UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement

In the world of architecture, only a few names are as influential as Le Corbusier’s. His work across the globe is progressive, and impactful, and shapes ways of life not just buildings. born in 1887, in Switzerland Le Corbusier showed an inclination towards architecture and urban planning in formative years. His interest pushed him to travel across Europe where he met masters along his way who left a mark on his philosophy. 

Le Corbusier challenged old ornamental excesses from the past and embraced principles of functionality. At the core of his design ethos, he outlined five points. From his book ‘Vers une Architecture’ (towards an Architecture). These principles were – 

1. pilotis (supports), 
2. roof gardens, 
3. free facade, 
4. open floor plan, and 
5. horizontal windows. 

Outstanding Universal Value

The Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) is a term used by UNESCO to describe cultural and natural sites that are so exceptional that they are of global significance and importance to all of humanity. These remarkable places on Earth transcend national boundaries and are worthy of permanent protection. [3] As per UNESCO’s Criteria for Selection, these 17 sites were selected under the following criteria – Criterion (i), (ii), and (vi)

Criterion (i)

to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;

Criterion (ii)

to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;

Criterion (vi)

to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria). [2]

According to UNESCO, this is how Le Corbusier’s 17 sites fit in Criterion (i), (ii), and (vi)

Criterion (i): The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier represents a masterpiece of human creative genius, providing an outstanding response to certain fundamental architectural and social challenges of the 20th century.

Criterion (ii): The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier exhibits an unprecedented interchange of human values, on a worldwide scale over half a century, in relation to the birth and development of the Modern Movement.

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier revolutionised architecture by demonstrating, in an exceptional and pioneering manner, the invention of a new architectural language that made a break with the past.

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier marks the birth of three major trends in modern architecture: Purism, Brutalism and sculptural architecture.

The global influence reached by The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier on four continents is a new phenomenon in the history of architecture and demonstrates its unprecedented impact.

Criterion (vi): The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier is directly and materially associated with ideas of the Modern Movement, of which the theories and works possessed outstanding universal significance in the twentieth century. The series represents a “New Spirit” that reflects a synthesis of architecture, painting and sculpture.

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier materialises the ideas of Le Corbusier that were powerfully relayed by the International Congress of Modern Architecture (CIAM) from 1928.

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier is an outstanding reflection of the attempts of the Modern Movement to invent a new architectural language, to modernise architectural techniques, and to respond to the social and human needs of modern man.

The contribution made by the Architectural Work of Le Corbusier is not merely the result of an exemplary achievement at a given moment, but the outstanding sum of built and written proposals steadfastly disseminated worldwide through half a century. [1]

17 sites spread across seven countries stand out most from his huge body of works. These were built over 50 years and were described as ‘patient research’ in the words of Le Corbusier himself. The Complexe du Capitole in Chandigarh (India), the National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo (Japan), the House of Dr. Curutchet in La Plata (Argentina), and the Unité d’habitation in Marseille (France); especially reflect the solution that Modern Movement sought to apply. [1]

Following is the list of sites, that UNESCO recognized for their innovative contribution to the Modern Movement –

1. Complexe du Capitole – Chandigarh, India
2. The National Museum of Western Art – Tokyo, Japan
3. House of Dr. Curutchet – La Plata, Argentina
4. Unité d’Habitation – Marseille, France
5. Cité Frugès – Pessac, France
6. Villa Savoye and its gardener’s house – Poissy, France
7. Maison La Roche and Maison Jeanneret – Paris, France
8. Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Haut – Ronchamp, France
9. Maisons de la Weissenhof-Siedlung – Stuttgart, Germany
10. Villa Le Lac – Corseaux, Switzerland
11. Immeuble Clarté – Geneva, Switzerland
12. Petit Maison – Corseaux, Switzerland
13. Couvent Sainte-Marie de La Tourette – Éveux, France
14. Maison Guiette – Antwerp, Belgium
15. Maisons de la Weissenhof-Siedlung – Stuttgart, Germany
16. Unité d’Habitation – Berlin, Germany
17. Capitol Complex – Chandigarh, India

Villa Savoye, situated outside Paris, is the most notable site out of 17. Its clean lines, geometric forms, and emphasis on functionality make it a modernist masterpiece. 

Another notable site of his legacy is Unité d’habitation in Marseille, France. A pioneering experiment in communal living. This residential complex combines housing, amenities, and green space vertically, maximising density without sacrificing the quality of life or space. This was also known as a ‘vertical garden city’. Though criticised by many, its modular designs and thoughtful integration of communal areas set a new standard for urban living. 

Le Corbusier’s work extended to urban planning as well, his theories have laid the groundwork for the next generation of architects.

The impact of his body of work is loud even today, with a new generation of architects still drawing inspiration from his body of work and principles. His five principles shaped and impacted the built environment greatly. And his legacy educates us on how visionary thinking can transform the world around us. As we move ahead, and face complex problems of urbanisation and managing sustainability his legacy serves as an example for us.

Citations:

1. Centre, U.W.H. (2016). The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement. [online] UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1321/.
2. UNESCO (2019). The criteria for selection. [online] UNESCO. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/criteria/.
3. WorldRemit. (n.d.). What is a World Heritage Site? [online] Available at: https://www.worldremit.com/en/blog/life-abroad/what-is-a-world-heritage-site.
4. Le Corbusier – World Heritage. (n.d.). Le Corbusier – World Heritage. [online] Available at: https://lecorbusier-worldheritage.org/en/.

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