Corbusier

Charles-Édouard Jeanneret (6 October 1887 – 27 August 1965), known as Le Corbusier was a Swiss-French architect, designer, painter, urban planner and writer, who was one of the pioneers of what is now regarded as modern architecture.

Corbusier's contribution to Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab and Haryana in India, is perhaps his most comprehensive urban planning project. Commissioned after India's independence, he designed the city's master plan, along with several key buildings including the Capitol Complex (housing the Legislative Assembly, Secretariat, and High Court), the Open Hand Monument, and the Palace of Justice. His vision for Chandigarh was a city of order and functionality, integrating modernist principles with the local climate and landscape. He employed a grid system for the city's layout, dividing it into self-sufficient sectors with designated areas for residential, commercial, and recreational activities. His buildings in Chandigarh showcase his signature style of raw concrete, geometric forms, and the use of brise-soleil (sun breakers) to combat the harsh Indian sun. Chandigarh stands as a testament to Corbusier's urban planning ideals and his ability to translate them into a tangible reality.

Corbusier's design philosophy was deeply rooted in the principles of functionalism and modernism. He believed that buildings should be "machines for living," prioritizing functionality, efficiency, and simplicity. He embraced new materials like reinforced concrete and steel, allowing for open floor plans and flexible spaces. His "Five Points of Architecture," which included pilotis (supporting columns), ribbon windows, free facades, open floor plans, and roof gardens, became hallmarks of his style and revolutionized building design. He also emphasized the importance of light, air, and green spaces in architecture, striving to create harmonious living environments that connected with nature. His pursuit of a universal architectural language, applicable across cultures and contexts, shaped his approach to design and continues to influence architects today.

Corbusier's attention to technical detailing was as meticulous as his conceptual design. His use of béton brut, or raw concrete, was not merely an aesthetic choice; it was also a structural and economic one. The exposed concrete surfaces minimized finishing costs and expressed the inherent materiality of the building. He meticulously designed the brise-soleil to regulate sunlight and ventilation, adapting them to the specific climatic conditions of each project. His modular proportions, based on the Golden Ratio and his Modulor system (a system of proportions based on the human body), informed the dimensions and relationships of building elements, creating a sense of harmony and order. This rigorous approach to detailing ensured that his buildings were not only visually striking but also technically