JOIN USLe Corbusier designed the monumental architectural composition of the Capitol Complex, which was central to French President Francois Hollande’s visit to Chandigarh on Sunday.
For the majority who grew up in Chandigarh, this over half-a-century-old Capitol Complex-comprises pivotal “edifices” of the secretariat, state assembly, the high court, the enigmatic Open Hand-remained a 'forbidden territory' for visitors for decades.
It was only last year, when the world commemorated the architectural genius of Corbusier on his 50th death anniversary, that the monumental delight of the heritage he left behind was made open for public viewing, and that too in restricted fashion.
Hollande's visit to the Capitol Complex reassures the French government’s earnestness to pitch for the Capitol Complex, with 50 hectare core space, as a UNESCO world heritage site.