| Event | Study Tour Report - Sem IV (November 2023) |
| Tour Destination | Sharchi, Tirthan Valley – Manali – Chandigarh |
| Tour Dates | 21st November to 1st December, 2023 |
| Faculty Team | Prof. Vrinda Padhye Prof. Jayraj Ghatge Prof. Neha Deshpande |
On 21st November 2023, a group of 65 excited second year students and 3 faculty members left for the state of Himachal Pradesh for the study tour.
The first halt was at Ambala from where it was a roadways journey to Sharchi, Tirthan Valley. The group reached there on 23rd morning struggling with the weather change and adapting themselves for further study.
The second half of the day, the group visited village Sharchi, situated in Banjar district which was chosen for settlement study. Students did a Reconnaissance survey to understand the village planning & know the surrounding context better. The collective study was done for 2 days more to understand the village settlement in detail with respect to different parameters such as evolution of village, history, climate conditions, lifestyle, culture, festivals, Clothing, food, occupation, architectural style, materials & construction technique etc.
Sharchi, situated in Banjar District, has successfully preserved its rich cultural heritage through traditional practices. Lifestyle, rituals, arts and handicrafts, and architectural styles resonate with the deep-rooted traditions of the local community. The use of traditional construction materials and methods has given the village a unique style.
However, with the increasing influx of tourists and trekkers, Sharchi is experiencing a cultural shift. The village, once secluded, is now becoming a crossroads where the traditional meets the contemporary. Balancing the preservation of local identity while embracing the opportunities brought by tourism is a delicate challenge.
Last day at Tirthan was spent to visit Jalori pass which is a beautiful scenic point famous for trekkers nearby.
On 27th November, 2022 the group left for Manali. In Manali, the stay was for 2 days. The students visited Hidimba Temple, Vashishta Temple, Rohtang Pass & Mall road in the evenings.
- Hidimba Temple
The temple, dedicated to Hidimba Devi, features intricately carved wooden structures with pagoda-style roofs, showcasing the rich craftsmanship of the region.
- Vashishta Temple
Vashishta Temple, situated along the Beas River, offers a contrasting experience with its ancient stone architecture, reflecting the historical evolution of design in the Himalayan foothills.
- Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass Snow Point is a popular tourist destination in the Himalayas, known for its breathtaking snow-covered landscapes. Situated at an altitude of about 13,050 feet, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
The last destination of the tour was Chandigarh. The group visited Architect Le Corbusier’s centre, Capitol Complex, Sukhna Lake & Rock Garden as the main places of city.
- Le Corbusier’s Centre
Housed in the former residence of Le Corbusier, the center offers a unique opportunity to study his personal space and understand the principles that influenced his design philosophy. The collection of sketches, models, and artifacts provides valuable context to comprehend the evolution of Le Corbusier’s ideas and their manifestation in the iconic buildings of Chandigarh.
Visiting this was inspirational for aspiring architects, fostering a profound appreciation for the man behind the architectural revolution in the city. - The Capitol Complex
The Capitol Complex in Chandigarh, designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier, stands as a masterpiece in architectural history and urban planning. This complex provides a unique opportunity to delve into the principles of modernist design, functionalism, and the integration of art with architecture.
The complex showcases a seamless blend of geometric forms, clean lines, and open spaces, reflecting Le Corbusier’s vision of a new urban aesthetic. The use of raw concrete, further emphasizes the honesty of materials and the essence of structural expression.
Exploring this structure allowed students to appreciate the significance of form meeting function and the profound impact of this iconic site on the evolution of architectural ideologies. - Sukhna Lake & Rock Garden:
Sukhna Lake and the Rock Garden in Chandigarh offer students a unique perspective on outdoor spaces that blend natural beauty with artistic ingenuity. Sukhna Lake, an artificial reservoir, provides an opportunity to study the harmonious integration of water bodies within urban environments.
The Rock Garden, conceived by Nek Chand, showcases the transformative power of recycled materials and the imaginative use of discarded objects to create a whimsical outdoor space.
These both spaces helped students to explore the interaction between the built environment, nature, and the creative potential of outdoor design.
Then they travelled to Delhi and boarded the train back to Mumbai on 30th November, 2023.
