The morning was spent at the Gandhi Bhawan observing and sketching. Founded as the Center for Gandhian Studies at Chandigarh University it is beautifully sited within the campus. The only down side was normally the building is surrounded on three sides with water but today the pool was dry – leaving it to feel heavier on the landscape than normal. The Gandhi Bhawan was designed by Pierre Jeanneret, cousin to Le Corbusier. Pierre also aided his cousin in the master planning of the city. The buildings unique angles and geometry provide a contrast to the regularity and rectilinear qualities of the city and University campus. As the sun beat down on the back of my neck I relaxed and sketched; occasionally having the curious passer-by.
Next we made our journey to the government buildings of Chandigarh. I had been looking forward to visiting these master works of Le Corbusier for quite some time and they were a big reason why I choose India for the Fellowship. However, because of the upcoming elections visits were heavily restricted. I was only able to visit the exterior courtyard of the High Court; and that came only with much pleading with the guards. However, I was not allowed to bring in my camera or my sketchbook. With our limited access I was able to see up close this building. Its craft was very reminiscent of the local workforce and the geometries were distinguishably modern and variations of the local vernacular. The use of a bris sole on the north face of the building I found to be very curious. There is no doubt that it added depth to an otherwise flat façade but not so much as a shading device. The fenestrations along the ramps seemed to soften the transitions and moved with the building, providing gentle angles and soft curves.
I am very disappointed in not being allowed to see the rest of the government buildings (ie. Secretariat and Assembly).
We visited the City Museum. The design of which was based off of a design by Le Corbusier of a museum in Zurich that was to house the personal painting, etc. of Le Corbusier. Now the City Museum serves as an architectural museum provided information on the planning and development of the city of Chandigarh. It is interesting to note that Le Corbusier was not the first choice to master plan the city. The American team of Albert Mayer and Matthew Nowicki were first commissioned to do the work. When Nowicki died tragicly in an airplane crash the government approached Le Corbusier to complete the work started by the American team. A lot of the original ideas of Mayer and Nowicki remained in the Corbusier plan.
“I am 77 years old, and my moral philosophy can be reduced to this: in life it is necessary above all to act, and by that I mean, to act in a spirit of modesty with exactitude, with precision. The only possible atmosphere in which to carry on creative work is one in which these qualities prevail: regularity, modesty, continuity, perseverance.” Le Corbusier
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