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Le Corbusier's Brutalist Buildings in Ahmadabad (India, 1951–1957)

https://doi.org/10.31675/1607-1859-2025-27-5-64-87

EDN: FRGMLO

Abstract

The relevance of this work is determined by the need for understanding a transfer and adaptation of Western European modernist principles to the foreign cultural environment.

Le Corbusier's creative legacy in India, particularly his projects in Ahmedabad, represents a unique example of the synthesis of international style and local building traditions and a response to challenges of an extreme tropical climate.

Purpose: The aim of this work is to comprehensively analyze architectural and design solutions of four key Le Corbusier buildings in Ahmedabad (1951–1957): the Mill Owners' Association building, the Shodhan and Sarabhai villas, and the Sanskar Kendra Museum in order to identify a strategy for adapting his method to the socio-cultural and natural aspects of the region.

Research findings: The paper identifies and systematizes Le Corbusier's key architectural techniques that integrate European modernist innovations into Indian architectural practice. It is proven that Le Corbusier's Ahmedabad buildings not only embody his five principles of new architecture, but also serve as a laboratory for developing architectural strategies relevant to the entire tropical zone.

About the Authors

E. N. Polyakov
Tomsk State University of Architecture and Building
Russian Federation

Evgeny N. Polyakov, DSc, Professor

2, Solyanaya Sq., 634003, Tomsk, 2



O. P. Polyakova
Tomsk State University of Architecture and Building
Russian Federation

Olga P. Polyakova, PhD, A/ Professor

2, Solyanaya Sq., 634003, Tomsk, 2



References

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13. Le Corbusier's Sanskar Kendra City Museum. Available: https://archeyes.com/sanskar-kendracity-museum-by-le-corbusier/ /(accessed February 27, 2025).


Review

For citations:


Polyakov E.N., Polyakova O.P. Le Corbusier's Brutalist Buildings in Ahmadabad (India, 1951–1957). Vestnik Tomskogo gosudarstvennogo arkhitekturno-stroitel'nogo universiteta. JOURNAL of Construction and Architecture. 2025;27(5):64-87. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31675/1607-1859-2025-27-5-64-87. EDN: FRGMLO

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ISSN 1607-1859 (Print)
ISSN 2310-0044 (Online)