Mandip Singh Brar highlights Chandigarh’s legacy of modern architecture and calls for sustainable design in urban planning.
Chandigarh: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) inaugurated its four-day 11th Ins/Out Exhibition today in Chandigarh. The event was opened by Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Home Secretary of U.T. Chandigarh, who emphasized the significance of sustainable design in architecture as the foundation for a green and resilient future.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Brar noted that Chandigarh, famously known as “The City Beautiful,” stands as one of the finest examples of 20th-century modern urban planning. With its carefully designed sectors, open green spaces, and monumental buildings such as the Capitol Complex, the city continues to inspire architects, students, and planners worldwide. He stressed that sustainable architecture must integrate renewable energy, eco-friendly materials, natural lighting, rainwater harvesting, and waste reduction techniques to ensure healthier and future-ready living environments.
Brar also underlined that with rapid urbanization, architecture’s importance has grown, but environmental protection is often overlooked. He appreciated PHDCCI’s role in bringing together producers, consumers, and institutions under one roof to foster innovation and awareness in the building and construction sector.
The exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Fire and Security Association of India (FSAI), Ministry of MSME, Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited, CREST, PEDA, and HAREDA, provides a platform for knowledge exchange between industry leaders, architects, and students.
Welcoming the chief guest, Madhu Sudan Vij, Chair of the Chandigarh Chapter of PHDCCI, said the event offers architecture students an opportunity to learn about emerging technologies and changing practices in construction. Senior Regional Director Ms. Bharti Sood emphasized that Ins/Out bridges academia with industry, while Co-Chair Suvrat Khanna expressed gratitude to participants and confirmed plans for expansion.
The technical session, supported by Polycab and Tata Tiscon, highlighted innovations in materials and technologies aligned with sustainable growth. Experts, including Ar. Manmohan Khanna, Chairman of IIA Chandigarh Chapter, spoke about balancing heritage, sustainability, and modern development in India’s cities.
The inauguration was attended by leading architects, planners, and dignitaries, including Ar. Habib Khan, Ar. Jit Kumar Gupta, Ar. Kapil Setia, Prof. Swati Bhel, and H. S. Bhogal, marking a promising start to the four-day exhibition.
