Have you ever heard of an architect who worked without an office and rarely made detailed drawings for his building projects? It may seem strange, but there was one such architect named Nari Gandhi. He was an Indian architect known for his very innovative building designs inspired by the great architect Frank Lloyd Wright, with whom Nari apprenticed for five years in Wright’s studio at Taliesin, USA. About his way of working, Nari Gandhi once said, “All art must be spontaneous and cannot be planned… A house grows organically. I need heart and mind to build, not a static blueprint.” Nari Gandhi learned Wright's innovative design techniques and organic architecture philosophies. Beyond just theory, Gandhi got hands-on experience working on various projects under Wright's guidance. This practical education was invaluable for developing Gandhi's architectural skills and creativity. Gandhi's association with Wright and time at Taliesin had a lasting impact on his later architectural work. After returning from the USA, Nari Gandhi started his professional architecture career in India, bringing the influences and lessons he learned from Frank Lloyd Wright. Gandhi's start and path in Indian architecture blended modernist principles, organic design sensibilities, and a deep appreciation for India's cultural heritage. Concepts and Design Philosophy Nari Gandhi’s philosophy combined modern principles with traditional Indian influences. He believed buildings should blend naturally with their surroundings and the environment. He was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's organic architecture ideas. Gandhi's designs often had flowing, geometrical shapes that mirrored the landscape to unite the built and natural environments. Gandhi felt architecture must respond to the cultural, historical, and environmental context of each project site. He drew inspiration from India's diverse architectural heritage while using modern materials and techniques. His designs included elements like courtyards, verandas, and local materials to create a sense of place. Sustainability was very important to Gandhi before it became mainstream. He advocated using eco-friendly, indigenous building materials and methods relevant to local culture. Energy efficiency, natural ventilation, and passive solar principles were prioritized to reduce environmental impact while providing healthy, comfortable spaces. Gandhi was experimental and innovative, pushing boundaries with unconventional shapes, materials, and construction systems. His avant-garde designs challenged traditional notions of what buildings could be. Central to his philosophy was human-centred design focused on meeting the needs and aspirations of occupants. Creating functional yet inspiring spaces that fostered connection and belonging within the built environment was key. Influence on Contemporary Indian Architecture Nari Gandhi's architecture has greatly influenced modern Indian architecture in several ways.

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ECHOES OF GENIUS:
A Tribute to Nari Gandhi's Architectural Legacy
By Sarbjit Singh Bahga

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ECHOES OF GENIUS:
A Tribute to Nari Gandhi's Architectural Legacy
By Sarbjit Singh Bahga
Have you ever heard of an architect who worked
without an office and rarely made detailed drawings
for his building projects? It may seem strange, but
there was one such architect named Nari Gandhi. He
was an Indian architect known for his very innovative
building designs inspired by the great architect Frank
Lloyd Wright, with whom Nari apprenticed for five
years in Wright’s studio at Taliesin, USA. About his
way of working, Nari Gandhi once said, “All art must
be spontaneous and cannot be planned… A house
grows organically. I need heart and mind to build, not
a static blueprint.”
Nariman (Nari) Dossabhai Gandhi (January 2, 1934 –
August 18, 1993) was born in Surat to a Parsi family
but grew up in Mumbai where his parents lived. Nari
Gandhi did his schooling at St Xavier's High School in
Fort, Mumbai. After that, he studied architecture at
the Sir JJ School of Art until 1956. In college, he met
Rustom Patel and Mansinh Rana - the two students of
Frank Lloyd Wright. It is said that Mansinh Rana
recommended Nari Gandhi leave the Sir JJ School of
Art to join Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed architectural
school and studio at Taliesin West in Arizona, USA to
further his architecture education. Nari studied and
worked at Taliesin from October 1956 to December
1961, during which time Frank Lloyd Wright passed
away in April 1959.
Nari Gandhi's time working with Frank Lloyd Wright
at Taliesin was extremely important in shaping his
architectural philosophy and career path. At Taliesin,
Gandhi was immersed in Wright's vision of
architecture and surrounded by like-minded people.
He could learn Wright's teachings directly and gain
practical experience. At Taliesin, Gandhi learned
about Wright's principles of organic architecture,
which emphasize harmony between buildings and
the natural environment around them.
Nari Gandhi learned Wright's innovative design
techniques and organic architecture philosophies.
Beyond just theory, Gandhi got hands-on experience
working on various projects under Wright's guidance.
This practical education was invaluable for
developing Gandhi's architectural skills and creativity.
Gandhi's association with Wright and time at Taliesin
had a lasting impact on his later architectural work.
Nari Gandhi (January 2, 1934 – August 18, 1993).
Nari Gandhi's time working
with Frank Lloyd Wright at
Taliesin was extremely
important in shaping his
architectural philosophy and
career path. At Taliesin, Gandhi
was immersed in Wright's
vision of architecture and
surrounded by like-minded
people.

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After leaving Taliesin in December 1961, Nari Gandhi
joined Kent State University in Ohio, USA where he
studied pottery, ceramics, woodcarving, and
weaving.
From the USA to India
After returning from the USA, Nari Gandhi started his
professional architecture career in India, bringing the
influences and lessons he learned from Frank Lloyd
Wright. Gandhi's start and path in Indian architecture
blended modernist principles, organic design
sensibilities, and a deep appreciation for India's
cultural heritage.
When he returned, Gandhi established his
architecture practice in Mumbai, India, where he
began making a name for himself with innovative
designs and a unique approach. His projects
showcased his willingness to experiment with
different materials, forms, and spatial arrangements.
Gandhi's architecture philosophy believed that
buildings should respond to their context, both
cultural and environmental. He aimed to create
buildings that harmonized with their surroundings,
integrating smoothly into the landscape while also
meeting the functional needs of the people using
them.
Throughout his career, Gandhi promoted using
indigenous building materials and techniques,
advocating for local materials like stone, brick, mud,
wood, bamboo and thatch in his projects. He
believed this approach helped create environment-
friendly buildings that also celebrated India's rich
architectural traditions.
Concepts and Design Philosophy
Nari Gandhi’s philosophy combined modern
principles with traditional Indian influences. He
believed buildings should blend naturally with their
surroundings and the environment. He was inspired
by Frank Lloyd Wright's organic architecture ideas.
Gandhi's designs often had flowing, geometrical
shapes that mirrored the landscape to unite the built
and natural environments.
Nari Gandhi (extreme right) at Taliesin West, USA.
Nari Gandhi’s philosophy
combined modern principles
with traditional Indian influences.
He believed buildings should
blend naturally with their
surroundings and the
environment. He was inspired by
Frank Lloyd Wright's organic
architecture ideas.

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Gandhi felt architecture must respond to the cultural,
historical, and environmental context of each project
site. He drew inspiration from India's diverse
architectural heritage while using modern materials
and techniques. His designs included elements like
courtyards, verandas, and local materials to create a
sense of place.
Sustainability was very important to Gandhi before it
became mainstream. He advocated using eco-
friendly, indigenous building materials and methods
relevant to local culture. Energy efficiency, natural
ventilation, and passive solar principles were
prioritized to reduce environmental impact while
providing healthy, comfortable spaces.
Gandhi was experimental and innovative, pushing
boundaries with unconventional shapes, materials,
and construction systems. His avant-garde designs
challenged traditional notions of what buildings
could be.
Central to his philosophy was human-centred design
focused on meeting the needs and aspirations of
occupants. Creating functional yet inspiring spaces
that fostered connection and belonging within the
built environment was key.
Significant Works
Some of Gandhi's notable works from 1964-1993 that
embodied his philosophies include the Rustam
Mehta Residence, Daya's Madh Island House, Jain
Bungalow, Jal Gobhai's Mountain Lodge, and
Sadruddin Daya's Revdanda Residence. His influence
shaped Indian architectural discourse and inspired
generations of architects.
Rustam Mehta’s Residence in Korlai
Rustom Mehta's residence in Korlai, Maharashtra, is
one of Nari Gandhi's notable architectural projects.
Located in a coastal village in the Raigad district of
Maharashtra, India, this residence exemplifies
Gandhi's commitment to blending modernist design
principles with traditional Indian influences, all while
responding to the unique context of its surroundings.
The design of Rustom Mehta's residence reflects
Gandhi's organic architectural philosophy, which
emphasizes harmony between buildings and their
natural environment. Situated along the scenic
coastline, the residence takes advantage of its
picturesque surroundings, offering panoramic views
of the Arabian Sea and the rugged landscape.
One of the distinctive features of the residence is its
integration with the natural topography of the site.
Gandhi's design responds sensitively to the sloping
terrain, with the building's form following the
contours of the land. This seamless integration with
the landscape creates a sense of unity between the
built environment and the surrounding natural
elements.
The design of this sea-facing house is like an
elevated open-arched pavilion. The lower level of
the house accommodates bedrooms, a kitchen, and
services whereas the upper level houses a living
area which affords spectacular views of the sea.
Constructed in wire-cut hollow bricks, the building
incorporates features like large arches, buttresses
and Mangalore-tiled slanting roof. Jutting out trees
from the house creates an interesting composition
and makes the building blend with nature.

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Daya's Madh Island House
Nari Gandhi's project, Daya's Madh Island House, is
another significant architectural endeavour that
showcases his innovative design approach and
sensitivity to the natural environment. Located on
Madh Island, a coastal area near Mumbai,
Maharashtra, this residential project reflects Gandhi's
commitment to organic architecture while
responding to the specific context of the site.
The house is located on a narrow plot. Nari Gandhi
created three vaults on the site and filled their
external shells with earth to convert their crowns into
a continuous mass of garden. The roof was thus a
traversable garden, roughly the same size as the
house and had punctures all over that were
sometimes capped with glass domes to throw light in
the space below. The house is completely
camouflaged in the already dense palm plantation on
the site. Nari Gandhi planted more species of plants
to create an ever-denser environment.
The terrace garden of the house has a vaulted canopy
made from nylon strings and mother-of-pearl shells.
Stonework in the exterior garden and punctures
showcases Nari Gandhi's exceptional skills acquired
while working with Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin.
Stones were broken into small chips and clad onto
surfaces coated with cement. Ceramic sculptures of
human faces were introduced in this stonework to
add grandeur to the environment.
Beyond its architectural merit, Daya's Madh Island
House is a testament to Gandhi's ability to create
spaces that are not only functional but also deeply
rooted in their cultural and natural context. By
embracing the unique qualities of the site and
integrating them into the design, Gandhi has crafted
a residence that celebrates the beauty of its
surroundings while providing a serene and
harmonious retreat for its occupants.
Beyond its architectural merit,
Daya's Madh Island House is a
testament to Gandhi's ability to
create spaces that are not only
functional but also deeply rooted
in their cultural and natural
context.

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Jain Bungalow, Lonavala
Nari Gandhi's project, the Jain Bungalow in Lonavala,
is another notable architectural endeavour that
reflects his distinctive design approach and
sensitivity to the natural environment. Located in the
picturesque hill station of Lonavala, Maharashtra, this
residential project exemplifies Gandhi's commitment
to responding to the specific context of the site.
The Jain Bungalow is situated amidst the lush
greenery and serene surroundings of Lonavala,
offering a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle
of urban life. Gandhi's design for the bungalow seeks
to harmonize with the natural landscape, integrating
seamlessly into its hillside setting.
One of the defining features of the Jain Bungalow is
its thoughtful layout, which takes full advantage of
the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and
valleys. Large windows and outdoor living spaces are
strategically positioned to capture these views while
creating a strong connection between the interior
and exterior spaces.
The house is located on a sloping site and the design
of the house nestled it in the heart of terraced
gardens. Right from the site boundary, which was at
a much higher level than the entry of the house, Nari
Gandhi built up receding terraces that hosted a
variety of local plants and trees.
The structure consisted of stone masonry walls
deploying varying sizes and colours of igneous rocks
from the Western Ghats, and steel trusses and struts.
Inner courtyards are embellished with small chips of
stones. The house followed a stepped profile
throughout with a single roof plane, having dormer
windows that unified the distinct rooms. Existing
trees on the site also dictated the special
arrangement of the house. Overall, the house follows
the profile of the slope, and the roof resonates with
the incline of the mountains in the backdrop.

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Jal Gobhai's Mountain Lodge, Lonavala
Jal Gobhai's Mountain Lodge in Lonavala is another
notable architectural project designed by Nari
Gandhi. Situated near the Tungarli dam in the scenic
hill station of Lonavala, Maharashtra, this residential
lodge exemplifies Gandhi's innovative design
approach and his sensitivity to the natural
environment.
The Mountain Lodge is nestled amidst the lush
greenery and rugged terrain of Lonavala's hills,
offering its occupants a serene and picturesque
retreat. Gandhi's design for the lodge is
characterized by its seamless integration with the
surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious
relationship between built form and nature.
This Mountain Lodge is a simple weekend house for
the Gobhai family. It is situated on a cliff in a remote
location near an elevated dam reservoir, barely
accessible by a heavy vehicle. The building is a stone
masonry structure built in the ‘desert masonry’
method that Frank Lloyd Wright developed for
Taliesin West. Stones are placed between wooden
formwork with flat sides facing outwards and
concrete is poured from the top. After the concrete is
allowed to be set, the formwork is removed, and the
effect is that of large stones set in rough concrete.
Trusses for the lodge are in wood and roofing is in
asbestos-cement sheets. The roof is very expressive
with long projections at the gable and eaves that
touch the ground. Deep verandas have been
provided on all sides to protect the house from rain.
The Mountain Lodge is nestled amidst the lush
greenery and rugged terrain of Lonavala's hills,
offering its occupants a serene and picturesque
retreat. Gandhi's design for the lodge is
characterized by its seamless integration with the
surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious
relationship between built form and nature.

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Sadruddin Daya’s Revdanda Residence
Nari Gandhi's project, Sadruddin Daya's Revdanda
Residence in Revdanda, Maharashtra, is a significant
architectural endeavour that showcases his
innovative design approach and sensitivity to the
local context. Revdanda is a coastal town in
Maharashtra, known for its serene beaches and
historical significance.
The vernacular architecture of the surrounding
villages echoed in the deep roof overhangs, spacious
verandas, clear stories to allow ventilation and simple
brick and mud construction. Externally the house is
finished in the vernacular technique of ‘geru’ paint.
The house is placed in the heart of a dense betel nut
and coconut plantation. A meticulously landscaped
garden is the highlight of this house. Nari Gandhi
used locally made pots filled with cement and
inverted them into a bed of plain cement concrete.
These pots were arranged in a concentric pattern
and different sizes, so the result was a dramatic
‘ripple’ of inverted pots in the heart of the plantation.
This residence is a testament to Nari Gandhi's
architectural vision and design philosophy. By
embracing the natural beauty of the site and
integrating it into the design, Gandhi has created a
residence that celebrates the harmony between the
built form and the surrounding landscape, providing
a serene and rejuvenating retreat for its occupants.
Influence on Contemporary Indian Architecture
Nari Gandhi's architecture has greatly influenced
modern Indian architecture in several ways. He
emphasized organic architecture that blends
buildings with nature. Many modern architects in
India try to create eco-friendly buildings using
sustainable design and natural materials.
He incorporated traditional Indian architectural
elements into his designs. This has inspired today's
architects to embrace India's rich heritage while
meeting modern needs. They draw inspiration from
traditional techniques, materials, and cultural motifs.
Gandhi was willing to experiment with new forms,
materials, and construction methods. This
encourages contemporary Indian architects to push
boundaries and explore innovative solutions using
cutting-edge technology.
His focus on sustainable, environment-friendly
architecture has deeply impacted modern Indian
architecture. Today's architects prioritize energy
efficiency, green building practices, and minimizing
environmental impact.
Gandhi aimed to create buildings focusing on
human well-being and comfort. This has influenced
architects today to take a human-centred approach
emphasizing user experience, accessibility, and
enhancing quality of life.
Gandhi's architecture continues to inspire and
shape Indian architecture today regarding design,
sustainability, and cultural identity.
Gandhi was willing to experiment
with new forms, materials, and
construction methods. This
encourages contemporary Indian
architects to push boundaries
and explore innovative solutions
using cutting-edge technology.

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A Tribute
Sadly, Nari Gandhi's promising career ended when
he died in a car accident in 1993 at age 59 while
visiting a project site. With love and gratitude, we
honour Nari Gandhi, a visionary architect whose
legacy influences Indian architecture.
Gandhi was a trailblazer, innovator, and artist whose
creations transcended mere buildings to become
timeless art. His pioneering approach blended
modernist and traditional Indian influences, leaving
an indelible mark.
Long before it was popular, he advocated
sustainability, using natural materials, sustainable
practices, and designs sensitive to the local context
and human needs.
Beyond architecture, Gandhi mentored and inspired
countless aspiring architects to embrace creativity,
innovation, and excellence.
As we reflect, we honour not just his architectural
achievements but the profound impact he had on
those who knew him. His spirit lives through his
buildings, teachings, and the lives he touched.
Today, we honour Nari Gandhi's memory with
respect, gratitude, and admiration. May his
pioneering vision and beautiful creations continue
inspiring us in architecture's ever-evolving world.
Gandhi was a trailblazer, innovator,
and artist whose creations
transcended mere buildings to
become timeless art. His pioneering
approach blended modernist and
traditional Indian influences, leaving
an indelible mark.
Nari Gandhi - A visionary architect.