Brinda Somaya

FOREWORD JAMES STEWART POLSHEK “Architecture and architectural freedom are above all social issues that must be seen from inside a political structure, not from outside it.”

—Lina Bo Bardi, 1974 Distinguished Indian architect Brinda Somaya is both fiercely independent and profoundly idealistic, characteristics that are the foundation of her innovative conceptual approach to architecture, urbanism and preservation. I quote Bardi’s words, not because both architects are women but because both, during a difficult world economy, enriched cultural history while expanding the boundaries of their professional discipline.

In 1975, Somaya opened her own studio. Her architectural practice expanded over the ensuing 40 years, the latter part of a period that critic Martin Filler characterised as being one of “all-pervasive commercialism, rampant celebrity-mongering and a dispiriting lack of social awareness”. This dark observation is radically contrary to Somaya’s entire belief system. Her intellect and the distinctive Indian traditions of architecture as a collaborative craft allowed her to rise above this new set of negative social and political impediments.

Notwithstanding the influence of feminism and the impact that may have had on the young Brinda Somaya, there remained almost total male domination in the domain of her chosen profession. Today, the exponential increase in the number of women students and practitioners of architecture suggests that the democratic and empathetic core of this ancient calling is alive and well. Brinda Somaya’s life and practice, as comprehensively laid out in this monograph, makes clear that she is one of the models for this quiet reformation: one that celebrates service rather than power, and generosity rather than ego gratification.

This is clearly demonstrated by the typological diversity of her individual buildings and her contributions to the enlightened urbanism of modern Mumbai. These, and many more built accomplishments, attest to her firm’s global reputation.

Recent major projects demonstrate her affinity for clients whose programmes contribute to the public good. These include the “Tata Consultancy Services 9