Pioneer in Landscape Design in India
Recently, Indian landscape architecture suffered a huge loss in the passing away of Prof. Ravindra Bhan. His design exhibited an affinity with nature. Throughout his career, he handled various projects, both in architecture and landscape where his design approach was guided by site and its constraints and potentials it offered.
He started his architectural education in the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, but left formal architectural studies to work with Ar. A. P. Kanvinde. He then went on to work with Architect‘ s Co– Partnership in England and later to Finland to work with the famous Architect Ar. Reima Pietila. He completed his B. Arch from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, U. S. A. and Masters in Landscape Architecture from University of Pennsylvania,
U. S. A. Having interacted with Prof. MacHarg – a prominent landscape architect as a student in University of Pennsylvania, he then worked with him as a senior designer for over 7 years. Ar. Bhan was selected by Ford Foundation to establish the first formal training in landscape architecture in India, at the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi which he headed for 5 years. He established his own practice in Delhi ‘ Ravindra Bhan and Associates’during this period.
Some of his notable projects include Shakti Sthala – Memorial for late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Development plans of Ayodhya Ghats, Master planning and Site development for Rabindra Sarovar, Andrews Ganj, Housing for HUDCO – Urban design and landscaping with design of 180 units. Landscape design for Kovalam Beach Resort, Mughal Sheraton Hotel in Agra to name a few.
He was awarded the Aga Khan Award for architecture and landscape architecture in 1980. He was also a recipient of many national and international awards, and a member of various advisory councils. Right from his earlier days, he was involved in teaching and was professor and head of department of landscape architecture at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi ( 1972- 76).
The great landscape master Ravindra Bhan has no doubt left behind the legacy which would be a great source of inspiration and knowledge for landscape architect/ designers.