Kolkata : Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of Ambuja Neotia, inaugurated the BV Doshi Memorial Exhibition on August 30th at Kalavaani, Swabhumi. This two-week-long exhibition, running until September 15th, is open from 4 pm to 8 pm on weekdays and 12 noon to 8 pm on weekends. It stands as a tribute to the extraordinary legacy of Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi, a visionary architect, urban planner, and educator.
Widely regarded as a pioneer of Indian modernism, Doshi’s illustrious career spanned nearly seven decades, during which he completed over 100 ground-breaking projects, including schools, libraries, art centres, and affordable housing. His influence on Kolkata is particularly profound, exemplified by Udayan, the city’s first Condoville, developed by Ambuja Neotia in partnership with the government. Udayan set new benchmarks in social housing and was recognized as a Model Housing Project by HUDCO.
Ambuja Neotia’s design philosophy and projects have been deeply shaped by Doshi’s guidance and visionary ideas. In honour of his enduring impact, the BV Doshi Memorial Exhibition features works by architects closely associated or influenced by him, who have drawn significant inspiration from his human-centered approach to architecture.
The inaugural exhibition showcases the works of Neelkanth Chhaya, Sohan Nilkanth, and Kallol Joshi from Mandala Design Services, distinguished architects from Ahmedabad whose careers have been significantly influenced by Shri Doshi’s philosophy. Their work embodies a commitment to thoughtful design and sustainability, principles that were central to Doshi’s architectural ethos.
Neelkanth Chhaya: A respected architect and academic, Chhaya has profoundly influenced architectural education in India. His notable projects include the Centre for Environment Education in Ahmedabad, post-earthquake housing in Gujarat, and the Khamir Craft Park near Bhuj, Kutch. He currently holds the UNESCO Chair in Heritage, Sustainability, and Livelihoods at the Srishti Institute, Bangalore.
Kallol Joshi: Renowned for his sensitive approach to architecture, Mr. Joshi has designed projects such as the UNEP and HABITAT Headquarters in Nairobi. His work reflects a deep sensitivity to context, creating architecture that resonates with its surroundings.
Sohan Nilkanth: Distinguished for his contributions to urban planning, particularly in Bengal, Nilkanth’s work emphasizes meaningful, sustainable development. He has also been actively involved in teaching and mentoring young architects, ensuring the continuity of Doshi’s values and knowledge.
Speaking at the inauguration, Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of Ambuja Neotia, said, “This annual exhibition at Kalavaani is our way of celebrating Shri Doshi’s extraordinary life and work by showcasing the talents of architects who were inspired by his humanistic approach to design.”
