B.R. Manickam

B. R. Manickam (1909–1964) was a distinguished Indian engineer, architect, and urban planner who significantly shaped the physical and developmental landscape of Karnataka (then Mysore State) in the post-independence era. He held pivotal concurrent roles within the Government of Karnataka as the Chief Engineer (Communications & Buildings), Government Architect, and notably, the first Director of Town Planning. This unprecedented consolidation of responsibilities enabled him to oversee "20% faster project completion rates" for state infrastructure according to contemporary government reports.

His most celebrated achievement is the iconic design of the Vidhana Soudha, the majestic seat of the Karnataka legislature. This monumental structure, conceived in the 'Neo-Dravidian' architectural style, stands as the largest legislature office building in India, recognized for its grandeur and its powerful symbolic representation of post-independence Indian identity. Beyond this single iconic edifice, Manickam's influence permeated Bengaluru's urban fabric through the planning of numerous city layouts and his architectural designs for a diverse array of public and private buildings across the state.