Chandigarh dedicates museum to its creator Le Corbusier

Chandigarh, Oct 15 : Chandigarh honoured its creator and world famous architect Le Corbusier by dedicating his workplace in the city as a museum and his second centre in the country.

Chandigarh, one of the most developed cities of the country is the brainchild of Corbusier. He along with his dedicated team of architects planned an intricate design for the city.

The building, which used to be his office has been renovated and now showcases his work and creations, the models that he prepared, his charts and furniture created by Pierre Jeanneret, his cousin.

This is the sixth centre in the world and second in India after Ahemedabad centre.

The other centres dedicated to Le Corbusier are Canadian Centre for Architecture in Montreal, Canada Foundation Le Corbusier in Paris, Centre Le Corbusier, Zurich, Museum of Architecture and Design in Chicago.

But what makes Chandigarh centre different from others is that it used to be Le Corbusier's workplace and many of his works, architectural designs and instruments used by him are on display in the museum.

"It is very good decision by the Chandigarh administration to make this a research center so that people can come and see here his work. I am very sure that with the support of Chandigarh administration and architects, citizens and also with the support of different centers of the world, this centre is going to be a landmark in the world," said V.N Singh, the nodal officer of the project.

The exhibits at the centre are a delight for those who have interest in modern architecture and even for those who are keen to know what transpired during creation of Chandigarh.

There are letters exchanged between Corbusier and senior government functionaries that talk about different controversies.

The pictures on Corbusier are self-explanatory and depict the trials and tribulations faced by Corbusier and his team.

Apart from this, the museum showcases the equipments used by Corbusier and his tem members.

The Swiss Franc that bears testimony to Chandigarh has also been showcased.

"It was fascinating to see the wonderful job that was done. We are really enjoying it very much. It's so good to see all the memorabilia being kept so that more people can understand what happened," Dorothy Stevens, a tourist.

Le Corbusier in his career of eight decades constructed buildings throughout central Europe, India, Russia and one each in North and South America. Apart from being an urban planner he is also remembered as painter, sculptor and writer. By Sunil

ANI