Every street has a story, and every historic building is a chapter in the story of a city.

As part of the Madras Day ’26 celebrations, the students of the Faculty of Architecture, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, participated in an enriching Heritage Walk, exploring the architectural, historical, and cultural character of Chennai.

The walk provided students with an opportunity to step beyond the classroom and experience the city through a different lens. As they moved through historic streets and heritage precincts, students observed architectural styles, building details, urban spaces, and the relationship between the city’s built environment and its cultural identity.

The experience offered valuable insights into how Chennai has evolved over time while retaining traces of its rich architectural heritage. Students were encouraged to look closely at the buildings and spaces around them, understand their historical context, and appreciate the stories embedded within the city’s urban fabric.

For aspiring architects, understanding a city goes beyond studying plans, drawings, and structures. It involves experiencing its streets, observing its people and places, and recognising the cultural narratives that shape its identity. The Heritage Walk provided students with this immersive learning experience, connecting architectural education with the living history of Chennai.

The celebration of Madras Day ’26 thus became an opportunity for students to discover, observe, and appreciate the city they call home.

A journey through the past, inspiring the architects of tomorrow to understand, preserve, and celebrate the stories of their city.

➤Watch the glimpses on Instagram!