Archive · 25 Jan 2026
Chandigarh's Influence and Planning Lessons Discussed
Chandigarh is a city in India that was planned carefully after Independence.
Some smart people talked about how Chandigarh has influenced cities around the world.
They said that while planning is important for big things like roads and parks, cities should also be able to change and grow with people's needs.
They also talked about how strict planning can cause problems like not enough housing and illegal settlements.
They suggested that cities should be more flexible and review their plans often to fix problems.
They also honored an architect who was part of the original team that planned Chandigarh.
Chandigarh's planning influenced global urban planning, particularly in post-colonial contexts.
Top-down planning works best for large-scale infrastructure but cannot fully design everyday urban life.
Rigid planning led to land scarcity, housing shortages, and the spread of illegal colonies in India.
Cities should be understood as large labour markets that depend on easy movement of people, jobs, and skills.
Governments should focus on planning essential infrastructure but allow flexibility in how residents use private space.
- Who
- Urban thinkers Alain Bertaud and Bimal Patel, architect Shiv Dutt Sharma, and attendees of the commemorative event
- What
- Discussion on Chandigarh's influence, planning successes, and failures, and lessons for future urban planning
- When
- On Saturday, during a commemorative event marking 75 years of Chandigarh's making
- Where
- At the Chandigarh College of Architecture (CRRD) in Chandigarh
- Why
- To reflect on Chandigarh's evolution, challenges, and future, and to honor Shiv Dutt Sharma, a member of the original Chandigarh Capital Project Team
- Event
- Commemorative event marking 75 years of Chandigarh's making
- Speakers
- Alain Bertaud, Bimal Patel, Shiv Dutt Sharma
- Key Insight
- Cities need strong public planning but must evolve with people's needs
- Chandigarh's Impact
- Influenced global urban planning, particularly in post-colonial contexts
- Planning Successes
- Large-scale infrastructure like arterial roads and green spaces
- Planning Failures
- Rigid planning led to land scarcity, housing shortages, and illegal colonies
- Future Planning
- Flexible planning with frequent policy reviews
- Organizer
- Chandigarh Citizens Foundation