The spelling of "Le Corbusier" can be a bit tricky for English speakers as it contains French sounds and spelling conventions. "Le" is pronounced /lə/, with a silent "e" at the end. "Corbusier" is pronounced /kɔʁ.by.sje/. The "r" sound is pronounced in the back of the throat, while the "u" sound is pronounced like the vowel sound in "boot". The final "ier" is pronounced like "ee-ay" and is often mistaken for "ee-er" by English speakers.
Le Corbusier is a renowned French architect and designer, whose birth name was Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris. He is known for his influential contributions to modern architecture and urban planning during the 20th century. Le Corbusier was born in 1887 in Switzerland and later moved to France, where he became a French citizen.
His architectural designs were characterized by simple geometric forms, open floor plans, and the use of industrial materials such as concrete and steel. Le Corbusier believed in providing functional spaces that catered to the needs of the inhabitants while promoting efficiency and simplicity. He advocated for the use of efficient design principles, such as the "Five Points of Architecture," which emphasized pilotis (columns), free façade, open floor plan, horizontal ribbon windows, and rooftop gardens known as "le toit-jardin."
In addition to his architectural work, Le Corbusier was an urban planner, painter, sculptor, and writer. He published influential books, including "Towards a New Architecture," which outlined his architectural principles and views. He also played a significant role in the development of the International Style, which focused on standardization, functionalism, and the use of new materials.
Le Corbusier's work has had a lasting impact on the field of architecture and continues to inspire contemporary architects and designers. His designs can be found worldwide, including famous buildings such as Villa Savoye, Unité d'Habitation, Chandigarh Capitol Complex, and the Philips Pavilion. His innovative approach to architecture transformed the way we perceive and experience the built environment.
The word "Le Corbusier" is not of etymological origin, but rather a pseudonym adopted by the renowned architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris. Born on October 6, 1887, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Jeanneret later adopted the professional name "Le Corbusier" when he began his career as an architect. The exact origin and meaning of the name "Le Corbusier" remain a subject of debate and speculation.
One theory suggests that "Le Corbusier" may have been inspired by the name of his maternal grandfather, Lecorbésier. Another speculation is that the name is a combination of the Swiss term "le corbeau" (meaning "the crow") coupled with a Gallicized version of Jeanneret's family name.