158
like a science laboratory where we experimented and in the process we improved. Ever since, my work has been based on that philosophy.
You have been in the field of architecture for over five decades during which there have been various movements in architecture. Which school of thought do you belong to?
I don't belong to any school of thought. In Le Corbusier's office we constantly evolved. Every time I worked, I discovered. The references were from very ancient times to present day. Creative people do not adhere to any system of classification. I don't think a creative person decides with a preconceived idea in mind which movement he wants to follow. The moment one does that the design process becomes superficial and mechanical. One follows a path that is a beaten track. These are phases that happen. I do what I want to do.
Center for Environment Planning and Tech nology (CEPT) was a school that you pioneered, masterminded, designed, and bu ilt. What were your ideas for an architectural education?
Le Corbusier's office was an institution. After working at his office, I was invited as a visiting faculty at the University of Washington as a Graham Fellow. During this period I discovered that a fresh mind is always a good mind. When you graduate, you think you are an architect. The definition of architecture controls you. Your concepts are formed by the way you are taught. So while designing the school of architecture in Ahmedabad (CEPT), I decided that the program should have no preconceived notions or prejudices. School should become a process. There were references to Bauhaus; there were references to American institutions. For example, when 1taught at the University of Pennsylvania in 1960, the jury system, the critiques and the interaction between the faculty and students fasci nated me. So it was important for me to create an atmosphere where there would be continuous dialogue between faculty and students. I also discovered that education wasn't a closed box system. Education is to open doors, not one but many. So the idea of the campus and the program was that there should be no doors, windows, or walls. There should be no separation between classrooms. Meeting places
tt t
ttt Studio at Sanqat h Balkrishna Doshi, Ahmed abad 1979-81 Hussain-Doshi Gu fa Gallery Balkrishna Doshi, Ah medabad 1993 Hu ssain- Doshi Gufa Gall ery Balkrishna Doshi, Ahmedaba d 1993