Le Corbusier’s ethos for designing the city of Chandigarh was to create a functional, modern city that would improve the quality of life for its inhabitants. He sought to achieve this by designing buildings and public spaces that were in harmony with the natural environment, as well as by incorporating principles of modern urban planning.

One of the key elements of Le Corbusier’s design for Chandigarh was his use of the “modulor,” a system of proportion and scale that he developed to create buildings that were in harmony with the human body. He believed that this system would help create a sense of order and balance in the city, and that it would make the buildings more comfortable and usable for the people who lived and worked in them.

Another important aspect of Le Corbusier’s design for Chandigarh was his emphasis on creating a connection between the city and the surrounding landscape. The city is located in the foothills of the Shivalik mountain range, and Le Corbusier took advantage of this by designing the city’s public spaces and buildings to take advantage of the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. For example, he used the natural slope of the land to create terraced gardens, and he designed the city’s main boulevard, the Capitol Complex, to have a clear view of the mountains.

Le Corbusier also believed in the importance of creating a sense of community in the city, and he did this by designing large public spaces, such as the Capitol Complex and the Parade Ground, that would encourage people to gather and interact with one another. He also incorporated green spaces, such as parks and gardens, throughout the city to provide residents with a place to relax and enjoy nature.

Le Corbusier’s design for Chandigarh was also heavily influenced by the concept of a functional city, where every aspect of the city was designed to serve a specific purpose. This can be seen in the sector layout of the city, where each sector was designated for a specific use, such as housing, education, or government offices. This not only helped to organize the city, but it also made it easy for people to find the services they needed.

The design of Chandigarh also placed significant focus on sustainable design and livability for its inhabitants. The buildings were designed to make the most of natural light and ventilation, with wide windows and open spaces, and the city was designed to be walkable, with wide boulevards and shaded sidewalks. These design elements were essential in dealing with the extreme heat and humidity of the region during summer.

The end result of Le Corbusier’s design for Chandigarh is a city that is functional, modern, and beautiful. The city’s clean lines and geometric forms, combined with its lush green spaces, provide a sense of order and harmony that is in keeping with the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. Furthermore, the city is well-organized, easy to navigate and provides a comfortable and healthy environment for its inhabitants.

While there are certainly some criticisms of Le Corbusier’s approach to urban design, there is no denying that his vision for Chandigarh has stood the test of time. The city remains a model of functional urban design, and its residents continue to enjoy the many benefits of living in a city that is in harmony with the natural environment. Even today, its design continues to provide residents a better life in many ways. The design of the city has been instrumental in keeping the city’s citizens in a comfortable and healthy environment.