Pierre Jeanneret was a Swiss architect and designer renowned for his significant contributions to modern architecture and furniture design. Collaborating closely with his cousin, Le Corbusier, Jeanneret co-created iconic structures such as the Villa Savoye and the Swiss Pavilion, showcasing their innovative approach to functionalism and civic planning. Their most notable joint endeavor was the planning and design of Chandigarh, India, in the 1950s, where they revolutionized urban principles. Jeanneret remained in India for the major remainder of his life, deeply involved in various architectural projects and urban developments.

Le Corbusier, born Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, was a Swiss-French architect celebrated as a pioneer of modern architecture. Emphasizing simplicity and functionality, he championed modern materials like concrete and steel. His "Five Points of Architecture," outlined in "Toward an Architecture," became foundational to contemporary design. Notable buildings include Villa Savoye, the Unité d'Habitation, and his monumental work on the Chandigarh Capitol Complex in India, showcasing his vision for how to plan a state-of-the-art city. Commissioned by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Le Corbusier collaborated with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret and others to design a modern city from scratch. His plan incorporated wide, tree-lined avenues, green spaces, and zoning for residential, commercial, and administrative areas. Le Corbusier's work in Chandigarh stands as a testament to his visionary urban planning.

Charlotte Perriand was a visionary French designer and architect who left an enduring legacy that continues to shape and inspire contemporary design. Throughout her career, Perriand championed affordable, functional design that addressed societal needs. Her collaboration with Jean Prouvé on furniture systems and the design of modular kitchen units for mass housing projects exemplified her commitment to accessible and practical design solutions. Despite challenges in reaching the mass market, Perriand’s designs continue to be celebrated for their simplicity, functionality, and timeless appeal.

Pierre Chapo was first interested in painting, his encounter with a shipbuilding carpenter in 1947, introduced him to wood and woodworking, and led to architectural studies at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris.

Jean Prouvé stands as a pivotal figure in 20th-century architecture and industrial design, renowned for his multifaceted approach as an architect, engineer, builder, and designer. Central to Prouvé's design philosophy was his "constructive principle," which he summarized as “There is no difference between constructing a piece of furniture and constructing a building.” This ethos is palpable in his extensive body of work, where every design decision prioritized structural integrity and practicality. Prouvé’s furniture designs, characterized by streamlined forms, minimalistic aesthetics, and meticulous attention to detail, transcended mere objects to embody timeless elegance and utility.

Bernard-Albin Gras, born on December 5, 1886, in Saint-Raphaël, France, was a pioneering figure in modern European design, renowned for his innovative approach to engineering and inventing. Gras’s passion for improving working conditions drove him to create groundbreaking designs, resulting in numerous patents. In 1921, he patented the Lampe Gras, a pioneering lamp design that revolutionized the concept of lighting. The hallmark of the Lampe Gras is its articulated arm and shade, which allow for precise positioning of the light source. This brilliant feature made the lamp highly versatile, suitable for a wide range of applications, from domestic settings to industrial environments. It was particularly popular in offices, workshops, and artists’ studios. The lamps gained swift recognition, particularly from influential figures like Le Corbusier, who integrated them into his architectural projects and praised their balance of form and function. The Gras Lamp was considered the 20th century’s first-ever articulated light.