City heritage on Swiss currency!

CHANDIGARH: The Capitol Complex constructed by renowned architect Le Corbusier is not only an international tourist destination but also found a mention on the Swiss currency around 18 years ago as it is printed on 10 Francs stated Dr Linus von Castelmur Swiss Ambassador who was here to attend the international symposium Le Corbusiers Chandigarh: 50 years after the master

Updated At : 07:29 AM Oct 10, 2015 IST

While Le Corbusier’s picture is printed on the front of the Swiss currency (left), there are impressions of the Vidhan Sabha and Punjab and Haryana High Court buildings on the rear side.

Aarti Kapur

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 9

The Capitol Complex constructed by renowned architect Le Corbusier is not only an international tourist destination but also found a mention on the Swiss currency around 18 years ago, as it is printed on 10 Francs, stated Dr Linus von Castelmur, Swiss Ambassador who was here to attend the international symposium, “Le Corbusier’s Chandigarh: 50 years after the master”.

The front side of the 10 Francs currency note carried Le Corbusier’s picture while on its back, Vidhan Sabha, Punjab and Haryana High Court building were printed.

Dr Castelmur said, “The currency was an honour conferred on the eminent architect by our country. On April 8, 1997, the Swiss Government decided to introduce the currency note to honour the architect, whose designed buildings were mostly in Chandigarh.”

Recalling former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Le Corbusier’s relations, the Swiss Ambassador said there was a need to preserve this heritage of Corbusier, which belonged to the world and was considered “a jewel in the crown of India”.

He said the climate changes in this region were of a big concern as far as preservation of these buildings and monuments was concerned. However, Dr Castelmur praised the local Administration saying that they were maintaining the buildings well.