Paolo Tommasi, 92, an Italian architect who played a crucial role in designing the Matrimandir and the gardens surrounding it in the international township Auroville, died of Covid-19 on July 16, 2020, in Puducherry.
He was a resident of Sri Aurobindo Ashram in the Union territory and was admitted to Jipmer after he tested positive in the last week of June.
Born in Ancona, Italy, Paolo emerged as a leading architect in Europe in the 1950s. He had a true passion for architectural interiors, design, theatre and painting.
Paolo visited India in his thirties and met Sri Aurobindo’s spiritual collaborator Mirra Alfassa, fondly revered as the Mother, just before the inauguration of Auroville in 1968. He played a crucial role in assisting French architect Roger Anger in designing the Matrimandir and later proposed elaborate designs for the 12 gardens surrounding Matrimandir. He also offered his advice on design aesthetics and development of the township.
Paolo permanently settled in Puducherry in 2010 and continued his artwork. His sketches and paintings were displayed in in various galleries around the world and Auroville. On his connection with Puducherry, Paolo had said, “In no other places do I feel my soul reawaken and do I achieve that inner work that gives meaning to my life: becoming more aware of myself and the mystery that surrounds us”.
He remained stable on mask ventilation during the initial days of treatment but his condition deteriorated rapidly and he needed intubation on Wednesday, Auroville sources said. The last rites ceremony will be held on Friday.