There's something about phi - Chapter 20 - Le Corbusier and the Modulor

Summary

Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, better known as Le Corbusier, was a renowned 20th-century French architect celebrated globally for his innovative approach to design. He is particularly famous for developing the 'Modulor,' a system of proportions based on the golden section, which he used to define measurements in his architectural works. Le Corbusier's starting point for the Modulor was the human figure, with an extended arm, setting a base height of 1.65 meters. This led to a series of measurements that were intrinsically linked to human dimensions, which he applied in his designs, such as in Chandigarh, India, and in various buildings and sculptures. The Modulor became a signature element in Le Corbusier's work, showcasing his belief in the harmony between human scale and architectural design.

Takeaways

• 📐 Le Corbusier was a renowned 20th-century French architect known globally for his work.
• 🎨 He is famous for developing the Modular system, which is based on the Golden Ratio.
• 🌟 The Modular system uses specific measurements derived from the Golden Ratio to define architectural dimensions.
• 🧍 Le Corbusier started with a human figure with an extended arm to establish a base unit of 1.13 meters.
• 📏 He applied the Golden Ratio to this base unit to create a series of proportions related to human dimensions.
• 🏙️ The Modular was used in urban planning, notably in the design of Chandigarh, a city in India.
• 🏢 The system was also applied in many buildings, including the Unité d'habitation and Villa Savoye.
• 🗽 Le Corbusier's use of the Modular system reflects his belief in the harmony of human scale and architectural design.
• 📈 The application of the Golden Ratio in his work aimed to create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces.
• 🌍 The influence of Le Corbusier's Modular system is seen in various architectural projects around the world.
• 📚 The script suggests that understanding Le Corbusier's approach to design can provide insight into the integration of human scale and proportion in architecture.

Q & A

Who was Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, also known as?

Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, also known as Le Corbusier, was a renowned French architect of the 20th century.

What is the Golden Section?

The Golden Section, also known as the Golden Ratio, is a mathematical concept that relates to proportions and is often associated with aesthetic beauty in art and architecture.

What is the Modulor system?

The Modulor is a system of proportions based on the golden section, which Le Corbusier developed to define measurements in architecture that are harmonious with human dimensions.

How did Le Corbusier start to define the measurements of the Modulor?

Le Corbusier started with a human figure with an extended arm, which he set to a height of 1.65 meters, and then applied the golden section to derive a series of proportions.

What is the significance of the height of 1.65 meters in the Modulor system?

The height of 1.65 meters was used as a reference to establish a human scale in the Modulor system, which Le Corbusier believed would resonate with people on an intuitive level.

How did Le Corbusier apply the Modulor in his architectural works?

Le Corbusier applied the Modulor in many of his architectural projects, including the planning of the city of Chandigarh in India and in various buildings and sculptures.

Can you name a few of Le Corbusier's works where the Modulor was used?

Some of the works where Le Corbusier used the Modulor include the Unité d'habitation in 1945, the Villa La Roche in 1952, the Chapel of Notre-Dame du Haut in 1956, the three buildings of the Cité Radieuse in 1957, and the Villa Savoie in 1931.

What is the significance of the city of Chandigarh in relation to Le Corbusier's work?

Chandigarh is significant because it was a city that Le Corbusier was commissioned to plan, and he applied the principles of the Modulor extensively in its design and in many of the buildings within the city.

What is the relationship between the golden section and human dimensions?

The golden section is believed to create proportions that are aesthetically pleasing and harmonious with human perception. By starting with human dimensions, Le Corbusier aimed to make his architectural designs more relatable and comfortable for people.

How does the Modulor system reflect Le Corbusier's philosophy of architecture?

The Modulor system reflects Le Corbusier's philosophy that architecture should be based on mathematical principles and human scale, aiming to create a harmonious and functional living environment.

What is the significance of the Modulor in the history of architecture?

The Modulor is significant in the history of architecture as it represents an attempt to apply scientific principles to design, aiming to achieve a universal standard of proportions that could be applied across different architectural projects.