 The symbolic structure is located in the Capitol Complex of Chandigarh. It is also the emblem of the Government of Chandigarh and symbolizes Le Corbusier's philosophy, "the hand to give and the hand to take; peace and prosperity, and the unity of mankind". Le Corbusier also stated that it was a recurring idea that conveyed the "Second Machine Age". The largest example of Le Corbusier's many Open Hand sculptures, and was designed to rotate in the wind. 

The Open Hand Monument

This is a legislative assembly building in Chandigarh, India, and a part of the Capitol Complex. The Palace of Assembly features a circular assembly chamber, a forum for conversation and transactions, and stair-free circulation. The building was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. 

Palace of Assembly

 The High Court building is L-shaped in plan with the long fa&ccedil;ade facing the capitol plaza. The building has a rectilinear frame with eight nos. courtrooms located on the main fa&ccedil;ade, separated from the larger &lsquo;Chief Justice` Court by a monumental, pillared entrance, extending to the full height of the entrance. This massive entrance bears a close resemblance to the Buland Darwaza of Fatehpur Sikri. The small Courts are 8x8x12 meters. The dimensions of the over all design were governed by the Modular combined with triangular regulating lines. The design of the High Court is an embodiment of the climate responsive architecture as conceived by Corbusier for the new city. It was planned that the design should permit the government to function through out the year, furnishing protection from the sun and monsoon rains. Accordingly, double roof was provided, the upper roof placed over the lower roof was provided in the manner of a parasol, shading the lower roof. The space between the two roofs is left open to enable air currents to move. The parasol roof slopes towards the centre in the form of a row of arches. The High Court building, when completed in 1956 proved to be insufficient in space. Therefore, an extension (annex) was proposed and completed in 1962 in which additional courtroom spaces were provided, this is a brick structure consisting of a group of blocks receding to the rear of the High Court block, neither asserting visually, nor disrupting the existing Layout plan. 

Palace of Justice

The Tower of the Shadows was planned to go between the Palace of Justice and the Parliament building, in the Capitol area. It is a lofty, open-sided hall providing ample shade. In the subdued atmosphere thus created, one can be free to meditate. The building is aligned precisely on the north-south axis, so that it agreeably interrupts the severe symmetry of the enormous square. The north side is entirely open, and the other three faces are furnished with brise-soleil. A ramp leads from this square into the sunken park (the Trench of Consideration).  

The Tower of Shadows

The Secretariat building is a long, horizontal concrete slab form, which marks the edge of the Capitol Complex on the left side. The building is composed of six eight storeyed blocks separated by expansion joints and bears close resemblance to the Marseilles apartment block, one of Corbusier's earlier projects. 

Secretariat Building

 The Capitol Complex, located in Sector-1 of Chandigarh in India, is a government compound designed by the architect Le Corbusier. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. It is spread over an area of around 100 acres and is a prime manifestation of Chandigarh's architecture. It comprises three buildings: the Palace of Assembly or Legislative Assembly, Secretariat Building and the High Court plus four monuments - Open Hand Monument, Geometric Hill, Tower of Shadows and the Martyrs Monument - and a lake. 

Chandigarh Capitol Complex

Images

Images

1952 - Constructed

1952 - Constructed - Images

1952 - Constructed - Drawings and documents

ASSOCIATED SITES

Public Art

Architecture