IDEOLOGY

Pioneering in the low-cost-housing , Doshi has led the evolution of contemporary

Indian architecture. Doshi applies Modernists concepts to an Indian context, and
he has developed a theory of the city as an augmentation of layers and overlays.
As a result, his work is a visual feast of diverse mediums, dimensions, and
textures

Sustainability, which is fundamental to his thinking, is practised in a holistic

way ingeniously working with not only
- local climate,
- topography,
- availability of materials & skills
but also in the adaptive quality of the built environment. Here the ability for
incremental growth means that communities can thrive over generations
without losing architectural quality
Doshi conceived building as not a “ container of specific activities but as a
place to be inhabited

•” His work has consistently revolved around the

interrelationship of indoor and outdoor space, an
appropriate and honest approach to materials, proper
climatic response and observance of hierarchy and order

• He brought in this so called “filter” between

contemporary and traditional architecture He believed that
the success of any project depends on effective
construction, planning and co-ordination

MYTHICAL SENSE: Doshi
believed in the mythical sense
of space. According to him
space can be modified
according to the desire of the
perceiver and is never static
ARCHITECTURAL
PRINCIPLES
VASTU-PURUSHA MANDALA: To ensure minimum
standards of health and hygiene in each project Vaastu ’
(environment), ‘ Purusha ’ (energy) and ‘Mandala’ (
astrology) to assist builders in determining proper
orientation .
TRANSFORMATION OF ENERGY: Energy between the
building and people using the space The natural energy
produced through sun radiations or natural elements,
surroundings, species around it etc Doshi used this by
providing openness in buildings through colonnades,
pergolas, porticos, sky lights etc

HUMAN INSTITUTIONS: This belief, is amplified by

his own deep cultural experience and popular
evolution of new institutions The name of his office
itself, the Vaastu-Shilpa foundation, is a ringing
affirmation of Doshi’s faith in the dialogue between
people and architecture of which he speaks

FLEXIBLE APPROACH: He believed in following the

‘flexible rather than rigid approach to the structure ’. He
said that this was how transformation of space from the
mere static container ; to a place where people actually
feel a psychic interchange is best achieved
SYMBOLISM: His idea of flexibility lead him to the principle of
symbolism. He believes that it can only be accommodated by
mixture of structural systems

AMORPHOUS FORMS: He advocates “amorphous rather

than finite forms”, used with multiple structural systems to
let a meandering experience Eg : Aranya Low Cost
Housing, Indore

TIMELESSNESS: Doshi seeks “Timelessness” in his

architecture much as Louis khan did when describing his
quality in historical precedents as' open endedness
 ARCHITECTURAL PHILOSOPHIES
Doshi conceived building as not a “ container of specific activities but as a
place to be inhabited

•” His work has consistently revolved around the

interrelationship of indoor and outdoor space, an
appropriate and honest approach to materials, proper
climatic response and observance of hierarchy and order

• He brought in this so called “filter” between

contemporary and traditional architecture He believed that
the success of any project depends on effective
construction, planning and co-ordination
HUSSAIN- DOSHI GUFA (AHMEDABAD)

• An underground art gallery in Ahmedabad as a joint collaboration between M.

F. Hussain & B.V. Doshi .

•The building is a combination of high technology and traditional techniques It

represents a unique juxtaposition of architecture & art.

•This cave like underground structure has a roof made of multiple

interconnected domes, covered with a mosaic of tiles On the inside, irregular
tree-like columns support the domes
INSPIRATION:

•The domes are inspired by the shells of

tortoises and by soap bubbles.

•The mosaic tiles on the roof are similar to

those found on the roofs of the Jain temples
at Girnar and the mosaic snake is from
Hindu mythology.

•The Buddhist caves of Ajanta and Ellora

inspired doshi to design the interior with
circles and ellipses.
The entire
structure was
designed using
the aid of
computers to
resolve the
unorthodox
design. The
various forms are
more or less self
supporting due to
the resolution of
stresses.
PLANNING

There are cave like walls with undulations with the domed roof shapes
supported by inclined irregular shaped columns, the plan being an interplay of
intersecting circles and ellipses. The space is an inherent appeal to the earthy
qualities in man. Light comes in as shafts through a few circular openings in the
dome, the diffused light adding to the mystic ambience.
Spots of light on the floor, from the circular skylights, change location
according to the time of the day, adding to the mystery of the space.
CONSTRUCTION:

The structure is in form of skeletal

skin & wire mesh sandwiched on
each side by layers of cement over
which is mosaic of pieces of broken
china . White tiles reflects the sun
rays, helps to keep the interior cool

The entrance is approached down a

flight of steps in to the cave like interior .
Some shells consists appeared snouts
with apertures (hole), used to capture
fresh air & light.

The structure is specifically oriented to let in

the maximum amount of heat & light to give
the interior a golden glow . To enhance the
cave like feeling of gallery, the contours of the
site were retained, rather than being levelled.
The central hall is supported by 2 rows of columns
which divide the interior in to a wider centre aisle & 2
side aisle . The columns have octagonal shafts wider
at base & tapered at capital.
NARI GANDHI
ASIAN GAMES VILLAGE
Rewal's Asian Games Village in New Delhi
used a network of streets and squares with
vehicular access at either end of the site. Its
morphology resembles a traditional village,
with cubic solids and voids that are
characteristic of the Indian urban fabric
(compare with cities such as Jaisalmer Old
Delhi). They offer shade and yet remain
vitally alive to the pressures and pleasures
of the people who live there. Entrance
gateways with linked upper terraces
punctuate the sequence of courtyard and
garden spaces."
IIFM, Bhopal