NOTRE DAME du HAUT

INTRODUCTION
• Location: Notre Dame du Haut, 13 Rue de la chapelle 70250
Ronchamp, France
• Architects: Le Corbusier, Jean Prouvé & Renzo Piano
• Time Period: 1953 – 1954 (2011)
• Organization Status: Pilgrimage chapel
• Architectural Style: Modern
• Materials Used: concrete & glass
• Floor Area: 756 square meters (8,137 square feet)
HISTORY
• The historical chapel dedicated to the Holy Lady was built in the
early Middle Ages, possibly in the 4th century on top of hill of
Bourlemont.
• Since the French Revolution the property is owned by a local
families. The small medieval chapel was modified over time,
probably rebuilt in the 14th century and was expanded in 1859
by addition of Gothic-revival extension.
• The previous stone building was injured by fire in 1913, then
reconstructed in 1926, but during second world war it was badly
damaged.
THE NEW CHAPEL
• In 1949, the owners took the decision to completely rebuild the chapel in
modern forms so, they therefore ask Le Corbusier.
• The Swiss-French architect was initially quite reluctant to get the task but
eventually accepted the commission after the visit.
• Le Corbusier intension was to create a place of silence, prayer, peace, and inner
joy. (looked back at the classical and renaissance architecture)
• The curved interior of the building was possibly inspired by those of the ancient
Basilicas.
• Although its external appearance is complicated, the interior is fairly simple in
plan.
• The chapel marks a discontinuity in Le Corbusier style.
FORM
• The chapel consists of a sequence of convex and concave surfaces that
creates a sense of being into a sort of nest, a space which embrace its visitor
and it also seems to escape towards the sky.
• The building looks much larger than it actually is.Le Corbusier obtained such
effect by combining gently sloped vertical wall with an imposing sail like
roof.
• The curved shape of the building extends the chapel internal space onto the
outdoor, often used for open-air religious events.
• The interior exterior relation is further emphasized by the most important
religious symbol, an 18th century revolving statue of Holy Lady which can
turned either indoor or outdoor.
INTERIOR & STRUCTURE
• The internal space of the chapel comprises of large central nave, a main chapel, two
smaller chapels (morning chapel & evening chapel), a sacristy, a confessional, a
pulpit.
• The larg shell like roof which was inspired by crab shell is made of two 6 cm thick
concrete separated by a gap of 2.26 m.The upper membrane is covered with
waterproofing aluminiun tiles.
• A thin horizontal gap seperates the perimeter walls from the roof providing natural
lighting.
• The floor is paved in stone is gently sloped with the natural inclination of the hilltop.
• The chapel contains decorative elements and pieces of furniture designed by Le
Corbusier.
ADDITION
• A nice bell portico was added in 1975 designed by Jean Pouvré.
• In 2011 a major expansion and renovation projected was completed
which compromises a new gatehouse and poor clare sisters convent.