Le Corbusier (1887-1965) was an architect, urban planner, and writer of Swiss-French origin. He is famous for his creations of buildings and master plans all over the globe, from France to Germany and across India to the United States and South America. Le Corbusier died of a heart attack while swimming on 27 August 1965 at the age of 77.
Wiki/Biography
‘Charles-Édouard Jeanneret’ also known as Le Corbusier was born on Thursday, 6 October 1887 (aged 77; at the time of death) in La Chaux-de-Fonds city in Switzerland. He went to La-Chaux-de-Fonds Art School when he was fifteen. In 1902, he enrolled himself in a higher course of decoration. Le Corbusier deficit formal training in architecture but still flourished as an architect.
Family
Parents & Siblings
Le Corbusier’s father, Georges Edouard Jeanneret was a watch engraver and his mother, Marie Charlotte Amélie Jeanneret-Perret was a piano teacher. Corbusier had an elder brother, Albert Jeanneret who was a Swiss violinist.
Le Corbusier with his mother and brother
Wife & Children
Le Corbusier got married to a former fashion model from Monaco, Yvonne Gallis on 18 December 1930. The couple had no children. Yvonne died in 1957.
Le Corbusier with his wife, Yvonne Gallis
Le Corbusier and his wife
Relationships/Affairs
Le Corbusier had a long-running relationship with Swedish-American heiress Marguerite Tjader Harris even though he was married to Yvonne Gallis due to which their marriage was a complex one.
Signature/Autograph
Career
Architectural Innovation
Le Corbusier is known for his pioneering contribution to modern architecture. He embraced the principle of functionalism, emphasizing clean lines, open spaces, and the use of new materials. One of his iconic architectural works is Villa Savoye.
Le Corbuseir’s Villa Savoye
Master Plan of Chandigarh
Le Corbusier was involved with Albert Mayer and Maciej Nowicki in the design and planning of Chandigarh, a city in India. He was appointed as the chief architect for the project, which aimed to create a modern and organized city. His designs for government buildings, the Capitol complex, and the master plan for the city are considered notable achievements.
Chandigarh Master Plan by Le Corbusier
Le Corbusier’s Palace Of Assembly – Chandigarh, India
Architectural Based Books
Le Corbusier penned down his views in architectural-based books such as “Towards a New Architecture” and “The City Of Tomorrow and Its Planning,” which became influential texts in the field of architecture. He expressed his theories, ideas, and criticisms through his writings, contributing to architecture.
Le Corbusier’s book – “Towards a New Architecture”
Le Corbusier’s book – “The City Of Tomorrow and Its Planning”
Urban Planning
Corbusier developed visionary urban planning concepts that aimed to address the challenges of rapid urbanization. His ideas revolved around functional zoning, high-rise buildings, and green areas. The Radiant City and the Plan Voisin for Paris were among his notable urban planning proposals.
Le Corbuseir’s Plan Voisin for Paris
International Influence
Le Corbusier’s impact extended beyond his native Switzerland and France. His ideas and designs influenced architects worldwide, and he played a significant role in shaping the modern architectural movement. His work left an imprint on urban landscapes and architectural education.
Controversies
Le Corbusier, the renowned architect, faced controversies due to his urban planning ideas that often disregarded heritage, displaced communities, and lacked human scale. His collaboration with government authorities and the perceived social engineering in his designs also drew criticism. These controversies highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of his legacy.
Awards, Honours, Achievements
- Le Corbusier was awarded a ‘Gold Medal’ from the ‘American Institute of Architects in 1961.
- He was honored with the title ‘Grand Officier of the Legion of Honour’ in 1964.
Net Worth
Le Corbusier’s estimated net worth is to be $40 million.
Death
On 27 August 1965, Le Corbusier died at the age of 77 due to a heart attack while he swimming on the French Riviera in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France.
Facts/Trivia
- Before being an architect, Corbusier started to learn to watch engraving and worked as a painter and decorator.
- Le Corbusier was born Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, later in the 1920s he changed his name.
- He also designed furniture such as sofas and chairs, which are even famous today.
- Le Corbusier met with Albert Einstein at Princeton University in 1964 to discuss the “Modulor.
Le Corbusiezr with Albert Einstein
- He loved maths and used mathematical principles in architectural designs.
- Le Corbusier didn’t have any formal architectural education rather he learned it all through practical experiments and self-study.
- After the death of Le Corbusier’s wife, Yvonne Gallis, he always kept her non-cremated bone with him as a sense of affection.
- Le Corbusier used to wear glasses and became blind in one eye by 1918.
- He once quoted; “How nice it would be dying towards the sun,” later in 1965 he died while swimming in a sea against his doctor’s advice.