Sunand Prasad Past President RIBA Lectures at MIDAS

MIDAS organized a lecture by Mr Sunand Prasad, Penoyre& Prasad Architects and Past President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, London lectured at MIDAS through Skype from London on "School Design". The lecture was on some of the excellent projects domes by his firm globally and UK in particular.
MIDAS students of 3rd Semester B.arch are presently working on a Community Project at Semmancheri on OMR on a 2 Acres TNHB land. The project would bring the required change in the community through education. The students have been divided into three studios with core and external faculty. This is the second lecture for this project.
Mr Prasad has appreciated the efforts of MIDAS on this arrangement of lectures which is probably first time in Chennai by an architecture school.

Ms Jennifer McIntyre receives Green Mural from MIDAS Director Prof Jaffer AA Khan

U.S. Consul General Jennifer McIntyre received a unique present from MARG Institute of Design and Architecture Professor Jaffer AA Khan recently – a mural made entirely of discarded water and soda bottles.



Prof. Khan presented student work to CG McIntyre at the U.S. Consulate General on July 12, 2012. He said the mural is based on the theme of “Bindu” – which, in Hindu philosophy, is seen as a point of divergence and convergence – or the abounding source of energy.



Members of the U.S. Consulate General’s Green Committee were also on hand at the unveiling. The Green Committee organizes events to encourage and complement the many green initiatives the Consulate is involved in, including partnering with Kuppathotti.com on a comprehensive recycling program and with the Confederation of Indian Industry’s “Young Indians” on the group’s recent Green Heritage Project.

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Chennai - A city of Culture- Panel Discussion at MIDAS Expo, Lalit Kala Akademi Chennai

The 6th of July 2012, the day experts discussed the state of Chennai as a Culture Capital of South India. Participants included, Dr Ranee, Dean and HOD School of Architecture and Planning Anna University,Mr Suhasini Ayer, Architect Auroville, Pondicherry, Dr Mano Kumarasuriyer Urban Planner, Ms Kalpana Ahmed, Architectural Conservationist, Ms Michelle Zjhra, Vice Consul US Consulate, Chennai, Mr Karl Pechatscheck, Director Goethe Institute Chennai and Mr Mano daniel, Architect Chennai.

The audience included students, practitioners and academicians along with general public. The panel felt that Chennai as Cultural Capital is loosing its character due to lack of "Urban Design" principles. The concept of "Public Space" is not to be seen. Heritage is fast disappearing and hence lack of identity within the city. Chennai is the home for "Indo Saracenic Architecture". The Chepauk Palace recently was gutted due to fire. The panel felt that it is time we preserve the city for future generations. Prof. Jaffer AA Khan Director MIDAS felicitated the panelists.

Sanjay Mohe at MIDAS Exhibition

Star Architect Sanjay Mohe was a star attraction at MIDAS Exhibition on the concluding day of the student works exhibition. Renowned internationally for his extraordinary works, Mr Mohe was extremely impressed by the works done by the students at 1st year B.Arch level. He said" The students have done extremely impressive work with lots of energy and creativity". Later in the evening he showcased his works through a lecture to a jam packed audience at the Lalit Kala Akademi Chennai. Professor Jaffer AA Khan  RIBA Director MIDAS moderated the Q&A session.

Ms Michelle Zjhra Vice Consul of US Consulate Chennai Visits MIDAS Expo at Lalit Kala Akademi Chennai

Marg Institute of Design and Architecture Swarnabhoomi -MIDAS exhibition of student works was a grand success with nearly 2000 and above footfalls in 5 days. On 6th July 2012 Ms Michelle Zjhra Vice Consul of US Consulate Chennai visited the exhibition and interacted with the students. Later she participated in a panel discussion chaired by Ms Suhasini Ayer, an architect from Auroville. The picture above shows Ms Zjhra and Prof. Jaffer AA Khan Director MIDAS explaining the mural made out of waste plastic bottles.

MIDAS Student Exhibition Inaugurated

MIDAS Showcases its students work at Lalit Kala Akademi Chennai. The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr Karl Prchatscheck  Director Goethe Institute Chennai. The exhibition is on from 3rd to 8th July 2012.