The exhibition was inaugurated by Brigitte Bouvier, Director of Foundation Le Corbusier in Paris, along with other dignitaries, who travelled to Chandigarh specifically for the occasion. Present at the occasion were ex-chief architects of UT, Punjab and Haryana, chairman of IIA and IIID, Manmohan Khanna, along with other prominent architects, deans of architecture colleges and architecture students of the region.
On display at Chandigarh’s famous Government Museum & Art Gallery is the internationally acclaimed collection of models of Le Corbusier’s projects, which is exhibited across the world, with India being the 23rd host this year. Numbering 150 out of a total of 192, the meticulously crafted models made in wood have been brought to Chandigarh by renowned architect Ar. Rene Tan of Singapore-based RT+Q in specially developed containers. The models are made and curated in-house at RT+Q by the firm’s interns under Tan’s expert guidance.
The exhibition of the works of Ar. SD Sharma, who has worked closely with Le Corbusier and Pierer Jeanneret, as Planner, Chandigarh, comprises around 70 panels that chronicle SD Sharma’s illustrious career spanning six-decades, and includes his current projects. The exhibition also throws light on his work on the Museum Project while assisting Le Corbusier, and highlights his influence on the architectural landscape of Chandigarh.
The first day of the event held on 15 Jan 2025 also celebrated three key milestones: the 94th birthday of Ar. SD Sharma; A3 Foundation’s 75th event; and the Museum’s 50th anniversary. A3 Foundation, an initiative led by Sangeet Sharma, Partner Architect at SD Sharma & Associates, Chandigarh, is dedicated to promoting art and architecture.
At the event a conference featured discussions by Ar Rene Tan, Malaysian architect Lillian Tay, Vice President, Veritas Design Group, Kuala Lumpur, Ar. SD Sharma, and Ar. Sourabh Gupta of Delhi-based architect firm Archohm.
Stated SD Sharma, “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.”
Said Brigitte Bouvier, “Chandigarh is renowned across India, and it’s evident that you have excellent architects and engineers. When it comes to restoration, the most important step is a collective effort by the representatives of the inhabitants, the administration, and the architects and engineers. By working in unison, they can build a comprehensive strategy to shape Chandigarh’s future. Restoration reflects our collective will. It is essential that we don’t forget the lessons of the past.”
Rene Tan delivered a talk on the importance of documenting Corbusier’s work and the process of curating such an exhibit. “In the first week of joining my office, the interns are assigned to make models of Le Corbusier’s projects based on his drawings and project specifications. Currently, we have around 330 models in circulation. This marks our 36th stop, right here in Chandigarh. The journey began in Singapore and has continued through China, Istanbul, and other cities. Each of Le Corbusier’s projects is unique and different. Today’s exhibition is a tribute to the work of Mr. S.D. Sharma, who has worked with Le Corbusier,” he said.
Lillian Tay showcased some of the iconic buildings of Malaysia, and rued the fact that many buildings get demolished by the authorities instead of getting them restored, with complete disregard of their unique architectural value.
Saurabh Gupta showcased several of his firm’s restorative and redevelopment works in Agra and Lucknow, which took over five years of planning based on an understanding of the local sentiments, and the positive impact the redevelopment has had on the lives of the locals.
He added that the Chandigarh administration must be very cautious in planning any new development like housing, or transport systems like the metro, which could be needed to connect Chandigarh with the peripheral towns. To address the growing challenges, especially traffic congestion, there is an urgent need to promote the use of public transportation. “Developing a metro system along the city’s periphery can play a pivotal role in reducing traffic jams and ensuring a more sustainable and efficient urban mobility framework, but it should be built underground so as to not spoil the beauty of the city,” he emphasised.
A trailer of a documentary on Ar. SD Sharma, made by daughter Shivani Sharma and son-in-law Atul Sharma, was also presented. The event ended with an award ceremony and felicitation of the dignitaries by Ar. Purnima Sharma.
