Le Corbusier’s style and design philosophy

The beginning of Le Corbusier

Born to a watch engraver and a music teacher in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Charles-Edouard Jeanneret first studied the decorative arts, only becoming involved in architecture thanks to the direction of one of his tutors. After finishing his education, he travelled Europe on a formative journey. In the Mediterranean, he took in the classical proportions of Renaissance architecture. In Vienna and Munich, he studied the burgeoning decorative arts scene. In France, he learned about building with reinforced concrete from pioneer Auguste Perret. Then, in 1920, after a long apprenticeship, Jeanneret rebranded himself as Le Corbusier and begin establishing his style in earnest.

Le Corbusier’s design philosophy

Along with Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier was instrumental in the creation of the International Style. This was a movement defined by rectilinear forms, open interiors and 'weightless' structures. Le Corbusier laid out these tenets in his five principles of new architecture, published in 1927. He advocated:

• The Pilotis – a grid of columns to replace load-bearing walls, allowing architects to make more use of floorspace.

• Free floor plans – flexible living spaces that could adapt to changing lifestyles, thanks to the absence of load-bearing walls.

• Roof gardens – a flat roof covered in vegetation, which keeps moisture consistent and regulates temperature.

• Horizontal windows – cut through non load-bearing walls, these strips provide even light and panoramic views.

• Free facades – open and closed sections that allow the facade to actively connect or separate interior and exterior design elements.

Clearly, Le Corbusier’s philosophy was as much about function as form. Much of his work centred on how good architecture can affect social landscapes too. His ‘Unité d'Habitation’ principles outlined his vision: large apartment blocks that offered spacious housing, shaded social spaces, roof gardens, shopping streets and other amenities. These would be houses for the masses not merely to inhabit, but to truly live in.

Le Corbusier’s work and influence

These design principles were realised in stunning designs that combine form and function with true elegance. His 1931 Villa Savoye in Poissy, for example, delivers fully on his five principles and defined luxury living for much of the late twentieth century. His more organic later works like Notre Dame du Haut have continued to influence avant-garde architects in the twenty-first century, including Zaha Hadid.

Le Corbusier's vision for a better quality of social housing was largely unfulfilled. The Cité Radieuse in Marseille, constructed in 1952, is one of few buildings that came close to his concept of unité d'habitation. Instead, social housing grew to signify concrete tower blocks with small interiors and no amenities, a fact that served only to diminish Le Corbusier’s reputation in some circles. But one thing cannot be denied: the strength and scope of Le Corbusier’s vision remains unmatched, with few architects coming close to his unification of design, lifestyle and social function.

Le Corbusier: Buildings and Legacy

The master builder Le Corbusier realised his design ideas in spectacular buildings that unite form, function and true elegance in a unique manner. The Villa Savoye in Poissy, for example, embodies his five principles of new architecture to perfection. It was still considered the epitome of luxurious living until the late 20th century. His later works, such as the pilgrimage church Notre Dame du Haut, stood out for their more organic aesthetics. They served as an important source of inspiration for some notable exponents of avant-garde architecture, including the renowned designer Zaha Hadid.

Le Corbusier's hopes for an improvement in social housing, however, remained largely unfulfilled. The "Cité Radieuse" in Marseille, built in 1952, is one of the few buildings that came close to his ideal of unité d'habitation. While he dreamed of livable housing, cramped concrete silos without infrastructure for the residents were built instead. In some circles, Le Corbusier is therefore controversial. One thing is certain, however: the impact and reach of Le Corbusier's vision are unsurpassed. Hardly any other architect succeeded like him in merging the elements of design, lifestyle and social function into building form.