Le Corbusier Livres

For the Swiss-born architect and city planner Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, 1887–1965), architecture constituted a noble art, an exalted calling in which the architect combined plastic invention, intellectual speculation, and higher mathematics to go beyond mere utilitarian needs, beyond "style," to achieve a pure creation of the spirit which established "emotional relationships by means of raw materials." The first major exposition of his ideas appeared in Vers une Architecture (1923), a compilation of articles originally written by Le Corbusier for his own avant-garde magazine, L'Esprit Nouveau. The present volume is an unabridged English translation of the 13th French edition of that historic manifesto, in which Le Corbusier expounded his technical and aesthetic theories, views on industry, economics, relation of form to function, the "mass-production spirit," and much else. A principal prophet of the "modern" movement in architecture, and a near-legendary figure of the "International School," he designed some of the twentieth century's most memorable buildings: Chapel at Ronchamp; Swiss dormitory at the Cité Universitaire, Paris; Unité d'Habitation, Marseilles; and many more. Le Corbusier brought great passion and intelligence to these essays, which present his ideas in a concise, pithy style, studded with epigrammatic, often provocative, observations: "American engineers overwhelm with their calculations our expiring architecture." "Architecture is stifled by custom. It is the only profession in which progress is not considered necessary." "A cathedral is not very beautiful . . ." and "Rome is the damnation of the half-educated. To send architectural students to Rome is to cripple them for life." Profusely illustrated with over 200 line drawings and photographs of his own works and other structures he considered important, Towards a New Architecture is indispensable reading for architects, city planners, and cultural historians―but will intrigue anyone fascinated by the wide-ranging ideas, unvarnished opinions, and innovative theories of one of this century's master builders.

"Le phénomène gigantesque de la grande ville se développera dans les verdures joyeuses. L'unité dans le détail, le "tumulte" magnifique dans l'ensemble, la commune mesure humaine et la moyenne proportionnelle entre le fait homme et le fait nature." Le Corbusier.

L'éd. originale de cet ouvrage a été publ. en 1925 sous le titre "L'art décoratif d'aujourd'hui" par les éd. G. Grès et Cie à Paris.

Vieille de plus d'un quart de siècle La Charte d'Athènes reste en tous points à l'ordre du jour : qu'il s'agisse de l'habitation, des loisirs, du travail, de la circulation ou encore de la sauvegarde du patrimoine historique des villes, les observations sur lesquelles est fondé ce manifeste montrent que "le chaos est entré dans les villes" et y demeure ...

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.

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.