Le Corbusier (1887-1965) was a Swiss-French architect, urban planner and writer. He is known for his architectural and master-planning creations across the globe, from France to Germany, and from India to the United States and South America. Le Corbusier died of a heart attack while swimming on August 27, 1965 at the age of 77.
Wiki/Biography
“Charles-Édouard Jeanneret”, also known as Le Corbusier, was born on Thursday, October 6, 1887, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland (age 77; time of death). At the age of fifteen, he entered the art school in La Chaux-de-Fonds. In 1902, he enrolled in advanced decoration courses. Le Corbusier never received formal architectural training.
Le Corbusier in his youth
family
Parents and siblings
Le Corbusier’s father, Georges Edouard Jeanneret, was a clock engraver, and his mother, Marie Charlotte Amélie Jeanneret- Perret) is a piano teacher. Corbusier had an older brother, Albert Jeanneret, a Swiss violinist.
Le Corbusier with his mother and brother
wife and children
Le Corbusier married Yvonne Gallis, a former Monaco fashion model, on December 18, 1930. The couple has no children. Yvonne died in 1957.
Le Corbusier and his wife Yvonne Gallis
Le Corbusier and his wife
Relationships/Affairs
Although Le Corbusier was married to Yvonne Gallis, he had a long-term relationship with Swedish-American heiress Margaret Judd Harris.
Signature/Autograph
Profession
architectural innovation
Le Corbusier is famous for his seminal contributions to modern architecture. He believed in functionalist principles, emphasizing clean lines, open spaces and the use of new materials. One of his iconic architectural works is the Villa Savoye.
Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye in Paris, France
Chandigarh Master Plan
Le Corbusier, along with Albert Mayer and Maciej Nowitzki, was involved in the design and planning of the Indian city of Chandigarh. He was appointed chief architect of the project, which aimed to create a modern, organized city. He designed various government buildings, including the city’s Capitol Building. He also designed the master plan of Chandigarh.
Le Corbusier’s Chandigarh Master Plan
Le Corbusier’s Palace of Parliament – Chandigarh, India
Architecture books
Le Corbusier wrote his views in architectural books such as “Towards a New Architecture” and “Cities of Tomorrow and Their Planning”, which became influential works in the field of architecture. He contributed to architecture by expressing his theories, ideas and criticisms through his writings.
Le Corbusier’s book – “Towards a New Architecture”
Le Corbusier’s book – “The Cities of Tomorrow and Its Plan”
Urban Plan
Corbusier developed visionary urban planning concepts designed to meet the challenges of rapid urbanization. His ideas revolved around functional zoning, high-rise buildings and green spaces. The Cities of Glory and Paris Voisin plans were among his famous urban planning proposals.
Le Corbusier’s Paris Voisin Plan
international influence
Le Corbusier’s influence extended beyond his native Switzerland and France. His ideas and designs influenced architects around the world and played an important role in shaping the modern architectural movement. His work has left its mark on urban landscapes and architectural education.
dispute
Renowned architect Le Corbusier was controversial for his urban planning ideas that often ignored heritage, displaced communities and lacked a human scale. His collaboration with government authorities and the perceived social engineering of his designs also attracted criticism.
Awards
- In 1961, Le Corbusier won the “Gold Medal” from the American Institute of Architects.
- In 1964, he was awarded the title “Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor”.
die
On August 27, 1965, Le Corbusier died of a heart attack while swimming on the French Riviera in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France at the age of 77.
Facts/Trivia
- Before becoming an architect, Corbusier studied watch engraving and worked as a painter and decorator.
- Le Corbusier’s original name was Charles-Édouard Jeanneret; however, in the 1920s, he changed his name to Le Corbusier.
- He also designed sofas, chairs and other furniture for which he is still famous today.
- In 1964, Le Corbusier met with Albert Einstein at Princeton University to discuss “Modulor.”
Le Corbusier and Albert Einstein
- He loved mathematics and applied mathematical principles in architectural design.
- Le Corbusier did not receive any formal education in architecture, but learned through practical experimentation and self-study.
- After the death of Le Corbusier’s wife, Yvonne Gallis, he kept her uncremated remains as a token of his love.
- Le Corbusier once wore glasses, but by 1918 he was blind in one eye.
Categories: Biography
Source: HIS Education