Villa Savoye
Design and Construction
Villa Savoye, located in Poissy, France, is a modernist villa designed by Swiss architects Le Corbusier and his cousin, Pierre Jeanneret. Constructed between 1928 and 1931, the villa is a prime example of Le Corbusier's 'Five Points of Architecture' and is considered a significant contribution to modern architecture.
The design of Villa Savoye was based on Le Corbusier's principles, which were revolutionary for the time. These principles, known as the Five Points of Architecture, include pilotis (supporting columns), a free facade, an open floor plan, ribbon windows, and a roof garden. The villa was designed as a weekend home for the Savoye family and was built on a large plot of land, providing ample space for Le Corbusier to implement his architectural vision.
Architecture
The architecture of Villa Savoye is a clear demonstration of Le Corbusier's Five Points of Architecture. The house is elevated on pilotis, providing a separation from the ground and creating a sense of lightness. The facade is free and non-structural, allowing for flexibility in the design of the interior spaces. The floor plan is open and free from load-bearing walls, allowing for a fluid arrangement of spaces. The ribbon windows provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape and allow for natural light to flood the interior. The roof garden, a key feature of the villa, replaces the green area that the building occupies on the ground.
Interior
The interior of Villa Savoye is as innovative as its exterior. The main living area is located on the first floor (second floor in American terminology), following Le Corbusier's concept of the "domino" house. This concept involves the use of a grid of concrete slabs and columns, allowing for non-load-bearing walls and a flexible arrangement of spaces. The living area is open and spacious, with a free-flowing layout that allows for various activities. The ribbon windows that wrap around the building provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, creating a strong connection between the interior and exterior.
Legacy
Villa Savoye is widely considered a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture. It has been a source of inspiration for many architects and has greatly influenced the development of modern architecture. The villa was designated a French historical monument in 1965, and in 2016, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the "Architectural Work of Le Corbusier". Today, Villa Savoye is managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux and is open to the public for visits.