The
City Centre-or 'Seventeen', as it is popularly called, offers an organized
arrangement of square building blocks and open spaces. The Piazza livens up
in the afternoon with the office crowds out to recharge themselves. In the evenings
shoppers and tourists, enjoying an icecream or popcorns, sit on the steps of
the "dove of peace" sput, where water cascades down from one level
to another in geometrically shaped tanks, amidst the delightful play of colourful
lights.
Thanks to the creative genius of Le Corbusier, the city retains its inherent
character even today, as conceived by him in his Master Plan. Corbusier's architectural
ingenuity endowed with uniform and standardized structure designs. Wide roads,
sector wise divisions, tree-lined avenues, land scaping and a wide piazza, lends
the city a special character and a unique orderliness.
The grid-iron plank forms the basis of the tranquil ambience that pervades the
city.
The sector neighbourhoods with their self sufficient markets and other infrastructural
facilities, contain activities within their bounds. The segregated traffic system
reduces the noise pollution. Each house has its own share of nature's bounty
with verdant open spaces, play - grounds and mini front lawns.
Numerous picturesque spots dotting the city enable its residents and the visitors
to get away from the daily grind and tensions and to merge with nature. Whether
it is a morning or an evening walk through the salubrious Rose Garden, Shanti
Kunj the Leisure Valley, the Lake, the tree lined avenues or the open Piazza,
all provide an invigorating experience.
The Leisure Valley, the Fitness Trails, the Botanical and terraced gardens,
the hibiscus and topiary parks and other gardens along the green belt, that
pass through the city, offer a quiet retreat at all hours of the day, orchestrating
life's subtler impulses and heightening the spiritual experience and contribute
to its serene character.
Even a drive through the city is a lively experience with its pleasant sites,
green rolling belts, attractively designed facades of residential areas, the
landscaped roundabouts with their own structural elements, and floral layouts
and, of course, the majestic view of the Shivalik hill range.
No wonder the residents of Chandigarh are so attuned to quality of life, that
this city has to offer, that they find their short forays to other metros a
night - marish experince.