Himanshu Parikh

Himanshu Parikh graduated from Cambridge University, where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering sciences. Mr. Parikh practised in Cambridge for ten years before moving to India in 1982 to start his own practice Himanshu Parikh Consulting Engineers. The practice has done innovative work in structural engineering as well as in the fields of urban planning, infrastructure design, and environmental upgradation with an emphasis on urban low-income areas. Currently, he has returned to Cambridge to take up teaching as well as consultancy work. He is also an Associate Consultant to Buro Happold Limited.

He has held various positions outside his practice, including professor at the School of Planning, Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology in Ahmedabad, and member of Governing Council of Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Mr. Parikh has been the recipient of several awards including the SOM Fazlur Khan International Travelling Fellowship for excellence in structural engineering in 1985, the United Nations World Habitat Award for Urban Development in 1993, the United Nation Habitat II Best Practice recognition for Slum Networking in 1996, Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1998 and a Citation by Government of India in the same year.

Structural Engineering in India

The modern structures are driven to a greater extent by technology, computer based analytical tools and the industrial processes to deliver the goods. But where does the ‘other half’ in the world stand, which could never dream of architect and engineer designed buildings? What do engineers have to offer to the people who build for themselves, using their intrinsic skills, craftsmanship and materials locally available? A few examples from India show interesting attempts at engineering creativity to synergise between the traditional skill sets and modern buildings. Examples also show how developing countries offer civil engineers a unique chance to transcend from individual buildings to habitat and environment at large, something no longer readily possible in the progressively ‘compartmentalised’ and ‘specialist’ approach of the developed economies.