Laurence Wilfred "Laurie" Baker

Laurence Wilfred "Laurie" Baker


(March 2, 1917 – April 1, 2007) was an award-winning British-born Indian architect, renowned for his initiatives in cost reduction and low-cost housing. He went to India in 1945 in part as a missionary and since then lived and worked in India for over 50 years. He obtained Indian citizenship in 1989 and resided in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala. In 1990, the Government of India awarded him with the Padma Shri in recognition of his meritorious service in the field of architecture.

Eco-friendly Architect and Engineer, known as the 'brick master of Kerala,' has been nominated for this year's Basheer Puraskaram.The award, constituted by the Doha based Malayalee organisation Pravaasi, carries a cash prize of Rs 35,000/- a citation and a memento designed by famous artist Nampoothiry. He has transformed individual creativity into collective expression through his efforts at addressing the housing problems of the country.

Known for integrating the factors of simplicity, order and regularity in his design, he had offered successful solutions to the roofless millions through low-cost housing, in accordance to the needs, climate, lifestyle and preferences of clients.

Rejecting the designs alien to the place, his use of local tiles and bricks in construction and the optimum use of scarce materials, an ideology of creative sustenance, is a reflection of the extension of the traditional ideas to contemporary usage. Be it the huge mansions, private residences, church or other institutions, Baker's buildings have an aura of tranquility, freedom with provision for aeration and a touch that is ethereal and down to earth.

Exhibiting the personal style of a virtuoso, he has heralded a movement in the history of Kerala architecture. In a place known for its rich architectural heritage, his master-craftsmanship found sensible and had carved a niche for himself, as a doyen among the architects.

Baker's unique architectural contribution could be attributed to a set of influences, perhaps a result of the rigorous Quaker upbringing in England, his frugal lifestyle in Uttar Pradesh, Himalayas or a response to Gandhian simplicity as Gautam Bhatia, a practising architect, points out. His participation in the relief efforts during the Second World War and later in India as an architect to serve the leprosy afflicted people, marks his concern and emphasis on humanistic values.