Le Corbusier

Le Corbusier (October 6, 1887–August 27, 1965) was a Swiss architect famous for what is now called the International Style, along with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Walter Gropius, and Theo van Doesburg. He was also an urban planner, painter, sculptor, writer and furniture designer. He is featured on the Swiss ten francs banknote.

Furniture

Le Corbusier began experimenting with furniture design in 1928 after inviting the architect Charlotte Perriand to join his studio. His cousin Pierre Jeanneret also collaborated on many of the designs.

Related Topics:
1928 - Charlotte Perriand - Pierre Jeanneret

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Before the arrival of Perriand, Le Corbusier relied on ready-made furniture to furnish his projects, such as the simple pieces manufactured by Thonet.

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In 1928 Le Corbusier and Perriand began to put the expectations for furniture Le Corbusier outlined in his 1925 book L'Art Décoratif d'aujourd'hui into practice. In the book he defined three different furniture types; type-needs, type-furniture, and human-limb objects. He defined human-limb objects as: "Extensions of our limbs and adapted to human functions that are. Type-needs, type-functions, therefore type-objects and type-furniture. The human-limb object is a docile servant. A good servant is discreet and self-effacing in order to leave his master free. Certainly, works of art are tools, beautiful tools. And long live the good taste manifested by choice, subtlety, proportion and harmony".

Related Topics:
1928 - L'Art Décoratif d'aujourd'hui

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The first results of the collaboration were three chrome-plated tubular steel chairs designed for two of his projects, The Maison La Roche house in Paris and a pavillion for Henry and Barbara Church.

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The line of furniture was expanded for Le Corbusier's 1929 Salon d'Automne installation Equipment for the Home.

Related Topics:
1929 - Salon d'Automne

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In 1964, while Le Corbusier was still alive, Cassina of Milan acquired the exclusive worldwide rights to manufacture his furniture designs. Today many counterfeit versions exist but Cassina is still the only manufacturer authorized by the Fondation Le Corbusier.

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