Book Release-Pierre Jeanneret and Chandigarh
Book Name: Pierre Jeanneret & Chandigarh
Published By: Niyogi Books
About the Book
Chandigarh is a dream city that got its character from the fascinating work of two gifted Swiss-French architects- Charles-ÉdouardJeanneret, better known as Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. The vision and approach of these two cousins, both masters of modernism, helped Chandigarh emerge as a beautiful, planned city. Over the years, however, it has been Le Corbusier who has been largely talked about and, unfortunately. Pierre Jeanneret’s amazing contribution in shaping this city remained unknown. It is this gap. that the book Pierre Jeanneret and Chandigarh aims to fill For the author, Le Corbusier was the dreamer and Pierre Jeanneret was the implementer and it is their partnership that created the ‘City Beautiful, as Chandigarh is known.
Pierre Jeanneret designed housing for government employees and buildings for health and education services, including the sprawling Panjab University campus. He arrived in India in 1951 and left Chandigarh in 1965, with the expressed desire that his ashes be submerged in Sukhna Lake, as he wanted to stay with his creation even after his death.
The author brings alive Pierre Jeanneret’s days in Chandigarh, portrays the brilliance of the architect, the humility and simplicity of the man, as well as shows how he worked with dedication to leave a lasting impact on the world of architecture.
About the Author
Shivdatt Sharma assisted Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret on various projects in Chandigarh and was described as an “architect of rare qualities who understands deeply the meaning of built environment” by the latter. After working at the Architects’ Office for a decade, he joined the Indian Space Research Organisation and was the Chief Architect at the Department of Space, Bengaluru (1973-80). He designed major campuses in different parts of the country.
On returning to Chandigarh, Sharma set up his own practice and has designed a diverse range of projects, ranging from a small bamboo museum to massive science and health institutes. He has received several prestigious awards, including the Babu Rao Mhatre Gold Medal
Award 2001 and the Lifetime Achievement Award 2022, presented by the Indian Concrete Institute. He was facilitated by the IIA northern regional chapter as the living legend for his contribution to architecture.
This book is a tribute to Pierre Jeanneret. I was able to see first-hand his commitment and innovative approach to design, an approach used so effectively. Using simple local materials such as the humble brick, he set minimal standards that became the norm in India.
Prof. BALWANT SAINI
Emeritus Professor of Architecture, University of Queensland, Australia
Pierre Jeanneret was the patron saint of Indian modernism, and of its school in Chandigarh. This book is an important contribution to the study of the Jeanneret school of architecture.
Prof. VIKRAMADITYA PRAKASH
Professor of Architecture with adjunct appointments in Landscape Architecture, University of Washington
This beautiful book by an eminent architect is a tribute to a great soul. I had frequent interactions with Pierre Jeanneret and got to know him well and also about his architectural philosophy. I have visited several buildings built by him. His humble persona, perseverance and creative calibre greatly inspired me and became the professional ideology that guided me through my life.
RAM SHARMA
Landscape Architect and Educationist, inducted into the ‘Hall of Fames’ by the Indian Institute of Architecture
| Ram Sharma <[email protected]> | Wed, Jul 19, 2023 at 1:13 PM | |
| To: Shivdatt Sharma <[email protected]> | ||
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Why did you write this book?
I was motivated to write, about my mentor, teacher and guide, Monsieur Pierre Jeanneret, who was a rare combination of a great architect and an equally great human being. He showed us the way to cultivate and perpetuate human values. He was capable of creating architecture with a unique art of infusing life in the smallest of objects with timelessness. He believed that our profession is noble in its cause and divine in its outcome.
How was your Relationship with Mons. PJ’s architecture?
My relationship with Mons PJ was that of a guru-shishya. A loving relationship, where the disciple is always in awe of his guru.
Your key learning from PJ
PJ has a very specific and significant mark in the world of architecture. He had a very different approach when it came to different kinds of materials, and creating a new dimension maintaining the dignity and simplicity of a material.
Your favourite building by PJ? And why?
I really admire the Gandhi Bhawan in Panjab University, as in stands like a sculpture in space.
One message that you think PJ would want to give to the world.
I think one message that Jeanneret would want to give to the world today would be that Poverty is no excuse for ugliness.
The book is regarding legendry architect Pierre Jeanneret’s rich personal and professional life. His life is a saga of unimaginable happenings.
No of Pages-175
Price 2500
Availability-Amazon, SDSA Office: SCO 28/1 Swastik Vihar Mansa Devi Complex, Panchkula
Published by:
Niyogi Books
Block D, Building No.77
Okhla Industrial Area, Phase1
New Delhi-110020
