Architect Brinda Somaya: A Pioneer in Indian Architecture
Brinda Somaya is an Indian architect and urban conservationist. Somaya’s work reflects a deep respect for the environment and community, making her a leading voice in sustainable architecture. Her contributions have established her as a true pioneer in the field of Indian architecture.
Early life and education
Somaya was born on 28 June 1949 to K.M Chinnappa and Ganavati Chinnappa. She joined the Cathedral & John Connon School’s science program. In 1966, she won an American Field Service International Scholarship to study in the United States (North Carolina).
In 1967, she returned to India and completed her Bachelor of Architecture from Sir J.J. School of Architecture in Mumbai, graduating in 1971. She chose to return to the U.S. and joined Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, where she graduated in 1973 with a Masters of Arts degree. She attended a short design course at Cornell University in 1972.
Personal life
Somaya is married to Anand Somaya. He is a cardiac surgeon. They completed 40 years of marriage in 2014.
Career in Acritecture
In 1978, Somaya began her architectural practice in Mumbai, India. Her firm’s first office was in the back of her garden. From 1978 to 1981 she was joined by her sister Ranjini Kalappa. She is also an architect.
After her sister left for Holland, she worked on her own. Somaya has travelled to the rural parts of India, from where she has got knowledge and inspiration for vernacular architecture.
One such example is The Nalanda International Schools in Vadodara where she reflects the vernacular architecture by using the locally available resources and techniques, pergolas and courtyard. She reflects the Indian ethos in her architecture. Her designs are called both traditional and sustainable.
Her work includes corporate, industrial and institutional campuses and extends to public spaces. She has rebuilt and reinvented as pavements, parks and plazas. Some of these campuses include Tata Consultancy Services, Banyan Park, Mumbai; Nalanda International School, Vadodara; and Zensar Technologies, Pune.
Her firm won the competition for the Restoration and Enhancement of the historic Louis Kahn Buildings of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad as well as the new Academic Buildings of the Indian Institute of Technology.
She is currently the Chairperson of Board of Governors for School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada. She has built more than 200 projects in a span of 40 years.
In 1999, Somaya became a founder trustee for the HECAR Foundation in India. Later in 2000, she served as the chairperson and the curator for the Women in Architecture. 2000 Plus-Conference and exhibition on the works of the South Asian Women Architects, a global showcase platform for women architects from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Australia and Pakistan.
Awards and honours
- 1994, she was awarded the Indian Institute of Architects’ Kitply Award for Conservation for the Cathedral and John Connon Middle School.
- In 1998, she was awarded the Indian Institute of Architects’ Kitply Award for Conservation for the Cathedral and John Connon Senior School.
- In 2004, she was awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage award for the restoration of the St. Thomas’ Cathedral in Mumbai.
- In 2006, she became Leading European Architects Forum award winner for the new Nalanda Schools Campus in Baroda.
- In 2007, she was awarded the Wienerberger Golden Architect Award as first woman ever for lifetime achievement.
- In 2008, she was awarded the Vassilis Sgoutas Prize for the rehabilitation of Bhadi Village.
- In 2019, she was awarded the AYA JK Cement Award for Indian State Architecture for the Jubilee Church at Navi, Mumbai.
- In 2013, she was chosen as one of the “100 GLOBAL PUBLIC INTEREST DESIGN” persons working at the intersection of design and service globally.
- In 2012, she was the recipient of an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, Smith College.
- In 2014, she was awarded the Indian Institute of Architects – Baburao Mhatre Gold Medal for Lifetime Achievement.
- In 2015, she was honoured as the Distinguished Professor by the Indian Education Society’s College of Architecture, Mumbai.
- In 2017, she was awarded the Grohe NDTV Design and Architecture Award for Outstanding Industry Contribution.
- In 2019, her company Somaya and Kalappa Consultants won the competition for the Restoration and Enhancement of the historic Louis Kahn Buildings of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad in 2019.
- She was appointed an Andrew Dickson White Professor-at-Large at Cornell University during 2017 to 2023.
Notable projects of Brinda Somaya
Bhadli Village of Bhuj
Bhadli Village is located 40 km northwest of Bhuj. The village was destroyed by 6.9 Richter scale earthquakes. Somaya included all the villagers for the reconstruction to restore the unique identity of the village.
Her main focus for this project was to design in a way which promoted a healthy and hygienic environment. She designed the houses in a way which barred the dust and intense heat of the desert.
A school in Bhadli was rebuilt in 2002, a primary co-ed school with 194 students and 6 teachers. A temporary school was built initially so that the students could continue their education. Somaya worked closely with villagers and used locally available materials to save money.
St. Thomas Cathedral
St. Thomas Cathedral is the oldest Anglican Church in Mumbai. It was a 298-year structure when Somaya was contacted. The cathedral had a leak on the concrete slab of the flat roof. A Grade-I Heritage Structure was successfully restored for which Somaya won the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award.
Nalanda International School
It is built on 12 acres of land near Vadodara in Gujarat. Nalanda International School started its construction in 2003. She designed the projects to ensure peace and tranquillity to the students as well as for sustainability.
Some of the other projects of Somaya are…
- Goa Institute of Management, Goa
- Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences, Pilani
- Zensar Technology Limited, Pune
- TCS House, Mumbai
- Thomas Cathedral, Mumbai
- Rehabilitation of Bhadli Village along with its School and community Center, Bhuj
- Restoration of the Indian Institute of Management –Ahmedabad (IIM-A) Louis Kahn Campus
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