Prof. Anil Sarwal and Dr Come Carpentier discuss the City Beautiful, Chandigarh and its architect Le Corbusier.
COME CARPENTIER DE GOURDON is currently the Convener of the Editorial Board of the WORLD AFFAIRS JOURNAL, a quarterly publication dedicated to international issues, sponsored by the Kapur Surya Foundation (a co-sponsor of the “World Public Forum for Dialogue of Civilisations”) New Delhi, India.
He shares his time between India, France, Italy and Switzerland. He has lived and travelled in more than fifty countries on four continents.
Chandigarh is a city in Northern India and serves as the capital of two neighbouring states, Punjab and Haryana. It is known for its modern urban planning and architectural design, primarily influenced by French architect Le Corbusier.
Le Corbusier, whose real name was Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, was a pioneering architect, urban planner, and designer in the 20th century. He was one of the leading figures in the Modernist movement and significantly contributed to architecture and city planning. Le Corbusier's involvement with Chandigarh began in the early 1950s when India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, commissioned him to design the city.
Here are some key aspects of Chandigarh's architecture and Le Corbusier's influence:
Master Plan: Le Corbusier developed the master plan for Chandigarh, often cited as one of his most significant urban planning projects. He laid out a grid pattern for the city and divided it into sectors. Each sector was designed for a specific function, such as residential, commercial, and administrative, emphasising green spaces and open areas.
Capitol Complex: One of the most iconic features of Chandigarh is the Capitol Complex, designed by Le Corbusier. It houses the administrative and governmental buildings of the city, including the High Court, Secretariat, and Legislative Assembly. The complex is known for its distinctive and futuristic architecture.
Open Spaces: Chandigarh is renowned for its abundant greenery and open spaces. Le Corbusier incorporated large parks, gardens, and green belts into his design, providing residents with ample recreational areas and a harmonious connection with nature.
Brutalist Architecture: Le Corbusier's architectural style in Chandigarh is often described as Brutalist, characterized by raw concrete, bold geometric forms, and minimal ornamentation. His designs prioritize functionality and simplicity.
The Rock Garden: While not designed by Le Corbusier, the Rock Garden in Chandigarh is another notable attraction in the city. It was created by Nek Chand Saini and features a vast collection of sculptures and artwork made from recycled materials. The garden is a testament to creative and sustainable design.
Le Corbusier's work in Chandigarh has left a lasting legacy, and the city is often considered a masterpiece of modern urban planning and architecture. His innovative ideas have greatly influenced the development of the city and continue to be studied and admired by architects and urban planners around the world. Chandigarh remains a unique example of a well-planned and organized city that prioritizes the quality of life for its residents.
