Mehdi Ali Mirza (1911, 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 Award after his death.^[1]

Early life and career

Mirza was born in 1911 to an officer of the forest service in Hyderabad State, British India.^[3]

He taught at the Delhi Polytechnic's department of architecture till 1947, then he migrated to Pakistan.^[3]

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 on 27 October 1961 in England.^[1]

Awards and recognition

• Pride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan (1962)^[1]
• The Institute of Architects, Pakistan'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