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, Painter, Urban Planner, Writer
Early Life and Education
- Born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, a town known for its watchmaking industry.
- Initially trained as an engraver and enameller at the local art school.
- Influenced by his teacher, L'Eplattenier, who encouraged him to study architecture and decorative arts.
- Traveled extensively throughout Europe, including visits to Italy, Vienna, and Paris, where he met prominent architects and artists.
Career and Major Achievements
- Developed the "Dom-Ino" house concept in 1914, a mass-producible housing prototype.
- Pioneered the International Style of architecture, characterized by clean lines, functional design, and the use of reinforced concrete.
- Promoted the "Five Points of Architecture": pilotis, free plan, free facade, ribbon windows, and roof garden.
- Served as a key figure in the Congrès International d'Architecture Moderne (CIAM), advocating for modernist urban planning principles.
- Designed numerous iconic buildings and urban plans across the globe.
Notable Works
- Villa Savoye (Poissy, France)
- Unité d'Habitation (Marseille, France)
- Chapel of Notre Dame du Haut (Ronchamp, France)
- Palace of Assembly (Chandigarh, India)
- Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts (Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA)
- His furniture designs, including what some refer to informally in retrospect as 'poltroncina girevole le corbusier biography' resources, showcase his commitment to functional and minimalist design.
Legacy and Impact
Le Corbusier is considered one of the most influential architects and urban planners of the 20th century. His ideas and designs have had a profound impact on modern architecture, urban design, and social housing. While some of his urban planning concepts have been criticized, his architectural legacy remains significant.