Hafeez Contractor is one of India's most famous architects. He was born in 1950 and received his graduate degree in architecture from the Academy of Architecture in Mumbai. Some of his most notable projects include DLF Pinnacle in Gurgaon, Beach House in Mandwa, Vastu in Mumbai, and buildings for companies like Infosys, Tatas, and BPCL. Contractor is known for introducing concepts like the double wall and architectural projections that changed residential building design in India. While some criticize his inconsistent style, he has played a pivotal role over decades in shaping India's urban landscape.

1. Architect Hafeez Contractor.

2. Biography… Hafeez Contractor was born in 1950. He did his Graduate Diploma in architecture from Academy of Architecture, Mumbai in 1975 and completed his graduation from Columbia University, New York (USA). Contractor commenced his career in 1968 with T. Khareghat as an apprentice Architect and in 1977 he became the associate partner in the same firm. He began his practise independently in 1982. He is a member of the Bombay Heritage Committee and New Delhi Lutyens Bungalow Zone Review Committee. He has received many prestigious awards.

3. Hafeez Contractor… Today, at the age of 58, Contractor is one of the most famous faces of architecture in India with projects for names like Hiranandanis,Tatas, BPCL, ICICI, National Stock Exchange, CIDCO,DLF, Infosys etc. He has conceptualized ,designed and executed a wide range of architectural projects like bungalows, residential developments, hospitals, hotels, corporate offices, banking and financial institutions, commercial complexes, shopping malls, educational institutions, recreational and sports facilities, townships, airports, railway stations, urban planning and civic redevelopment projects.

4. Works of Hafeez Contractor… Some of his works are: DLF Pinnacle, Gurgaon. Beach House, Mandwa. Vastu, Mumbai. Konark Estate, Pune. Hiranandani Gardens, Mumbai. Spagetti, Navi Mumbai. Gharkul, Navi Mumbai. Lokhandwala Residency, Mumbai. M.P. Mill Redevelopment, Mumbai. Infosys, Mysore. Sarla Birla Academy, Banglore Osho Commune, Pune.

5. His contributions … Hafeez’s approach to the residential sector has been an original reply to the inescapable practical constraints of the present day cityscape. He developed the concept of 6 inch internal wall with an external skin and thus, the double wall concept, which virtually changed the housing scenario. Hafeez introduced the 2’ 6” deep architectural projection for elevational treatmement in residential buildings. He also exploited the aesthetic potential of water tanks on rooftops. His style is unorthodox, filled with domes, pitched roofs, arches, triangular canopies, spires and gates that look like entrance fortresses.

6. Commercial Architecture… Hafeez has consistently engaged the powerful symbolic significance of architecture as an ultimate value proposition in his commercial works. His office buildings not only reflect the new architectural conceptions, but also the changing communication networks and technological systems. Hafeez believes that increasing the F.S.I. or creating high rises is the most fitting solution to the spatially challenged cities that can not seem to comfortably house their citizens. His architecture has been defined as brilliant and breathtaking but also strange and eccentric. Nevertheless, in over two decades of his practice, he has displayed a pivotal role in shaping the urban built landscape of the country.

7. Worli Water-Front Development, Mumbai… The Western Waterfront Development proposal is a scheme that attempts to rejuvenate the urban environment of Mumbai. The city with its continually unplanned development pattern has devoured open spaces, thus affecting the citizen life. The Waterfront proposal is an endeavour to bring the architects, developers and the citizens of Mumbai to collaborate in an idea that touches the future of the city and the everyday life of the civic community.

8. Miles of under-utilized and neglected waterfront area is envisioned as a new and vibrant community space, intertwined with a dramatic ribbon of seafront parks, walkways and waterfront esplanades. When completed, these parks will link Mumbai’s downtown to its suburbia along the seafront and ultimately reintroduce the citizens to their city’s once revered oceanfront and the world to a new image of Mumbai.

9. VASTU, Mumbai… Vastu introduced a new aesthetic to Mumbai’s skyline.. The arrogant and strange sense of expression is ardent in the building’s profile. The perforated dome roof further accentuates its unconventional rhetoric. Vastu is significant for the use of its ‘double walls’, that not only enable the creation of the necessary form and modulations on the surface, but also at the same time act as a protection against harsh weather. This system added value in the commercial sense, as it delivered larger saleable space that was created due to reduced width of external walls. The basic idea of the double wall concept was functional - but Hafeez never underestimated its potential as an aesthetic element.

10. Konark Estate, Pune A vivacious merger of square, circular, rectangular and triangular openings form the interesting facades of the apartment buildings in Konark Estate. The linear apartment blocks facilitate the creation of large recreational space in the centre. The buildings are planned in such a way, that the end walls of two buildings connect and in turn create the desired linear layout. The idea of linear planning was a huge success and the developer insisted on using the replica of this layout in other projects in Pune and requested Hafeez to modulate the façade and create a distinct look for each project. These projects initiated “decorative architecture”.

11. Beach House, Mandwa… This design is anchored in the ancient principles of ‘Vastu’. The five bedroom house has been composed in such a way that each bedroom opens into a curving verandah looking out at the sea. There is an amalgamation of indoor and outdoor spaces, which gives the house an extraordinary feel. The strong expression of the roof with its intertwining rhythm allows the building to emerge gracefully.

12. The constructional elements are presented symbolically by relating to the local vernacular coastal heritage. The gigantic arches constructed with local stone, coils of exposed timber, wooden windows with cane blinds and a bar with a thatched roof in the swimming pool complete the vernacular idiom. The genesis of the design has its roots in the inherent qualities of rustic fishing hamlets that dot the Indian coastline. This oceanfront abode offers sweeping views of the sea and is set in the midst of lush coconut grooves and tropical foliage.

13. Osho Commune, Pune The architecture of the Osho Commune is striking in its subtlety as it integrates into the lush green surrounds. It is the centre from which Bhagwan Rajneesh (Osho) institutes his philosophical teachings. The design highlights the pyramid- the oldest existing monumental form, to epitomise the spectrum of the client’s religious beliefs. The idea was not to create buildings, but to create an environment with emphasis on spaces that are quite, tranquil and serene.

14. The compelling black pyramidal forms have a series of connotations: black embodies the amalgamation of all colours, harnesses cosmic energy and the pyramid is the most stable form. Blue is used in the fenestrations as it signifies enlightenment- the halo of life. Structurally, each pyramid is conceived as a shell resting on peripheral beams ,which rest on R.C.C. columns. The visual impact of the facades lies in the variations in the intensity of black and the inherent textures of various materials. The structures stand out against the rough black cudappah paving and beautiful landscaping . The adjoining nullah is converted into a beautiful water body.

15. Situated in the busy locality of Prabhadevi, Mumbai, the Textile Laboratory And Research Institute is an is an intriguing piece of architecture, with metaphoric interpretations ranging from flowing fabrics to a spinning wheel (charkha). The primary design idea was to reflect the powerful tradition and heritage of Indian textiles. The institute is designed to accommodate research and administrative activities in one block and other activities in different blocks. The various activities are joint together through a central atrium. Textile Laboratory And Research Institute, Mumbai…

16. The atrium symbolically depicts the ‘charkha’ that is rooted in India’s glorious textile heritage. The structure is basically a steel frame swathed in Teflon fabric. Juxtaposing of wavy granite, aluminium and glass surfaces marks this 6 storey building block. The wavy facade derives its inspiration from the imagery of flowing fabrics. The materials used with the contrast in their intrinsic textures colours go on to reflect the diverse range of Indian textiles.

17. Le Meridian, Pune… Situated in the heart of Pune, the architecture of Le Meridian pays homage to India’s rich heritage. The hotel features arched windows, jhrokas and classic details that are reminiscent of the impressive Wadas of Pune and the old charm of Rajasthani architecture.the pale hued palette enhances the classical expression of the façade. The basic conception is classical, with contemporary interior elements.

18. The rich materials and luxurious proportions in the interior spaces reflect the architectural theme of a classically inspired design. One of the most fascinating elements of the interior are carpets, inspired by the traditional Maharashtrian Paithani sarees. The hotel is a nine storey structure, encompassing 176 rooms in all.

19. Conclusions….

20. Hafeez Contractor is peculiarly a Bombay phenomenon. His architecture is an attempt to make the best of the cramping site and by-law conditions in Bombay . His architecture reflects the multitudes of preferences that the consumerist masses demand. He believes that the success of any idea rests on whether or not the consumers are fully satisfied with the product and if the product is not adaptable to the complex market environment, it is a complete failure. Also, he believes that modern day concerns are infinite and working within any one system is too limiting. Critics have often condemned Hafeez’s practise as frivolous for being inconsistent in his style and continually said that he has surrendered to commercialism and the popular culture. They believe that no earnest architect can leap around as he has done and is continuing to do from one style to another , one imagery to another.

21. Contemporary architecture draws its inspiration from architecture of the past, and yet is modern in its own way. Similarly, Hafeez Contractor’s architecture is deeply rooted to the past but still is aspirational, visionary, risky and there is a use of new materials in an innovative way. He has attempted to push the boundaries of materials and technology as well as geometry.