After six decades of its inception, French architect le Corbusier's magnum opus - Governor's Palace - may finally see the light of the day. Although never built, Governor's Palace remained a key element of Corbusier's original concept of Capitol Complex in Chandigarh. And, the Complex somewhat remained an unfinished symphony without its momentous structure of Governor Palace in the last 60 years.
Now, after years of debate and deliberations, the UT department of Urban Planning has finally initiated work to complete the unrealised project of Corbusier in Capitol Complex.
Sources in the UT Administration said "the UT department of Urban Planning has mooted a proposal to take up the Corbusier's originally proposed project of 'Governor's Palace' in the Capitol Complex." Even as the concept of Governor's Palace was later substituted by the 'Museum of Knowledge', this project too could not be realised.
"The department is of the view that the original plans of Corbusier for Capitol Complex should be given priority. And, the project of Governor's Palace should be taken up instead of Museum of Knowledge, which was proposed as its substitution later," said sources.
"Also, the department has initiated work to chalk out a detailed plan to complete the unfinished projects in the Complex. The department of Urban Planning has proposed to complete the Capitol Complex as visualised by le Corbusier so as to exhibit the genius of creativity of the famed architect who later became a trendsetter for modern and urban architecture," informed sources.
Corbusier's envisaged Capitol Complex comprises four 'edifices' — legislative Assembly, Secretariat, High Court and Governor's Palace. The built 'edifices' - the High Court, the legislative Assembly and the Secretariat - represent the three major functions of democracy and are considered as Corbusier's most mature creations. Each of these is a masterpiece, representing the adaptation of European modernism. The fourth 'edifice', originally the Governor's Palace, but later replaced by the futuristic 'Museum of Knowledge', could not be realised. The proposed Governor's Palace was an intricate concrete weave of forms that recalls the Villa Savoye placed atop a concrete plinth, with a curved concrete piece raised to the sky.
As per Corbusier's original design, the Governor's Palace is strategically placed at the north-eastern tip of the Capitol Complex, closest to the hills. Corbusier planned a playful series of reflecting water pools between the Governor's Palace and the remaining edifices to connect to the vastness of the main esplanade, and reduce the enormity of the scale. Ironically, the Governor's Palace is smallest of the four buildings of the Capitol Complex.
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Corbusier's Governor's Palace dream to come true, finally
When contacted, KK Sharma, Adviser to the UT Administrator said "the proposal of Governor's Palace is under consideration. The concerned department is still working on it." "The project is significant for the completion of Capitol Complex. But we have to consider all aspects before giving a go-ahead to any big project in the Complex," he added.