Christopher Benninger who was a very well known American Indian architect and urban planner died at the age of 81, on October 2, 2024 , in Pune. Ramprasad Akkisetti, founder managing director of Christopher Charles Benninger Architects (CCBA) informed that he passed away due to a prolonged battle with cancer at 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday. According to the latest information, his last rights will be held today at 2:00 p.m. at the Pashan Sutarwadi crematorium.
Christopher Benninger major contributions
He has made significant contributions to the society and is also the founder of Christopher Charles Benninger Architects (CCBA). He arrived in India in 1968 as a Fulbright Scholar with the thought of working in the field of low cost housing. Christopher’s first major project in India involved the development of economic housing for municipal employees located in Hyderabad. That is when the concept of per capita income of households, growing houses, and site and service which greatly contributed to the low income housing sector in India. Some of his most renowned architectural works include IIT Hyderabad, Suzlon Green Building, Azim Premji University Campus located in Bangalore, Mahindra United World College in Pune and the Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies in Lonavala.
His approach to architecture in India was serious as many people showed concern about the constant use of materials like steel and glass in building buildings. He said that these materials are not suitable for India due to our hot weather and in fact promoted the use of locally available natural and local materials such as stone and brick which offer cooling properties. His buildings were built in such a way that enhanced natural air flow and regulated indoor temperatures naturally without the need of air conditioning or intensive cooling systems.
Aneeta Gokhale-Benninger is his wife who said that Christopher was very honest about his architecture and work. She also mentioned that the Center for Development Studies and Activities (CDSA), which she co-founded with her husband, is a reflection of his values. The buildings have been designed in such a way that they ensure natural cooling and minimal reliance on air conditioning or fans because it is constructed with exposed stones. She also highlighted values of his work, such as integrity in creating space.
Christopher, at the age of 9, was introduced to his mentor, renowned American architect Franklin Wright as after meeting him he wanted to become an architect. Let us tell you that he trained with other talented architects like Vimal Patel, who has recently designed India’s New Parliament Building in India. Christopher was very much interested in rebuilding Pune. In one of his interviews, where concern was raised about how the city is growing and asked him for a solution he said “what I absolutely love about Pune is the spirit of people here I think it has kept the city going”.