Pierre Jeanneret Swiss, 1896-1967

Pierre Jeanneret was a Swiss architect and designer who profoundly influenced 20th century architecture and design. The inseparable collaborator of his famous cousin Le Corbusier, he participated in some of his iconic projects like the Villa Savoye. However, it was in India from 1951 onwards that Pierre Jeanneret truly made his mark. Tasked with developing the new capital Chandigarh, he designed numerous public buildings and private residences, deploying a raw and functional architectural style typical of the Modern Movement. In parallel, he created a remarkable line of furniture prized by local elites for its pared-down lines and robustness. His solid teak armchairs, coffee tables and desks became timeless design icons. Fundamentally attached to the Bauhaus spirit, Pierre Jeanneret championed an avant-garde aesthetic where form follows function. His resolutely modern body of work contributed to the influence of rational architecture and design in Asia.