City Scape

It’s usually Europe that’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. “It wasn’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,’’ 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. “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 Corbusier’s vision and work in Chandigarh, was living and breathing in front of our eyes,’’ 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 Corbusier’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. “He’s able to make concrete look beautiful and what’s more it’s alluring but does not leave you over-awed,’’ 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. “We’re coming back soon and this time not for educational reasons,’’ smiles Joe and Daniel. So long…