Letters to a Young Architect

Letters to a Young Architect is a sensitive memoir of Christopher Benninger’s life in India and his personal concerns about architectural theory and contemporary urban issues. Through the medium of articles and lectures presented over the past decade, a lucid collection of essays emerge that testify the commonality of mankind’s condition. This is a collection of autobiographical narratives and ideas reflecting a man’s journey of the spirit from America to India and the philosophical considerations that matured from his experiences. His travels are not only stories of the dusty roads he traveled on, but also of the passions and emotions of those he met along the way.

Letters to a Young Architect reflects on the role and direction of architecture in framing a new man and a new society in the new millennium. Benninger notes his encounters with gurus like Jose Luis Sert, Walter Gropius, Arnold Toynbee and Buckminster Fuller and the manner in which their personal passion for humanity shaped the lives of others. Benninger is a strong believer in tradition, in gurus and in students and in a linage of values, ideals, principles and practices which have been matured from generation to generation. He is concerned with the education of architects; the nature of architecture itself; and the role of urbanism and planning in the creation of a new society. The role of Indian masters like Balkrishna Doshi, who guided him in his search, is a touching tribute to the Indian “Guru-Shishya” tradition.

“44 years, you have given plenty and yet there is much more in store for another decade.”
-Padma Shri. Ar. Balkrishna V. Doshi, Ahmedabad.

“Congratulations for writing a highly meaningful book for all young and old architects. Reading this book can generate many more queries and answers to someone’s thoughts.”
-Ar. S.D. Sharma, Chandigarh.

“I am now a proud recipient of a fantastic book by an extraordinary architect - you.”
-Ar. Karan Grover, Baroda.

“Calling me ‘role model and guru’ is more an expression of your inner humility.”
-Padma Shri. Prof. Dr. S. B. Mujumdar,
Founder & President, Symbiosis University, Pune.

“I appreciate the trouble you took to chronicle your professional life.”
-Padma Vibhushan. Ratan Tata,
Chairman, Tata Group, Mumbai.

“This book is part of our valuable history.”
-Prof. Saleem Kidwai, Author, Lucknow.

This book is published by India House Art Gallery

Contact us to purchase Letters to a Young Architect : admin@ccba.in; shashi@ccba.in

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