Le Corbusier body to lend might to UT heritage claim

CHANDIGARH: After failing to capitalize on getting a place on the tentative list of UNESCO world heritage sites in 2007, the UT administration is now hopeful of sending a comprehensive dossier to justify its claim on the permanent list, with Le Corbusier Foundation offering its assistance to the administration. The next deadline for sending nominations is January 31, 2013.
Sources said the foundation has sent a letter to the administration, offering to help it in preparation of the dossier, which has to be submitted to Archeological Survey of India (ASI), which was the nodal agency for Indian entries.
Last year, UT had not sent its nomination. This was in sharp contrast to the past three years, 2008, 2009 and 2010, when the administration had tried hard to get a place on the heritage list after it was put on the tentative list in 2007.
It has been decided to divide UT's entry into two parts -- Capitol Complex and Cultural Complex -- with focus on 12 to 15 key buildings designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and his team. These will include high court, assembly, Sukhna Lake, Leisure Valley, museum and Government College of Arts. Besides, the housing schemes conceptualized as part of the capital project of setting up the city in sectors 22, 9 and 16 will also find a mention.
The preserved original character of Old Architect's Building in Sector 19, where Corbusier used to work, will strengthen Chandigarh's claim.
In 2008, Chandigarh was expecting its entry to be joined with that of France, as it too pertained to work of Corbusier. Once placed on UNESCO's permanent list, Chandigarh will not only join the league of cities like Tel Aviv, Brasilia and Le Havre (France), but will also find a place on the international tourism map.