Louis Isadore Kahn (1901-1974)

"He lies here somewhere" are the words inscribed on the tomb of Louis Kahn. That somewhere may well include Ahmedabad, where the architectural masterpiece that this American architect created on about 25 hectares of land constitutes the "heritage campus" of IIMA today. His imposing red-brick complex instils in the viewer a sense of awe and wonder; the interplay of light and shade, the spacious corridors, the open spaces, the well laid out green lawns lined by brick paths, and the multitude of arches supporting the structures, all contribute to this experience. The closeness of the students' dormitories to the academic complex-the two blocks connected by a series of arched corridors and landscaped courts-helps students take the academic dialogue into non-academic spaces. To quote Louis Kahn, "Every time a student walks past a really urgent, expressive piece of architecture that belongs to his college, it can help reassure him that he does have that mind, does have that soul." Students, and others, who have experienced the expressive piece of architecture that is the IIMA heritage campus, will appreciate this sentiment. Nearly five decades have passed since the birth of the heritage campus. And we have initiated a major effort to conserve and restore this important piece in our architectural history, under the stewardship of Somaya & Kalappa Consultants.