The UT Master Plan has called for “immediate” action to protect the architectural legacy of French Architect le Corbusier in a bid to protect the architectural landmarks of Capitol Complex.
A paragon of elegance — Capitol Complex — presents a startling picture of neglect after over five decades of its creation. The UT Master Plan Committee has recommended achieving regional harmony to preserve the aesthetic glory of Capitol Complex. The issue would be addressed with a comprehensive Interstate Regional Plan for Chandigarh region, proposed the Committee.
The draft Master Plan reads, “The Capitol Complex, a symbolic ‘head’ of the city is set against the backdrop of Shivalik hills consists of a group of buildings, the Secretariat, the High Court, the legislative Assembly.”
It stated, “Due to changed geo-political scenario subsequent to re-organisation in 1966, the buildings of the Capitol Complex which were mainly designed to accommodate the functional requirements of one administration, had been sub divided amongst three administrations — Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana, which has put great pressure on these buildings.”
“This has resulted in piecemeal, adhoc need-based changes such as covering of verandas, additional glazings, additional sheds among others and has severely impacted the overall ambience of the prestigious Capitol Complex.
In addition, poor maintenance resulting in seepage and leakage of roof, weathering and poor maintenance of shuttered concrete as well as dumping of garbage within the campus has turned these monuments of modern architecture into eyesores,” added the draft Master Plan.
Citing a report of a sub-committee, the Master Plan Committee has stated, “The maximum pressure is being felt in the High Court building where a large number of court cases are being handled daily. Over the years the area behind the main High Court has thus seen increase in the built environment in the form of lawyer’s chambers, extension block for court rooms, record room among others. Construction of multi-utility block, multi-storeyed parking block is in progress.”
“However despite these additions there is still deficit of space which is resulting in overcrowding and poor working conditions for the staff and the record. This site is completely landlocked and now has no scope for additional buildings. Massive damage has been done to the parasol roof of the main High Court building due to fixing and thereafter removal of glazing at terrace level,” reads the draft Plan.
The report further stated, “The main pedestrian promenade that connects the High Court and the legislative Assembly, and was intended to be a ceremonial space at the opening of sessions is being used for vehicular movement and parking though its access is denied to the people at large.”
“The use of plaza for parking of vehicles of judges has already damaged it necessitating re-carpeting of the concrete floor.”
Elaborating on internal changes in the buildings, it added, “Renovations in all court rooms, judges lounge and conference hall for judges, in the form of false ceilings, wall-to-wall wooden dais, air-conditioning and partitions, additions and alternations in the office, conversion of cycle and scooter stands and garages into office and ASD lab into High Court Museum have been carried out in the main building.”
“In case of the Secretariat building, the requirement of additional space is being reflected in covering of verandahs, additions and alterations in and around the building.”
It also stated: “In the Assembly building, though there are no major external changes, however a number of internal changes have been made to accommodate the legislative functions of Punjab and Haryana.”
“False ceiling in rooms and corridors, renovation of toilets with new materials and painting of concrete surfaces has been carried out. Addition of aluminum glazing and wooden panelling in the main foyer vitiates the original concept of the undulatory glazing with precast concrete mullions and T-steel sections,” pointed out the Master Plan.
Structures were mentioned as Core Zones of Chandigarh
The deteriorated or disfigured structures in the Capitol Complex were mentioned as Core Zones of Chandigarh to claim the UNESCO heritage status in the past. located in Sector 1, the structures in the Capitol Complex are concrete sculpture representing the monumental character authority. located in Sector 1 of the Capitol Complex — is the raison-d'etre for this city, the seat of the two Governments. The complex consists of three main edifices namely the Secretariat, the legislative Assembly and the High Court. All these buildings are interlocked to one another as part of a subtle visual composition.
Besides, being the administrative hub of two States namely Punjab and Haryana, the complex also includes eye-catching and aesthetic open hand monument, High Court museum, tower of shadows and many other important buildings.
These architectural landmarks in Capitol Complex have also been placed under Grade I of heritage status by the UT Administration in an attempt to preserve these heritage structures.