On World Architecture Day, celebs talk about the landmark they most admire in City Beautiful

Mona

The city of Chandigarh is planned to human scale. It puts us in touch with the infinite cosmos and nature. It provides us with places and buildings for all human activities by which the citizens can live a full and harmonious life. Here the radiance of nature and heart are within our reach.— Le Corbusier

On World Architecture Day we celebrate Chandigarh and its architectural gems, which make our city unique!

Iconic landmark

Chandigarh’s planning and greenery is charming. I grew up in the city. I spent many years at Punjab University and was always inspired by the architecture of Gandhi Bhawan. It is simplistic, modern and beautifully built around a water body with lush green lawns around the perimeter. It is indeed one of the iconic landmarks of City Beautiful.

— Gunjan Utreja, Actor

Stunning structures

One structure I love the most in Chandigarh is the Open Hand Monument, which I have often visited with my parents. They told me that it stands for unity. Sculptures made from urban and industrial waste make the Rock Garden my second favourite. Chandigarh is an example of stunning modern architecture and urban planning.

— Ankit Arora, Actor

Truly symbolic

Chandigarh, the dream city of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Nehru, and planned by the famous architect Le Corbusier, is known as one of the best experiments in modern architecture in the 20th century in India. It is symbolic of the newly independent India. I love Sukhna Lake; it is an integral part of Chandigarh life.

— Siddharth Ohri, Actor

No room to criticise

I love my school St Stephens’s and DAV College the best. I love the vibe of Eiffel Tower at Leisure Valley. The skating rink of Sector 10 is special to me for that is where I trained for national and international events, and won medals. I hate the fact that Le Corbusier and his team have made the city so perfect that there’s no room to criticise!

— Sahil Khattar, Actor

Great precision

I admire the Tower of Shadows, created by Le Corbusier, at The Capitol Complex. It makes me wonder about the imagination and precision of the creator. When I first saw it, not even a shred of sunlight reached me as I walked through it.

— Sapna Sikarwar, Actress