Born in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on October 4, 1923, Urmila Eulie Saksena was raised abroad as the daughter of an Indian representative, attending schools in Australia, Karachi, Shimla, Kobe (Japan), and then New Jersey, USA. At the University of Sydney, she studied music and ceramics in addition to earning her Bachelor of Architecture in 1947.Her versatility and broad design taste were cultivated by her exposure to the world.
Chandigarh & Working with Corbusier
In 1951, Eulie returned to India to join Le Corbusier’s team in Chandigarh—the only Indian woman among the architects. Fluent in French, she acted as translator and liaison between Corbusier and Indian officials, including Prime Minister Nehru. Her work ranged from Capitol Complex drawings (High Court, Tower of Shadows), to designing residential units, educational institutions, and drafting meticulously detailed plans.
Design Philosophy & Notable Work
Eulie, a modernist at heart, placed a strong emphasis on practical elegance. She modified brise-soleil brick patterns, passive cooling, ventilation, and locally sourced materials in close collaboration with Pierre Jeanneret, all of which complemented Chandigarh’s climate. Among her accomplishments are scattered residential patterns, the Home Science College, and the renowned “Chandigarh Chair,” which she co-designed with Jeanneret.
Leadership & Legacy
Cultural Influence & Personal Touch
Eulie also shaped Chandigarh’s cultural sphere—co-founding the Alliance Française de Chandigarh, producing local theater, writing for The Tribune, and even joining public discussions on voluntary euthanasia. Known for her energetic pace and caring personality, she hosted memorable salons at her home in Sector 5.
Recognition & Passing
She was a fellow of the Indian Institute of Architects and the first female Indian fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects. She continued to work professionally after retiring in 1981 until her death on September 20, 1995, at the age of 71. Even though her legacy is no longer as well-known, her work is nevertheless praised for its elegance, inventiveness, and humanity in architectural circles, particularly in Chandigarh.
