Le Corbusier

CHARLES-EDOUARD JEANNERET dit "LE CORBUSIER" (1887-1965)

Le Corbusier was a Swiss born-French architect, designer, city planner, writer and also a painter. Corbusier was trained as an engraver and goldsmith in addition to his extensive studies in architecture. In 1919, Le Corbusier founded the journal 'L'esprit Nouveau' (the New Spirit) where he formulated his ideas of modern architecture based on elemental geometric forms. Le Corbusier placed systems of harmony and proportion at the centre of his design philosophy. He began experimenting with furniture design in 1928 after inviting the architect, Charlotte Perriand, to join his studio. The first results of the collaboration were three chrome-plated tubular steel chairs designed for two of his projects, The Maison la Roche in Paris and a pavilion for Barbara and Henry Church. The line of furniture was expanded for Le Corbusier's 1929 Salon d'Automne installation, 'Equipment for the Home'. In 1943 Le Corbusier developed 'Le Modulor', a system of proportion based on the male figure and the Golden Ratio, used to determine the proportions of units in architecture and technology. It is also the basis of Le Corbusier's work in furniture design. In 1964, while Le Corbusier was still alive, Cassina S.p.A. of Milan acquired the exclusive worldwide rights to manufacture his furniture designs. Today many copies exist, but Cassina is still the only manufacturer authorized by the Fondation Le Corbusier.