About Chandigarh

Conceptualized as a symbol of India 's new freedom, democracy and its progressive thinking, Chandigarh was to be in Nehru's words "a new city unlettered by the traditions of the past. ..an expression of the nation's faith in the future. Chandigarh one of the most significant urban planning experiments of the 20th century, is the only one of the numerous urban planning schemes of Le Corbusier, the famous French architect- planner, to have actually been executed.

It is also the site of some of his greatest architectural creations. The city has had far-reaching impact, ushering in a modem idiom of architecture and city planning all over India and has become a symbol of planned urbanism. It is as famous for it's landscaping as for its architectural ambience. Most of the buildings are in pure, cubical form, geometrically subdivided with emphasis on proportion, scale and detail.

Le Corbusier summed up his work on the city in an "edict", reproduced here in full:

EDICT OF CHANDIGARH

The object of this edict is to enlighten the present and future citizens of Chandigarh about the basic concepts of planning of the city so that they become its guardians and save it from whims of individuals. This edict sets out the following basic ideas underlying the planning of the city.

HUMAN SCALE:

The city of Chandigarh is planned to human scale. It puts us in touch with the infinite cosmos and nature. It provides us with places and buildings for all human activities by which the citizens can live a full and harmonious life. Here the radiance of nature and heart are within our reach.

SECTORS:

This city is composed of sectors. Each sector is 800 meters by 1,200 meters, enclosed by roads allocated to fast mechanized transport and sealed to direct access from the houses.

Each sector caters to the daily needs of its inhabitants, which vary from 5,000 to 25,000 and has a green strip oriented longitudinally stretching centrally along the sector in the direction of the mountains. The green strip should stay uninterrupted and accommodate schools, sports fields, walks and recreational facilities for the sector.

Vehicular traffic is completely forbidden in the green strips, where tranquility shall reign and the curse of noise shall not penetrate.

ROADS:

The roads of the city are classified into seven categories, Known as the system of 7 V s, as below:

V -1 - Fast roads connecting Chandigarh to other towns;

V-2 -arterial roads.

V-3 --Fast vehicular roads;

V -4 -Meandering shopping streets;

V -5 -Sector circulation roads;

V -6 -Access roads to houses;

V -7 -footpaths and cycle tracks

Buses will ply only on V-I, V-2, V-3 and V-4 roads. A wall shall seal the V-3 roads from the sectors.

AREAS OF SPECIAL ARCHITECTRUAL INTEREST:

Certain areas of Chandigarh are of special architectural interest. Where harmonized and unified construction of buildings is aimed at,  absolute architectural and zoning control should remain operative.

Along V -2 central, dual carriageways Madhya Marg and Uttar Marg, where skyline, heights, character and architecture of buildings as planned shall not be altered.

No building shall be constructed north of the Capitol Complex. Along V -2 beyond dual carriageway areas are reserved for cultural institutions only and shall never have any residential buildings.

CITY CENTRE:

The centraI plaza in Sector 17 was designed by Le Corbusier as "Pedestrian's Paradise ".  No vehicular traffic will be permitted in the plaza.

INDUSTRIAL AREA:

Only such industry as is powered by electricity would be permitted in the Industrial Area, so that atmosphere is saved from pollution.

THE LAKE:

The Lake is a gift of the creators of Chandigarh to the citizens to be at one with me lake and its environments and its tranquility shall be guaranteed by banning noises.

LANDSCAPING:

The landscaping of this city is based on careful observation of the vegetation of India . Selected ornamental trees, shrubs and climbers have been planted according to color schemes to beautify it. In future planting and replacements, these principles must be kept in view. There should be no haphazard replacements, so that the avenues retain their harmony and beauty.

The Leisure V alley, the Rajendra Park and other parks shall be developed as parks only and no building other than already planned shall be permitted.

NO PERSONAL STATUES SHALL BE ERECTED:

The age of personal statues is gone. No personal statues shall be erected in the city or parks of Chandigarh , The city is planned to breathe the new sublimated spirit of art. Commemoration of persons shall be confined to suitably placed bronze plaques.

TRUTHFULNESS OF BUILDING MATERIALS TO BE MAINTAINED:

The truthfulness of materials of constructions, concrete, bricks and stone, shall be maintained in all buildings constructed or to be constructed. The seed of Chandigarh is well sown. It is for the citizens to see that the tree flourishes.

THE BIOLOGICAL ANALOGY

Le Corbusier liked to compare the city he planned to a biological entity: the head was the Capitol, the City Center was the heart and work areas of the institutional area and the university were limbs. Aside from the Leisure Valley traversing almost the entire city, parks extended lengthwise through each sector to enable every resident to lift their eyes to the changing panorama of hills and sky. Le Corbusier identified four basic functions of a City: living, working, circulation and care of the body and spirit. If “circulation" was the dominant function, then of all "bodily elements", it was the "head" -that is the Capitol-- that most completely engaged the master architect's interest. Le Corbusier always looked for a chance to make a dramatic statement: in the context of Chandigarh , that was the Capitol – in this, the priorities of the Indian government and Le Corbusier's natural inclination converged.

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE CITY

The functions of the city were broadly classified under the four head

• Living:- the sector with its shops, schools, health centers, places for  recreation and worship etc.

• Working:- the Capitol, the City Center (Sector -17), the educational zone, the industrial area and other axial roads lined with shop and office blocks.

• Care of body and spirit:- the lungs of the city,  these comprise of the green spaces and parks of each sector, the leisure valley running right across the city, the Sukhna Lake, the Rajindra Park etc.

•  Circulation:- Les Sept Voies de Circulation, or Seven Vs. the very basis of the entire city plan; it consists of the 'seven Vs' as explained in the Edict above.

 Besides the urban precepts and design ideologies of Corbusier there were many other constraints that guided the final shape and texture of tile city:

The Discipline of Money:(The financial constraints.)

Corbusier once remarked,  “ India has the treasures of a proud culture but her coffers are empty," and throughout the project the desire for grandness was hampered by the need for strict economy. Each design and detail was evolved and sometimes reworked to fit into the budget allotted.

The Discipline of Technology (The technical innovations)

At Chandigarh reliance on local materials was essential. The scarcity of steel and seasoned wood resulted in most of the city being constructed in locally produced brick. Available in quantity, however was good clay, stone, sand and above all human labor. Corbusier reported that things were done in a typical Indian fashion -with an innumerable force and very few machines. Concrete, with the patterns of shuttering and formwork retained, was used extensively in keeping with the demand for economy and easy workability. This has now in fact become the identity of Chandigarh and a technique used extensively the world over.

In Corbusier's words:

"For fifty years concrete has been treated as a poor material but here it is treated as noble. Here we leave it rough. It is like the stone of the mountains. It has its own harmony."

The Discipline of Climate:

The sun has partially governed the orientation of the street pattern of Chandigarh . None of the streets lie in an east-west, north-south line so that traffic is spared having to face the direct eastern or western sun.

In the design of houses less attention was paid to the need of cross ventilation which in the critically hot periods is of no avail and more to the creation of cool interiors  as amply protected from the south west sun as ingenuity and exiguous funds permitted.

Particularly noticeable through out the city is the use of the brise-soliel (sun breaker), a device introduced by Corbusier for controlling the admission of Sunlight.

THE CAPITOL

The Capitol is Le Corbusier's tour de force: he began to sketch the designs for the Capitol buildings during his first visit itself in early 1951. The complex stands aloof and dominates the city. Corbusier believed that " Chandigarh is not a city of lords, princes or kings confined within walls, crowded in by neighbors." These geometrical concrete buildings are intended to embody the essential spirit of the new city , the size and solidity of the structures denote power -the power of the people in a democratic state. Le Corbusier devoted great attention to the placement of the various buildings and other elements to avoid a static balance.

Disciplined by a limited budget, a primitive technology and a brutal climate, yet given a sympathy and freedom unusual in his career, Corbusier has been able to create in India an architectural expression surpassing in power any of his previous efforts.

In contrast to the panoramic Shivalik hills that form the most picturesque backdrop for the Capitol - the small artificial hillocks planned by Le Corbusier play a delightful visual game of hiding and revealing the edifices from the rest of the city. In Le Corbusier’s original concept; the Capitol was to consist of the edifices consisting of

i)  Secretariat  ii) Assembly  iii) High Court and iv) Governor's Palace.  Besides these main buildings there were also to be a number of monuments based on Corbusier’s personal philosophy - to adorn the piazzas and the open spaces between the edifices. However, the proposed Governor’s Palace was later changed to a more democratic institution called the Museum of Knowledge . Although all other structures of the Capitol have been built -sadly the pivotal structure of the Museum of Knowledge has still not been built, leaving Le Corbusier’s great masterpiece somewhat like an unfinished symphony!

The Secretariat

The first conspicuous building to come into view is the Secretariat -- the largest of all from the buildings in the complex (254 meters by 42 meters). Positioned at a sharp right angle to the mountain  range it is designed as a vast linear slab-like structure – a workplace for 4000 people. An endless rhythm of balconies and louvers on its linear facades is punctuated in a subtle way by a deliberately asymmetrical composition of brise-soleil (a sun shading device), evolved by Le Corbusier. It’s facade, besides the rhythmic brise-soleil, is also sculpturally punctuated by the protruding masses of angled ramps and stairways, The root line has a playful composition of a restaurant block a ramp and a terraced garden, to break the endless linearity.

The Assembly

In front of the Secretariat is located the most sculptural and eye-catching of all the geometrical  forms of the Capitol -The Assembly. Characterizing the roofline of the Assembly is a great hyperbolic drum connected to a pyramidal by a small bridge, Inside, the legislative chambers are dramatically illumined with shafts of light, The building has two entrances: one at the basement level for everyday use an the other from the piazza level for ceremonial occasions through a massive entrance, 7.60 meters high and 7.60 meters broad, whose enameled door (a gift to Punjab from France) translates a cubist mural painted by Le Corbusier himself. The door and many other elements of the Capitol demonstrate Le Corbusier's predilection for melding an and architecture.

The external façade of the cuboid base has a rhythmic pattern of the brise-soleil with its play of light and shadow on three sides, And on the fourth opening towards the large piazza facing the High Curt is a huge trough supported on massive pylons.

The High Court

The High Court is a linear block with the main facade towards the piazza.  It has a rhythmic  arcade created by a parasol-like roof, which shades the entire building. Keeping in view the special dignity of the entrance for them through a high portico resting on three giant pylons painted in bright colors. Very much in the tradition of the Buland Darwaza of Fatehpur-Sikri, this grand entrance with its awesome scale is intended to manifest the Majesty of the Law to all who enter.

The symbolism of providing an “umbrella of shelter” of law to the ordinary citizen is most vividly manifested here. The continuity of the concrete piazza running into this space establishes a unique site and structural unity of the structure with the ground plane. The massive concrete pylons representing again the "Majesty' of Law" are painted in bright primary colors and visually punctuate the otherwise rhythmic facade of the High Court.

Colourful tapestries, one to each courtroom, cover the entire rear wall in the main and smaller courtrooms. A number of symbols that encapsulated Le Corbusier’s view of man, earth, nature, the emblems of India and the scales of justice were depicted in abstract, geometric patterns. They were also required for acoustical reasons. These tapestry designs referred to the basic element of architecture, and of order generally. The designs are based on Le Corbusier's Modular,  which he used to organize the entire Capitol Complex and give dimensions to all its buildings.

The Modular:

Le Corbusier described the Modular as "a modest servant offered by mathematics to people desirous of harmony, a universal tool for all kinds of fabrications destined to be sent to all parts of the world. The Modular is based on human height... it places man at the center of the drama, its solar plexus being the key to the three measures, which express the occupation of space by its members," (cited by Prasad Sun and, 1987)

THE MONUMENTS

There are various monuments in the Capitol Complex symbolizing the basis of the philosophy by which Le Corbusier arrived at his understanding of the city design. These are placed on the great esplanade about 400 yards long which joins the Assembly building to the High Court. These monuments are the Open hand, Path of the sun (The Geometric hill), The tower of shadows and the Martyrs Memorial.

The Open Hand:

The most thoroughly developed of the Chandigarh monuments as well as the most important as a compositional element in the capitol complex is the monument of the open hand. It says "open to give, open to receive". The open hand, like the museum of knowledge, serves to define the outer edge of the capitol complex and to uphold a man made sculptural from against the rugged profile the Himalayas . The hand rises 85 feet from an excavated plaza termed the fosse de la consideration, the pit of contemplation, which is provided for debate on public affairs. The giant hand is designed to turn on ball bearings to indicate symbolically the direction of the wind that is the state of affairs.

The surface of the hand was to be coated with baked enamel in orange, white and green the colors of the Indian flag.

The Martyrs Memorials

Proceeding toward the assembly building one finds the martyrs' monument to the right. This is a memorial to the martyrs of Punjab partition and consists of a square enclosure with one side elongated into a ramp by which one mounts the enclosing wall, Within the enclosure are to be symbolic figures of a prone man, a snake, and a lion set amid ruins, The concrete ramp permits one to see, from above, the Capitol in its entirety and creates a promenade -rising and descending.

The Geometric hill:

Situated adjacent to the memorial, this was to be a huge earth tilled hill, which will have its lower half in concrete relief work, and the top covered with grass turf. The relief will be in the form of Corbusier’s diagram of daily balance of light and darkness, which in his words "rules man's activity",

The Tower of shadows:

Just beyond the solar monument is the tower of shadows a demonstration of Corbusier's theories of sun control, consisting of a series of platforms oriented to the Cardinal points and containing sun breakers on three sides (except north). This concrete structure is a culmination of the in depth studies of Corbusier on the path of the sun and ways to control its penetration in to the built up space.

Housing :

Lower category residential building are governed by a mechanism known as "frame control" to control their facades. This fixes the building line and the use of building materials. Certain standard Sizes of doors and windows are specified and all the gates and boundary walls must conform to standard design. This particularly applies to houses built on small plots of 250 square meters or less. While they are allowed certain individuality, the idea is to ensure that the view from the street, which belongs to the community, is one of order and discipline. All buildings along the major axes of the city are brought under architectural control. A person building a house in Chandigarh must employ a qualified architect and the design is submitted to the Chief Architect for approval. Particular scrutiny was 'applied to residential buildings constructed along Uttar Marg (the northernmost avenue of the city at the very foot of the mountains), those abutting on Leisure Valley and along certain V-3 roads.

Commercial buildings:

All buildings located In the City Center and commercial or Institutional buildings to architectural controls. The systems of the City Center is based on a grid of columns, fixed 5.26 meters, shuttering pattern on concrete and a system of glazing or screen walls behind the line of column. The interior planning is left to the owners, and in the exterior, certain variations are permitted to give variety to the architectural composition. Along the V-2 roads, other types of treatments have been evolved for facades. All commercial buildings and all buildings constructed along the V-4 roads in other sectors are also under strict control. For shops, complete designs have been provided from the inception of the city.

Academic Ideology

We believe that architecture, the Great Mother Art, is an ambient social art and it seeks to render comprehensive service to mankind by meeting the complex challenges of contemporary life.

In the light of the profession's new role, we train our students by exposing them to live problems, situations and circumstances. Teaching, throughout the course of five years, is based on an inter-disciplinary approach which in addition to classroom learning through lectures, slide talks, discussions, assignments, comprehension tests, etc. entails numerous site visits and on-the-spot studies.  Students are encouraged to make their own observations of facts, to analyze and to evaluate them so that they may learn to reckon the relevance and applicability of investigative studies to the program requirements of creative course work in architectural design.

The College has a well qualified and experienced faculty duly reinforced by visiting faculty of eminent professionals drawn from the field in the disciplines of architecture, planning, urban design, engineering, humanities etc.

Main Thrust

Our main thrust is on the all encompassing nature and scope of Architectural Design.  The concept and direction of architectural design, however takes shape gradually through the development of the 10-semester course.  Beginning with an introduction to the theory and application of Basic Design, exercises in critical appreciation and creativity culminate in a research and/or design thesis in which a student gets an opportunity to handle all phases of architectural design.  This attempt ranges from the choice of the subject of thesis, case/prototype/library studies, analysis, identification/statement of the problem and the objectives to the formulation of client’s, architect’s brief and hence to the planning and design solution.

The States We ServeThis college caters to the needs of architectural education largely of the north-western region, covering the States of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.  In addition to this there are 5 (five) seats which are reserved for nominees of states from the northeastern parts of the country which are deficient in architectural education. This lends a more heterogeneous character to the college broadening knowledge of diverse cultures and lifestyles.

Live Exposure

In the light of the profession’s new role, CCA trains the students by exposing them to live problems, situation and circumstances.  Peoples, places, objects and events are thus our major inputs in imparting instruction in architecture.  Teaching  throughout the course of five years is based on an inter disciplinary approach which entails numerous site visits and on the spot studies in addition to class room learning through lectures, slide-talks, discussions, assignments, comprehension tests, etc.  Students are encouraged to make their own observations of facts to analyse and to evaluate them so that they may learn to reckon the relevance and applicability of investigative studies to the programme requirements of creative course work in architectural design.

Academic Changes

During the course of its checkered career, CCA has undergone many changes.  The semester system was introduced in 1972.

We have now introduced a two-tier scheme with effect from the  academic session 1985-86.  The 10 semester course is to be offered in two tiers: Stage One, from first to sixth semester and Stage Two, from seventh to tenth semester.  Stage One consists of theoretical subjects, tutorials, workshop practice and studio work for a basic grounding in the knowledge about architecture and its tools and skills.  Stage Two comprises a six month practical training followed by a large number of elective courses and studies of urban problems, professional practice, town-planning and a thesis. Recently, in 1998 a comprehensive review of the syllabi was undertaken to ensure greater cohesion progression and integration of the various related subjects and their inter-relationship with others.

Academic Infrastructure

Library

The College Library is situated in the heart of the college campus. Consisting of two beautifully built reading halls, it provides comfortable seating for 80 students. The college has a centrally air-conditioned library with approx. 27165 titles in architecture & related fields and regular subscription of 53 national and international journals, 3 e-journals, and 1773 bound periodicals that provide adequate and sufficient reading material to the students. There is also an exclusive section where all the thesis reports are kept for record and consultation. Teaching aids like audio and video cassettes and CDs also available. The library provides internet facility to the students. It also offers computerized circulation service, reference service and book bank facility.

Donated Books for Separate Section:

Alan Colquhoun-: Alan Colquhoun was an Architect and a teacher, critic and a historian of Architecture. Alan Colquhoun was born in 1921 in Datchet.

          The Chandigarh College of Architecture is very Grateful to Prof. Alan Colquhoun' Estate, U.K for Gifting  2365 Books to the College Library.

 M.N Sharma:- M.N Sharma was an Indian Architect who worked Capital Project. He designed the   famous Agriculture University at Ludhiana, Kurukshetra  University, He was responsible for most prestigious work that include two Museums in Cultural belt in sector-10. M.N Sharma as Gifted 300 books to the College Library.

(1) 2365 Books in Alan Colquhoun Section

(2) 300 Books in M N Sharma section

(3) 30 Books in Yayasan Albukhary Foundation

Web OPAC URL

http://192.168.100.200:8380/opac

• OPAC Online Public Access Catalogue facility is provided to the members through library software for locating the books on the shelves.

Automation:-             Lsease Software

Issue/Return:-                       New Ark System

Classification Scheme:-       Dewey Decimal Classification

Cataloguing: -                        Anglo American Cataloguing

Xerox Facility:                       Black, White  and Colored

Library rules

• Library Timings: 9.A.M. to 5.P.M.
• Books from library are issued to the students on their library cards.
• On misplacement/lost of library cum identity card, a student shall have to file an FIR. A new card will be issued on payment of a fine of Rs. 250/-
• M. ARCH. Students will be issued a maximum of 4 books and B. ARCH students 3 books at a given time.
• Maximum books are issued for overnight and weekly basis, after which it has to be returned or re-issued.
• A fine of Re 2/- per hour on overnight books shall be imposed after the due date.
• The books shall have to be returned by the due date, even if the students are on leave.
• In case of a holiday on the due date, the book may be returned on the next working day.
• The student shall be held responsible for the torn/soiled book and will have to submit a new copy instead or pay twice the cost of the book.
• Magazines and Newspapers can be read only in library reading hall.
• It is mandatory to produce the library card at the time of no dues.

The College library subscribes 8 newspapers every year.

List of newspapers

Computer Centre

There is a well equipped, air-conditioned Computer Center networked with a number of workstations supported by around 40 i-7 computers, 20 laptops, one Apple i-10, four A-0 size plotters, one A-0 size scanner and 20 Table Top Scanners, 20 inkjet & laserjet printers.  The PCs are loaded with latest CAD software like Auto CAD - 2009, Adobe Photoshop 7, 3D Studio Max, Coral Draw 10, Primavera Contractor Standard 2009, Revit Autocad Software 2012, Archicad - 2017.   As a result, students have been regularly presenting seminars and design proposals using the latest audio-visual presentation techniques. The entire college campus and hostels are WiFi enabled.   Besides this, each faculty member has been provided with a personal computer and laptop.. 

Workshop
The college workshop caters to the need of ‘hands on’ experience in handling of building construction tools and model making. It has facilities including machines and trained personnel in the fields of carpentry, metal work and model making.

The workshop is equipped with machines, tools and materials of carpentry, black smithy, model making, painting and polishing etc. which have resulted in numerous innovative working models. 

A Laser Cutting Machine has also been procured by the college for facilitating students to prepare models.

Building Material's Museum 

The Materials Museum displays a wide range of exhibits created or curated by the students. The exhibits include building models, structural models, samples of building materials & fixtures, furniture, sculptures and academic submissions.

The students and faculty are encouraged to borrow from the museum in order to gain a better understanding of architectural concepts.

A portion of the museum wall has been replaced with a glass wall so that the exhibits within may be viewed as the students walk by. It also allows students/faculty/visitors to view the museum when the museum is closed.

Audio-Visual & Photography Section

The audio-visual section has Video Conferencing System, 3 Nos. Digital SLR Cameras, Digital Smart Class Room, Multi Media Projectors, Public Address System, 40" LCD T.V. and DVD player, one Sony Stereo System with Cassette and VCD player, as well as stage lighting equipment, along with screening educational films for students. Audio-visual lectures are delivered by professors to complement class room teaching.

The photographic laboratory has been equipped with darkroom facilities for B/W processing, five 35 mm(SLR) cameras, a medium format camera, enlargers, and developing & printing gadgets.

Research, Design and Development Cell

The cell has been engaged in the study and documentation of various aspects of the Chandigarh experiment. It also undertakes classification and compilation of research material based on the students’ B.Arch. thesis, publication of College Newsletter and Research Journals, and research papers on architecture and allied disciplines. At present, two architects are working as Research Assistants in the Cell. The informograph is available at the Students’ Section in the college.

Publications of the Research cell:

Aesthetic legislation: A documentation of Urban Controls in Chandigarh

The publications include concepts of Chandigarh Master Plan and Statute of Land as envisaged by Le Corbusier. Extracts from Building Byelaws, regulations and acts have been included along with a brief history of their evolution and purpose, Drawings of architectural controls along with photographs of buildings reflecting the architectural vocabulary of these “Control Areas” have been included. The volume also includes periodic revisions and amendments made in these controls. The document, available in the college, is priced at Rs. 300 for the general public and at Rs. 200 for students.

The Making of Chandigarh

The prime objective of this publication is to make a compact informative text document, which clearly outlines the history of and gives an insight into the making of the city. The emphasis would be to highlight the developments that had taken place before Corbusier’s arrival.

Documenting Natural Heritage of Chandigarh : Gardens of the city

The objective is to document present green spaces and gardens of the city.

Journal of Architecture

This is a Bi-annual referred journal covering various themes on architecture and allied fields.

CCA Publications:

1.        Book on ‘Moods of Sukhna Lake’ authored by Prof. Rajnish Wattas and Dipika Gandhi Released by Chd. Admin. In July 2009.

Research Journals focusing on issues

1.        Architectural Education (Volume-01, October 2011)
2.        Sustainability in  Architecture and infrastructure development (June 2012)
3.        Conservation of Concrete Structures (December 2012)
4.        Lighting and illumination (June 2013)
5.        Proceedings of international conference – Concrete Actions 2014 (3^rd -5^th April 2014)

Workshops/Conferences

1.        Architectural Research Methodology by Dr. Vasudha Gokhle from BNCA, Pune (2-3 June 2010)
2.        Lecture cum workshop by Dr. SS Bhatti on ‘What is Research?’ (10 November 2010)
3.        Sustainable Architecture by Lalit Kishor Bhati from Auroville (1^st -3^rd September 2011)
4.        Significance of Lighting Design  by Pradeep Duggar (14-16 March 2012)
5.        Cultural Heritage Conservation: Towards New Paradigm by Rohit Jigyasu (2^nd-3^rd May 2013)
6.        Workshop for CCA faculty on  “ Enhancement in work Environment” by Simpl – an organization working for Professional Development Programs (July 2013)
7.        Concrete Actions 2014- International Conference(3^rd -5^th April 2014)

Research proposals undertaken by students and faculty

1.        Paragpur- An Interpretation of traditional building skills by Prof. Anu Singh
2.        Proportions in Architecture – Modulor by Prof. Anu Singh
3.        Natural Aquifer in India and their role in water management by Abhishek Verma
4.        Chandigarh: future Prospects by Harpreet Singh Saggu
5.        Conservation and restoration of exposed concrete structures in Habitable buildings by Prof. J.S. Ghuman.
6.        Lighting design in Mughul Architecture by Prof. Pradeep Bhagat
7.       he following link can be attached to main CCA site

 https://sites.google.com/a/ccachd.org/arc/https://sites.google.com/a/ccachd.org/arc/

Approval

• Letter of Extension of Approval 2019 - 20 (B.Arch. & M.Arch.)

Assistant Professor on Contract Basis

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Course Structure

The college conducts a five-year (10-semester) course leading to the degree of Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.), which is recognized by the Council of Architecture. The total course is divided into two stages:

Stage One is from the first semester to the sixth semester, awarding the Degree of Bachelor of Building Science. A university examination is held at the end of each semester.

Stage Two is from the seventh semester to the tenth Semester, awarding the degree of Bachelor of Architecture. A university examination is held at the end of each semester.

Practical Training

The students in their seventh semester undergo a 24-week practical training in approved architectural offices/firms. This helps them in gaining practical knowledge in office and on the site. It also helps in eliminating the gap between the theoretical and the practical approach to handling a project. About 50% of the students undergo their practical training in foreign countries like, Germany, France, Austria, Vienna, and Switzerland , etc.

Thesis

In the tenth semester every student undertakes a thesis project in which he gets an opportunity to prove his ability to independently handle all phases of a building design. The thesis project comprises the following:

a) A typed and illustrated report which includes validity of the chosen subject, methodology, aims and objectives, prototype studies, client's and architect's briefs, conclusions and design criteria along with sketches, photographs, tables, diagrams, etc.
b) A fully worked out design proposal along with models and three dimensional views.

Students are encouraged to develop expertise in the areas of their own interest and to develop a sound base for pursuing further studies in their chosen fields of specialization for which a large number of elective subjects like interior design, landscape design, advanced structures, town planning, urban design, architectural journalism, construction management, energy-efficient buildings, computers in architecture, Lighting Design, Sustainable Architecture, Disaster Management, etc. have been provided in the eight and ninth semesters, apart from the major subjects of Architectural Design and Building Construction.

Educational Tours

Educational Tours to different places of architectural interest are necessary for comprehensive architectural education. Tours and site visits are organised with a view to expose the students to India's rich cultural heritage, besides giving them an opportunity to study examples of significant modern architecture at first hand. 

Faculty

Faculty Training and Achievements

The real strength of an academic institution lies in its continuing endeavor to update its human resources, as such the teachers of our college regularly attend various conferences and short term courses. They are regularly granted study leave for upgrading their qualifications.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES/COUSES ATTENDED BY FACULTY

[w.e.f 1.1.2017 to 31.7.2019]

CONFERENCES attended by Faculty (From 2014 to 2017)

Grievance Redressal Committee

Model Maker on Regular Basis

Model Maker.pdf

Preamble, Inception and Brief History

Chandigarh the largest and the most daring experiment in modern urbanism has become the Mecca for architects from all over the world. Chandigarh’s pre-eminence as an International City rests largely on the world renowned architect Le Corbusier; who developed its master plan in 1951, based on his urban planning theories and his masterly architectural works.

What is not so well known is the fact that the 20th century's greatest architect also succeeded in getting Chandigarh College of Architecture (CCA) established as an integral part of the great Chandigarh Experiment. His conviction was that the creation of built environment, however brilliant and consequential, cannot be fully grasped- much less perpetuated if the principles regulating its concept are not properly understood through study of various components of the city in use.

CCA aims at developing its unique inherent potential and location and to inspire, support, sustain and continue academic programs whereby professionals trained in the tradition of modern urbanism ushered in by the incomparable master- could extend the frontiers of Creativity in the pursuit of serving the Family of Man -- efficiently, comprehensively, beautifully.  The Chandigarh College of Architecture (CCA) was established on 7th August 1961 and was set up as a part of the great Chandigarh Experiment to impart education in Architecture.

Quality Assurance Cell

• Quality Assurance Cell

Special Lectures, Workshops and Seminars

To support our academic program, workshops, seminars and special lectures in various areas are organized in the college from time to time by eminent professionals from diverse fields. This year the following extension lectures were held:

Supporting Infrastructure

Assembly Hall 

The Assembly Hall of 200 seats capacity has all modern facilities such as air conditioning, acoustic treatment and public address system and is frequently used for presentations, lectures and students’ seminars.

Hostels

Adequate accommodation is available for both boys and girls in separate hostel buildings. The boys hostel, Corbu House, with accommodation for 99 students is located in the college campus.

ARCHITECTURE GIRLS HOSTEL, SECTOR -11, CHANDIGARH

The Architecture Girls Hostel, Sector 11 was set up in 1982 prior to which the students stayed in the hostels of Panjab University.  It has 105 rooms (7 guest rooms & reading room).  The hostel has residence of the Hostel Superintendent as well.

The building is a 3 storied structure with adequate natural lighting & ventilation through 2 courtyards and terraces at various levels.

Students from Chandigarh College of Architecture, Sector 12; Government College of Arts, Sector 10 and Punjab Engineering College, Sector 12 share the Girls Hostel facilities.

There are year round social and cultural activities by the residents of the hostel (Staff and Students) in which all participate with enthusiasm.

The hostel offers several facilities to residents that include mess and canteen, laundry facility, single occupancy rooms, sports and fitness facilities, badminton courts, gym training equipment.  The hostel also has a DG set for backup power, monthly magazine and newspaper subscription, WiFi facilty.

The hostel has adequate parking, lawns for residents’ use, and is under CCTV surveillance.  Several annual events and national festivals are celebrated in the hostel that serves as a ‘home away from home’ for students from all over India.

Students Centre

A set of two independent blocks, adjacent to the main college building, are held together by a large landscaped open deck space.

The front block accommodates facilities for indoor games like TT and gymnasium, recreation and lounging spaces, besides having a canteen, and toilets. It is partially sunken, allowing for decks and mezzanine levels.

Many dinners, cooking sessions, student birthdays and inter house events are held here.

• Gymnasium and TT Room

The college focuses on fitness as well and has infrastructure for a gym as well as playing table tennis. The gymnasium is air-conditioned and has exercise equipments like the trend mill, bench press, cross trainer, leg press machine to name a few. The adjacent space is the TT room that has two TT tables.

• Common Room

A lot of hands on workshops and informal activities for smaller groups are held here. Students frequently use this space for working on NASA trophies.

• The canteen

The canteen block has seating indoor and on a raise deck in the outdoor, along with the landscaped portion. The spaces here are enlivened with murals regularly, designed and executed by students in large groups.

Students see many most of their informal culture here, under the shade in summers or soaking the winter sun on the deck.

• The “cube”

The rear block of the students centre is the cube. This was a storage shed converted to an informal studio space for students in 2010, by the students of CCA.

It is another independent block that has been developed for students 24 hour working space as and when required by them. Students frequently use this space for working on NASA trophies and thesis.

 Co-curricular Activities 

Sports & Games

The College provides many sports facilities including Cricket, Basket Ball & Volleyball, Football, Table Tennis.

The college is equipped with the full fledged Gymnasium having fully automatic Treadmill, seven station gym, Pecdec Machine including gym balls and three weights.  There is a walking trail along the boundary wall of the college campus.

 Associations & Clubs 

A students’ body “Chandigarh Association of Student-Architects” (CASA), exists in the College to promote student welfare and co-curricular activities. CASA is affiliated to the National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA) which holds an annual convention comprising design and studio-work competitions, exhibitions, literary, and cultural events.

Thesis Projects

CCA has about 1,000 B.Arch. thesis successfully completed by its alumni ever since the first batch graduation in 1966. Many thesis, embodying research, documentation, analysis, design proposal and presentation, on a wide variety of subjects, have won acclaim from external examiners from various parts of India and abroad. Some of the thesis projects are pioneer works in the annals of architectural education in India .

 List of Approved Thesis  - Session 2018-2019

List of approved Thesis Topic -- Session 2017-2018

List of approved Thesis Topic -- Session 2016 - 2017

  
List of approved Thesis Topic -- Session 2015 - 2016

List of approved Thesis Topic -- Session 2014 - 2015

Time Table

Time Table M.Arch

Time Table B.Arch