Chandigarh
Chandigarh, situated at the foothills of the Shivalik hills, is designed by the French architect Le Corbusier. It is a Union Territory, but also the capital of the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh owes its name to the goddess Chandi Devi, whose temple is situated in the foothills near the city.
Covering an area of 56 square kilometres, Chandigarh is the first 'planned' city of India. The city site was selected in 1948 after a careful survey, including an aerial reconnaissance. The architectural style of the city is represented by the use of unfinished concrete, exposed brickwork and 'brise-soleil' (a lowered screen) that replaces the conventional verandah to keep sunlight away from walls and windows. Le Corbusier retained the eroded valley of a seasonal rivulet on the original site of the city and sculpted it into a linear park, now over 8 kilometers long, running through the whole of Chandigarh. The city has neatly laid out roads and parks, and wide boulevards lined by endless rows of trees. Most of the buildings are closely spaced and laid out in continuous rows. This is called 'terrace housing'.
Only industries powered by electricity are permitted so that atmospheric pollution is minimized. No personal statues are allowed to be erected. Commemoration of persons is confined to suitably placed bronze plaques.
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