Villa Savoye - Analysis

Le Corbusier – Villa Savoye
1929

Le Corbusier describes architecture as a machine for living. This idea can be seen to be reflected in the Villa Savoye. Designed as a residential building for the wealthy Savoye family as a holiday house, the building represents the ideas of early modernism and the ’international style’ (known for the use of columns, ramps, strip windows, a flat roof and floating boxes). The Villa Savoye is a clear example of Le Corbusier’s idea of the Five Points of Architecture:

1. Ribbon window - Long slender horizontal windows along facades to provide light and ventilation.

2. Pilots - Use of supporting columns on the ground level to create a ‘floating’ level above.

3. Free façade - A thin ‘skin’ like wall consisting of windows and doors without any structural constraints.

4. Free Plan - Created through the elimination of load bearing walls.

5. Flat roof terrace - the creation of a domain for domestic use as well as a garden area.

The Villa is located in an opening surrounded by a cluster of trees, and was designed to cause as little disturbance to it’s surroundings as possible. Le Corbusier believed the approach and initial experience to the building was important, he used this idea to create a sense of wonderment when upon arrival. The building was designed to approached by vehicle, this reflects the development in industrial revolution and uprise of the motorcar and Le Corbusier‘s acceptance of contemporary ideas. The building was listed as a historic monument in 1965 and was restored after the WWII between the years of 1985-1997.