Discussion Assignment Unit 2
Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye is an example of a building made after 1900. It is considered to be
"the epitome of 20th-century modern architecture" (Art in context, 2022). A brief history of the
designer, Le Corbusier; he was born on October 6th, 1887, and grew up to be known as the father
of modern architecture. It was designed to have a rooftop garden, walls for aesthetic purposes.
and lots more. The design itself was minimalistic, unique, and beautiful.
Why do you think the architect(s) chose to copy the classical style?
Architecture has a functional purpose and it has always been about the needs and desires of the
designer and their target user. I would say the designer decided to copy the classical style
because of how proportioned and symmetric the buildings were. They were built with class and
each building had significant importance. Certain buildings were built in a classical style and
others were not.
What kind of messages does that style convey?
"One of Le Corbusier's most famous sayings is that "the house is a machine for living", and
from the moment you initially lay your sight on the house, it is clear that this statement of his
was the inspiration for the house" (Art in context, 2022). It conveys spontaneity, warmth, and
comfort with its details. The interior of the house spoke of great sophistication and class.
How is the building's function (use) suited to the classical style?
The Villa Sovaye was designed and built by Le Corbusier and his idea of the type form is
embodied in its core geometric volumes, and the building's careful study of procession and
proportion links it to classical principles and style (Simon, n.d). Le Corbusier's attempt to convey
a timeless classicism through the language of architectural modernity may be seen in The Villa
Savoye, which embodies his re-conception of the very nature of the building
Reference
Art in context (2022, August 12). Villa Savoye -- Visiting Le Corbusier 's Famous Villa. Retrieved
from https://artincontext.org/villa-savoye/
Simon, M. (n.d). Modern and contemporary art: Le Corbusier, Villa Savoye. Retrieved from
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/later-europe-and-
americas/modernity-ap/a/corbusier-savoy