Le Corbusier: Album Punjab, 1951

This reprint of the notebook “Album Punjab Simla. Chandigarh, Mars 1951” kept by Le Corbusier (1887–1965) during his two-week visit to the Indian state of Punjab in anticipation of the planning and construction of Chandigarh, presents his written or sketched memos and personal reflections as well as notes and schematic solutions elaborated during meetings. The Album Punjab constitutes a primary source for reconstructing the topics addressed by the small team of architects and governmental officials who in only a few days developed the outlines of the Chandigarh plan.

The spiralbound notebook facsimile is accompanied by a paperback volume featuring previously unpublished photographs taken by Le Corbusier’s cousin Pierre Jeanneret (1896–1967) during this early expedition. The detailed commentary by architectural historian Maristella Casciato reflects upon the variety of topics assembled in the notebook and retraces the story of these days in which the new capital city was planned. By transcribing Le Corbusier’s famously illegible handwriting in French and English, this book allows its readers complete access to the architect’s mind.