His influences on French style furniture started when he trained initially as an engraver and goldsmith in France, but then from 1904, also studied architecture, and worked across Eurpoe, including Germany.
During his lifetime, and since he died in 1965, he has been widely acclaimed as the most influential architect of the 20th century. Furthermore he was also a celebrated thinker, writer and artist (he produced many murals) - a multi-faceted ‘renaissance man'. His architecture and radical ideas for reinventing modern living environments, from private villas to large-scale social housing and utopian urban plans, still resonate in today's society.
In terms of his architecture and vision, Le Corbusier believed that overall the correct application of modern materials and building methods could deliver better living conditions for all, and ultimately a better quality of life for the residents of over crowded urban areas. Given his socially responsible and noble intentions, it is even more ironic that Le Corbusier's ideas lie behind the tower-block housing estates typically associated with a rather unsavory and uncomfortable standard of living these days. Nevertheless, the barbican in London, and also Brasilia, were both constructed using his design theories, although the debate continues about the success or otherwise of their form!
Strangely enough when Le Corbusier was found dead in the sea off Cap Martin in the south of France, the local paper proclaimed that the architect was the worst-lodged tourist on the Côte d'Azur. This is due to the fact that the renowned architect spent summers in a wooden cabanon 12 feet square. He himself would have disagreed. "I have a chateau on the Côte d'Azur …," he said. "It's extravagant in comfort and gentleness." However, its location is extravagant, as Cap Martin is a rocky headland about a mile from Monte Carlo. The cabanon sits on a slip of land between the sea and the railway, with views of sea and coast in both directions. Few who spot the cabin from the coastal path known as Promenade Le Corbusier would dream that this "shed" was designed by the man known for his concepts often called brutalist concrete. Set on a steep slope among acanthus and eucalyptus trees, it resembles a Canadian log cabin.
Nevertheless, we most recognize him in the UK for his iconic pieces of furniture, in fact his LC4 lounger is one of the world's most reproduced design objects. His passion was furniture that was seen as "extensions of our limbs and adapted to human functions." Lie down on his famous LC4 Chaise Longue, and you'll quickly understand what he means – it feels as though it has been sculpted to fit your body precisely, regardless of your physique. Plus his other designs extend to tables, sofas and chairs.
So if you are looking to refresh your living space, or simply want to be able to own a design classic in your own home, why not invest in a ice of Le Corbusier, and make up your own mind?
During his lifetime, and since he died in 1965, he has been widely acclaimed as the most influential architect of the 20th century. Furthermore he was also a celebrated thinker, writer and artist (he produced many murals) - a multi-faceted ‘renaissance man'. His architecture and radical ideas for reinventing modern living environments, from private villas to large-scale social housing and utopian urban plans, still resonate in today's society.
In terms of his architecture and vision, Le Corbusier believed that overall the correct application of modern materials and building methods could deliver better living conditions for all, and ultimately a better quality of life for the residents of over crowded urban areas. Given his socially responsible and noble intentions, it is even more ironic that Le Corbusier's ideas lie behind the tower-block housing estates typically associated with a rather unsavory and uncomfortable standard of living these days. Nevertheless, the barbican in London, and also Brasilia, were both constructed using his design theories, although the debate continues about the success or otherwise of their form!
Strangely enough when Le Corbusier was found dead in the sea off Cap Martin in the south of France, the local paper proclaimed that the architect was the worst-lodged tourist on the Côte d'Azur. This is due to the fact that the renowned architect spent summers in a wooden cabanon 12 feet square. He himself would have disagreed. "I have a chateau on the Côte d'Azur …," he said. "It's extravagant in comfort and gentleness." However, its location is extravagant, as Cap Martin is a rocky headland about a mile from Monte Carlo. The cabanon sits on a slip of land between the sea and the railway, with views of sea and coast in both directions. Few who spot the cabin from the coastal path known as Promenade Le Corbusier would dream that this "shed" was designed by the man known for his concepts often called brutalist concrete. Set on a steep slope among acanthus and eucalyptus trees, it resembles a Canadian log cabin.
Nevertheless, we most recognize him in the UK for his iconic pieces of furniture, in fact his LC4 lounger is one of the world's most reproduced design objects. His passion was furniture that was seen as "extensions of our limbs and adapted to human functions." Lie down on his famous LC4 Chaise Longue, and you'll quickly understand what he means – it feels as though it has been sculpted to fit your body precisely, regardless of your physique. Plus his other designs extend to tables, sofas and chairs.
So if you are looking to refresh your living space, or simply want to be able to own a design classic in your own home, why not invest in a ice of Le Corbusier, and make up your own mind?
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