The architectural contribution of Urmila Eulie Chowdhury began to take shape following her studies at the University of Sydney. Born in Shahjahanpur in 1923, she emerged as a significant figure in mid-20th-century design, eventually serving as a critical bridge between European modernists and Indian administrators during the monumental planning and construction of the city of Chandigarh.
Professional Foundations
Chowdhury traveled extensively during her youth due to her father's career as a diplomat. Her formal education included obtaining a Cambridge School Certificate in Kobe, Japan, before she pursued architecture in Sydney. She also earned a degree in Ceramics while residing in Englewood, New Jersey. Her professional development was marked by collaborations with architects including Maxwell Fry, Jane Drew, and Pierre Jeanneret. By 1951, she returned to India to join the team led by Le Corbusier, establishing herself as a vital liaison for the Chandigarh project.
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Her involvement in the planning and construction of Chandigarh occurred in distinct phases between 1951 and 1963, followed by a second period from 1968 to 1970. Her specific portfolio included the design of the Home Science College, the Women's Polytechnic, and various residential complexes intended for government ministers. She is also recognized for her collaboration with Pierre Jeanneret on the development of the Chandigarh chair. Beyond urban design, she served as the Chief Architect for the second stage of the city's planning from 1971 to 1976.
Administrative and Literary Roles
Chowdhury held significant public sector roles, serving as the Director of the School of Architecture in Delhi. She later acted as the Chief State Architect of Haryana in 1970 and held the same title for the State of Punjab from 1976 to 1981. An active writer, she authored the memoir Those Were The Days and translated Le Corbusier’s Three Human Establishments for the Punjab government. Her written work appeared in publications such as Progressive Architecture, Architectural Design, and Casabella, alongside her regular column in The Tribune.
Final Years
Following her retirement from government service in 1981, Chowdhury maintained a private architectural practice in Chandigarh. She remained engaged in the cultural sphere, establishing the Alliance Française de Chandigarh in 1983. Her public interests remained diverse, extending to advocacy for euthanasia. She died in Chandigarh in 1995, leaving a body of work defined by its adaptation to local climates and constraints.
Fast facts
- Born: 1923, Shahjahanpur
- Died: 1995, Chandigarh
- Education: University of Sydney
- Employers: Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Maxwell Fry, Jane Drew
- Professional Memberships: RIBA, Indian Institute of Architects
- Key Project: Chandigarh city planning
- Literary Works: Those Were The Days, Three Human Establishments (translation)
Questions readers ask
What was Eulie Chowdhury's role in the planning of Chandigarh?
She served as the primary link between Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and local Indian administrators, while also designing specific structures like the Home Science College and Women's Polytechnic.
Did Chowdhury design furniture?
Yes, she collaborated with Pierre Jeanneret on the creation of the Chandigarh chair and adapted his furniture designs to a smaller scale.
Achievements
- Trained at University of Sydney
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