B V Doshi Case Study

“B.V Doshi thought of following a flexible rather then rigid approach,

which resulted in evolution of Traditional Indian Architecture.”

Modernism emerged in India in 1940’s.As it was essential to articulate the new

perception of life in the context of industrialization and urbanization. Balkrishna

Vithaldas Doshi, B.V Doshi, continued the legacy of Le Corbusier, who firstly laid the

stone of modernism in India.

The architecture works of B.V Doshi reflects, the strength of tradition and modernism in

a powerful combination, infusing bold new forms with an intricate social, historical and

cultural awareness 1 . The above-mentioned design elements used by B.V Doshi brought

new and unconventional change in the current architecture style.

I also noticed that cheap mosaic tiles were used to

cover the surface of these vaults.

1. Search for an International Idiom in Contemporary Indian Architecture, Thesis Research by Esha

Desai, 2015.

2. Doshi’s philosophy of place, 16 October 2009 by Megha Chand Inglis

a. Link: http://www.bdonline.co.uk/doshi’s-philosophy- of-place/3151075.article.

3. Rethinking Modernism for the Developing World: The Complete Architecture of Balkrishna Doshi.

RESEARCH PAPER: HISTORY OF ITALIAN DESIGN

These tiles were used to reflect back the sunlight and thus insulation was perceived. The

gap between the vaults and the flat roof of the blocks, made a proper air circulation space.

Thus maintained the temperature inside. The underside of the vault in the main drafting

room is finished with a textured concrete that dispersed natural light into the space. At the

end of the hall lies the opening. The building blocks are placed over a contoured site.

Rainwater collectors were designed very beautifully with use of the same. The design

elements and the building materials used by BV Doshi were a mix of Indian Vernacular

Architecture and Le Corbusier designing style.

“Sangath is a fragment of Doshi’s private dream: a microcosm of his intentions