Mehdi Ali Mirza
Mehdi Ali Mirza (1910, Hyderabad State - 27 October 1961)[1] or M. A. Mirza, was amongst the first generation of formally trained architects in Pakistan.[1] He laid the foundation for the establishment of the profession in the new country.[2] He was also the prime mover behind the Institute of Architects, Pakistan (IAP) which was established in the 1950s.[1] In 1962, he was awarded the Pride of Performance.[1]
Contents
Background
Mirza was born in 1910 to an officer of the forest service in Hyderabad State, British India.[3]
Career
Before 1947
He taught at the Delhi Polytechnic's department of architecture till 1947 when he migrated to Pakistan.[3]
After 1947
Mirza was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright.[1][4] After arriving in Karachi at independence, he started his career with the Public Works Department in 1947.[1]
In the 1950s, he along with 10 other practising architects including two foreigners; M. A. Ahed, Tajuddin Bhamani, Minoo Mistry, Pir Mohammad, R. S. Rustumjee, H. H. Khan, Abdulhusein M. Thariani, Zahiruddn Khawaja, Bloomfield and Peter Powell, formed the Institute of Architects, Pakistan.[1][2][3]
Death
Mirza died of cancer in 1961.[1]
Awards
- Pride of Performance (1962)[1]
Named after
The IAP's Mehdi Ali Mirza award is named after him.
Publications
- Mankani, Zain and Shikoh, Murtuza(eds), "Pioneer of Architecture in Pakistan - Architect Mehdi Ali Mirza. Karachi: Arch Press. 2013 978-969-9803-00-0 (monograph)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Chapter 8: Architecture after independence Archnet.org Retrieved 23 February 2016
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Book Review Archpress Retrieved 23 February 2016.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Mumtaz, K. K., "Modernity and Tradition" Karachi: OUP 1999 pg. 121
- ↑ Mumtaz, K. K., "Modernity and Tradition" Karachi: OUP 1999 pg. 120
