How did concrete sunshades shape Le Corbusier’s buildings in Chandigarh?

In Chandigarh, Le Corbusier utilized enormous concrete sunshades—a form of brise-soleil—as a defining architectural element to address the region's climate and functional requirements.12

These sunshades were integral to the design of his major structures, such as the Palace of Justice, the Secretariat, and the Palace of Assembly. By sheltering windows with these substantial baffles, he created sculptural facades that became a hallmark of his work in the city. For instance, the Chandigarh High Court features a linear block design with a gracefully arched roof that serves to shade the entire building, while its plaza-facing facade utilizes a playful composition of niches and cutouts.13

Beyond their practical role in mitigating solar glare and heat, these concrete elements allowed Le Corbusier to emphasize the sculptural possibilities of reinforced concrete, transforming the buildings into monumental, geometric structures that defined the city's administrative center.13