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Documentary Explores Le Corbusier's Chandigarh Utopia

architecture-design · 2026-05-21

A Swiss documentary examines Le Corbusier's design of Chandigarh, the Indian city built from scratch. The film highlights three lessons: utopias can work, universal values are real, and cities are about change. Le Corbusier, who sought powerful patrons, was distrusted by Mussolini but commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to build the city. The documentary presents the project as a utopian experiment.

Key facts

  • A Swiss documentary explores Le Corbusier's Chandigarh.
  • Chandigarh was built from scratch in India.
  • Le Corbusier sought powerful patrons.
  • Mussolini distrusted Le Corbusier.
  • Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru commissioned Le Corbusier.
  • The film presents three lessons: utopias work, universal values are real, cities mean change.
  • The documentary is about a utopian experiment.
  • Le Corbusier designed the entire city.

Entities

Artists

  • Le Corbusier

Locations

  • Chandigarh
  • India

Sources