Interesting facts

1. Sector 17 is famously referred to as the 'Heart of Chandigarh' or the 'City Center.' 2. It was designed by the pioneering Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. 3. The sector is characterized by its Brutalist architecture, featuring exposed concrete facades and geometric layouts. 4. Unlike most other sectors in Chandigarh, Sector 17 was designed almost exclusively for commercial and administrative use, with virtually no residential houses. 5. The central plaza of Sector 17 is a completely pedestrianized zone, keeping vehicular traffic on the outer perimeter. 6. The Neelam Theater, located in the plaza, is an iconic single-screen cinema known for its brick and concrete modernist shell. 7. A popular musical fountain located in the center of the plaza hosts evening light and sound shows. 8. The sector houses the T.S. Central State Library, one of the most prominent public libraries in northern India. 9. Sector 17 contains a designated 'Bank Square' which serves as the regional headquarters for numerous national and international banks. 10. It is a prime example of Le Corbusier’s 'four functions of urbanism': living, working, circulation, and recreation (Sector 17 fulfilling the latter three). 11. The layout is designed in a grid iron pattern, perfectly aligned with the rest of the city's sectors. 12. A modern, art-filled pedestrian underpass connects Sector 17 directly to the famous Zakir Hussain Rose Garden in Sector 16. 13. The plaza is highly favored for outdoor promotional events, street plays, and flash mobs. 14. Sector 17 boasts one of the largest multi-level automated parking facilities in the city to handle heavy weekend crowds. 15. Bridge Market is a famous sub-section of Sector 17, known for its small vendors, clothing, and bustling atmosphere. 16. Traditional 'phulkari' embroidery, traditional Punjabi juttis (shoes), and modern brands are sold side-by-side here. 17. The sector was intentionally placed to be equidistant from the Capitol Complex (admin hub) and the educational zone (Panjab University). 18. Strict zoning laws prohibit visual pollution; hence, massive billboards are banned on the architectural facades. 19. The area is heavily featured in Bollywood and Punjabi cinema, often used to establish a modern Punjabi urban setting. 20. During Diwali and other major festivals, the entire plaza is illuminated, drawing crowds from neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.