"The seed of Chandigarh is well sown. It is for the citizens to see that the tree flourishes."
- Le Corbusier

Chandigarh is one of the most ambitious urban planning projects of the 20th century. Commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru following partition in 1947, the city was conceived as a symbol of modern, independent India. Le Corbusier was appointed lead architect in 1951, alongside his cousin Pierre Jeanneret and a team of Indian architects that included Eulie Chowdhury, who was the only connection between Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and the Indian design team and administrators.

The furniture for the Capitol Complex and all of its many buildings was never an afterthought for Le Corbusier. Working alongside his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, who served as resident architect in Chandigarh from 1951 to 1965, and designer Charlotte Perriand, he understood that the interiors of the Capitol Complex needed to reflect the same Modernist principles as the buildings themselves. Pierre Jeanneret took the lead on furniture design for the project, creating pieces that were functional, honest in their use of materials, and deeply rooted in local craft traditions. Readily available materials like teak and rattan became the primary materials, giving the furniture a distinctly Indian character while remaining true to Modernist ideals.

Among the furniture used in the Legislative Assembly building is this large conference table. Almost as if to evoke the solemn functions of the place, this model has a base made up of two important and graphic solid wood elements with a characteristic "cornes entrecroisées" (crossed horns) shape.

Cassina's reissue honors the integrity of the originals, offering the classic version in natural teak alongside an oak version in a variety of finishes. Other contemporary additions include an optional glass top. A version with a 51" depth is also available, please contact Hive for assistance ordering.