The Intellect Behind The Essence Of Panorma
Prof. Ravindra Bhan is a pioneer in the field of landscape architecture in India. He started his architectural education in school of planning and architecture in New Delhi but left formal architectural studies to work with Ar. A. P. Kanvinde. He participated in first ever master planning attempt of Delhi and very first Yamuna Riverfront Development plan. He then went on to work with Architect‘s Co–Partnership in England and later to Finland to with the famous Architect Ar. Reima Pietila,. He completed his formal architectural education with B. Arch from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A. and Masters in Landscape architecture from University of Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Having worked briefly with Skidmore , Owing and Merril & Minoru Yamasaki and Associates , He met Prof. Ian MacHarg , doyen of Landscape Architecture who authored “Design with nature “ that revolutionized the approach to landscape design . Having interacted with Prof. MacHarg as a student in university of Pennsylvania and subsequently worked with him as a senior designer for over 7 years, Ar Bhan was selected by Ford Foundation to establish the first formal training in landscape architecture in India, at School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi which he headed for 5 years. He established his own practice in Delhi during this time.
Throughout his career, he has handled various projects, both in Architecture and Landscape where design approach is guided by site and its constraints and potentials it offered. Some of the projects includes Shakti Sthala – Memorial for late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Development plans of Ayodhya Ghats, Master planning and Site development for Rabindra Sarovar, Andrews Ganj, Housing for HUDCO – Urban design and landscaping with Design of 180 units. Landscape design for Kovalam Beach Resort, Mughal Sheraton Hotel in Agra to name a few.
He was awarded the Aga Khan Award for architecture and landscape architecture in 1980 which is a Prestigious International Award for overall excellence, He is also a recipient of many national and international awards, and has been a member of various advisory councils. He was Professor and head of Department of Landscape Architecture school of planning and architecture, New Delhi, 1972-76, and has also lectured in University of Pennsylvania & Washington University.
Since 1980 has been teaching as a visiting professor in the department of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture at school of planning and Architecture at New Delhi.