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5.3.2 The Capitol Complex, Chandigarh, India, Le Corbusier, 1950’s
Figure 46 The Capitol Complex, Chandigarh, India (Hindustan times)
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Official Name- Complex du Capitole Location- Chandigarh, Chandigarh Capital Region, India. Site Area- 66 ha (0.25 sq.) Architect- Ar. Le Corbusier
“Declared World Heritage Site in Modern Architecture by UNESCO – 17th July 2016.”
SOCIO-CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
The capitol complex designed by Ar. Le Corbusier, consists of an amalgamation of 5 buildings, each having its own unique dynamism, structural system, technologies and design principles. Spread out in 100 acres of land these structures stand as an architectural
masterpiece in the city of Chandigarh.
These structures were a part of the city planning of Chandigarh by Ar. Le Corbusier, wherein he designed this area in the sacred zone of the city where the pillars of democracy will function. A distinctive characteristic of the superior nature of built form and symbolism is
seen in the designed structures, and coherence of distinctively different forms has been seen evidently in the façade treatments and the design of this project.
The unique design aspect of this project is that all elements used from planning to the I treatment of the building follow the golden ratio, achieving which is a difficult task in
architectural design. (Vikramaditya, 2002, pp. 5-6)
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:
The main elements of the complex are:
1) Palace of Assembly 2) Secretariat 3) High Court 4) Open Hand monument 5) Shadow Tower and Geometric Hill
Figure 47 Site plan of Capitol Complex (ttnotes.com)
Figure 48 Elements of the Capitol Complex (TOI)
THE SECRETARIAT BUILDING:
The secretariat building acts as a substantial protective wall to the entire complex which is at the entrance and vast in nature which is difficult to capture at the very first glance. The façade of this structure is a collection of voids and linearity which also makes the structure look like a wall. (Vik ramadity a, 20 02, pp . 7- 8)
THE ASSEMBLY BUILDING AND TOWER OF SHADOWS:
Figure 49 The assembly building and Tower of Shadows (staticflickr.com) It reflects a sense of austerity with the concrete screen penetrating the light into the structure. It has a dynamic conical structure that touches to the ground divided by only a few partitions the structure seems hollow from the top. This structure shows grandeurs with the shadow of towers standing free from the main building. The cupola looks emerging from the structure adds to the artistic grace of the entire complex. (Vikramaditya, 2002, pp. 4345)
THE HIGH COURT BUILDING:
Figure 50 The High Court Building (Wikimedia) This structure has a double roof, projecting over the office block like a parasol or an inverted umbrella. The magnificent outward sweep of the upper roof is symbolic of protection and
justice to the people. The three vertical piers, feet from the floor and painted in bright colours
form the grand entrance to the building. (Vikramaditya, 2002, pp. 43-45)
Figure 51 The open hand monument (Chandigarh Bytes) Figure 52 Tower of Shadows (flikr)
INFERENCE:
CAPITOL COMPLEX, CHANDIGARH. The capitol complex reflects the silhouettes of the modern
Figure 53 Analysis of the heritage significance of the structure (author)
movement and showcases the challenges of inventing new and showcases techniques to respond
to the needs of the society. These masterpieces are creative geniuses also at least international of architectural practice. It brought laurels to Chandigarh’s cityscape, and the beauty of the complex is being restored since it
was declared as heritage by UNESCO in the section of contribution to modern heritage
movement of the world. It has a distinctive aesthetic character and spatial vocabulary which stands out enormously. This structure is an example of how modern architecture can be celebrated and considered as a part heritage.
