Latest news with #PierreJeanneret
Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Indian Express
Despite UT member's alert, 2 sets of Chandigarh's heritage furniture auctioned for Rs 18.56 lakh in US
Two sets of heritage furniture designed by Swiss architect Pierre Jeanneret, part of Chandigarh's protected architectural legacy, were auctioned in the US for Rs 18.56 lakh. According to Ajay Jagga, member of the Chandigarh Administration's Heritage Items Protection Cell, the auction took place on July 17 at Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA). The items included a desk-chair set, a file rack, and a pair of nightstands. These pieces were originally listed with a reserve price of Rs 29.23 lakh, but two of the three items were sold for less. Jagga revealed that despite advance warnings, the Indian Embassy in San Francisco did not act to halt the sale. 'The Indian Embassy must at least raise an alarm to save the heritage. The MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) has banned the movement of these articles of Chandigarh, in 2011 and as such, these all, appears to have been smuggled out of India,' Jagga said. He further added that the ongoing auctions can be stopped only through diplomatic channels and brought back, as they were taken out in an illegal manner. 'We must seek protection of our heritage, in accordance with the rules/protocol, for which we must raise alarm. We must seek, as to how these items reach auction houses in the US, where are the original documents, bills, proof of transportation from India to the US,' Jagga further said. He reiterated that such auctions can only be stopped and reversed through diplomatic intervention, urging the central government to step in and initiate efforts to reclaim the heritage assets.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Time of India
UT's heritage furniture to go under the hammer in US
Chandigarh: Chandigarh heritage furniture will go under the hammer in Los Angeles, USA, on July 17. Three furniture items designed by Pierre Jeanneret, including a desk and chair, file rack, and nightstands from the MLA Flats building, have been offered at a price of around Rs 30 lakh. Ajay Jagga, advocate and member of the Heritage Item Protection Cell, UT, in a letter to Dr K Srikar Reddy, Consul General, Indian Embassy, San Francisco, has sought "protection of the city's heritage, in accordance with the rules/protocol, for which an alarm must be raised. We must seek to understand how these items reached the auction house in the USA, where the original documents are, where the bills are, and where the proof of transportation from India to the USA is. The Indian Embassy in SF must at least raise an alarm to save the heritage. The MHA banned the movement of these articles from Chandigarh in 2011, and as such, these all appear to have been smuggled out of India."
Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
At a reserve price of Rs 29.23 lakh, Chandigarh's heritage items to go under the hammer in US
A member of the Chandigarh Administration has raised concern over city's several iconic heritage items, which are designed by Swiss architect Pierre Jeanneret, set to be auctioned by Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) in the US on July 17. The collection includes a desk and chair, a file rack, and a pair of nightstands, with a combined reserve price fixed at around Rs 29.23 lakh. Ajay Jagga, member of the Heritage Items Protection Cell of the Chandigarh Administration, stated that these pieces appear to have been smuggled out of India, despite the Ministry of Home Affairs having banned their movement abroad in 2011. Jagga has appealed to Dr K Srikar Reddy, consul general of India at San Francisco, to intervene through diplomatic channels and alert auction houses to halt the sale. He also called for clarity on how these items reached the auction house, seeking documentation such as bills, transportation or export permits, and custody trail, saying these need to be scrutinised.
India.com
28-06-2025
- General
- India.com
10 Jaw-Dropping Facts That Prove Chandigarh Is India's Coolest Planned City
The capital city of Punjab and Haryana known as Chandigarh unites contemporary design structures with orderly urban development alongside picturesque surroundings. Chandigarh stands out as the 'City Beautiful' because of its neat structure and energetic local atmosphere. Chandigarh contains 10 significant facts which will astonish all visitors. 1. Chandigarh Was Designed by a French Architect Chandigarh stands out because of how it came into existence. When India gained its independence in 1947 the Punjab territory experienced partition creating a new border which separated India and Pakistan and placed Lahore as their capital in Pakistan. When the Indian government initiated the construction of a new national capital it took the decision. Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier became the designer of the city when the government contracted him for his expertise in 1950. Through his architectural and urban planning ideas Chandigarh became a modern symbol that defines both aesthetics and organization. The designs created by Le Corbusier focused on both functionality alongside spacious areas and greenery. The design of Chandigarh features a rectangular system with distinct sections to demonstrate his methods of creating an effective urban community. Major business services operate independently from one another in separate sections that retain educational centers, medical services and shopping opportunities. 2. It Is India's First Planned City India established Chandigarh as its very first organized urban development. From traditional Indian times until its foundation the majority of Indian cities developed spontaneously through centuries of spontaneous growth instead of planned development. Le Corbusier worked with architects Pierre Jeanneret and E. Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew during the complete design of Chandigarh from the beginning. The master plan of Chandigarh has distinct zones that separate residential from industrial from commercial from educational and recreational parts of the city. The considered design structure of the city makes Chandigarh rank as one of the cleanest and most habitable cities in India. 3. The Capitol Complex Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Chandigarh features one of its most famous architectural achievements through its Capitol Complex situated in Sector 1. Le Corbusier designed the complex which includes three remarkable buildings: the Secretariat alongside the Legislative Assembly as well as the High Court. The structures at these buildings express Le Corbusier's particular design sense through their combination of large geometric structures and exposed concrete materials and creative lighting patterns. The Capitol Complex received UNESCO World Heritage Site status during 2016 because its modernist architecture qualifies it as an outstanding example for the site designation. The landmarks await visitors who want to view their historical significance together with their cultural value. 4. Rock Garden: A Unique Artistic Creation The Rock Garden of Chandigarh exists as a masterpiece that showcases how people can creatively combine creativity with environmental awareness. Artist Nek Chand constructed this magical 40-acre territory by transforming discarded broken tiles and bangles along with crockery and industrial waste into sculptures for his masterpiece. A clandestine secret development initiated during 1957 transitioned into one of India's most popular travel destinations. Thousands of tourists see the Rock Garden each year because they come to view its interconnected stone pathways and whimsical art statues and waterfalls. The concept demonstrates that art and sustainable practices can exist together peaceably. 5. Chandigarh Has a High Quality of Life Chandigarh stands as one of India's leading cities in terms of safety and cleanliness resulting in a superior life quality. Public spaces together with extensive roads and abundant green areas make Chandigarh recognized as a prime exemplary city. The Swachh Survekshan rankings frequently show Chandigarh taking positions at the top for maintaining cleanliness throughout the city. High-quality healthcare facilities together with educational institutions and recreational opportunities make up the advantages of the city. Residents and tourists can enjoy the peaceful landscapes of Sukhna Lake Rose Garden as well as Zakir Hussain Rose Garden for recreation. 6. The City Is Divided Into Sectors The city of Chandigarh follows a grid pattern distribution system that divides its territory into sectors which range from sector 1 to sector 56 while skipping specific numbers. Each 800 by 1,200 meter sector section includes all necessary amenities that residents can access through walking distance. The zoning arrangement works to reduce traffic problems while keeping movement routes simple. Each sector contains its market located at the central point which provides easy accessibility for all people. Both main roads named Madhya Marg and Dakshin Marg have been designed to enable comfortable movement of traffic throughout the city. 7. Chandigarh Hosts One of Asia's Largest Rose Gardens The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden occupies 30 acres space where visitors can find more than 50,000 rose bushes which belong to 1,600 distinct types. The aristocratic establishment dates back to 1967 to become one of Asia's largest rose gardens attracting numerous nature enthusiasts. The month of February transforms the garden through the Rose Festival that brings together colorful flowers and performances along with cultural activities. The celebration of spring through this event welcomes people from different regions across the entire nation. 8. Chandigarh Is Known for Its Green Cover The city receives its name from its 'Garden City' designation because of its extensive green nature. The total land mass of the city comprises about 47% forest area and green zone. Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a protected reserve which shelters diverse flora and fauna together with migratory birds while positioned near Sukhna Lake. Natural resource preservation stands as a priority focus area for the municipal leadership in the city. Through its park maintenance and eco-friendly practice promotion along with tree planting initiatives Chandigarh has received recognition as a leading green city in India. 9. Chandigarh Is a Hub for Education and Research Several prestigious educational and research institutions establish their presence in the municipality of Chandigarh. The year 1882 marked the establishment of Panjab University as one of India's oldest educational institutions that continues to secure prestigious positions among national higher education institutions. The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) stands out due to its recognized medical facilities whereas the Chandigarh College of Architecture is a prominent educational institution. The educational institutions in this city draw academic bodies from Indian students as well as international students who help maintain intellectual richness. 10. Chandigarh Reflects Cultural Diversity Chandigarh functions as a modern city that accepts multiple cultural elements and various traditional patterns together with multiple culinary styles. The position of Chandigarh as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana enables it to showcase cultural elements from both states and it welcomes additional cultural influences from the rest of India. The city celebrates its local festivals of Lohri , Baisakhi along with Holi in an energetic and joyous manner. Throughout the year Chandigarh presents multiple cultural events combined with fairs and exhibitions that display its artistic diversity together with its culinary traditions. Final Thoughts A strong example of effective planning coupled with leadership inspiration can be found through the city of Chandigarh. The city began as a well-thought-out urban project and today constitutes a diverse cultural and educational and sustainable center which generates continuous admiration. Chandigarh offers attractions that appeal to those who love architecture as well as nature fans alongside people in search of peaceful living. The harmonious fusion between contemporary elements and cultural heritage has made this city genuinely exclusive. Tourists and residents should willingly protect and explore it.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How Formafantasma and Cassina Challenged Popular Thought at Theatrical Design Week Performance
MILAN — It has been almost a century since Le Corbusier, together with Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, presented their revolutionary modern vision of living at the 1929 Salon d'Automne. Are we living any better? This was one of the key takeaways from a performance Monday created by designers Simone Farresin and Andrea Trimarchi of Formafantasma set in Milan's Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber. More from WWD Tod's Diego Della Valle Unveils 'Italian Hands' Book Celebrating Artisanal Excellence, Opines on Tariffs How Ranieri Turned Lava Into Furniture and Decor Swarovski Collaborates With Rosenthal for Milan Design Week Animals were personified in 'Staging Modernity,' where performers chanted, 'We are the animals, be modern again with us,' in lament to the machine à habiter, French for 'machine for living,' that the famed trio had long ago presented at the annual art event, which is held in Paris to this day. 'In light of the ecological crisis, can we be human without others?' Farresin asked the crowd at the start of the performance, which was spearheaded by Italian theater and opera director and set designer Fabio Cherstich. Considered a disruptor at first, over time their machine of living became recognized as a functional shield from the outdoors and inspired the design world in the decades that would follow. In 2025, the reverse is true. Humans' struggle to reconnect with the outdoors can no longer be ignored. 'He [Le Corbusier] was seeing the home as a shield from the outdoors, which was somehow threatening for humans. We think because of the ecological crisis, it is interesting to start to see the houses open toward the outside. It's all changed. And it is a way of confronting modernity with a new perspective on the world that surrounds us, where we see the outside, the animals as not only resources to extract, but actually creatures to live the planet with,' Farresin said in an interview. Inside the theater, the duo took the floorpan of the Salon d'Automne and reinterpreted it with wild boars, foxes and birds adorning the stage after having infiltrated a modern home strewn with furniture from Cassina's Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand Collection, in celebration of the 60 years of its production by the Italian brand. Animal voices were projected in the form of prose and song via human performers dressed in Jil Sander, analyzing the way in which humans live and how their urban migration has affected their own universe. When Cassina started manufacturing and distributing this collection in 1965, it was an incredibly forward-thinking decision, Cassina chief executive officer Luca Fuso explained. 'This collection represents modernity and we want to give a different interpretation of modernity today. So this is why we entrusted Formafantasma for the curation and Fabio Cherstich for the direction of 'Staging Modernity,' to question what modernity really means today. At Cassina we've always tried to diffuse design culture with a constructive approach,' he told WWD. The idea to showcase in a theater was 'revolutionary' for Cassina but through the combination of natural elements, juxtaposed with the products, 'it made it all come alive.' Spanish designer and architect Patricia Urquiola, who is art director of Cassina, told the crowd that in light of global turmoil, the time has come to start asking questions and enacting change. It's also OK to ask questions regarding our past to find out where the world is headed, she contended. 'The motion we have in this moment is something difficult to explain but it's something we can share. Why they [Formafantasma] accepted to work with us, I think they have the talent, they have a critical attitude and critical way of thinking and at the same time, they have an understanding, sensible proximity. They are very important. The possibilities of Salone del Mobile are very strong. We are all on stage. I hope we all find a way to move the limits of our system and approach other disciplines,' she said. Formafantasma's Milan and Rotterdam, Netherlands-based design studio has become involved even more in Milan Design Week, which closes here Sunday. They have become known on the global design stage through their work with design and fashion brands like Flos, Bitossi and fashion and jewelry brands like Max Mara and Bulgari. In March 2023, the same year Rubelli tapped Formafantasma as its creative director, the duo conceived the sophomore edition of Prada Frames, a symposium backed by the Italian luxury brand to explore the complex relationship between the natural environment and design. This week they also unveiled 'In Transit,' the three-day event — also backed by Prada — at Milan's Central Train Station inside the so-called 'Padiglione Reale,' or Royal Pavilion in English, a hall once reserved for Italian royalty and heads of state waiting to depart. With Cassina and even Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, they found common ground, Trimarchi said. 'When you look at those objects from these three incredible creators, who were also exploring the medical field and work environment, they responded to the moment through their furniture, according to contemporary times. I would say we are aiming to do the same,' he said. To perpetuate its legacy, Cassina continues to work closely with designers' foundations and their heirs to help in the discovery of the lives of key figures. Induction into its realm of design masters is an honor bestowed upon bygone greats and 20th-century masters like Perriand, Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Ico Parisi, who have all had their work become part of Cassina's iMaestri universe, which was first presented to the public in 1973 with icons by Gerrit T. Rietveld and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Since then the upscale furniture company has used the project to fuel research behind some of the most significant pieces of furniture by leading figures of the Modern Movement. Launch Gallery: A Look at Cassina x Formafantasma's 'Staging Modernity' Installation
