City Scape

It's usually Europe that8217;s high on the list of final-year architecture students of the Manchester School of Architecture.

It8217;s usually Europe that8217;s high on the list of final-year architecture students of the Manchester School of Architecture. But for Joe Shaw and Daniel Rudalevicius, there were no second thoughts about choosing India, Chandigarh specifically as their area of study and interest. Financial constraints, an off-beat area and not knowing what to expect, despite these initial jitters, the two packed their rucksacks and headed here. 8220;It wasn8217;t really an easy decision, for we used all our savings for the trip and more and did not know how we would manage it all,8217;8217; smiles Joe, who says they did all for Corbusier, whom they have studied extensively at school and also understand his immense relevance. A few hours in Delhi, after landing in India and both Joe and Daniel understood why Chandigarh is famous all the world for its architecture, beauty and serenity. 8220;It was such a huge contrast and we were so happy to get out of Delhi in a matter of a few hours. The both of us were awe-struck as were were expecting the architecture to be more diluted, but it has retained its quality and whatever we had studied about Corbusier8217;s vision and work in Chandigarh, was living and breathing in front of our eyes,8217;8217; Daniel and Joe have made a short film on the Chandigarh Museum and have shot it inside out, the theme being capturing something from 90 degrees.

As for the practical experience of feeling and viewing Corbusier8217;s architecture, Joe observes that what makes the architect special is the fact that despite the power in his work, there is humanity and an artistic perspective which is unique. 8220;He8217;s able to make concrete look beautiful and what8217;s more it8217;s alluring but does not leave you over-awed,8217;8217; Joe observes how Corbusier let the materials speak for themselves. Having met many senior architects, residents of the city, the two got in touch with history and are producing a video which will be available on the internet. 8220;We8217;re coming back soon and this time not for educational reasons,8217;8217; smiles Joe and Daniel. So long8230;

Parul

Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India. Professional Profile Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions. Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025) Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture: 1. Public Health & PGIMER "PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx. "Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare. "Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area. 2. Education & Institutional Governance "Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms. "Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking. 3. Art, Culture & Heritage "Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status. "Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful." Signature Style Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions. X (Twitter): @parul_express ... Read More