A Tribute to my Guru, Prof. Christopher Charles Benninger

It has been?more than?a month since Prof. Late Prof. Christopher Benninger left us, and we celebrate?his 82nd birthday?on the 23rd?of this month.

He often used to say, “The only form of good fortune is to have good teachers” and I, like many others, feel incredibly fortunate to have been guided and nurtured by him. Even more so, I had the privilege of working closely with him during his last?years in practice. I witnessed his sheer dedication and commitment—he never missed a single day at the studio, He would take a round in the studio and take a note on who is working on what. He passionately discussed designs and shared his invaluable experiences and stories. I believe that working in the studio with his colleagues was like medicine to him, keeping him active and engaged.

I clearly remember asking Prof. Benninger one day, “How do you keep yourself going?”?He replied, “I never compromise on three things in my routine: mental exercise—working in the studio and reading for at least an hour daily; physical exercise—swimming for an hour in my lap pool; and sleep.”?True to his word, I never saw him miss his swimming sessions, nor did he let anything disturb his sleep. Even during parties at India House, he would swiftly excuse himself when it was time for bed. This mantra is something we can all learn from him.

Prof. Benninger was born in 1942 in the USA. He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in 1966 and pursued further studies at MIT and Harvard University, where he later became a tenured professor. His first visit to India was as a Fulbright Scholar?in 1969, and in 1971, he returned as a Fulbright Foundation advisor to establish the School of Planning at CEPT University. At just 30 years of age, he prepared the curriculum, hired faculty, and recruited students for the school.

After several years in Ahmedabad, he moved to Pune and embarked on a new journey by founding the Centre for Development Studies and Activities (CDSA). Over time, he built CDSA into a respected institution, including its beautiful campus. Constructed with local basalt stone and pitched roofs, the campus remains one of his finest works. Prof. Benninger often referred to it as “an ashram for the sage.”

Later, Prof. Benninger discovered his passion for architecture and co-founded Christopher Charles Benninger Architects (CCBA) with his partner, Ramprasad Akkisetti. Over the years, CCBA became one of the most renowned architecture firms in the country. The firm has created masterpieces such as the Mahindra United World College in Pune, the Supreme Court of Bhutan, the National Ceremonial Plaza in Bhutan, the Kirloskar Institute of Advanced Management Studies, the Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies, Suzlon One Earth in Pune, Lodha Belmondo, India House (his studio and residence), IIT Hyderabad, IIM Calcutta, the Research Centre in Shanghai, Azim Premji University, the New Academic Building at CEPT University, and several metro stations for PMR 3, New Parliament and Ministerial buildings for Burundi and many more in diverse sectors of institutional, recreational, housing, commercial and factories. His works have left a mark on different parts across India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, China, Burundi.

Prof. Benninger received numerous accolades, including the JK Master Architect Award and the highest number of IIA Awards. This year, he was honored with the Indian Institute of Architects’ highest award—the Baburao Mhatre Gold Medal.

My first introduction to Prof. Benninger was while preparing for my architecture entrance exams. His name was mentioned among the most influential architects. Later, during my undergraduate studies, his works were referenced multiple times. Suzlon One Earth?particularly stayed with me, and I began to explore more of his projects. Over time and through my travels, I came to appreciate India's incredibly diverse architectural syntax in both traditional and vernacular expressions. Prof. Benninger had an extraordinary ability to reflect these intricate continuities while seamlessly blending context into his designs. He was a strong advocate of critical regionalism.

My first physical meeting with Prof. Benninger was in 2018 when he visited my school in Bhubaneswar. As the Unit Secretary, I had the responsibility of assisting with the event’s management. When he entered the room, his presence transformed the atmosphere. After his lecture, there was a large crowd eager to take selfies with him—a practice he disliked.

He often said, “Architects are problem solvers; we work for society. Treating us like celebrities does not serve the profession.”

As a young student, I stood at a distance, hesitant yet hoping for a photograph. Noticing this, Prof. Benninger called out to me before leaving, saying, “Come to the IIA event tonight ; we will take a photo there.”?That evening, he invited me personally, ensuring I had my moment.

Such was his personality: observant, generous, and deeply human.

Upon?graduation, I applied to CCBA Designs. After a month without a response, I received a call from Geeta (CCBA’s admin), informing me that Prof. Benninger and Ram Sir would be visiting Bhubaneswar for an event and wanted to meet me. I didn’t realise that he himself would be taking my interview. My interview was unconventional—We met at 7 in the morning and he asked me to take him around Bhubaneswar and show him the city's temples. It was an exciting day. He took notes and shared ideas on how these could inspire modernist interpretations. This was quintessential Prof. Benninger—always focused on understanding context and heritage, and always teaching by example. He appreciated the day and thus was my application accepted.

Prof. Benninger believed deeply in India's rich history and heritage. He often quizzed young architects about temples, UNESCO heritage sites, or historical landmarks from their regions. These elements were woven into his designs, creating a modern interpretation of Indian ethos. For instance, Suzlon One Earth?features a Deep Stambh?as its focal point and water channels inspired by Mughal gardens, while the Bajaj Institute of Technology incorporates corridors resembling ancient temple mandapams.

His interests extended beyond architecture to Indian culture. He admired dance and music, organizing annual cultural events at India House, including Odissi performances and Ramleela. I was fortunate to assist in organizing these events.

I worked closely with him on various projects and assignments, including documenting the timeline of Indian architecture. Together, we studied over 500 structures, starting from the 3rd BCE. He would take out time everyday other than studio hours to discuss on this. He valued opinions?even from the people significantly younger than him, encouraged discussions, and disliked "yes men." He appreciated those who stood their ground.

Prof. Benninger had a sharp wit and a great sense of humor. His Marathi phrases, like “Kaya Magta ahe,”?often left us laughing.?He would call people with funny names, for instance he used to call me “Sarthak Saheb, or Gajapati Maharaj”?. He had a unique ability to connect with everyone—from leading developers and government officials to young students.

When I shared my plans to pursue a master’s in architecture, he was genuinely supportive, offering to write a recommendation. Even on my last day in Pune, amidst his busy schedule, he made time to meet me and wished me luck. To my surprise, he even called me on my first day at CEPT to wish me well.

I met him again this January?in Ahmedabad when?CEPT honored him with a Ph.D. in Architecture honoris causa.?

During his keynote, he spoke of fulfilling a promise he made to his father to complete his Ph.D.—a promise he kept at the age of 81.

Prof. Benninger was a rare soul who enriched countless lives. Noble souls like him leave one place to embark on new missions. He left the USA for India, Ahmedabad for Pune, and CDSA for CCBA. Now, he has left us to begin yet another mission. I truly believe he was the last of his kind.

His passing is a profound loss, not just to the architectural fraternity but to the countless individuals he nurtured. I still feel his presence, guiding me in my decisions. Though he is no longer with us, his teachings, humor, and dedication to creating spiritual spaces through architecture will forever inspire us.

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In his book Letters to a Young Architect,?he spoke of architectural lineages, much like musical gharanas. I am fortunate to have been part of his lineage, guided by his wisdom, wit, and generosity. I will continue to walk in his footsteps, cherishing his memory and striving to honor his legacy.

Your dearest Sarthak