Balkrishna Doshi

Book excerpt: Balkrishna V. Doshi (b. 1927 in Pune) is one of the most influential pioneers of modern architecture in India. His life's work was honored in 2018 with the prestigious Pritzker Prize. Doshi has realized more than one hundred projects, including administrative and cultural facilities, housing developments, and residential buildings. He has become internationally known for his visionary urban planning and social housing projects, as well as his involvement in education. His most important buildings include the School of Architecture in Ahmedabad (1966-68) and the Aranya housing development in Indore (1989). 'Balkrishna Doshi: Architecture for the People' is the first overview of the architect's work in over twenty years, analyzing his most important works and providing timely context to his oeuvre. In-depth academic texts by outstanding experts in the field, including Kenneth Frampton, Kazi Ashraf, and Juhani Pallasmaa, give insights into the inspiration behind Doshi's work and background to his projects, as well as his lasting influence on younger generations. The richly illustrated survey comes complete with a detailed biography and new photographs of his buildings, which demonstrate the impressive timeliness of the Indian master's approach to a wide variety of typologies.