"There is lack of self-confidence among Indian architects, and Indian entrepreneurs start executing a project without proper planning," said Stephan Paulmier (sic)1, a Delhi-based French architect, who has many Indian projects to his credit.

While speaking at the Jeanneret Day celebrations at Chandigarh College of Architecture held by Art, Architecture and Asthetics (A3 ) Foundation on Tuesday in the memory of Pierre Jeanneret, a legendary architect who worked with Le Corbusier on the city's architecture, Paulmier (sic) discussed about his various projects in India, including the O P Jindal Global University that is being built in the National Capital Region.

On being asked about his review on the scenario of Indian architecture, he said, "While people are ready to spend money on their projects and allow more freedom to the architects, they start executing a project without proper planning".

Shiv Dutt Sharma, an eminent architect of Chandigarh, stated that Jeanneret's work was mostly overlooked, owing to the recognition received by his cousin, Le Corbusier, who is regarded as the greatest architect of the world.

When asked whether Chandigarh was static and needed a vertical growth, Paulmier (sic) explained, "There is no need for Chandigarh to go vertical, the static nature that it has lends it the very essence of peace and divinity that it is known for. In fact, other cities should follow the concept that City Beautiful is based on".

He further added that he was satisfied with the architectural premises of Chandigarh. "The city was built to accommodate a population of 2. 5 lakh, but now, it is accommodating more than 10 lakh people but still, the roads are doing fine and the lush green parks are in a good state," he added.

SHIKHA SALARIA : Chandigarh, Wed Mar 06 2013, 03:31 hrs
Indian Express

 

  • 1. Stephane Paumier, http://spadesign.co.in/