Secretariat Building
Secretariat Building, Government building in Chandigarh, India
Description
The Secretariat Building is an administrative structure with raw concrete construction and expansive windows spanning multiple stories within the Capitol Complex of Chandigarh. The structure contains functional spaces with distinctive brutalist features and internal courts that regulate light and ventilation.
History
Le Corbusier designed this administrative center in 1953 as part of a new capital city project following India's independence from British rule. The structure emerged as the core of an urban vision that combined modern functionalism with the ambition to reshape an entire region.
Culture
The building expresses modern design through its geometric forms and raw concrete surfaces, which shaped how people think about contemporary Indian architecture. The stark exterior with its pronounced lines and functional elements shows how structure influences the daily work of those inside.
Practical
The building is accessible via public roads and suits those interested in architecture who want to examine the outer facade and urban composition. Visitors should come in early morning or late afternoon when sunlight emphasizes the concrete surfaces and window patterns.
Did you know?
The structure incorporates specially designed sunlight control devices and natural ventilation systems adapted to India's hot climate, regulating interior temperatures without relying on air conditioning. These innovative techniques demonstrate how European design principles can adapt to local conditions.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Chandigarh).
Le Corbusier shaped 20th century architecture by rethinking how people live, how cities work, and how buildings should function. This collection gathers around 30 of his most significant structures, built between the 1920s and 1960s across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. You can trace his ideas as...
Rock Garden of Chandigarh
1.2 km
Punjab and Haryana High Court
717 mMata Mansa Devi Mandir
2.6 km
Open Hand Monument
693 m
Chandigarh Capitol Complex
453 m
Zakir Hussain Rose Garden
2.2 km
Palace of Assembly
239 m
Government Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh
1.9 km
Politics of Chandigarh
2.3 kmShri Mansa Mata Mandir Hasampur
2.6 km
Tower of Shadows
378 mEiffel Tower
2 kmHindustan piston Trainer-32 (Deepak)
2.6 kmRose Garden
2.5 kmBird Park
1.6 kmScenic viewpoint
2.4 kmSukhna Lake viewpoint
2.1 kmTower of Shadows
377 mGeometric Hill
390 mMartyrs Memorial
453 mDewsun
1.7 kmMiG-21 Type-96
2.5 kmMonument featuring aircraft, aircraft model
2.5 kmMiG-23 MF
2.6 kmCannon
2.2 kmCannon
2.2 kmCannon
2.6 kmCannon
2.6 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes