Chandigarh Reimagined : Urban Design Strategies between Heritage and Transformation

The master plan for Chandigarh, developed by Le Corbusier together with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, is widely regarded as a seminal example of a ´Functional City´ based on the Charta of Athens. With a projected population increase of 35 % by 2035, the Chandigarh metropolitan region also serves as an illustrative case study of dynamic urbanization in India. This leads to a conflict of interests between the aim to preserve the central part of the city and the urgent needs of urban development.
The ´City Beautiful´ is characterised by its tree-lined streets, minimal traffic congestion, vibrant neighbourhood squares, and meticulously designed neighbourhoods, contributing to an overall aesthetic appeal. However, analysis undertaken during an extended visit, in addition to literature research and interviews with local stakeholders, has revealed the weaknesses of the existing structures and its vast, underused public spaces. It has come to a point where the urban fabric is not able – or allowed – to adapt to the rapid changes in society regarding the way we live, work, move, shop and spend our leisure time.
Would it have been in Le Corbusier's interest to design the city as a living museum, or did he intend to create a constantly renewing urban structure?
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This publication presents the results of an urban design studio that developed alternative scenarios for a balanced urban transformation using a 'research by design' methodology. Several teams created concepts that explore the potential for a successful integration of cultural heritage and urban development.
By adopting an innovative approach to the city's cultural heritage, Chandigarh is able to demonstrate its ability to embrace change, create a new vision for the future, and remain a sustainable city and an outstanding example of modern urban planning for generations to come.