Le Corbusier - Unité d'Habitation Marseille pt 1

Summary

The video explores the iconic Cité Radieuse in Marseille, a revolutionary housing project designed by architect Le Corbusier. Constructed in the 1950s, the building challenged traditional concepts of urban living with its modular design and innovative features, including bright, functional apartments and communal spaces. The project faced initial resistance due to its unconventional appearance and structure but eventually became a symbol of modern living. Over the years, the building has evolved, with residents adapting to its unique design, while the building itself continues to face maintenance challenges, showcasing its lasting impact on architecture and society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Marseille, founded over 3000 years ago, became a prosperous city under Roman rule and solidified its reputation in the 19th century with the completion of the Suez Canal.
• 😀 The Cité Radieuse, designed by architect Le Corbusier, was an innovative housing project built in the 1950s as part of a vision for modern urban living and collective community life.
• 😀 The Cité Radieuse aimed to address post-war reconstruction in Europe, with Le Corbusier focusing on the concept of vertical garden cities to accommodate growing urban populations.
• 😀 Construction of the Cité Radieuse began in 1947 without permits, showcasing Le Corbusier’s daring approach to urban planning and architecture.
• 😀 The building's design featured concrete structures, with apartments arranged like bottles in a case. Each unit combined several modules to create flexible living spaces.
• 😀 Le Corbusier used the 'Modulor', a human-centric measurement system, to design the layout of the building and ensure ergonomic, comfortable living spaces for residents.
• 😀 The interior design of the Cité Radieuse was innovative for its time, including modern amenities like American-style kitchens, electricity, mezzanines, and even television outlets.
• 😀 Despite its futuristic design, the Cité Radieuse initially faced resistance from the local population, who were not accustomed to such a radical form of housing.
• 😀 Initially, many apartments were sold to disaster victims in Marseille, but the building became associated with a new, experimental way of living. Over time, it became known as a place for the 'Fada'—a term used affectionately for quirky or unconventional people.
• 😀 Patrick De Rosario, the building’s regisseur (caretaker) for 18 years, plays a crucial role in maintaining the Cité Radieuse, dealing with frequent plumbing and electrical issues as the building ages, and keeping the community running smoothly.

Q & A

What is the significance of Marseille's location and history in the context of the Cité Radieuse?

Marseille, a city with over 3000 years of history, thrives in the Mediterranean region. Its prosperity grew during the Roman period, and the city's reputation as a center of trade was solidified with the opening of the Suez Canal in the 19th century. The location of Marseille, with its rich history and bustling nature, provides a backdrop for the Cité Radieuse, which embodies the innovative architectural spirit of the time.

What was the original concept behind the Cité Radieuse?

The Cité Radieuse was conceived as a revolutionary housing project designed by Swiss architect Le Corbusier. It aimed to address urban overpopulation through the creation of vertical garden cities. The idea was to integrate both individual living spaces and communal areas to promote a sense of collective living, providing a modern, experimental way of housing for the post-war period.

What was the initial reaction of the public to the Cité Radieuse?

When the Cité Radieuse was inaugurated in 1952, it was met with skepticism and confusion. Many people were not prepared for the stark modernist design of the building, particularly the use of concrete and the unorthodox interior layouts. Initially, the public struggled to accept this novel form of collective living, and the building's future seemed uncertain.

What was the role of Le Corbusier's Modulor in the design of the Cité Radieuse?

Le Corbusier's Modulor was a key element in the design of the Cité Radieuse. It served as a human-scale system of measurements that guided the proportions of the apartments and spaces. The idea was to create an environment where every space, from the layout of the apartments to the height of ceilings, was optimized for human comfort based on this idealized scale.

How were the apartments in the Cité Radieuse structured?

The apartments in the Cité Radieuse were modular in design, with each unit formed by the combination of several base modules. These modular units were designed to be stacked together in a specific orientation, providing optimal light exposure and spatial organization. The apartments were arranged to maximize natural light from east to west while creating internal corridors that became communal spaces in the building.

How did the interior design of the Cité Radieuse cater to practical living?

The interior design of the Cité Radieuse was highly functional and ergonomic. Le Corbusier focused on optimizing living spaces to ensure that daily activities were as organized and efficient as possible. For example, the kitchen was designed like a laboratory with all tools and appliances within easy reach. Each apartment was intended to foster a sense of order and simplicity, helping residents manage their daily tasks easily.

What role did the roof terrace play in the design of the Cité Radieuse?

The roof terrace of the Cité Radieuse played an important role as a communal space. It was designed to offer both winter and summer activities, with a nursery school placed on the terrace to take advantage of the natural environment. The roof provided a social space for residents to interact, making it an essential part of the collective living vision of the building.

How did the Cité Radieuse challenge traditional housing expectations?

The Cité Radieuse challenged traditional housing by presenting a radical departure from conventional apartment designs. Its use of concrete, the integration of modular units, and the idea of collective living spaces were not only unconventional but also experimental. At the time, the public was unfamiliar with such a modernist approach to housing, and the building pushed the boundaries of architecture and urban living.

How did the state manage the initial challenges of the Cité Radieuse?

In the early years, the state struggled to find tenants for the Cité Radieuse as many locals did not embrace its design. To alleviate the financial strain, the state sold apartments to people who were displaced by the war. Eventually, the building became home to many Marseille residents, although some initially viewed it with suspicion. Over time, the building became a symbol of a new type of urban living.

What is the role of the building's caretaker in maintaining the Cité Radieuse?

The building's caretaker, or régisseur, plays an essential role in overseeing the maintenance of the Cité Radieuse. For over 18 years, Patrick De Rosario has been responsible for addressing various issues such as plumbing and electrical problems that arise in the aging structure. His role is likened to that of a village guard, ensuring the building remains functional and livable despite its challenges.