Beyond Le Corbusier and the modernist city: reframing Chandigarh's ‘World Heritage’ legacy

Chandigarh, India's modernist city designed by Le Corbusier, faces challenges in achieving UNESCO World Heritage status despite its global recognition. This study reassesses the city's heritage value, highlighting its historical significance and contemporary relevance through a combination of historical scholarship and fieldwork. By addressing the complexities of design, planning, and cultural appropriation, the research aims to foster a localized yet globally appreciable understanding of modern architecture. The findings suggest that embracing Chandigarh's unique temporal, geographical, and cultural contexts could strengthen its case for World Heritage inscription while promoting broader appreciation of modernist urban design.

Chalana, M., & Sprague, T. S. (2013). Beyond Le Corbusier and the modernist city: reframing Chandigarh’s ‘World Heritage’ legacy. Planning Perspectives, 28(2), 199–222. https://doi.org/10.1080/02665433.2013.737709