Timeless elegance: Chandigarh Office Cane Chair by Pierre Jeanneret
by J. Parker
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The journey of a visionary architect
Pierre Jeanneret's journey into the world of design began when he graduated from the Geneva Art School in 1921. A pivotal moment followed when he teamed up with his cousin Le Corbusier and wrote the manifesto "Five Steps Towards a New Architectural Style". This manifesto became the foundation for their architectural philosophy and set them on a path to deviate from outdated methods. The Villa Savoye, completed in 1929, stands as a tangible expression of their pioneering approach.
Pierre Jeanneret - by Casa le roche - CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63050180
The connection to Chandigarh
Jeanneret's masterpiece was his involvement in the planning and construction of the new Indian city of Chandigarh from 1951 to 1965. While Le Corbusier designed the master plan and the Capitol Complex, Jeanneret took charge of residential and several public buildings. In collaboration with Urmila Eulie Chowdhury, Jeet Lal Malhotra and AR Prabhawalkar, he designed sturdy teak and sissoo wood (Indian rosewood) furniture for these structures.
Office Cane Chair: design with practicality
The Office Cane Chair embodies Jeanneret's design ethos: functionality with clarity. He dispensed with excessive ornamentation and justified the presence of each element, resulting in forms of impeccable clarity. This dedication to utility rather than excess resulted in furniture that is timeless and durable. Today, these pieces are enjoying a market revival, their enduring elegance appealing to modern sensibilities.
The legacy of a visionary
Pierre Jeanneret's legacy extends far beyond his designs. His contributions to the Chandigarh landscape, including the iconic Gandhi Bhawan building, cemented its status as a cornerstone of modern architecture. He not only shaped urban spaces, but also made a significant contribution to furniture design and left behind a rich network of innovation and creativity.
Photos courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery - capturing the Office Cane Chair by Pierre Jeanneret. Visit the global gallery with locations in Paris, London, New York, and Los Angeles.
