Legendary architect Christopher Charles Benninger has left this world for the heavenly abode on Oct 2nd, 2024. He and his firm CCBA had a long-standing relation with THE WADE ASIA as the Jury member and speaker. SURFACES REPORTER remembers visionary Architect Christopher Charles Benninger, 1942 – 2024.
The Journey of his ‘Karambhoomi’
Prof. Christopher Benninger’s extraordinary journey as an architect, urban planner, and educator has left an indelible mark on the world of architecture and design.
Educated at MIT and Harvard, Prof. Benninger’s transformative journey began in 1971 when he arrived in India, invited by the legendary B.V. Doshi. His move was fueled by a Fulbright Fellowship, marking the beginning of a profound relationship with the country.
Reflecting on this pivotal shift, he remarked, “My Janmabhoomi was America, but my Karmabhoomi is India!” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates his connection to India, where he found professional purpose and spiritual fulfillment.
Prof. Benninger began his career working for renowned Spanish architect José Luis Sert and as a teacher at Harvard and CEPT. He left Harvard in 1971 to establish the School of Planning at CEPT in Ahmedabad. During this time, he designed significant projects, including the Alliance Française and the first HUDCO-funded low-income housing project in Jamnagar, as well as the Madras Site and Services program for fifteen thousand households in Chennai, commissioned by the World Bank.
In 1976, he shifted to Pune to found the Centre for Development Studies and Activities (CDSA), a postgraduate teaching and research center, where he designed the CDSA campus, fostering a creative environment for students and young architects.
Ar Benninger @THE WADE ASIA
Ar Beninger made a significant contribution at THE WADE ASIA. He came as a juror and Keynote speaker in 2017 and since then CCBA has been an integral part of the event.
As a keynote speaker at WADE ASIA 2017, held at Hotel Leela Ambience in Gurgaon, Ar. Benninger captivated audiences with his insights on "Architect in the City." His deeply influential book, Letters to a Young Architect was showcased at the event and young women designers qued up to receive signed copies of the book.
Ten Plus One Gurus
One can understand his sense of understanding and sensitivity towards issues from his selection of topic to speak at THE WADE ASIA, the largest forum for women in design and architecture. He chose to speak on his “Ten plus one Women gurus” who have strongly impacted his life.
During the speech, he mentioned about women who influenced his life including, Barbara Ward, Jaquline Tyrwhitt, Margaret Mead, Jane Drew, Kamala Chaudhary, Tara Ali Baig, Mrinalini Sarabhai, Kiran Joshi, Hema Sankalia & Mallika Sarabhai.