Charles Correa works are an inspiration: students

An iconic figure, Charles Correa inspired all those associated with the field of architecture, said students in Mumbai.

An iconic figure, Charles Correa inspired all those associated with the field of architecture, said students in Mumbai.

Calling him a man of vision, many architecture students said they revered him as the greatest architect of all times.

“I have visited several of his iconic buildings, including the Mahatma Gandhi memorial in Ahmedabad. I have been there twice and can’t help but marvel at his imagination and vision,” said Diya Sengupta, 19, who studies at Sir JJ School of Architecture.

Sengupta said while the planning of south Mumbai gets much appreciation, Navi Mumbai’s thoughtful designing deserves equal praise. “In recent times, if any part of the city reflects a vision, it is Navi Mumbai. It is a gift we will always cherish,” she said.

The students said they looked up to him for his brilliance with use of space and adequate tapping of natural resources. “Whenever we discuss his works, his play with air and sunlight takes centre stage. He emphasised on natural ventilation and always kept the direction of sunlight in mind. He also made great structures without projections,” said Santoshi Shetty, 21, a final-year student at IES College of Architecture, Bandra, adding that Correa’s works were part of their syllabus.

Chirag Munjal, 23, from Rizvi College of Architecture, Vikhroli, said, “Till date, students of architecture from across the country look at his works with awe. A very striking feature of his work is how he balanced modern and traditional styles. He set such solid foundations that we are merely building our works on it.”