Re-visioning Chandigarh: Densification and Re-development of the City Centre (Sector 17)

Abstract

Chandigarh was one of the few opportunities for Le Corbusier to express his design principles at a large scale. Created in the 1950s, Chandigarh today is thriving and growing fast, albeit without order. Hence, there is a need to re-think the original design strategies in order to incorporate new housing, additional commercial, institutional and other uses to fulfill the demand of the growing population. This study presents a visionary proposal for the re-development of Sector 17, the City Centre of Chandigarh, into a Mixed Use “Sustainable” Urban Centre. The existing Sector 17 is predominantly occupied by commercial, institutional and office uses and comprises large “super blocks” with parking surrounding the buildings. There are no through physical and visual connections to the adjoining sectors. Most buildings are in a good condition but are visually unattractive. Through infill and reinterpretation of Le Corbusier’s design principles, proposing high quality architecture while preserving some of the existin structures the study explores the opportunity to create an improved public realm comprising a multitude of land uses, making the City Centre more vibrant, safe and a “24-7” liveable place.