The Chandigarh Architecture museum also known as the City Museum is one of the three museum buildings of the museum complex in sector 10. The art museum and the Science museum are the other two in the museum complex. The structure was designed by Architect S.D. Sharma , who was trained directly under Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. This building was originally designed as the “Pavilion of Temporary Exhibitions”. Later on, The Chandigarh Architecture Museum was established in the building in 1997 to mark the 50th anniversary of the independence of India.
Purpose of the Museum | S.D. Sharma
The objective of this museum was to house the documents and information about the planning and design of the city of Chandigarh. This complex depicts the architectural advancements and planning that led to the transformation of Chandigarh as we see it now and the building holds the documentation of the development process from the beginning to the present. It also holds the future plans for the city for academic reference and to educate students, professionals and tourists. The structure is home to the original drawings and documents from the Architecture department of Chandigarh.
About the Architect
S.D Sharma was entrusted with the task of designing the city’s museum after Corbusier’s death. His design of the Chandigarh Architecture Museum took inspiration from Corbusier’s designs of the exhibition pavilions in Zurich and Switzerland. Shiv Datta Sharma, a refugee of the partition, took abode in Chandigarh. He later went on to work alongside Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret on the Chandigarh project from 1963 to 1973. He is considered the unsung hero of Chandigarh. He went on to work on major projects like the capital complex in sector 17, Chandigarh.
Design | S.D. Sharma
The building in accordance with the brutalist modernism style throughout the union territory is made with exposed concrete. The main cuboid block of the Chandigarh Architecture museum is simple, elegant 14 metres by 14 metres structure derived from two squares. The double roof over the terrace of the main structure is in the form of two pyramids-one upright and the other inverted-over each square resembling the shape of a parasol. The unique roof is set at two levels and the space between the two is left open to facilitate air and light ventilation. This was in line with Chandigarh’s mandate for cost-effective and climate-responsive structures. The façade and the fenestration comprise of glazing for natural lighting and ventilators for ventilation to the building along with the basement. The elevation of the minimalistic building is embellished with an external ramp used for vertical circulation.
Planning
The Chandigarh Architecture Museum comprises four levels which are accessible utilizing the internal staircase or the external ramp. The access to the museum is a tube-like staircase which opens into the first level i.e. the basement. The floor has a reception area connected to the gallery. The displays on this level convey the trauma of the partition, the need & conception of Chandigarh, site selection, etc. with the help of rare documents, maps, drawings, and photos. The features of the site finally selected such as its topography, existing villages, vegetation, the archaeological history, and the other factors affecting the design of the city are documented. The selection and appointment of the original team of architects and other professionals are also documented. The display also consists of a framed letter written by Mathew Novicki two weeks before his death. He along with Albert Mayer was originally commissioned for the Chandigarh project.
The second-floor exhibit shows Corbusier’s team and the work undertaken by them, this consisted of drawings, models, and blueprints of the architects’ built and unbuilt works. The third level has the theme of ‘Chandigarh Today and Tomorrow’ i.e. the future development plans of Chandigarh after its first phase of construction. This phase was overseen by Corbusier and Jeanneret before their departure. Level four comprises a snack bar and a terrace with the majestic Shivalik ranges in its background.
The Displays | S.D. Sharma
The exhibit consists of the original documents, drawings and correspondence between the Architects and the administrators who worked on Chandigarh’s blueprint. The displays in Chandigarh’s Architecture Museum also consisted of furniture along with a life-size replica of Pierre Jeanneret’s room. Amongst other exhibits, the basement also has a giant panoramic view of the site chosen for Chandigarh along with the Shivalik ranges. The second level has a section dedicated solely to the unbuilt works of Corbusier. The Architect employed innovative lighting and arrangements for the display.
The museum building encapsulates the essence of Chandigarh from the inception of its idea. It documents the historical and political backdrop of the first planned city of India. The displays narrate the story of Chandigarh which progresses as we go up the levels. The structure itself embodies the CorbusianBrutalist Modernism. It also is in line with the simple and minimalistic theme observed throughout the structure. Hence the Architecture museum is an attraction for Architects and students due to the wholesome narration of the city’s history.
References:
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/lifestyle/a-stride-through-chandigarh-s-past-681598
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-7pJZMwnHQ
- https://www.museumsofindia.org/museum/533/city-museum
- https://worldarchitecture.org/architecture-news/epgpe/housed-in-le-corbusiers-pavilion-chandigarh-architecture-museum-celebrates-21st-anniversary.html
- http://www.shivdattsharma.com/
- https://blog.phantomhands.in/the-chandigarh-architecture-museum-902fe16c989b
