New Delhi: Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, popularly known as Le Corbusier, is one of the greatest architectures in the modern era. He was a Swiss-French architect, designer, urban planner, writer and painter who was one of the pioneers of modern architecture. He worked for 50 years and designed buildings in Europe, India, Japan, and also in North and South America. In this article, we will take a look at the life and works of Le Corbusier.
Le Corbusier: An architect with no formal training
Born on October 6, 1887, in Switzerland, his original name was Charles-Édouard Jeanneret. His ancestors included Belgians with the surname Lecorbésier, which inspired him to adopt the pseudonym Le Corbusier when he was an adult. His father worked as an artisan who enameled boxes and watches, while his mother was a piano teacher. Like his contemporaries Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier did not have formal training as an architect. He was attracted to the visual arts and it was due to that he embarked on the journey of becoming and working as an architect.
The planning of Chandigarh
Le Corbusier wanted to provide better living conditions for those living in crowded cities. To these effect, he delved into urban planning and left behind a profound impact. He was a founding member of the Congrès International d’Architecture Moderne (CIAM). Notably, he prepared Chandigarh’s master plan and contributed specific designs for several buildings there, especially the government buildings. Designing the city was Le Corbusier’s largest and most ambitious project. He was invited by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to design the city and he did so superbly. Three of his most important contributions to the city are The Secretariat, the Palace of Assembly and the High Court of Justice.
Le Corbusier and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Le Corbusier played a key role in designing the UN Headquarters in New York City. On July 17, 2006, 17 of his projects in seven countries were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites as The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement, include a site in India. The Chandigarh Capitol Complex is a heritage site that had a considerable influence across the subcontinent, where it symbolized India’s accession to modernity.
This article explores the life and extraordinary architectural contributions of Le Corbusier, a pioneering figure in modern architecture. From his unconventional beginnings without formal training to his pivotal role in designing Chandigarh’s master plan and the UN Headquarters, his impact is undeniable. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
