Further Research: Corbusier

 

Le Corbusier

Le Corbusier (October 6, 1887 – August 27, 1965) was a Swiss Architect and designer, 'whose designs combine the functionalism of the modern movement with a bold, sculptural expressionism.' (Le Corbusier | Swiss architect, 2021) 

Le Corbusier was one of the first to belong to the generation of the so-called  International School of  Architects. 'In his architecture he joined the functionalist aspirations of his generation with a strong sense of expressionism'  (Le Corbusier | Swiss architect, 2021) Corbusier did not only create Architecture and product design he was also an urban planner, great painter and writer.  He had designed his first house at age 20 and this spurred his ambition to become an architect.

This is why I have chosen to look at the seminal work of Le Corbusier in conjunction with my own product design.  I will begin by discussing some designs by Le Corbusier.  The first is this Escargot lamp created in 1954.

 Le Escargot Lamp by Le Corbusier 

This lamp has a 'body of the impressive lamp is made from aged cast brass, with a curved interior surface in anodised aluminium. The light source, hidden in the body, is reflected on the curved inner surface to give a widespread, diffused lighting'.(Avenue, 2021)

This work is interesting to me as I am creating a chair design, this lamp has elements that inspire me to consider the curve and ergonomic dimensions of the chair design and it gives the idea that I could create an in-built light so that it becomes the perfect reading chair for my small library at home.  The materials here are for lighting design with the anodised aluminium however considering my own chair design in relation to this I might consider using Oak or Maple as these woods are often used in high-end furniture and they should give the look and feel that I am after and offer a real integrity to the product.  For the cushioned seat I would use hard-wearing linen or cotton material and a backlit backrest and overhead lighting that could use daylight bulbs and in-built LED technology. 

This is a rough sketch of the idea

Looking further at Le Corbusier he created many chair designs - here are some examples:

'The “Le Corbusier” collection, as it has been called since the nineteen seventies, would never have seen the light of day without the programme created by Le Corbusier in April 1927. He used sketches to establish the positions of the human body that the seating designs had to reflect' (Cassina., 2021)  Le Corbusier was very interested in ergonomic design and wanted to create something that was not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also comfortable for everyday use.  

Le Corbusier used beautiful curves and sculptural design that uses light so that spaces are exquisite to work, play and rest in.  Le Corbusier understands the joy of comfort and light continually through his design.  I will continue to play with y own chair design and will look at in-depth the materials and then create a small prototype for feedback.

References

Encyclopedia Britannica. 2021. Le Corbusier | Swiss architect. [online] Available at: <https://www.britannica.com/biography/Le-Corbusier> [Accessed 18 November 2021].

Avenue, U., 2021. Escargot Lamp by Le Corbusier. [online] Urban Avenue. Available at: <https://urbanavenue.co.uk/products/le-corbusier-escargot-floor-lamp> [Accessed 18 November 2021].

Cassina. 2021. – LC Le Corbusier Collection: did you know that? - Gerosa Design. [online] Gerosadesign.com. Available at: <https://www.gerosadesign.com/de/design-cassina-lc-le-corbusier-collection.php> [Accessed 19 November 2021].

DESIGNFUNKTION, MÜNCHEN, GERMANY, D., 2015. Le Corbusier Reloaded: LC2 at designfunktion. [online] Architonic. Available at: <https://www.architonic.com/en/story/designfunktion-le-corbusier-reloaded-lc2-at-designfunktion/7001121> [Accessed 19 November 2021].

Fracalossi, I., 2021. AD Classics: Palace of the Assembly / Le Corbusier. [online] ArchDaily. Available at: <https://www.archdaily.com/155922/ad-classics-ad-classics-palace-of-the-assembly-le-corbusier> [Accessed 19 November 2021].