Ahmedabad: Tribute pours in for star architect Nimish Patel

City-based architect Nimish Patel passed away at his residence on Wednesday. He is widely remembered and celebrated for amalgamating traditional motifs with contemporary designs in his work. Patel is survived by his wife and architect Parul Zaveri.

Shortly after the demise of the maestro, the who's who of the city flocked to his residence near Shreyas overbridge to pay their obeisance.

Nimish Patel's teacher turned colleague and eventual family friend, architect Balkrishna Doshi said, "Nimish was one of the only architects who believed in conservation and tradition. The architect couple — Nimish and Parul — spent their lives on revival of tradition, crafts and local material, and they worked on conservation of energy at a time when everything is either imported and modified. They stood their ground and perceived what they believed in, which is one of the most important aspects today. Even though both of them were my students, overtime, we became colleagues and eventually like family members. He constantly encouraged me and others to do good for the society. I will miss Nimish."

Patel and Zaveri were principal architects of Udaivilas in Udaipur, which is ranks among the world's top resorts. Another design which was critically acclaimed was the Torrent Research Centre in Ahmedabad, which is India's largest passive cooling building, saving energy to recover the entire cost of erecting the building.

Architect Bimal Patel, President, CEPT University, said: "Nimish Patel was a very important, highly venerated architect. He was committed to enriching contemporary architecture with the use of traditional crafts and was also very invested in the idea of sustainability. His collaboration with his wife, architect Parul Zaveri, was also a deeply inspiring architectural partnership. Both of them, who are also CEPT alumni, have given us some very wonderful and inspiring buildings."

Environment educator Kartikeya Sarabhai said: "Nimish brought along a rare and deep sensitivity and understanding of our own traditions in his work, which were also contemporary. It was not only in terms of building techniques and traditions but also the social and cultural context of the space. He leaves behind a legacy which will continue to inspire the future generations."

SOME OF HIS MOST NOTEWORTHY WORKS:

The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Torrent Research Centre, Ahmedabad

Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Ahmedabad

Gujarat Vidyapith Sabha Khand

Bharatpur palace conservation (In process)

Barwada Fort (In process)

(Source: Abhikram, their consultancy firm)