Laurie Baker

Architect

Birthday March 2, 1917

Birth Sign Pisces

Birthplace England

DEATH DATE Apr 1, 2007 (90)

#154771 Most Popular

About

Cost-conscious architect known for his sustainable and organic designs that used local materials. Founded the Centre of Science and Technology for Rural Development for the sake of promoting the cause of low-cost housing.

Before Fame

He was a student of architecture at the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, from which he graduated in 1937. He was a conscientious objector during World War II, and instead of fighting, he was a member of the Friends Ambulance Unit working in China and Burma.

Trivia

He first moved to India as an architect for the World Leprosy Mission, where he would remain for the majority of his career.

Family Life

His family was Methodist, but he became Quaker in his teens. He married Elizabeth Jacob, a doctor working for the World Leprosy Mission.

Associated With

He was influenced by a chance meeting with Mahatma Gandhi when he was a young adult.