HARTAIXX2016-V012000

Summary

The video script delves into the architectural philosophy of Le Corbusier, highlighting the Villa Savoye as a paradigm of functional stratification and the architectural promenade. It discusses the villa's innovative design, which integrates interior and exterior spaces, and the use of ramps and stairs to create a dynamic experience of movement and vision. The script also touches on the villa's connection to the industrial world and its role as a 'machine for living,' embodying a new reality that extends beyond the immediate environment.

Takeaways

• 🏠 The script discusses the evolution of architectural design, focusing on the works of Le Corbusier, particularly the Villa Savoye, as an example of new architecture principles.
• 🌟 The concept of 'architectural promenade' is introduced, emphasizing the journey through space and the visual experience of a building, which is a key element in Le Corbusier's designs.
• 🛋️ The Villa Savoye is highlighted for its functional stratification, with a clear separation between the controlled interior spaces and the free, available exterior spaces for collective use.
• 🚗 The script mentions the integration of modern objects like automobiles into the architectural design, showing how the building interacts with its surroundings and the industrial world.
• 🛋️🌳 The house is described as a 'machine for living,' creating a world that not only serves current needs but also anticipates a future reality.
• 🏡 The Villa Savoye is noted for its innovative use of space, with a ramp serving as a central element that connects different parts of the house and facilitates a dynamic visual experience.
• 🪟 Large windows and terraces in the Villa Savoye are designed to blur the lines between interior and exterior spaces, creating a sense of continuity and transparency.
• 🎨 The architectural design is compared to an assemblage of objects, where elements like sinks, lamps, and ramps come together to create a unique and functional living environment.
• 🌆 The script touches on the idea of the house as a total object, where the architectural solutions emphasize the relationship between people and their new living conditions.
• 📈 The ramp in the Villa Savoye is described as an 'armature' that controls the rotation and framing of views within the house, offering a variety of visual experiences.
• 🏞️ The final pause in the architectural promenade is at an aperture that frames a view of the natural landscape, symbolizing a connection to the eternal goods of earth and sky.

Q & A

What is the architectural promenade as described by Le Corbusier?

The architectural promenade is a principle given a name by Le Corbusier, which refers to an itinerary of movement, rotation, and frontality through a building, offering a spectacle to the eye and developing a play of light and shadow.

How does the Villa Savoye exemplify the concept of the architectural promenade?

The Villa Savoye exemplifies the architectural promenade through its design, where a ramp serves as a vertical space cutting through horizontal slabs, creating a path that unites different parts of the house and frames moments of pause and vision.

What is the significance of the ramp in the Villa Savoye's design?

The ramp in Villa Savoye is significant as it serves as the primary device controlling the architectural promenade, connecting different parts of the house, and setting up interactions with both the interior and exterior spaces.

How does the Villa Savoye's design reflect functional stratification?

The Villa Savoye's design reflects functional stratification by freeing the ground plane for movement, transportation, recreation, and vegetation, while the house above is completely ordered and controlled, creating a harmonious balance between the two.

What is the relationship between the automobile and the Villa Savoye's site?

The automobile interacts spatially and functionally with the Villa Savoye, as the entry hall's industrialized glass volume is determined by the automobile's turning radius, and the car moves under the building through the plot.

What is the significance of the juxtaposition of the sink and the ramp in the entry hall of Villa Savoye?

The juxtaposition of the sink and the ramp in the entry hall of Villa Savoye creates a metonymic relationship, connecting the house to the industrial world and evoking a sense of cleansing before entering a sacred space, similar to religious buildings.

How does the Villa Savoye's design address the relationship between people and new conditions?

The Villa Savoye's design addresses the relationship between people and new conditions through its functional minimalism and architectural solutions that show a real concern for how people interact with the space, such as the combination of the sink and ramp.

What is the role of the terrace in the Villa Savoye's architectural promenade?

The terrace in Villa Savoye plays a role in the architectural promenade by interacting in a very horizontal and transparent way with the living space, blurring the distinction between interior and exterior spaces and extending the domain of the house.

How does the Villa Savoye's design reflect the idea of a 'machine for living'?

The Villa Savoye's design reflects the idea of a 'machine for living' by constructing a world that diagrams potentials for occupation, connecting with conditions outside the house, and creating a new type of reality that will find its ultimate fulfillment in the future.

What is the contrast between the Villa LaRoche and Villa Savoye in terms of design approach?

The contrast between the Villa LaRoche and Villa Savoye lies in their design approach; Villa LaRoche is described as somewhat facile and picturesque, while Villa Savoye represents a more difficult design that leads to spiritual satisfaction and a synthesis of the genre.

How does the Villa Savoye's ramp interact with the house's vertical walls and apertures?

The ramp in Villa Savoye interacts with the house's vertical walls and apertures by framing moments of vision in a more variable way, controlling the rotation of space and establishing connections with different parts of the house.

Outlines

00:00

🏡 Architectural Promenade and Functional Stratification

The first paragraph discusses the concept of 'architectural promenade' introduced by Le Corbusier, exemplified by the Villa Savoye. It describes the journey through the building as an itinerary of movement and rotation, highlighting the interplay of light and shadow, and the integration of interior and exterior spaces. The Villa Savoye is portrayed as a total object, a pure composition that reasserts architectural unity. The paragraph also touches on the functional minimalism of the interior, comparing it to modern transportation spaces, and the architectural solutions that connect the house to the automobile, emphasizing the interaction between the house and its surroundings.

05:01

🌿 The Ramp as an Armature for Architectural Experience

This paragraph delves into the role of the ramp in Le Corbusier's architectural design, particularly in the Villa Savoye. The ramp is described as a device for movement, rotation, and frontality, offering a vertical slice of space that unites the horizontal slabs of the building. It serves as a path that allows for a variety of visual experiences, connecting different parts of the house and extending the domain of the house into the industrial world. The paragraph also explores the juxtaposition of the ramp with other elements, such as the stair, and how these elements create a promenade that leads to moments of pause and reflection, ultimately framing the natural landscape.

10:03

🏗️ The Machine for Living and the Evolution of Architectural Composition

The final paragraph reflects on Le Corbusier's evolution as an architect, focusing on his concept of the 'machine for living.' It discusses how the house is a diagram that constructs a world, not just an immediate one but also one that is yet to come, suggesting a new type of reality. The paragraph contrasts different compositions from Le Corbusier's work, from the picturesque Villa LaRoche to the more challenging Villa Garsh, culminating in the spiritual satisfaction found in the Villa Savoye. It concludes by highlighting the synthesis of the 'machine for living' as a new paradigm for architectural design in the modern world.

Keywords

💡Architectural Promenade

The term 'Architectural Promenade' refers to the concept of a continuous path or route through a building that allows for an unfolding experience of space and form. In the context of the video, it is a principle named by Le Corbusier, which is exemplified by the Villa Savoye, where the journey through the building is as important as the spaces themselves, creating a dynamic interaction between the observer and the architecture.

💡Villa Savoye

Villa Savoye is a modernist villa in Poissy, France, designed by Le Corbusier. It is considered one of the archetypes of modern architecture. The script discusses the villa as an epitome of functional stratification and the architectural promenade, highlighting its innovative design elements such as the ribbon window, the ramp, and the roof garden.

💡Functional Stratification

Functional Stratification is a concept in architecture where different functions of a building are separated into distinct levels or zones. The script uses Villa Savoye as an example, explaining how the ground plane is freed for movement and recreation, while the house above is ordered and controlled, reflecting a clear separation of functions.

💡Domino System

The Domino System is a structural system developed by Le Corbusier, which consists of a framework of reinforced concrete slabs supported by columns. The script mentions this system in relation to the horizontal slabs of Villa Savoye, which are pierced by the vertical ramp, creating a dynamic spatial interaction.

💡Piano Nobile

Piano Nobile is a term used in architecture to denote the main floor of a building, typically the floor containing the principal reception rooms. In the script, the ramp at Villa Savoye leads to the piano nobile, emphasizing the importance of vertical circulation and the experience of moving through the building.

💡Industrialized Glass

Industrialized Glass refers to the use of standardized, mass-produced glass panels in construction. The script describes the entry hall of Villa Savoye, where the industrialized glass defines the volume and is determined by the turning radius of an automobile, illustrating the integration of industrial elements into the architectural design.

💡Ramp

In the context of the video, a ramp is an architectural element that serves as a means of vertical circulation, connecting different levels of a building. The ramp at Villa Savoye is highlighted as a key component of the architectural promenade, offering a unique path through the building and creating a sense of movement and exploration.

💡Machine for Living

The term 'Machine for Living' is used by Le Corbusier to describe his vision of a house designed according to functional principles, similar to a machine. The script discusses how Villa Savoye embodies this concept, being a structure that diagrams potentials for occupation and connects with the eternal goods of access to earth, sky, and open air.

💡Spatial Articulation

Spatial Articulation refers to the way in which space is designed and organized within a building. The script mentions how, at Villa LaRoche, the spatial articulations were conceived in relation to an exterior, demonstrating the importance of the relationship between interior and exterior spaces in architectural design.

💡Curtain Wall

A Curtain Wall is a lightweight, non-structural outer wall of a building that is supported by the building's structural frame. In the script, the glass curtain wall at Villa Savoye is described as creating a transparent interaction between the living space and the terrace, blurring the lines between interior and exterior.

💡Epic

In the context of the script, 'epic' refers to the grand, heroic, or significant nature of the architectural design, particularly in the way Villa Savoye embodies the will and vision of Le Corbusier. It suggests a monumental scale and importance in the history of modern architecture.

Highlights

The concept of 'architectural promenade' introduced by Le Corbusier, emphasizing the journey through a building's space.

The Villa Savoye's design as a total object, representing the will of the architect and the functional stratification of the section.

The innovative use of space at Villa LaRoche, where interior articulations relate to an exterior that is still plastic and variable.

The architectural solutions at Villa Savoye, such as the ribbon window and enclosed terrace, that reinforce the total object concept.

The juxtaposition of functional minimalism in the interior of Villa Savoye, reminiscent of transportation vehicles, with architectural solutions.

The interaction of the automobile with the Villa Savoye's site, introducing a new paradigm of object interaction within architecture.

The entry hall's design at Villa Savoye, where the industrialized glass and the turning radius of the automobile define the space.

The unique assemblage of objects in the entry hall, including the juxtaposition of a sink, industrial lamp, and table, creating a new domestic interaction.

The architectural promenade's beginning at the entry, symbolized by the convergence of the sink and ramp, and its significance.

The ramp's role in Villa Savoye as a vertical space that cuts through horizontal slabs, creating a unique spatial connection.

The interaction between the ramp and stair in Villa Savoye, offering different vertical circulation experiences.

The seamless transition between the living space and terrace in Villa Savoye, demonstrating the transparency of space.

The exterior ramp's function in Villa Savoye, connecting the interior with the terrace and offering views of the landscape.

The final pause at the top of the ramp in Villa Savoye, where the landscape is framed by a curvilinear aperture.

The ramp's role in controlling rotation and framing moments within Villa Savoye, enhancing the architectural experience.

Le Corbusier's reflection on his compositions, contrasting the Villa LaRoche's picturesque style with the spiritual satisfaction of Villa Savoye.

The concept of the 'machine for living' as a new reality, constructing a world that extends beyond the immediate into the future.

Transcripts

one can almost

that the choreograph

through space punctuated by moments of

pause this itinerary of rotation and

frontality that we've been discussing

itself constitutes another point of the

new architecture

lucubra CA will later give this

principle a name he calls it the

architectural promenade you enter the

architectural spectacle at once offers

itself to the eye you follow an

itinerary and the perspectives developed

with great variety developing a play of

light on the walls or making pools of

shadow large windows open up views of

the exterior where the architectural

unity is reasserted here reborn for our

modern eye or historic architectural

discoveries the peel ot the long windows

the roof garden the glass facade lucubra

she is describing the Villa Savoye at

Passy while at the Villa LaRoche the

spatial articulations of the interior

were conceived in relation to an

exterior that was still itself plastic

and still could move around and be

varied now at the Villa Savoye

the villa has become a total object

through which the will of the epic could

be affirmed the signs of purest

composition that we saw in the prospects

of frontality at laroche and through the

kind of energetic swirling at gosh

here take on a more material consistency

at the same time the prismatic envelope

of garsh is reasserted to contain the

equally variability of surfaces at

laroche the architectural solutions of

this elementary ribbon window of the

enclosed terrace become a kind of

insistence of this total object and at

the same time while we have this kind of

functional minimalism of the interior

almost like railway sleeping cars like

ship cabins like airplane cockpit

at the same time there is an

architectural solution that shows it's

real concern to be the relation of

people to these new conditions the Villa

Savoye is the epitome of the functional

stratification of the section of raising

the pl o-- T freeing the ground plane

for movement for transportation for

recreation for vegetation the house

above is completely ordered and

controlled while the earth below is free

and available for collective occupation

for collective use and now for the first

time at the Villa Savoye is a coupling

of object of which the Villa Savoye is

only one for example the automobile

itself a paradigm of the object EEP now

comes into the site and moves under the

building through the plot2 interact

spatially and functionally with the

house itself at the lower level that the

interest level the curved surface of the

industrialized glass which defines the

volume of the entry hall is itself

determined by the curving radius the

turning radius of the automobile here to

object types come together and interact

as you penetrate that glass wall and

enter the entry hall you see first on

the one side a ramp that leads you up to

the piano nobile a up to the main floor

adjacent to the ramp is a sink assemble

together with one of the peel OT a very

large industrial ramp and a table

attached to the peel OT there's a kind

of assemblage of obviate teep that the

sink itself is a mass-produced highly

refined functional vessel for cleansing

that stands as almost like it's one of

the object tip of his purest paintings

and the sink is juxtaposed like in an

assemblage with this industrial lamp

which it first seems out of scale it

doesn't seem domestic at first

kind of gets domesticated in its

assemblage by its interaction with the

small table with the pillow tea and with

the sink but the combination of sink and

ramp as unusual as that is it's not just

to industrial types coming together the

place that you find the combination of

sink and ramp is that the entry to

religious building like a mosque or a

synagogue or a church where you first

cleanse yourself and then enter slowly

and ass into a sacred space the

juxtaposition of these various object

types creates a kind of metonymic

relationship or an assemblage that makes

connectivities that extend the domain of

the house itself out into the industrial

world

the architectural promenade begins at

the moment of stasis where the sink and

the ramp have come together at the entry

remember the name architectural

promenade is the name lucubra CA gave to

this itinerary of movement rotation and

frontality through a building in the

case of the Savoy the ramp becomes the

instrument of that architectural

promenade and it operates in two ways

first of all it operates as a path or as

a space a vertical space that cuts

through the horizontal slabs in the

domino system the horizontal slabs are

determinate and you move through those

through a stairway or other circulations

but the ramp cuts through those

horizontal slabs and establishes a

vertical slice of space that unites the

slabs in a different way than the stair

now it is the case that even at the

Villa Savoye there's also a stair that

provides a parallel but different kind

of vertical circulation through the

horizontal slabs and that combination of

ramp and stair they're actually very

very close to one another and they

connect with each other as you move

through that's also an important

apparatus of the architectural promenade

so as you get on the ramp and

go through and then turn around and come

back still inside the house but at the

top of the second part of the ramp you

reach a moment where the stair has also

come up and made a landing so the ramp

and the stair connect at that point at

that landing you have a choice either

you go into the main living space of the

house or you move through the glass

curtain wall outside into a very large

Terrace that living space and the

terrace interact in a very horace and

transparent way there's almost no

distinction between the space of the

living room and the space of the terrace

and indeed in good weather that you

could slide the glass doors open and who

would become the same space the ramp in

moves from an interior ramp into an

exterior ramp that looks out onto the

terrace it again loops back on itself

one more time and you get to the top of

the ramp which is at the highest point

of a second roof terrace where Luca

Boucher put a warped kind of curvilinear

surface punctured by a single aperture

that frames a view out into the distant

fields and woods beyond so you've moved

through an environment of industrialized

glass of industrialized lamps of

automobiles into a more refined space

but still a kind of minimalist space of

white walls out onto a terrace and then

moving up into an area that you get

glimpses now of the natural landscape

and then finally to the final moment of

pause at this aperture where the

landscape opens up

in Villa La Roche and Villa garsh there

is this itinerary of rotation and

frontality there the rotation is

initiated by the surfaces of the walls

themselves by balconies punching through

the walls by apertures in the walls by a

curvilinear surface that comes in

confronts us and makes a kind of

pressure on the space so the walls

surfaces control that or apply that

rotation in the Villa Savoye the ramp

becomes the armature that more

immediately and strictly controls that

rotation but it still opens up

variability now it's not just the

variability of the walking through the

space but it's a variability of vision

that is constantly framed by the

interaction of the ramp as an armature

with the vertical walls and apertures as

framing devices and as you move through

the house moments not so much strictly

frontal but now framed in a more

variable way moments are framed and

pauses are caused because of the ramp

itself and its interaction with other

parts of the house the ramp is the

primary device that luke Corbusier uses

to connect different parts of the house

setting up these interactions with

different parts of the house the ramp

diagrams potentials for occupation but

the ramp is also a device for connecting

with conditions outside the house what

kaboosh EA would consider the eternal

goods like access to the earth access to

the sky open air - for physical health

all these are made possible by what he

called a machine for living a machine

this this object type the house itself

that diagrams potentials for occupation

the diagram which is the house

constructs a world but it's not a world

just an immediate world it also is a

world

yet to come the machine for living

constructs a real world that is yet to

come a new type of reality a reality

that will find its ultimate fulfillment

in a future in 1930 the Courvoisier

pondered over the houses he had built

over the previous decade and he singled

out what he called compositions which

are the sort of different ways that the

houses had responded to the initial

domino diagram he contrasted what he

called the somewhat facile picturesque

and hectic genre of the villa LaRoche to

the very difficult design of the prism

of garsh which then led he said to the

spiritual satisfaction which came at

Villa Savoye

the very easy practical combined about

type which was the synthesis of the

genre that had begun with the Domino it

was the machine for living in the new

world

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