Charles Mark Correa (01 September 1930 – 16 June 2015) was a renowned Indian architect, urban planner, and activist, celebrated for his significant contributions to contemporary architecture and urban design in India and globally. Correa's innovative and sustainable design approach emphasized the importance of climate, culture, and local materials. Born in Secunderabad, India, he studied architecture at the University of Michigan and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he was influenced by modernist architects such as Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn.
Correa's architectural philosophy blended modernist principles with traditional Indian elements, creating a style known as "vernacular modernism." He prioritized designing buildings suited to their climatic conditions, employing passive cooling techniques and natural ventilation. His projects focused on human scale and social context, ensuring functionality and cultural relevance. Notable works include the Kanchenjunga Apartments in Mumbai, the Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya in Ahmedabad, the Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, Bharat Bhavan in Bhopal, and the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown in Lisbon.
In addition to architecture, Correa was involved in urban planning and activism, contributing to projects like the Navi Mumbai plan aimed at decongesting Mumbai by creating a new urban area. He advocated for sustainable urban development and affordable housing, serving on various national and international committees. Correa received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Padma Shri (1972), Padma Vibhushan (2006), Royal Gold Medal (1984), and the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. His legacy continues to inspire architects and urban planners worldwide, emphasizing contextual and sustainable design in architecture.