPE. ELEVATION
• DESIGNED BY: B V DOSHI.
• SITE AREA: 102 ACRE
• BUILT UP AREA 54000sqm
Interlocking buildings ,courts and
DESIGN CONCEPT SECTION AT AA’ galleries .It also provides variety of
spaces protected from hot climate
• The difference between inside and
and infuses greenery through semi
outside is buried
open corridors and gardens
• A campus should be meandering and
connecting.
• The concept of indoor and outdoor was PLAN
also considered. INFERENCE
• Indian temples with courtyard. • USE OF NATURAL LIGHT
• CONTINUITY IN SPACES
• USE OF LOCALLY AVAILABLE
DOUBLE HEIGHT MATERIAL
LIBRARY SECTION AT BB’
 GANDHI LABOUR INSTITUTION
Doshi's indigenously combines an irregular site with
regular square forms, and outside with inside space
achieving a harmonious sense of unity. The
entrance ,approaches diagonally from the angled front
gate via a progression of terraces, platforms and steps

LOCATION
AHMEDABAD,GUJURAT.
PROJECT DURATION:1980-1984
STYLE: MODERN
CONTEXT:URBAN SITE PLAN Internal courtyard with PLAN
BUILDING TYPE:RESEARCH recessed windows
INSTITUTION
BUILT UP:11500sqm
DESIGN CONCEPT: The entrance approaches
• Sense of mystery Amphitheater stairs Vaulted roof
is at first floor level
• Hidden front gate
• Space cohesion The section shows progression from single height to triple
• Harmonious sense of unity height volumes

AMPHITHEATRE

The main entrance level is right of center Section

,between two vaulted sections

The diagonal axis from the front

gate to the front door allows the
approaching visitors to gain a sense
of the buildings perspective. the lack HIDDEN ENTRANCE
of monumental entrance means
that the institute feels accessible to
all FRONTELEVATION
 AMDAVAD-NI-GUFA
The cave has no
straight walls , instead
using a continuation
of the curved dome
structure which
extend down to the
floor.

located : Ahmedabad SITE PLAN

Year :1992-1995
GALLERY
Site area:1000sqm
Built –up:280sqm ENTRANCE
Architectural style: modern ARTIST
,novelty GUFA
Building: public museum GALLERY
Construction system: shell structure The domes are supported by irregularly
ENTRANCE shaped inclined columns , which
Hussain Doshi Gufa FOR GUFA resembles the tree trunk.
• An underground art gallery in Ahmedabad
as joint collaboration between
Hussain and BV Doshi .
• It exhibits works of the Indian artist
Maqbool Fida Hussain
• The gallery represents a unique
juxtaposition of architecture and art.
• The reference: It immerged from the
Buddhist stupa and Karli and Ajanta
• The plan is evolved from intersecting Extraordinary yet natural forms expresses
circle and ellipse
LONGITUDINAL SECTION Doshi's exploration of deeper cultural
association .glazed ceramic mosaic reflects
• There are facilities for special
glare and heat
painting exhibition and for
projecting films ,garden and a café
located above ground.
CEPT, SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, AHMEDABAD

SITE PLAN The space underneath is active and

Designed by : B V Doshi multifunctional, designed for sun
South shield is kept low
Location : Ahmedabad North side is heightened to allow protection and exposure of breeze
from the harsh direct sun
Year: 1968 more north light.
Building: Institute
Architectural style : Modern
Area of thee site: 12.5acres

FEATURES
• Center for environment planning and SECTION
technology(CEPT) was started in the
year1962.
The angled windows let more light into
Inspiration; double height drawing room
• The influence of louis khan and le
Corbusier can be clearly seen in the
building design. ELEVATION
• The free plan concept of Corbusier is
adopted with spaces underneath it Artist studio near the
which is active and multifunctional , school of
designed for sun protection and architecture.
exposure to breeze. Outdoor rooms in
the cooler air of the
Design concept: garden allow the
• An open space with hardly any door work to continue in Recesses protect from the sun : angled
• Sense of freedom extreme condition windows let in maximum light
 INSTITUTE OF INDOLOGY

ELEVATION
SITE PLAN
DESIGNED BY: B V Doshi
Location: Ahmedabad
Year: 1957-1962
Site area :3.7hectares
Building : institutional and Public OFFICE
construction system: precast OFFICE
SPACE
concrete MAIN
EXHIBITION ENTRANCE Traditional Guajarati features
ABOUT SPACE incorporated within the strict
contemporary order balconies ,
• The institute is located on a lush 3.7 hectare GROUND FLOOR PLAN rows of pillars such as those found
site in Gujarat mosque and palaces and
• It is the house of collection of ancient deep overhanging eaves to provide
manuscript which had previously been shelter from sun
stored ground in jain temple
• Doshi responded with a linear building that INFERENCE
stretches across the site . • The idea is to create a relationship
• The building is partially recessed into the between the built& the unbuilt spaces.
ground so that the manuscripts are stored in • There are evidences of blend of
half basement cooled by cross ventilation traditional and contemporary
• The approach to the institute is the most architecture.
monumental The cross section of the building Institute of Indology • The site is well segregated into various
shows the dynamic form evolving ,Doshi employed zones with respect to the functions.
from climatic needs of the building concrete frame in • Circulation spaces are minimized to
modern tradition, obtain efficiency in design.