Alteration poses threat to city heritage: SD Sharma

Celebrated architect SD Sharma (94), a close associate of Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret and part of Chandigarh Capitol Project, thinks be it alteration in the name of ‘verandah’ in High Court, a new housing project or a metro, all pose a threat to Chandigarh’s heritage.

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He shared, “It is true that with time and growing population, Chandigarh demands change in various aspects, but no way the proposed development should compromise with heritage. Furthermore, we need to be all the more cautious when it comes to UNESCO World Heritage Site such as Capitol Complex.”

Capitol Complex includes three buildings: The Legislative Assembly, The Secretariat Building, High Court; four monuments: Open Hand Monument, Geometric Hill, Tower of Shadows and the Martyrs Monument and a lake.

“When Le Corbusier designed Chandigarh, it was meant for about five lakh inhabitants, but now the population has almost tripled. So, all the development plans be it housing or metro, should be carefully considered without jeopardising the Chandigarh’s heritage status and architectural excellence,” he added.

According to Sharma, Corbusier’s vision remains intact in buildings such as Capitol Complex, Gandhi Bhawan, Punjab and Haryana High Court and Open Hand Monument (also symbol and log of Chandigarh). He shared, “The administration as well as citizens are well aware of City’s Modernist legacy envisioned by Corbusier and Jeanneret. It has been well preserved until now by the administration and should continue to do so. Any development forsaking heritage and culture is simply not justified.”

He reiterated that the same is true for demand of public art installation without the consultation of heritage committee as these decisions, if taken mindlessly, would alter the image of Chandigarh’s architectural heritage forever. Sharma is the former Chairman of Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee(CHCC).

The senior architect spoke on the occasion of the exhibition showcasing architectural models of Le Corbusier’s iconic designs. The works of SD Sharma are also on display for one month at the Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10, Chandigarh. The event marked three significant milestones: SD Sharma’s 94th birthday, the A3 Foundation’s 75th event, and the Museum’s 50th anniversary.

He has an enduring influence on Chandigarh’s architecture. Yet when talking about his favourite of Corbusier’s work, Sharma didn’t think twice to say that it is Government Museum and Art Gallery that he holds dear. “It’s the one that I worked upon with Corbusier. The 1968 building is exactly how he wanted it to be and till today fulfils the purpose it was meant for.”

Reflecting on the event, SD Sharma stated, “This exhibition is a tribute to architecture and reflects my deep respect and dedication to what I have learned from the masters, Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. This is my second exhibition after Spain. I hope the current generation of architects and the architectural community can draw inspiration and knowledge from my contributions.”

It also includes panels showcasing his ongoing projects, offering a comprehensive look at his contributions to contemporary design.

The unique travelling-exhibition, will run until February 12. The exhibition is a collaborative initiative between the Government Museum and the A3 Foundation, an organisation promoting art, architecture and aesthetics, founded by SD Sharma’s son and architect Sangeet Sharma.