CHANDIGARH :  Eight professionals from different fields were honoured for their outstanding work the First Friday Forum in an symposium on ‘Architecture and Poetry—symbiosis for holistic creativity’ held at Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, Chandigarh on Saturday. Dr S.S Bhatti, founder of the Forum conferred the awards. The awardees are—Prof A.K. Agarwal (mathematics); Ar Paritosh Kumar (Architecture in America); Prof Aradhna Jindal (architectural education; Mr H.S Johl (lifetime achievement award for landscaping); Dr H.K. Lall (Rishi Patialvi Memorial Award forMaster Urdu Poet); and Er Ashima Raizada (Rising Star Award). And Ar SS Bahga (architecture and journalism).

Le Corbusier’s declaration that his architecture was based on poetry was substantiated by Dr S.S Bhatti who delivered the theme-oration on Architecture and Poety—Symbiosis for Holistic Creativity. He dilated upon the master architect’s “poem of the Right Angle” stressing the fact that straight line and right angle do not exist in nature and were human creations. Underscoring its ethical significance he pointed out that Lord Rama’s consort Sita (from the word Seedha) who was found by the King Janaka in the furrow while plough the field was an eternal symbol of ethical ideals enshrined in the Ramayana. He exhorted the students and teachers of architecture to learn from Vastu that prescribed over 20 disciplines for architect including music and mathematics. 

While speaking on the occasion, Ar Paritosh Kumar, AIA, President, Architecture USA lauded the Forum’s persistent role in educating the citizen about a host of problems facing the city. He made a thought-proviking presentation on Architecture in America—An overview and practice. He has also shown a variety of excellent projects designed by his firm. He said that Americans have a pragmatic work culture supported and monitored by well-defined rules and regulations that were implemented without fear or favour. It made aesthetic enhancement and efficiency of the built environment for larget public good.

Prof Neerja Babbar, director, Maharaja Agrasen School of Architecture and Design, Baddi was the guest of honour and she delivered the welcome address with exposition of oration theme. 

Ar Deepika Gandhi, director, Le Corbusier Centre and Chandigarh Architecture Museum delivered the thanks-giving speech. The programme was anchored by Kriti Sharma with elegance and aplomb. The symposium was enthusiastically witnessed by professions, prominent citizens, and students of architecture and the public. EOM