Architecture is one of the most important fields in the world, and there are no shortages of talented architects from around the globe. In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at some of the most famous architects of Pakistan and why you should know them. From Faisal Khan to Zahid Hussain, these 15 architects are sure to make an impact on your design career.
Faiz Ahmed Faiz
Faiz Ahmed Faiz, was a celebrated Pakistani writer, philosopher and poet. He is considered one of the most important figures in Pakistani literature and has been called “the father of modern poetry in Urdu”. Faiz was bestowed with honorary degrees from universities in Pakistan, UK, US and other countries. Faiz died on December 17, 1989, in London after a long illness.
Faiz Ahmed Faiz was born to an aristocratic Muslim family on October 15, 1911, in Multan (then part of British India). His father was Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Khan, the founder of the Ahmadiyya movement. In 1913, Faiz’s family moved to Lahore where he attended the Lyallpur College.
In 1931 Faiz traveled to Europe to study at Oxford University where he earned a BSc degree in Philosophy in 1934. He returned to Lahore and began teaching philosophy at the Government College there. He also began writing poems and short stories which were published in magazines.
Faiz’s first book of poetry, Chashma-e-Iqbal (The Fountain of Iqbal), was published in 1938. The book received critical acclaim and helped establish his reputation as one of Pakistan’s leading poets. During World War II (1939-1945), Faiz served as an army officer and fought against the British colonialists. After the war he resumed his academic career at the University of Punjab where he became head of its philosophy department
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a key figure in the establishment of Pakistan as an independent country. He played an important role in the movement for independence from British rule and helped lead Pakistan to its own autonomy. Jinnah was also a renowned architect, designing many public and private buildings throughout his career.
Jinnah was born on July 18, 1876, in the city of Karachi in British-controlled India. He grew up in a religious Muslim family and began studying law at the age of 16. In 1906, he moved to London to continue his education and became involved in political activism against British colonialism. In 1913, Jinnah founded the All-India Muslim League (AIML) as a political organization dedicated to achieving independence for India.
In 1921, Jinnah returned to India to lead AIML’s efforts to gain independence from British rule. He fought numerous rallies and duels with British officials, but eventually emerged victorious. On August 14, 1947, Pakistan became an independent state after a long and bloody struggle with Britain.
Jinnah died on September 11, 1948, just two days after the creation of Pakistan. He is considered one of the most influential figures in Pakistani history and is also revered as an architect
Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb is one of the most influential and renowned architects in Pakistani history. He was known for his architectural achievements, most notably the construction of the Grand Trunk Road and several other major projects.
Born in 1669, Aurangzeb was the son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. As the eldest son, Aurangzeb became heir to the throne after his father’s death in 1712. However, he disputed power with his younger brothers and was eventually imprisoned by them in 1720. After their deaths, Aurangzeb emerged as the dominant figure in Mughal court and began construction on many major projects, including the Grand Trunk Road.
Aurangzeb died in 1758 at the age of 69 after ruling over Mughal Empire for nearly 50 years. He is considered one of Pakistan’s greatest historical figures and is considered a national hero in Pakistan today.
Le Corbusier
1. Le Corbusier (1887-1965) was a French architect who is considered one of the leading figures in 20th century architecture. He is best known for his functionalist designs, which emphasize the use of structural and environmental principles in designing buildings.
2. Le Corbusier was born in Switzerland, but moved to France as a youth. He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, before beginning his professional career in 1910.
3. In 1928, Le Corbusier founded the architectural firm “Le Corbusier et Associés.” Over the course of his career, he designed dozens of landmark buildings throughout Europe and North America, including the Louvre Museum (1937), Notre Dame Cathedral (1939), and Cooper Union School of Architecture (1938).
4. Le Corbusier died in 1965, but his legacy continues to be felt today. His innovative designs have influenced generations of architects, and his work has been featured in popular culture numerous times over the years.
Iqbal Masih
1. Iqbal Masih is a Pakistani architect who has worked on a wide range of projects, both large and small. He has also been involved in education and activism, working to promote architecture and its importance in society.
2. Masih was born in Lahore in 1965, and studied at the University of Minnesota before moving to London to continue his education. He returned to Pakistan in 1991 and started his own practice, Iqbal Masih Architects.
3. Masih’s work covers a wide range of genres, from residential projects to public buildings such as schools and hospitals. His most famous projects include the Faizabad Clock Tower in Islamabad (2005), the Shalimar Gardens water park (2013), and the Mohammad Ali Jinnah International Airport Terminal 2 (2011).
4. Masih is also highly active within the architectural community, serving on various boards and committees within Pakistan and abroad. He has also been involved in numerous exhibitions and publications, both on his own work and that of other architects from around the world.
5. In addition to his work as an architect, Masih is also involved in activism related to housing rights, social welfare reform, and gender equality. He has spoken out against government corruption and supported efforts by civil society groups to fight for democracy and human rights
Selim II
Selim II, also known as Selim the Grim, was the sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1512 to 1520. He was notorious for his cruelty and was responsible for a number of atrocities during his reign. Selim II is perhaps best known for his building projects, which were some of the most ambitious in Ottoman history. These projects include the founding of Topkapi Palace and the construction of the Edirne Mosque. Selim II also played an important role in Turkish history by helping to solidify Ottoman rule over Anatolia after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071.
Louis Kahn
Known for his use of natural light, curved lines and glass, Louis Kahn was a renowned architect in the 20th century. He is most famous for his work on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. His work has been showcased in many museums around the world, including The Museum of Modern Art, The Whitney Museum of American Art and The Guggenheim Museum. In 2003, Kahn was named one of the 100 most influential people in history byTIME magazine.
Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright was a famous architect who designed some of the most iconic buildings in the United States. He is known for his Prairie School architecture, which is characterized by its angular and dramatic shapes.
Wright was born in 1867 in Illinois, and began his career as a carpenter. He later moved to Wisconsin and started working on projects for the local railroad company. In 1903, he moved to San Francisco and began working on some of his most famous projects, including the Guggenheim Museum and the Harold Washington Library. Wright died in 1959, but his work continues to be influential today.
Edwin Lutyens
Edwin Lutyens was a British architect who is considered one of the most influential and renowned in the history of architecture. His works include several important government buildings, such as the London headquarters of the BBC, and numerous churches and private residences.
Lutyens was born in 1867 in Delhi, India, to an English father and Indian mother. He studied at the Royal College of Art in London before beginning his career as an architectural assistant in 1888. In 1896, he opened his own office, and began designing houses for affluent clients in London.
In 1914, Lutyens was appointed deputy master of the Royal Academy School of Architecture. He served in this capacity until 1930, when he retired from full-time practice. However, he continued to design occasional commissions until his death in 1936.
Lutyens’s major works include Downing Street (1905), The Cabinet War Rooms (1936), The Imperial War Museum (1940), and many other notable buildings throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Today, many of his designs are protected by law as national monuments.
Sir Edward Lutyens
Sir Edward Lutyens (1869-1944) is one of the most influential and celebrated British architects of the 20th century. He designed many iconic buildings, including Buckingham Palace, the Delhi Gate in New Delhi, and Beaconsfield House.
Lutyens was born in India but moved to England as a child. He studied at the Royal Academy of Arts in London and became known for his classical architecture. His work often features lavish details and intricate designs, making him one of the most popular architects of his time.
Lutyens spent most of his career working on imperial projects, such as designing buildings for British colonies overseas. His later works include churches and gardens in Britain. Lutyens died in 1944 at age 76 after a long career that saw him become one of the most important architects in Britain.
