A group of architecture students from the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University in the United Kingdom met with the mayor M. Anilkumar. The program “Walk with the Mayor ” focused on the development of Kochi, held at Subhash park led to these discussions. The 22 architecture students and their professor Pro. Dr.Shibu Raman attended the program. The students were in Kochi for about 2 weeks and stayed at Niko, a 3-star luxury hotel in Ernakulam. 

The students, during their stay in Kochi, would strategize and develop different methods to improve the architecture of the city.  Pro. Dr. Shibu Raman, head director Dr. Rajan Abishek, and Xavier also participated in the program. Dr. Shibu Raman has been working closely with Cochin Corporation, Cochin Mayor Mr. Anil Kumar, Indian Institute of Architects, Center for Heritage, Environment and Development as well as SCMS School of Architecture. Kochi’s multicultural history has produced an eclectic collection of historic architecture, and since the city is so easily navigable, visitors can go on a self-guided architecture walking tour. Students are doing an extensive survey on aspects of liveability in Kochi and would be great if any of the Kochi citizens can support them by completing the survey on their website.

The students from Uk were pleased to be received by Niko hotel staff and their reviews state that they had an absolutely wonderful stay in Kochi with the best ambient rooms. Being a hotel in the heart of Kochi and easily accessible to all transportation modes, the guests loved their stay at the hotel. The guests were also gifted with a compliment as a token of love. They were also provided with complimentary breakfast, received with Japanese hospitality.