Le Corbusier (born as Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, in Switzerland 1887) was the most seminal architect and urban planner during the twentieth century. Dedicated to implementing more efficient and simpler living conditions, Le Corbusier was one of the early pioneers of modern architecture and encouraged new spacial principles.
After the extensive damages in France post-war, Le Corbusier was determined to rehabilitate society with a purpose to create more indoor and outdoor spaces for residents. In 1945, he was granted his first commission by the French state for a new large housing project called Unité d'Habitation in Marseille. This project allowed Le Corbusier to fully manifest his designs and integrate his ideas on modern living. This building has arguably become one of Le Corbusier's most significant and inspiring large scale projects.
Following the successes of Le Corbusier’s commissions, the City of Chandigarh in India entrusted him to become its lead urban planner in hopes of rebuilding the city from the ground up after the Indian Partition in 1947. His projects included the High Court, Secretariat, the Assembly, as well as other interior and urban designs throughout the city. During this time and throughout his career, Le Corbusier worked with associates and fellow collaborators, such as Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand and Giani Rattan Singh, who helped to execute his projects and furniture pieces, some of which are showcased in the exhibition.