Renowned architect and urban planner Charles Correa breathed his last on Tuesday night, following a brief illness in Mumbai. He was 84.
Correa has been credited for the creation of modern architecture in post-Independence India.
Charles Correa. Pic/AFP
He was the Chief Architect for Navi Mumbai from 1970-75 and was involved in extensive urban planning of the city. Charles Correa was appointed Chairman of the National Commission on Urbanization in 1985 by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Some of his notable contributions include, the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Museum at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Kanchanjunga Apartment tower in Mumbai, the Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, MIT'S Brain and Cognitive Sciences Centre in Boston, and most recently, the Champalimad Centre for the Unknown in Lisbon. He designed the Parumala Church as well.
Charles Correa founded the Urban Design Research Institute in Bombay in 1984 and dedicated it to the protection of the built environment and improvement of urban communities.
Charles Correa was bestowed with Goa's highest civilian honour, the Gomant Vibhushan on 18 December 2011, the eve of the Golden Jubiliee of Liberation of Goa. The Royal Institute of British Architects held an retrospective exhibition, "Charles Correa – India's Greatest Architect" in 2013. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1972, and second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan in 2006 by Government of India. He also received the 1984 Royal Gold Medal for architecture, by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Country's renowned architect Charles Correa has played pivotal role in creating flawless modern architecture in post-Independent India. From Padma Shri to Padma Vibhushan, Correa has been bestowed with numerous prestigious awards. The following is a tribute to his incredible and prominent contributions towards country's architecture. (Courtesy: Jagran Post)
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Museum, Ahmedabad
If all these years you have ever wondered that who was the creative and talented soul behind the spell-bounding and iconic Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Museum at the Sabaramati Ashram in Ahmedabad, then he was none other than Charles Correa. Correa designed the museum in 1963 since then the memorial remains a centre of attraction for tourists and locals.
Kanchanjunga Apartment tower, Mumbai
The stunning Kanchanjunga Apartment tower in Mumbai, is also the notable creation of Charles Correa, The 32 storey building was made by Correa in such a manner that it offers perfect climatic condition, soothing sea breeze and best view of the city.
Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur
Multi-arts centre Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur was also helmed by the iconic contemporary architect Charles Correa. The idea of making a eminent multi-arts centre was created by Correa in the year 1991. The building's stunning display induced with amphi theatre, library, arts display rooms, closed auditorium bring into limelight the ideology of Correa of using local materials intelligently for remarkable creation.
British Council, Delhi
The stunning building of British Council in Delhi established in India in 1948, was also designed by the legendary architect Charles Correa. Today, the popular British Council is known for its smooth network of nine libraries and various cultural centres.
MIT'S Brain and Cognitive Sciences Centre, Boston
World's largest neuroscience centre MIT'S Brain and Cognitive Sciences Centre in Boston is also a spectacular creation of Charles Correa in collaboration with Goody, Clancy and Associates. Helmed with 90-feet-high atrium along with unique auditorium and seminar rooms, the landmark building is truly a triumph of urban design and engineering by Charles Correa.
Champalimad Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon
Champalimad Centre for the Unknown in Lisbon inaugurated in 2010 is the most recent project of Charles Correa. The Champalimad Centre is located at the beautiful location where the famous Tagus river joins the Atlantic Ocean. The project is divided into three buildings. It consists of research and healthcare building, the conference centre building and an ampi theatre. The commendable work of Correa is truly unforgettable.