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Venessa Thomas

Honoring a Visionary: The Global Legacy of Prof. Christopher Benninger


On October 22, 2024, a memorial gathering was held to honor the life and extraordinary contributions of Prof. Christopher Benninger. The event, which took place in Pune, attracted prominent personalities from the world of architecture, planning, and education, celebrating the legacy of a visionary who reshaped the field in profound ways.


The event featured a remarkable lineup of speakers who shared personal anecdotes and reflected on Prof. Benninger's impact. Among them were:

  • Abhishek Lodha, CEO of Lodha Group, who spoke about Benninger’s influence on urban development in India and his pioneering approach to sustainable city planning.

  • Bimal Patel, renowned architect and urban planner, reflected on Benninger’s role in shaping modern architecture in India and his thought leadership in the field.

  • Pooja Misal, an educator and leader in design academia, highlighted Benninger’s contributions to architectural education and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of architects.

  • Naved Aslam, an actor and collaborator, brought an artistic perspective, discussing how Prof. Benninger’s work transcended disciplines, blending creativity with deep social consciousness.






The event was gracefully hosted by Priya Gokhale, who guided the proceedings with a balance of warmth and respect, ensuring the event paid fitting tribute to Prof. Benninger’s towering legacy.


In addition to the in-person speakers, a series of video messages from international figures underscored Prof. Benninger's global influence. Notable figures included:

  • Anurag Behar from Azim Premji University (Bengaluru), who spoke on Benninger’s commitment to education.

  • LV Songtao from Shanghai, China, offered reflections on Benninger’s projects that contributed to global urbanism.

  • Habiba Al Mar'ashi from Dubai, UAE, praised his work on sustainability and environmental architecture.

  • Jigmi Thinley, former Prime Minister of Bhutan, discussed Benninger’s transformative work in Bhutan, including the master plan for Thimphu.


Messages also came from Luva Chowdhury (Dhaka, Bangladesh), Omid Verzande (Iran), Sachchidanand Joshi (New Delhi), Senaka Dharmatilleke (Sri Lanka), and Suha Ozkan (Turkey), each offering heartfelt tributes to a man who touched lives and landscapes across continents.

A highlight of the event was the posthumous launch of Prof. Benninger’s book, Great Expectations: Notes to an Architect. The book serves as a poignant reflection on his philosophy of design, urban planning, and the role of an architect in shaping a better world. With this final work, Prof. Benninger leaves behind a guiding document for architects and planners, encapsulating his lifelong beliefs, lessons, and vision for the future.



Details of the Event:

  • Date: 22nd October 2024 (Tuesday)

  • Time: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Venue: Kalmadi Shamarao High School, Kannada Medium, Pune, Maharashtra

The memorial meet was not just a tribute to a great architect but also a celebration of a life that bridged cultures, disciplines, and geographies. Through the words of those who knew him, and through the lens of his remarkable body of work, Prof. Christopher Benninger’s influence continues to resonate across the world. Watch the entire event on our Youtube Channel: Christopher Benninger's Memorial Gathering | Pune | 22 OCT 2024 | CCBA Designs |

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