Born Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, Le Corbusier (1887-1965) is widely
acclaimed as the most influential architect of the 20th century. From
private villas to mass social housing projects, his radical ideas,
designs, and writings presented a whole-scale reinvention not only of
individual structures, but of entire concepts of modern living.
Le Corbusier's work made distinct developments over the years, from
early vernacular houses in Switzerland through dazzling white, purist
villas to dynamic syntheses of art and architecture such as the chapel
at Ronchamp and the civic buildings in Chandigarh, India. A hallmark
throughout was his ability to combine functionalist aspirations with a
strong sense of expressionism, as well as a broader and empathetic
understanding of urban planning. He was a founding member of the Congrès
international d'architecture moderne (CIAM), which championed
"architecture as a social art."
This book presents some of Le Corbusier's landmark projects to introduce
an architect, thinker, and modern pioneer who, even in his unrealized
projects, offered discussion and inspiration for generations to come.
About the series
Born back in 1985, the Basic Art Series has evolved into the
best-selling art book collection ever published. Each book in TASCHEN's
Basic Architecture series features:
an introduction to the life and work of the architect
the major works in chronological order
information about the clients, architectural preconditions as well as
construction problems and resolutions
a list of all the selected works and a map indicating the locations of
the best and most famous buildings
approximately 120 illustrations (photographs, sketches, drafts, and
plans)
