Architect Rustom BJ Patell of Mumbai passes away

Architect Rustom BJ Patell, 86, passed away at Breach Candy Hospital on Sunday night after a brief illness. He was cremated at the Chandanwadi Cremation Ground on Tuesday.

Patell had worked with Messrs Patell Batliwala Manohar & Associates. He was the architect for The National Centre for the Performing Arts and the Taj Intercontinental Tower among other prominent structures in the city.

He was also the chief architect of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) during Dr Homi Bhabha’s tenure.
The entire NCPA complex, comprising its five theatres, three gardens, galleries and other open spaces, was conceptualised and designed by Patell.

“The NCPA is the product of the vision of its founder, Dr Jamshed Bhabha, and Patell who carved it so beautifully. We deeply mourn his loss,” said DB Biswas, joint executive director, NCPA.
“He was very active. Being the senior-most partner he ran the office,” said Mani Patel, Patell’s secretary.