Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris (Le Corbusier)
- Born:
- October 6, 1887, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
- Died:
- August 27, 1965, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
- Nationality:
- Swiss-French
- Profession(s):
- Architect, Designer, Urban Planner, Writer, Painter
Early Life and Education
- Originally trained as an engraver and watchmaker.
- Studied art at La Chaux-de-Fonds School of Art under Charles L'Eplattenier.
- Travelled extensively throughout Europe, including visits to Italy, Vienna, and Paris.
- Worked briefly in the offices of Auguste Perret and Peter Behrens.
Career and Major Achievements
- Pioneered the Modernist architectural movement.
- Developed the "Dom-Ino" house system (1914), a modular housing prototype.
- Co-founded the journal L'Esprit Nouveau (1920) with Amédée Ozenfant, promoting Purism.
- Promoted the concept of the "machine à habiter" (machine for living), central to his architectural philosophy; examining 'maquina de habitar le corbusier biography' reveals its significance.
- Developed the "Modulor" system of proportions based on the human body and the golden ratio.
- Played a significant role in the Congrès International d'Architecture Moderne (CIAM).
Notable Works
- Villa Savoye, Poissy, France (1931)
- Unité d'Habitation, Marseille, France (1952)
- Chapel of Notre Dame du Haut, Ronchamp, France (1955)
- Palace of Assembly, Chandigarh, India (1955)
- Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (1963)
Publications
- Vers une architecture (Towards a New Architecture) (1923)
- Urbanisme (The City of Tomorrow and its Planning) (1925)
- Quand les cathédrales étaient blanches (When the Cathedrals Were White) (1937)
Legacy and Impact
Le Corbusier's work significantly influenced urban planning and architectural design worldwide. His emphasis on functionalism, standardization, and the integration of nature into the built environment shaped the development of modern architecture. Although his ideas have been subject to criticism, his impact remains undeniable, and his buildings are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.