House: Villa Savoye, 1931 Architect: Le Corbusier Style: Modernist Location: Poissy, on the outskirts of Paris, France
What makes Villa Savoye iconic?
A physical manifestation of Le Corbusier's manifesto on the Five Points of Architecture, the villa is an embodiment of ‘modern architecture' and is one of the most recognizable and renowned examples of the International style. Working in collaboration with his cousin, Pierre Jeanneret, construction began in 1928 and lasted three years. Because of the free reign the Savoyes gave Corbusier, this structure was the first and the last time that Le Corbusier was able to translate his ideas into concrete in such a complete manner. Many critics consider it to be the end of his design thinking process.
Le Corbusier's five points are summarised below:
- Pilotis: Support of ground-level pilotis, to elevate the building and allow the garden to continue beneath. 2. Flat roof terrace: A functional roof which served as a garden and terrace. 3. Free floor plan: Using a structural grid as opposed to load-bearing walls, allowed Corbusier to place walls freely. 4. Ribbon Windows: Long horizontal windows, instead of smaller framed windows. 5. Free Facade: The facades served only as a skin of the building.
Fascinating History
Villa Savoye was occupied twice during the Second World War: first by the Germans and then by the Americans, both occupations damaging the building severely. The Savoyes abandoned Villa Savoye after the war and ownership of the house was transferred to the town of Poissy in 1958.
Did You Know?
The villa functioned as a public youth center and was almost demolished to make way for a schoolhouse complex. Protest from the architectural community and Le Corbusier himself, managed to prevent the house from being demolished.
Legacy
In 1965 Villa Savoye became the first modernist building to be designated as a historical monument in France. It is open for public viewings and hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
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