Chiaroscuro 2023 – Xeviro

The annual symposium of SPADE was conducted in 27 October 2023. The theme, XEVIRO: Synthesizing Sustainability and Digital Futures revolved around the concept of the interconnectedness between, sustainability and technology. In today's contemporary digital era, our world extends beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing both indoor and outdoor spaces. The symposium had an impressive turnout of around 350 plus students and faculty members of SPADE.

Inaugural Session

The Inauguration was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, Ar. Sushant Verma(co-founder rat[LAB]), the Guest of Honour, Dr. Andre Brown, Associate Dean International, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand who joined the session online. The Special Guest of the event was, Ar. Hena Damodharan, Senior Associate Director, CBRE Chennai and SPADE Alumni. The other dignitaries to grace the occasion were Dr. S.N. Sridhara, Vice Chancellor; Dr. Sheeba Chander, Dean, (SPADE) and Ar. P.C. Devisree HoD,(SPADE). The event commenced with the rendition of the Tamil Thaivazhthu.

The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Abhinaya Ragavendran, IV-year B.Arch. Mr. Mothinath of IV-year B.Arch and President of XEVIRO presented an overview of the Symposium. The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. S.N. Sridhara Vice Chancellor who stated that architecture unites engineering and aesthetics. He also informed that SPADE conducts the annual symposium under various themes every year that has been very enriching. Ar.Vergis Oommen, distinguished visiting faculty(SPADE)in his address stated that India has become the third largest economy and has achieved sustainability and digital futures. He appreciated the students of SPADE who had given their full effort to the symposium. Dr.Sheeba Chander, Dean,(SPADE)in her address enlightened the gathering on the annual symposium CHIRAROSCURO 2023. The vote of thanks was proposed by Ms.Ananya Parameshwaran student coordinator XEVIRO from III-year B.Des. (ID).

Key Note Address:

Ar. Sushant Verma's keynote presentation on parametric design was another take on the world of AI. This insightful session offered a refreshing perspective, shedding light on the cutting-edge developments at the intersection of these fields. Verma's presentation not only showcased the potential of parametric design but also emphasized its significant implications for the broader technological landscape. It offered a comprehensive understanding of how AI is transforming the architectural world, inspiring new possibilities, and opening doors to creative and efficient solutions. Overall, the session left the audience with a deeper appreciation of the profound impact that AI is having on architecture and technology, making it an enlightening experience. Expressing our sincere gratitude to the management for their invaluable support, which played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the event. Extending gratitude to contributions of our sponsors, especially our Title Sponsor, TPRS Glass, and our Silver Sponsors, LR Constructions, Shoba Builders, and Sheenlac, along with the other sponsors, who made this event possible.

SPADE Talks

There were 4 SPADE Talks conducted on various topics related to sustainability and artificial intelligence as part of the symposium.

Ar. Sriram Ganapathi, Managing Director, KSM Architecture, Chennai on Institutional Architecture. With his field of expertise, he expressed that incorporating sustainable design concepts and conscious involvement in sustainable initiatives results in an architectural creation of both utility and functional necessity. He offered a fresh perspective on nature's role in architecture and design, introducing projects such as learning centres and institutional structures that explored sustainability principles, where even colours played a major role and that naturally available materials also mattered more.

Ar. Mahesh Radhakrishnan founding partner of The Madras Office for Architects and Designers (MOAD), Chennai, underscored the enduring value of spaces and their importance for the future through his topic Sustainability in Design. He cited numerous examples to demonstrate how the spaces we inhabit can become democratic, involving everyone in their preservation. Through the examples, he effectively conveyed the idea that the ownership and care of communal spaces should not be limited to a select few, but rather, they should be accessible and inclusive for all individuals.

Mr. B.R.S Sreenag, founder of Sreenag Pictures, Chennai on his topic Architectural photography delved into various composition and framing techniques in architectural photography, emphasizing the significance of light, shadow, visual balance, and the role of lines in photographs. Effective composition and framing techniques play a crucial role in creating compelling architectural photographs. He also touched upon the different challenges faced in this field of Architectural Photography.

Ar. Chenthur Raaghav, Chief Architect, AplusR Architects, Coimbatore, talk on Parametric architecture discussed about various trending software’s which would be very beneficial to budding architects. He gave the delegates insights on the projects done by AplusR Architects. AplusR Architects, known for its innovative and forward-thinking approach to architecture, showcased a range of projects that reflect their design philosophy and commitment to excellence. The insights shared with the delegates encompassed several key aspects.

Workshops

The hands-on workshops were carried out simultaneously along with the spade talks in the morning and afternoon session Ar. Maniyarasan, Cultural Heritage Documentation Consultant, Trichy, elaborated on the importance of documentation through his workshop on Photogrammetry. By showcasing real-world examples from his portfolio, he illuminated how photographs serve as a historical record of architectural endeavors, enabling architects, historians, and enthusiasts to revisit, analyse, and appreciate the evolution of structures over time.

Ar. Anupama Bothireddy Founding Partner and landscape architect at studio DCode, Chennai led a hands-on workshop demonstrating the production of mud bricks through her workshop on Cobb using a mixture of cement, mud, hay, and other materials, providing participants with a firsthand experience. This workshop offered students a unique opportunity to gain practical, vista in the age-old art of mud brick construction. Through this hands-on experience, participants not only gained theoretical knowledge but also developed a deeper appreciation for the physical labour and skill required in producing mud bricks.

Ar. Salmaan Mohamed, Content creator, Architectural Illustrator & Designer, Chennai, through his workshop on AI powered tools, educated the participants about the latest AI tools used in architecture. From a productivity perspective, the AI tools facilitated the students in optimizing their workflow. Moreover, the AI tools demonstrated by sir, had capabilities in generating rendered plans swiftly and accurately. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, students could transform their conceptual designs into visual representations within a matter of minutes.

On the spot completions were also conducted in the afternoon session.

Valedictory Session

As the golden saying goes, "All Great Things Must Come to an End", and just like that the perfectly paced symposium seemed to end with Valedictory. This session was graced by the chief guest, Ms. Gita Hudson (an artist, filmmaker and independent curator). along with Ar. Vijay Ramana, the guest of honour our very own (alumnus of SPADE),who is an independent filmmaker and it all seemed complete with the presence of our Dean, HOD, faculties and students together, the XEVIRO Team. Mr. Krithik Raj – Design head- XEVIRO from 4TH year B.Arch. welcomed the eminent guests. Following this we had the XEVIRO overview by the event Vice President, Vaishnavi Suresh from 4th year B.ARCH.

Ms. Gita Hudson, the chief guest addressed the crowd by stating that students are a balanced batch - neither very loud nor too low. She also mentioned in her talk about Ar.Benny Kuriakose 's hospital design in Kerala which catered to the patients requirement. She uses this as an example to tell young architects to design spaces according to the personality and the needs of the people.

Followed by Ar. Vijay Ramana, the Guest of Honour, gave his significant remarks of being a proud alumnus of SPADE. And expressed his excitement to be a part of the symposium. Adding to that he mentioned that architecture had helped him in his contribution to the film world. He encouraged the students to actively participate and showcase their talents in such events, which would help them to face the real world outside the University. Ms. Mary Alex, On spot event head from 4th year B.Arch., winded up the valedictory function with a vote of thanks.

As the evening dawned upon, the lights came flickering from the front stage of PLEXUS, the culturals. Unravelling the Alchemy of Diverse Talents, PLEXUS the annual cultural extravaganza where imagination takes the stage, colors blend into melodies, and creativity knows no bounds, bringing together students from different departments, backgrounds, and talents, weaving a beautiful tapestry of unity in diversity. There were singing, dancing and poetry expressing oneself from the heart and soul and talent shows. Overall, the evening was an ode to the creativity of the human itself, which marked XEVIRO's happily ever after.

Outcome

The Annual Symposium Chiaroscuro 2023: XEVIRO, enhanced students' education, networking opportunities, and personal development. The students were exposed to various sustainability and digital trends by industry experts, SPADE talks and workshops encouraged critical thinking and creativity. Cultural activities showcased diverse talents, promoting creativity and self-expression. Overall XEVIRO offered a well-rounded and enriching learning experience for all students and participants for the future.