Le Corbusier: Ville Savoye, Poissy (1928-31) - (Federico Bucci)

Summary

The Villa Savoye, located near Paris, is a seminal work of modern architecture designed by Le Corbusier in the early 20th century for Pierre and Eugénie Savoye. Despite initial disputes over construction defects and costs, the house is now recognized as a masterpiece, embodying Le Corbusier's avant-garde ideas. The three-level residence features a unique layout with a garage at ground level, living and bedroom spaces on the first floor, and a roof garden. It is characterized by its white parallelepiped form, strip windows, and pilotis, creating an architectural promenade. Le Corbusier's design philosophy is evident in the house's integration with nature, the innovative use of space, and the emphasis on light and air circulation. The Villa Savoye has been restored and is now listed as a French historic monument, showcasing the architect's enduring influence on modern design.

Takeaways

• 🏡 **Location and Significance**: Villa Savoye is located 30 km east of Paris, in Poissy, and became a symbol of modern architecture due to its innovative design.
• 👨‍💼 **Client and Commission**: The house was designed for Pierre Savoye, director of an insurance company, and his wife Eugénie, despite later disputes over construction issues and costs.
• 📐 **Dimensions and Design**: The building is a white parallelepiped, 21.5m long, 19m wide, and 9.4m high, with strip windows and supported by pilotis, or thin, cylindrical, reinforced concrete pillars.
• 🌳 **Integration with Nature**: The house is designed to be in harmony with the surrounding nature, with a roof garden and a focus on natural light and air circulation.
• 🚗 **Functional Layout**: The ground floor houses the garage, the first floor contains living spaces, and the roof garden is accessible via an external ramp.
• 🏙️ **Architectural Philosophy**: Le Corbusier's design philosophy is evident, emphasizing the 'promenade architecturale' and the importance of light and space.
• 🌞 **Light and Space**: The house is designed to maximize natural light, with large windows and a hanging garden that serves as a central light distributor.
• 🏠 **Living Spaces**: The living room and other rooms open onto the hanging garden, allowing for a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.
• 🌿 **Roof Garden and Solarium**: The roof garden is a key feature, leading to a solarium, and is connected by a spiral staircase to the cellar below.
• 📈 **Architectural Innovation**: The design breaks traditional architectural norms, eliminating the concepts of 'front', 'back', or 'side', and the plan is pure and specific to the needs.
• 🎗️ **Historical Recognition**: After years of neglect and restoration, Villa Savoye is now recognized as a French 'historic monument', showcasing Le Corbusier's theories on modern living.

Q & A

Where is Poissy located in relation to Paris?

Poissy is located 30 km east from Paris, following the course of the Seine towards the Atlantic.

What was the significance of Poissy in the early 20th century?

Poissy became an important centre of the French automotive industry from the early 20th century.

Who was the architect that designed the country house in Poissy?

The architect who designed the country house in Poissy was Le Corbusier.

For whom was the country house designed by Le Corbusier?

The country house was designed for Pierre Savoye, the director of an insurance company, and his wife Eugénie.

What were the Savoye's complaints about the country house?

The Savoyes were highly disapproving of the architect due to construction defects and higher-than-anticipated costs.

What is the approximate size of the Villa Savoye?

The Villa Savoye measures 21.5 metres in length, 19 in width, and 9.4 in height.

How many levels does the Villa Savoye have?

The Villa Savoye is arranged on three levels.

What is the main feature of the Villa Savoye's external look?

The external look of the Villa Savoye is that of a white parallelepiped, cut lengthways by strip windows and suspended by cylindrical, reinforced concrete pillars known as pilotis.

What is the concept of 'promenade architecturale'?

The 'promenade architecturale' refers to the design of the interior spaces where a staircase and a ramp serve the three levels of the house, allowing for a continuous and fluid experience through the different spaces.

How does the Villa Savoye integrate with its natural surroundings?

The Villa Savoye is set amid meadows, with simple pillars placed in a way that cuts into the landscape, eliminating the traditional notions of 'front', 'back', or 'side', and allowing for air circulation and light to reach every point of the house.

What is the significance of the Villa Savoye in the context of modern architecture?

The Villa Savoye is a masterpiece of modern architecture and a manifesto of Le Corbusier's theories on dwelling. It is now listed among the French 'historic monuments'.

What was the main view orientation of the Villa Savoye?

The main view of the Villa Savoye is to the north, away from the path of the sun, which led to the inversion of what would normally be considered the front of the house.

How does the Villa Savoye's design reflect Le Corbusier's architectural philosophy?

The Villa Savoye's design reflects Le Corbusier's architectural philosophy by emphasizing the integration with nature, the use of modern materials like reinforced concrete, and the creation of a fluid, interconnected space that allows for natural light and air to circulate freely.