‘Towards a new Architecture’, written by renowned architect Le Corbusier, is an expression of the author of his idea of what architecture is really about. He wrote this book during the period when the Industrial Revolution was taking hold of the world. Thus his ideas about architecture are visibly influenced by the cold, calculated, and precise character of the machines that had only begun developing into prototypes of the hi-tech, multipurpose devices and automobiles we know today.
Corbusier refers to the Industrial Revolution as an epoch, and expresses the need for architects to understand the nature of their profession. He expressly compares the engineers with architects, stating that the progress occurring in the field of engineering far surpasses that of architects. According to Corbusier, the reason for this situation is the fact that architects are unable to pose the right questions – “plastic organisms are created in response to a well stated problem”. The invention of the steamship, the airplane and the automobile, are all reactions to the questions of individuals who knew what to ask, i.e. the underlying purpose. That, Corbusier believes is what differentiates the engineer and the architect.
In a way, Corbusier tries to redefine architecture. He uses references form the past to indicate how architects have simply become more and more afraid of the true beauty of architecture, and are all leaning towards the superficial beauty provided by decoration. “Decoration is the essential overplus, the quantum of the peasant.” He stresses on the importance of the use of geometric and algebraic principles and expresses disappointment in the fact that architects were in fear of using the same. His statement “Rhythm is an equation” shows his stress on the significance of mathematical equations in architecture.
“Architecture is the masterly, correct and magnificent play of masses brought together in light”. The primary masses – the cube, sphere, cuboid, cone, pyramid – he states, are the most beautiful forms, as these are the forms that light reveals to advantage. In addition, he stresses on the importance of the visible surface of these masses, and says that fenestrations in walls often destroy the form, and should thus be created as an accentuation of the form.
‘Villa Savoye’, one of Corbusier’s own projects depicts perfectly his use of the primary forms as the mass to create an impact with light and shade. It also depicts how he has managed to use windows and columned aisles to accentuate his form and mass.
One of the most impactful statements he makes is “The house is a machine to live in.” This statement shows his utilitarian approach towards architecture. This, I believe is an approach that is sorely needed in the modern day scenario. Decoration for the sake of decoration needs to be avoided. Beauty lies, not in the twenty small paintings on the wall, but in the one larger one that is focused on, that makes an impact on you.
Corbusier’s book seems like a beginner’s manual of architecture – one that breaks the stereotypes related to architectural styles, and past architectural epochs. One of these is his description of Rome. He criticizes the empire, saying that there was no architecture there – merely a clustered kingdom, with houses piled on top of each other, entirely function-based. Architecture, he believes, is that which surpasses the mere function of a space – “Architecture is the art above all others which achieves a state of platonic grandeur, mathematical order, speculation, the perception of harmony which lies in emotional relationships.”
Thus architecture is the stimulation of an emotional relationship in addition to the fulfillment of a need.
The core problem in the modern day scenario is the fact that since the need – the first requirement- is not fulfilled, the beauty of the emotional relationship is always lacking. Corbusier’s perception of architecture may or may not be to the liking of our minds, but the fact of the matter is that though his style of writing may seem arrogant, he puts across points that we need to realize in order to understand the true meaning of architecture. His practical solution being – state the problem correctly, and you will be able to figure out the solution.
“Man who is intelligent, cold and calm has grown wings for himself. Men – intelligent, cold and calm- are needed to build the house and to lay out the town.”
- Le Corbusier