BRASILIA - CHANDIGARH: Living with Modernity

Brasilia and Chandigarh were celebrated as the realization of urban planning visions in 1960. This publication explores how modernism has been appropriated in both cities and how people deal with it, with commonalities and differences identified and images of everyday urban life showcased.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 10 July 2023
Publisher: Lars Muller Publishers

In 1960, Brasilia was hailed as the realization of an urban planning vision, drawing inspiration from the designs of Lúcio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer. Simultaneously, the sectoral city of Chandigarh was emerging, following plans by Le Corbusier. The "test tube city" emerged as a product of Western planning euphoria, showcasing utopian characteristics. Both cities witnessed a harmonious integration of foreign architecture with indigenous culture, giving rise to new and independent identities. This publication delves into the exploration of how modernism has been appropriated in these cities, as well as the ways in which the people who inhabit them navigate and engage with it. It identifies commonalities and disparities, showcasing captivating images of everyday urban life. Through the initiative of the publisher, the young photographer Iwan Baan has captured a contemporary snapshot of life in both Brasilia and Chandigarh.

Dimension: 170 x 212 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783037787502