Habib Fida Ali, a true patriot and a passionate architect at heart. Lived his life to the fullest and on his own terms; making thousands inspired by his talent and work. Habib Fida Ali put the name of Pakistan on the map of the world in the positive manner only.
A renowned artist in his field, he was a maestro by birth and did wonders in his embellished career as an architect.
Early years
Habib Fida Ali was born in Karachi and went to St. Patrick’s Primary school before moving to the prestigious Aitchison College, Lahore. He completed his O’ levels and A’ levels there.
Fida Ali became the first Pakistani student to join the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. He graduated in 1962 and came back to Pakistan and joined WilliamPerry’s architectural practice before formally establishing his own architectural place in year 1965.
Fida Ali’s career spans over 5 illustrious decades in which he artistically created and designed places and buildings for all avenues of life.
Career
The work done by Fida Ali has a distinctive feature to it that makes it easily recognizable in the crowd. His buildings have mostly a finish of grey concrete which is also known as “fair-faced” in architectural dictionary. His work depicts minimalist modern architecture. The only building he made out of brick is of Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).
Fida Ali once stated that he wanted to create his own distinctive style of design among the greats like Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn and Pakistan’s very own Nayyar Ali Dada. That is where he decided to work in concrete as it always retains its original form and there are no plastered patches.
He designed LUMS and later on all the newer buildings at the campus were also designed by him. Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) immediately transfixes you by the dynamism of its structure. Constructed with Lahore’s inherent red-bricks, it is an edifice that gives the impression of being widely-spaced, geometrical with rectilinear lines upheld by lofty pillars, with nooks and crannies devised to let in just the right amount of sunlight. Classic yet modern, understated yet irrevocably artistic, it is a building that defines the design philosophy of the architect- Habib Fida Ali.
Famous work
As Habib Fida Ali rose to fame, he was approached by corporate world as well as for the hospitality projects. Some of his remarkable projects are enlisted below:
Corporate projects
- Cavish Court, Karachi
- National Bank head office (Renovation)
- SNGPL Head office building, Lahore
- Shell House
- Commercial Union
- Siemens House
- Forum Mall
Hospitality projects
- Memon Medical Center
- Bait-ul-sakoon
- Master Plan JS Hospital, Sehwan
- Infaq Medical Center
- Police Hospital Garden, Karachi
- Midway House hotel
His own house is a masterpiece. He restored a bungalow of the British era time and have kept it intact since then. His love for south Asian heritage is depicted from his own living space.
Although he worked in modern architecture mainly but his own house depicts the beautiful amalgamation of British era with modern times. It has been kept the way it was built with slight modifications inside along with the decor being done by all the souvenirs and art crafts Fida Ali collected over the years from his travel espionages.
Awards and Accolades
Habib Fida Ali received many awards and accolades during his lifetime and is still cherished as one of the most celebrated Pakistani architects.
A few of his accolades are following:
- Nominated for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture
- Lifetime achievement award from Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP)
- Speaker at Sri Lankan Institute of Architects, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Designer behind Karachi American school along with William Perry in 1962.
Habib Fida Ali also served as the National Vice President of the Institute of Architects, Pakistan (IAP). He was also a member of the master jury of Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
Habib Fida Ali authored his book The Architecture of Habib Fida Ali: Buildings and Projects 1965-2009. It was published in 2010 with an introductory essay from Hasan-Uddin Khan. It gives a glimpse of the embellished life of Fida Ali and his architectural journey.
One of the most celebrated architects of Pakistan breath his last on January 7th, 2017. He died because of a brain hemorrhage.
He was a true connoisseur, appreciating the beauty in everything from textiles to a piece of antique copper to a painting to architecture.
Read Also: Nayyar Ali Dada – The Legendary Architect of Pakistan
