Part of: Chandigarh Gk set 2

Which is the first planned city in India, designed by Swiss-French architect:

Category: Chandigarh Gk

Correct Answer: C) Chandigarh

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Chandigarh is a planned city in India, designed by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. It is considered the first planned city in India and is a significant example of modernist urban planning. The city was designed in the 1950s and 1960s, following the partition of India, when the state of Punjab was divided between India and Pakistan. The need for a new capital city for the Indian state of Punjab led to the creation of Chandigarh.

Le Corbusier, a renowned architect and urban planner, was commissioned to design the city. He was part of a team of architects that included Pierre Jeanneret, Maxwell Fry, and Jane Drew. The design of Chandigarh was based on the principles of modernist architecture, which emphasized functionality, simplicity, and the use of new materials and technologies. The city was planned with a grid-like layout, with distinct zones for residential, commercial, and administrative purposes. This separation of functions was a key feature of the modernist approach to urban planning.

The city of Chandigarh is divided into sectors, each with its own amenities and services. The layout of the city is designed to promote efficient transportation and easy access to public services. The architecture of Chandigarh is characterized by its use of concrete, large open spaces, and the integration of green areas. The Capitol Complex, which includes the Secretariat, the High Court, and the Legislative Assembly, is a notable example of Le Corbusier's work in Chandigarh.

Chandigarh stands out as a planned city because of its deliberate design and the involvement of a renowned architect in its creation. Unlike other major cities in India, such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kolkata, which developed organically over time, Chandigarh was conceived and built as a modern, planned city. This makes Chandigarh a unique example of urban planning in India and a significant landmark in the history of architecture and urban design.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Bengaluru is not a planned city. It developed organically over time and is not associated with a specific architect for its planning.
  • Option B: Mumbai is not a planned city. It has grown over centuries and is not associated with a specific architect for its planning.
  • Option C: Chandigarh is the correct answer. It is the first planned city in India, designed by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. The city is known for its modernist architecture and urban planning.
  • Option D: Kolkata is not a planned city. It developed over time and is not associated with a specific architect for its planning.

Mnemonic: C for Chandigarh, C for Corbusier

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