Art of an architect

Manpriya Singh

It’s a legacy they are proud, critical, appreciative, indebted...but most importantly aware of. Even fifty years after Le Corbusier, nothing has been lost in the corridors of concrete he so meticulously created…neither his contribution to modernism, nor his myriad talents as an artist, architect, theorist and writer. A few thoughts from the students of arts and architecture in memory of the master architect.

Light & shadow

High Court building, Secretariat, Museum and Art Gallery, Governor’s Palace; enough landmarks to choose from and get inspired by. “This city was a nothing. Of all the options he had to build it, he chose to go ahead with concrete because it could be mass produced, required lesser maintenance apart from several other factors. And what he has done with concrete is unparalleled. Given it an aesthetic language of its own and a timeless appeal,” shares Rishabh Babbar, student, Chandigarh College of Architecture, while talking about his personal favourite structures in the city. “I think the Assembly building and the High Court are phenomenal. Minimal, practical and ever-lasting.” However, having said that, “I feel his model of design might not be all that applicable today, given space restraints. But there will always be a hint of his design philosophy wherever applicable like the use of light and shadow in his structures.”

Truly inspiring 

The hoarding Le Corbusier Day 2015 stands tall and surrounded. In the corridors of Chandigarh College of Architecture, what’s keeping the students busy is the upcoming international symposium reflecting on the man and his creations. “We are inspired by all master architects and by him all the more. What makes him an absolute role model is the fact that he was futuristic; he could think fifty 

years ahead of his times or may be even more. That is what we must strive for today,” opines  Ritvika Luthra, final-year student, Chandigarh College of Architecture.

Original thought

It’s a college he laid the draft for; a fact that students of Government College of Art are proudly aware of; partly because it affects everyday existence. “It has been so beautifully structured that throughout the day, for as long as there is sunlight, there is sufficient light in the rooms. We have never needed artificial lighting during day hours,” shares Maitri Vyas Rajput, 3rd year student of graphics. She adds, “There is always even temperature (well as much as possible) throughout the year and there is slightly lesser dependency on artificially controlling mechanisms. His paintings and works might not officially be a part of the curriculum but that is not a factor enough to not elicit strong opinions. Shares Shubham Aggarwal, BFA sculpture student, “If you look at any of his buildings, there is very little ornamentation, which is exactly what we are also taught in arts; to retain its connection with nature. The more hi-fi a building, the lesser essence it will have. His buildings and works have a lot of essence, which needs to be marvelled at.” And may be get inspired from and influenced by! City Beautiful needs to be preserved as much as cherished.  

[email protected]