The architectural community is coming together to pay tribute to Prof. Christopher Charles Benninger (23rd November 1942 - 2nd October 2024), a towering figure in modern Indian architecture, whose influence spans five decades of groundbreaking work. Event Details:
Date: 22nd October 2024 (Tuesday)
Time: 04:30 PM – 07:00 PM
Venue: Dr. Kalmadi Shamarao High School and Jr. College Auditorium, Pune, Maharashtra, India. (Link to Google Maps)
Entry: Free, open to all
With a master's degree in architecture from Harvard and a second in city planning from MIT, Prof. Benninger made India his home in 1971, where he established the School of Planning at CEPT University and later founded the Centre for Development Studies and Activities at Pune in 1976.
Prof. Benninger's architectural firm, CCBA Designs, has completed over 300 diverse projects across India and internationally. His iconic works include Mahindra United World College in Pune, Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies in Lonavala, Suzlon One Earth Global Corporate Headquarters in Pune and the Indian Institute of Management in Kolkata are among the few projects that showcase his deep commitment to sustainable, human-centric design. His global planning expertise spans countries such as Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Kenya, among others. His upcoming projects include the Indian Institute of Technology in Hyderabad, Azim Premji University in Bengaluru, 23 Metro Stations in Pune many more.
Prof. Benninger, a prolific author as well, has written 'Letters to a Young Architect' and 'Christopher Benninger: Architecture for a Modern India', which have inspired generations of architects. His urban planning theory, Principles of Intelligent Urbanism (PIU), has been taught worldwide, shaping sustainable city design. His remarkable contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Baburao Mhatre Gold Medal 2024 from the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), among many Lifetime Achievement awards. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Architecture by CEPT University earlier this year.
In honour of his work, the first memorial meet for Prof. Benninger will take place in Pune on 22nd October 2024, where the entire community will gather to honour his legacy. The event will feature prominent speakers such as Ar. Bimal Patel (HCP Design), Abhishek Lodha (Lodha Group), and the Indian film actor and screenwriter, Naved Aslam.
A special highlight of the evening will be the launch of Prof. Benninger’s new book, 'Great Expectations: Notes to an Architect', the highly anticipated sequel to his beloved work, Letters to a Young Architect.
Join us in celebrating the life and work of this visionary architect, as we reflect on his lasting contributions to the world of architecture and beyond.
The event is hosted by: CCBA Designs, India House Art Gallery, Wide Angle Forum, IIID (Indian Institute of Interior Designers, Pune Chapter), IIA (Indian Institute of Architects, Pune Chapter) and AESA (Architects, Engineers and Surveyors Association).
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