Chandigarh: Inside the exhibition showcasing life and works of Polish architect Maciej Nowicki

An exhibition has been inaugurated in Chandigarh on Tuesday May 12 evening showcasing life and works of renowned Polish architect Maciej NowickiThe exhibition Humanist Modernity The Unbuilt Chandigarh of Maciej Nowicki was inaugurated by H Rajesh Prasad Chief Secretary UT Chandigarh in the presence of Dr Piotr Antoni Awitalski Head of Mission Embassy of Poland in New Delhi at the Government Museum and Art Gallery Sector 10 in ChandigarhA short film highlighting the vision of Polish architect Maciej Nowicki for Chandigarh was screened during the event followed by a live musical performance by a Polish singer Michal RudasThe exhibition has been organised by the Government Museum and Art Gallery Chandigarh in collaboration with the Polish Institute New Delhi and the National Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning Warsaw PolandDuring his address H Rajesh Prasad said that it is a matter of pride for Chandigarh to host an exhibition on one of the greatest architects of his time Maciej NowickiHe remarked that Chandigarh might have taken a different shape had Nowicki not met with an untimely demise died in a plane crash at the age of 40 though traces of his vision can still be seen in FrenchSwiss architect Le Corbusiers designsHe added that the humanistic spirit reflected in the architecture of The City Beautiful Chandigarh is also partly inspired by Nowickis ideasEmphasising the role of citizens he said it is our collective responsibility to preserve and further enhance Chandigarhs unique legacy so that it continues to grow as one of the finest cities in the worldAddressing the gathering Dr Awitalski said that Maciej Nowickis designs inspired generations of architects and reflected a deep sensitivity towards human values culture and the environmentHe observed that had Nowicki continued his work on Chandigarh elements inspired by the philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita may also have found expression in the citys architectural visionHe said that Nowicki was inspired by the Indian culture and the countrys traditionsHe further expressed hope that Nowickis ideas would continue to inspire young architects and students while emphasising the importance of regular academic and cultural exchanges in architecture and urban planningThe exhibition showcases the life and works of renowned Polish architect Maciej Nowicki whose visionary ideas contributed to the early planning of Chandigarh alongside American planner Albert Mayer in 1949Maciej Matthew Nowicki a pioneer of modernist architecture was born in 1910Through original drawings master plans and archival material the exhibition presents Nowickis unbuilt vision of Chandigarh centred on climatesensitive planning green spaces and communityoriented urban design The extensive integration of landscape with built spaces remains a hallmark of Nowickis humanistic approach to architecture and urban planningThe exhibition also highlights Nowickis international architectural contributions including his association with the design process of the United Nations Headquarters in New York and the iconic Dorton Arena in North CarolinaNowicki died in a plane crash on the night of August 31September 1 1950 while returning from India After his death the Chandigarh project was entrusted to the eminent FrenchSwiss architect Le CorbusierThe exhibition will remain open for public viewing till July 15 from 10 am to 440 pm The museum will remain closed on Monday and gazetted holidaysThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever