Balkrishna Doshi

Indian architect Balkrishna Doshi has continuously exhibited the objectives of the Pritzker Architecture Prize to the highest degree. He has been practising the art of architecture for more than 60 years, with substantial contributions to humanity. In awarding him the prize of this year, the Pritzker Prize jury recognises his exceptional architecture as reflected in the more than one hundred buildings he has completed, his commitment and dedication to his country and the communities he has served, his influence as a teacher, and the outstanding example he has set for professionals and students around the world throughout his long career.

Doshi, as he is fondly called by those who know him, worked with two 20th century masters: Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn. Doshi's early works were undoubtedly influenced by these architects, as can be seen in the robust concrete forms he used. However, Doshi took the language of his buildings beyond these early models. With an understanding and appreciation of the deep traditions of Indian architecture, he brought together prefabrication and local craftsmanship and developed a vocabulary in harmony with the history, culture, local traditions and changing times of his native India.

Over the years, Balkrishna Doshi has always created serious architecture, never ostentatious or trendy. With a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to contribute to his country and its people through authentic, high quality architecture, he has created projects for public administrations and services, educational and cultural institutions, and residences for private clients, among others.

In the 1950s he undertook his first social housing project. In 1954, Doshi said: "It seems that I should take an oath and remember it all my life: to provide the lower class with adequate housing". He fulfilled this personal oath in projects such as Aranya Low-cost Housing in Indore (1989), in west-central India and Co-Operative Middle Income Housing in Ahmedabad, India (1982), and many others. Housing as a shelter is only one aspect of these projects. The whole community planning, the scale, the creation of public, semi-public and private spaces are a testament to his understanding of how cities work and the importance of urban design.

Doshi is very conscious of the context in which his buildings are situated. His solutions take into account the social, environmental and economic dimensions, so his architecture is fully committed to sustainability. Using courtyards, gardens and covered walkways, as in the case of the School of Architecture (1966, now part of CEPT) or the Madhya Pradesh State Electricity Board in Jabalpur (1979) or the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore (1992), Doshi has created spaces to shelter from the sun, catch the breeze and provide comfort and enjoyment in and around buildings.

In the architect's own studio, called Sangath (Ahmedabad, India, 1980), we can see the outstanding qualities of Balkrishna Doshi's approach and understanding of architecture. The Sanskrit word Sangath means to accompany or move together. As an adjective, it stands for what is appropriate or relevant. The structures are semi-buried and fully integrated with the natural features of the site. Terraces, reflecting pools, mounds and curved vaults are distinctive formal elements. There is variety and richness in the interior spaces that have different qualities of light, different shapes and different uses, unified by the use of concrete. Doshi has created a balance and peace between all the components, material and immaterial, resulting in a whole that is much more than the sum of its parts.

Balkrishna Doshi consistently demonstrates that all good architecture and urban planning must not only unite purpose and structure, but must take into account climate, place, technique and craftsmanship, along with a deep understanding and appreciation of context in the broadest sense. Projects must go beyond the functional to connect with the human spirit through poetic and philosophical underpinnings. The Pritzker Architecture Prize Jury chooses Balkrishna Doshi as the winner of the 2018 Pritzker Architecture Prize, for his many contributions as an architect, urban planner, teacher, for his steadfast example of integrity and his tireless contributions in India and beyond.