LE CORBUSIER

Born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, in 1887, Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, better known as Le Corbusier, passed away in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, in 1965. Initially met with resistance due to its perceived revolutionary nature and radical aesthetics derived from purist experiments, his work eventually gained well-deserved recognition and continues to be widely revered. While his avant-garde approach may seem extreme, it is vital to understand his dedication to rational systems in planning, which employed remarkably simple modules and forms based on functional logic.

His functionalist approach didn’t prioritize mechanical function over symbolism but rather discarded outdated symbols and restored the significance of practical function as a representation of new values. Throughout his career as an architect, town-planner, and designer, his exploratory method ranged from a rich plastic idiom to more minimalistic expressions. Notable examples include the Unité d’Habitation in Marseille (1946-52), the Ronchamp Chapel (1950-55), the Dominican Monastery «La Tourette» (1951-56), the Zurich Center (1964-65), and the Hospital in Venice (1965).

His furniture designs, such as the Equipement intérieur de l’habitation (tables, chairs, armchairs, sofas) created for the Salon d’Automne in 1928 with Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, and the “Casiers Standard,” a system of container units for the Pavillon of the Esprit Nouveau in 1925 with Pierre Jeanneret, showcase his commitment. Cassina reissues this furniture due to its contemporary relevance, characterized by its clear and essential forms adaptable to evolving contexts, offering perpetual significance.

Source: cassina.com
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