Victoria Students Hostel in Chennai, where history lurks in every corner

The building, made of wire-cut red bricks, has the signature architectural features of structures designed by the legendary Robert Fellowes Chisholm

“In great cities, the great buildings tell you things you don’t know and remember things which you’ve forgotten. It’s a collective wisdom, an engine superior to your own intelligence. Architecture is the biggest unwritten document of history.” – Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind

“One century’s building is another century’s useful aberration.” – Urban writer and activist Jane Jacobs

When great cities forget their great buildings, it evokes images of falling giant trees, burning libraries, blue whale victims losing their grip over ledges, neglected parents and wasted memories. A visit to the Victoria Students Hostel was one such experience.

The Victoria