Deze visionaire architect, ontwerper en stedenbouwkundige, geboren in Zwitserland en later Frans staatsburger, was een sleutelfiguur in de moderne architectuur. Zijn carrière, die decennia overspande en zich uitstrekte van Europa tot India en Amerika, was gericht op het pionieren van nieuwe woonbenaderingen en het verbeteren van de omstandigheden in drukke steden. Le Corbusier concentreerde zich op modern design van hoog niveau, met het doel het stadsleven te hervormen door middel van zijn invloedrijke en functionele creaties.
Originally published as a catalogue to accompany an exhibition with the same name in 1987, this new edition re-examines the respective merits of two giants of Modern Architecture Adolf Loos and Le Corbusier. As well as featuring writings by the two architects, the book illustrates their respective evolution, with detailed reference to their domestic projects, ranging from the Strasser House (1919) to the Last House (1932), and from the Maison Domino (1915) to Villa Savoye (1932). Features major contributions form Beatriz Colomina, Jan de Heer and Max Risselada, among others.
Le Corbusier's Unité d’habitation in Marseille, constructed between 1946 and 1952, embodies a synthesis of his architectural principles, merging social models with urban planning. This iconic structure has sparked considerable debate, prompting an exploration of the tensions between its ambitious intentions and actual impact. Despite facing criticism, the building remains popular among its residents, offering functional benefits that enhance communal living. Its striking sculptural quality and the dynamic interplay of light and color create a 'personality' that resonates with inhabitants. The design fosters a rich spatial experience, countering the superficiality of modern life with an intensity that engages the senses. From the grand foyer to the vibrant rooftop terrace, and the tranquil residential streets, the building invites a connection with both the sea and mountains. Le Corbusier's atmospheric and scenic architectural techniques provide a cohesive environment that supports individual lives within its spaces. The authors, all qualified architects, delve into the nuances of these effects, with Alban Janson teaching architecture fundamentals, Carsten Krohn as a Berlin-based author, and Anja Grunwald specializing in architectural photography at Karlsruhe University.
This pioneering proclamation by the great architect expounds Le Corbusier's technical and aesthetic theories, views on industry, economics, the relation of form to function, "mass-production spirit," and much more. Profusely illustrated with over 200 line drawings and photographs of Le Corbusier's buildings and other important structures.
Le Corbusier’s “self-portrait” of his career, from his early student days to the completion of the convent at La Tourette, written when he was 71 years old.
Villa le Lac, which was designated a World Heritage in 2016, was designed and built by Le Corbusier as Geneva lakeside home for his parents in 1925. Because of its spare arrangement of spaces, he referred to it as a "dwelling machine." Even today it remains the modern prototype of the "small house" that fulfills all of the functions of a residence with a minimum of floor area and seamless transitions between spaces. For the first time, this book is appearing in three separate language editions, following the original edition in which Le Corbusier documented the history of the building: with photographs, sketches and a poetic text. Access to the original photographs allowed the quality of the illustrations in this edition to be improved significantly.
Die Villa le Lac, die seit 2016 zum Weltkulturerbe zählt, hat Le Corbusier 1925 am Genfer See für seine Eltern projektiert und gebaut. Aufgrund seiner sparsamen Raumdisposition bezeichnete er es selbst als „Wohnmaschine". Bis heute ist es der moderne Prototyp des „kleinen Hauses" geblieben, das mit einem Minimum an Grundfläche und ineinander übergehenden Räumen alle Funktionen des Wohnens erfüllt. Das Buch erscheint erstmals in drei getrennten Sprachausgaben und folgt der Originalausgabe, in der Le Corbusier die Geschichte des Gebäudes dokumentiert mit Fotos, Skizzen und einem poetischen Text. Sie greift dabei aber auch auf die Originalfotografien zurück und bietet so eine maßgeblich verbesserte Abbildungsqualität; zudem enthält sie ein Nachwort der Architekturhistorikerin Guillemette Morel-Journel.
