Understanding a city begins with discovering the stories embedded in its architecture.
As part of the Madras Day ’26 celebrations, the students of the Faculty of Architecture, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, visited Rajiv Gandhi Mandapam to explore its architectural character, heritage value, and historical significance.
The visit provided students with an opportunity to experience a significant architectural space firsthand and understand how buildings reflect the history and cultural identity of a place. Through observation and exploration, students studied the architectural features, spatial qualities, and relationship of the structure with its surrounding environment.
The experience encouraged students to look beyond the physical form of the building and understand the deeper connection between architecture, culture, history, and the evolving identity of Chennai. It offered valuable insights into how heritage structures contribute to the character and memory of a city.
For budding architects, such experiences provide an important perspective on the role of architecture in preserving cultural narratives while responding to a changing urban environment. The visit encouraged students to appreciate Chennai not just as a city, but as a living collection of stories, spaces, and architectural expressions.
The Rajiv Gandhi Mandapam visit was an enriching learning experience, inspiring students to observe their surroundings with greater curiosity and develop a deeper appreciation for the city’s architectural heritage.
A journey into Chennai’s past, inspiring the architects of tomorrow to understand, appreciate, and carry forward the stories of its built heritage.
➤Watch the glimpses on Instagram!