Architects Welcome Chandigarh's Capitol Complex UNESCO Heritage Status

Ludhiana, July 18, 2016: Architects of Ludhiana and Punjab Chandigarh Chapter under the banner of Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) has welcomed the inclusion of Chandigarh's Capitol Complex in UNESCO Heritage status.
All architects are proud of it, as Chandigarh is our not only capital of Punjab but one of the best smart city in world designed by French architect, Le-Corbusier as informed by Ar. Sanjay Goel who is director of Ludhiana Smart City Limited.
The decision taken in 40th session of the world heritage committee of UNESCO at Istanbul, Turkey is excellent for Punjabis and Punjab.
Now, we will get technical assistance for conservation and preservation of buildings at the complex. The heritage status will also boost tourism in Chandigarh and Punjab. The Capitol Complex is comprising of the iconic open hand monument, Tower of Shadows, Geometric Hill, Punjab and Haryana high court, the legislative assembly, besides the secretariat buildings.
Though all the important buildings designed by the Swiss-French master architect figure in the list, Capitol Complex is called the crown of his creations. The group of the buildings-the assembly, the tallest structure of the city, and the high court-represents Le-Corbusier's most significant creation and one of the best expressions of Purism and Brutalism in architecture.
Besides putting Chandigarh on the international map, the UNESCO status would also ensure greater tourist rush and more economic opportunities. The status would also help in creating a greater awareness towards Corbusier and his works and result in their better preservation.
"We lost Lahore in partition, but today we have got a world heritage city, but with this status, there will also come a greater responsibility for protecting our heritage," informed an architect.
It’s very good news for architects of the region and Smart city Ludhiana too, as per Ar. Sanjay Goel, Chairman-IIA Chandigarh Punjab Chapter.