1. The architect who redefined the skyline of India
By: Suneeta Bodapati
27th August 2012
1

2. Birth : Yr 1950
Place : Mumbai, India
Education :1975 - Graduate diploma in architecture from
the University of Mumbai
1977 - Graduation and MS in Architecture from
Columbia University, New York City
Affiliation:
Member of the Bombay Heritage Committee and New Delhi
Lutyens Bungalow Zone Review Committee.
Ar. Hafeez Contractor
Company : Architect HC (est. Yr 1983)
2

3. Beach Mumbai
Vastu, house, Mandwa DY Patil statdium Hiranandani, Powai
Infosys, Bangalore
DLF, Gurgaon
Le Meridian,Mysore
Infosys, Pune DLF Pinnacle, Gurgaon
Osho ashram, Pune
Minerva, Mumbai
42, Kolkata
Some of the
works by
HC
3

4. OSHO Ashram, 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.
Blue is used in the fenestrations as it signifies
enlightenment- the halo of life.
4

5. Textile Laboratory And Research Institute, Mumbai
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 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.
5

6. 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.
The basic conception is classical, with contemporary
interior elements.
One of the most fascinating elements of the interior
are carpets, inspired by the traditional
Maharashtrian Paithani sarees.
6

7. Le Meridian, Pune
7

8. Konark Estate, Pune
A energetic merger of square, circular, rectangular and
triangular openings form the interesting facades of the
apartment buildings in Konark Estate.
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.
8

9. DLF, Gurgoan
DLF Infinity toweres complex constitutes three interconnected towers (A, B, C) scaling
between 10-12 storeys. Spread across 1.2 million sq.ft of space, the complex is designed to
provide unmatched flexibility with scalability option. 9

10. Hiranandani, Mumbai
In a matter of 25 years, a quarry with 20 trees has been converted to a sprawling
development by Hafeez Contractor.
The township is dotted with skyscraper residential towers, many with very expensive
apartments. Its skyline is immediately recognizable due to the classic Greco-
Roman architectural influences, especially at the topmost level.
10

11. Hiranandani, Mumbai
11

12. Controversies & Influences
“In Hafeez Contractor’s factory, hundreds of architects and draftsmen sit elbow to elbow to churn
out buildings. From morning to night, their sole purpose is to draft and design the innumerable
rough sketches that originate from Hafeez, who has a good view of the office exit. As a result,
employees do not attempt to leave before dinner. When a project is over they immediately begin
work on the next. There are no milestones, only more buildings to make.”
Rahul Bhatia
He is accused of being a media manipulator, Hafeez’s ideas for a taller Mumbai are
ridiculed, and his buildings are deemed ugly. He is viewed as an unfortunate freak
because he ignores the principles more discerning architects abide by.
When asked about why he is influenced by Roman and Greek elements he says
“the world is connected in every way. We drive Japanese cars.”
12

13. Awards & Recognitions
1975 - One man show at J. J. College of architecture. Sponsors : J. J. College of Architecture
1976 - Participant r/udat, team for west end Trenton (U. S .A)
1976 - TATA scholar for graduate studies in Architecture and Urban Design
1976 - One man show at jehangir art gallery. Sponsors : Academy of Architecture1998 -
1982 - Indian Institute Of Interior Design Award for best shop and restaurant1998 - Accommodation
times award for Best Residential Building
1991 - J. K. Cement commendation award for group housing in Urban context
1991 - Interiors today award for excellence in Design and Architecture
1991 - Accommodation times award for architect of the year
1994 - DLF trophy by Rajdhani Estate Promoters & Builders Association
1995 - Indian institute of interior designers award for Damania's residence at Ahmednagar (runner up)
1996 - Architect of the year awards - group housing in the urban context - Lake Castle (powai)
1998 - 'Architect of the year' - Priyadarshani Award
1998 - Accommodation times award for Best Office Building
2006 - 23 Marina Dubai "the best architecture in 2006" at the "CNBC Arabian property awards"
2007 - Hiranandani bg house,mumbai."the best commercial property"at the "CNBC AWAAZ-CRISIL
Real Estate awards 2007“
2007 - Construction World –Top Architect of the year 2007
13

14. Works of Hafeez Contractor
• DY Patil Stadium in Nerul, Navi • Sarla Birla Academy , Bangalore • Turbe Railway Station, Navi
Mumbai • ILFS Building , Bandra Kurla Compex, mumbai
• Seawoods Estate (also known Mumbai • Low Income housing schemes
as NRI complex) in Nerul, Navi • Dubai Lost City-Dubai , Navi Mumbai
Mumbai is one of the • Fortune Hotel (Welcome • MP Mill Slum Redevelopment
residential complexes/ Group)Bangalore Project
townships • Fourseasons Hotel-Worli,Mumbai • Thapar House , Worli ,
• One Indiabulls Center, Mumbai, • Holiday Inn-Ahmedabad Mumbai
India (Ongoing) • Hotel Rodas-Hiranandani Gardens- • ITC Grand Central , Mumbai
• Morya Regency in Bandra, Powai,Mumbai • Hyatt Regency , Mumbai
Mumbai • Hyatt Regency-Andheri,Mumbai • leela Chain of Hotels at
• Rodas- An ecotel in hiranandani • ITC Grand Central-Parel,Mumbai different Locations
gardens,powai • ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton-Sahar • British Gas-Powai-Mumbai
• Hiranandani Gardens Road, Mumbai • Capital Complex-Manipur
• Multiple Buildings , DLF City , • Le'Meridien-Pune • Infosys Offices at different
Gurgaon • Nirmal Life Style-Mulund,Mumbai Loactions, Pune, Bangalore
• Mumbai Airport redesign • Sahara City Home-Lukhnow • Low Cost Houses at Mumbai,
• Infosys - Bangalore , Mangalore • The Leela Beach-Goa Guragaon, Pune
, Mysore , Trivandrum • Leela Place Udaipur Hotel • Residential Compelexes at
• AV Birla Training centre • Radisson Hotel-Kanjurmarg Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore,
• Aditya Birla Corporate Head • Hotel Ista,Nagpur Gurgaon
Quarters • Taj Mount Road,Chennai • Sky Scrapper City at Mumbai
• Russi Modi Centre of Excellence • Akruti Center Point-M.I.D.C MUMBAI • ITC Chain of Hotels at different
, Jamshedpur • Akruti Trade Centre-Andheri, Mumbai Locations
• Rajneesh Osho Ashram , Pune • DLF-American Express-Gurgaon
• NICMAR , Pune • DLF-American Express2-Gurgaon
• ONGC Green Buildings- • Blossom Nogi-Andheri-Mumbai
Multiple Locations
14

15. Thank You
For your attention
15