L E C O R B U S I E R

Vers Une
towards a new
architecture

THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE
BOOK REVIEW
 I ‘LE CORBUSIER’ THE PHILOSOPHY

II ‘TOWARDS THE NEW ARCHITECTURE’ THE GIST

III "SPACE AND LIGHT AND ORDER”

IV CORBUSIER’S DESIGN PRINCIPLES

V CONCLUSION -THE HUMAN PERCEPTION

 le corbusier -the
I
philosophy

“A DESIGNED MACHINE” A WELL DEVELOPED

STRUCTURE WITH AN PERFECT ORDER OF SPACE AND
LIGHT
 designed machine
Functionality is centeralised in the orbit of
Cobusiers design process. After the era of
ornamentation, functions following the form,
Corbusier pioneered the functionally appropriate
and economical alternative convenient to his era.
He quoted this philosophy followed in a structure
as a Designed Machine. Functionality being the
nucleus, Relationship with Nature, Urban Planing,
Machine Aesthetic, Human Scale are the electrons
revolving the nucleus.
Unité d’Habitation
1952
 VERS UNE the gist

The introduction of the book adresses the current

era, trends and economical state of the world of
II 1910-30's. While this book released it was past
world war I. The architecture, engineering, artists
were as well in crisis as any other occupation.
Things like ornamentation, grandeur scale of
structure were near impossible to be funded by
localites as well as government. Leading innovationof
an alternative as :
Minimal ornamentation
Human scale
with an opening by
Frederick Etchells. Form follows function
1927
Modularity and standardization
 Le Corbusier derived the idea that "a house is a machine for
living." He advocated for the use of industrial materials and construction techniques
to create functional and efficient buildings. Furthermore five principles of
architecture, including the use of pilotis (supporting columns), free design of the
ground plan, the horizontal window, the free facade, and the roof garden. These
principles maximized open spaces and natural light. Standardization and Modular
design was argued the most in architecture to increase efficiency and reduce
construction costs. Removal of unnecessary Ornamentation in architecture,
promoting a more minimalist and functional design.
 SPACE, LIGHT AND THE ORDER
"Space and light and order. Those are the things
that men need just as much as they need bread
or a place to sleep."
Our eyes are constructed enable us to see forms
of light. Primary forms are beautiful forms
because they can be clearly appreciated.
III Architects today no longer achieve these simple
forms. Working by calculations, engineers employ
geometrical forms, satisfying our eyes by their
geometry and our understanding by their
mathematics; their work is on the direct line of
good art.
The temple towers makes a rhythm in space.
 CORBUSIER’S DESIGN PRINCIPLES
1. The Machine Aesthetic:
Le Corbusier's concept of the "machine aesthetic" emphasized that a house should function like a well-oiled machine, with a focus on
efficiency, functionality, and purpose. He believed that architecture should draw inspiration from the precision and standardization of
machinery. This notion challenged the prevalent ornamental and decorative architecture of his time and instead emphasized the practical
and industrial aspects of building design.

2. The Five Points of Architecture:

Villa Savoye Le Corbusier introduced his "Five Points of Architecture" as a set of guiding
1931 principles for modern architecture. These points were:
- Pilotis: Elevating the building on pilotis (supporting columns) to free up space on
the ground level for various uses, such as gardens and transportation.
- Free Plan: Encouraging a flexible and open interior layout through the use of
non-load-bearing walls, allowing for creative spatial arrangements.
- Horizontal Windows: Replacing traditional, small windows with long, horizontal
ones to provide abundant natural light and views. IV
- Free Facade: Detaching the exterior walls from the structure, enabling architects to design the façade independently and
experiment with new materials and aesthetics.
- Roof Garden: Utilizing flat roofs as usable outdoor spaces, promoting greenery in urban areas.

3. Standardization and Modular Design:

Le Corbusier championed the idea of standardization in construction and the use of modular design elements. He believed that
pre-fabrication and the mass production of building components could make construction more efficient, economical, and
sustainable. This approach could also lead to a reduction in construction time and waste.
4. Urban Planning and High-Rise Buildings:
The book stressed the importance of comprehensive urban planning. Le Corbusier argued for the benefits of high-rise buildings, which he
believed could alleviate the problems of overcrowded cities and contribute to a more efficient use of land. He envisioned tall buildings
surrounded by open spaces and transportation networks, creating a more harmonious urban environment.

5. Rejection of Ornamentation:
In contrast to the decorative and ornamental architectural styles of the past, Le Corbusier advocated for the removal of superfluous
ornamentation. He believed that architectural forms and materials should be chosen for their inherent qualities and functional purposes
rather than for decoration. This minimalist approach emphasized a "less is more" philosophy and paved the way for modernist design.

6. A New Aesthetic:
Le Corbusier's work also sought to establish a new aesthetic for architecture. He believed that a functional and honest approach to
design would lead to a more beautiful and harmonious built environment. His belief in the poetic and sculptural qualities of functional
structures contributed to the development of modernist architectural aesthetics.
 CONCLUSION -THE HUMAN PERCEPTION
Le Corbusier's focus on functional, machine-like forms was seen as radical and
even dehumanizing by some.
The use of standardization and modular design in architecture to improve
efficiency and reduce construction costs. This idea was controversial because it
challenged the uniqueness and individuality of architectural design, favoring a
more uniform and industrial approach.

Throughout the book, Le Corbusier criticized many aspects of traditional

architecture, including its lack of functionality, inefficiency, and failure to adapt to the needs of the modern
era. This critical stance was seen as a challenge to established architectural practices.

While Le Corbusier's ideas were indeed controversial in their time, they have
had a profound and lasting influence on the field of architecture. Many of his principles and concepts have
V
become integral to modern architecture and continue to shape the way architects and designers approach
their work.
D E V A A N S H U N A R V E L A R
K E T K E E M A L V E
S H U B H A M R O Y
S A Y A K A D A S H
T A N M A Y S A N A D H Y A