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| Plan Voisin -Detail of Tower |
Le Corbusier was one of the
architects responsible for pioneering the modernist movement. His five points
of architecture and the modular system he developed were both extremely notable
contributions. Corbusier’s designs are not beyond reproach however. Largely the
faults that are found with his plans are a result of an extremely formulaic and
theoretical approach. This approach led to the oversight of certain real world conditions
and a design that is impractical for the purposes which it was meant to serve.
Despite the fact that Le Corbusier’s plans were not always suited for actual
implementation they demonstrate concepts and ideas that are valid and useful.
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| Diagram of Plan Voisin Layout |
Plan
Voisin is perhaps the most extreme solution that Corbusier ever proposed. As a
result it has been subject to some of the most extreme criticism. The plan
proposes the demolition of the entire city of Paris with the exception of some
key features. The demolished city would be replaced by cross shaped skyscraper
laid out in a grid. Despite the severity of the solution that led to the
reception of a large amount of scorn, the plan still accomplishes its intended
goals. Through this solution Le Corbusier sought to provide an alternative to
the crowded dirty streets of the traditional city. Instead he sought to provide
optimum living conditions and access to green space. Le Corbusier posed the
question: “The street wears us out. And when all is said and done we have to
admit it disgusts us. Then why does it still exist ?” His proposal for the Plan
Voisin is an viable solution when this question is considered, even if its
actual application is not practical.
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| Plan Obus |
Le
Corbusier’s Plan Obus is another example of a defensible but impractical
solution. If it had been constructed the plan would have provided public
housing to a vast number of people. The form of the building is meant to mirror
the movement of the highway as well as the natural features of the land. The
result is a building that winds across the landscape. Living in the building
would not be unlike living inside of the highway itself. However, the building
was never constructed because of the grand scale of the building and the lack
of resources to build it. This oversight on the part of Corbusier made the
building impractical. However it is still an interesting formal exploration.
One
final example an impractical Corbusier design is the Villa Savoy. This
structure, unlike the other two was actually built. However, it was abandoned
by its residents very shortly and the building was declared uninhabitable.
Ironically, this “machine for living” which was designed using all of
Corbusier’s five principles was not suited for living at all. The building is a
great example of theory however, such strict application of theory is
ungenerous and not necessarily well adapted for human habitation.
Dekker, Thomas. "Le Corbusier and the City without Streets." The Modern City Revisited. N.p.: Taylor & Francis, 2000. N. pag. Print.
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