Le Corbusier is considered as the most important architect of the modern age. He shaped all perceptions of modern architecture as his style intuitively combined functionalism with expressionism. His work is typically composed of clean geometric forms that incorporate his five points of architecture. When you look at his life work, you can only be in awe of how prolific Corb was and how he pushed architecture forward into modernity.
Background
Born Charles Edouard Jeanneret Gris on Oct 6 1887, he was surrounded by art and music at a young age. At age 13, he learned the art of engraving watch faces and was taught art history and drawing - like an apprenticeship under L’Eplattenier. L’Eplattenier also insisted that his pupil study architecture. Unknowingly, L’Eplattenier's encouragement to push Charles Edouard Jeanneret Gris into the realm of architecture will forever impact our built environment.
In 1907, Le Corb designed his first house. Around the same time, he also took various trips through central Europe and the Mediterranean, including Italy, Vienna and Paris. During his travels he worked with several architects. He also worked with structural rationalist Auguste Perret, who advocated and pioneered the usage of reinforced concrete construction. The usage of reinforced concrete was a material staple in Le Corb's designs.
During his early travels he made discoveries and conclusions that will later influence his mindset and architectural style. He noted the classical proportion present in Renaissance architecture. Geometric forms and the usage of landscape as architectural tools were also essential. By 1912, Le Corbusier designed a series of villas and began to theorize on the use of reinforced concrete as a structural frame, which at the time, was a thoroughly modern technique.
Why is Le Corbusier Important?
Le Corbusier's role in the birth of modern architecture is magnified because of his ability to explain his core principles succinctly. His Five Points of a New Architecture form the backbone of his architectural thought of the 1920s. These five points set the most direct set of ideas in architectural theory, which he successfully demonstrated in his numerous architectural buildings, especially within the Villa Savoye.
"Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep."
5 Points of Architecture
In 1927, Le Corbusier published these 5 points of architecture which he used constantly as the basis for his designs! These architectural principles were published in his magazine L'Esprit Nouveau and in the essay collection Vers une architecture.
Pilotis Grid of concrete or steel column replaces the load bearing walls. By supporting the structures on pillars, the facades are able to be non-load bearing and allows for an aesthetical lightness
Free Façade A balance between open and closed sections on the façade allows for connection with nature and the buildings site, but also separation with the exterior.
Roof Garden On a flat roof, by covering it with vegetation, grants further connection between the occupants and nature. But also, from a construction standpoint, the constant moisture required provides natural layers of insulation.
Free Ground-Plan Due to the pilotis, the absence of load bearing walls allows for flexible use of living space. Le Corb was fond of dividing spaces through screen elements instead. Creates a lighter interior feel.
Horizontal Windows The horizontal orientation will cut through the non-load bearing walls on the façade. It will provide even more light to the structure and gives interior spaces a lighter feel with more views of the surroundings
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