Villa Savoye
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Villa Savoye is a modernist villa designed by the architect Le Corbusier. Located in Poissy, on the outskirts of Paris, it is representative of Le Corbusier’s ‘five points’ of new architecture and is one of the most iconic examples of the International Style.
The Savoye family approached Corbusier about building a country home in early-1928. He agreed and set about the project as a demonstration of his theory that the home should be a ‘machine for living in’, with the functions of everyday life becoming critical to its design. The spatial planning was inspired by the designs of new automobiles and trans-Atlantic steamships, with spaces arranged to maximise efficiency and express a minimalistic aesthetic.
The building is currently a popular tourist attraction and, in July 2016, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
[edit] Design and construction
Corbusier's ‘Five Points’ were the basis for his new modernist ideas of aesthetics:
- Elevation of the building from the ground using the support of ground-level pilotis.
- Functional roof, reclaiming the land occupied by the building.
- Floor plan free of load-bearing walls, instead placing walls freely as desired aesthetically.
- Long horizontal windows.
- Freely-designed facades unconstrained by load-bearing considerations.
Point 1 gives the building the impression of floating above the ground. The ground floor has a curved form that is influenced by the movement of the cars, and is based on an orthogonal grid of concrete pillars spaced 4.75 m apart, with the main part of the villa above.
The free floor plan (point 3) enables occupants to meander between spaces, with a series of ramps moving from the lower level up to the rooftop garden.
It was built using reinforced concrete, with plastered walls and iron handrails. Corbusier used horizontal ribbon windows similar to his earlier villas. However, he chose to use timber windows as opposed to the more common metal ones. This was because the set-back position of the glass in the timber frame gave the impression of the façade being a series of parallel planes.
The basic house was constructed within a year, although it was not until 1931 that it was fit for habitation.
[edit] Post-completion
The house was inhabited by the Savoye family for a short period after it was completed. However, it was abandoned after the German invasion of France in 1940 during which time it incurred considerable damage.
In 1958, it became the property of the French state and was initially scheduled for demolition. After much outcry however, including from Le Corbusier himself, it was designated an official French historical monument in 1965, the only building of the architect’s to be recognised as such during his lifetime.
The architect Jean Debuisson began a renovation attempt in 1963, although it wasn’t until 1985 that thorough works began, which were completed in 1997. The works included structural and surface repairs to the facades and terraces, installation of lighting and security features, and reinstatement of some original fixtures and fittings.
As one of the most significant contributions to modern architecture in the 20th century, Villa Savoye is now a museum, receiving thousands of visitors each year.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- 2 Willow Road.
- Art Deco.
- Building of the week series.
- Casa Mila.
- Cite Radieuse.
- Concept architectural design.
- Constructivist architecture.
- Eiffel Tower.
- Fallingwater.
- Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao.
- Le Corbusier.
- Notre Dame du Haut.
- Pilotis.
- The Louvre.
- Vernacular architecture.
[edit] External resources
- Villa Savoye - Official site
- ArchDaily - Villa Savoye
Featured articles and news
A transformative shift in the design, construction and management of built assets.
Apprenticeship announcement by the Prime Minister
Welcomed but with call for more actionable detail.
Heat pump announcements, what homeowners need to know
An 'ultimate guide to heat pumps' from a heating company.
Construction contract awards reach 7.1bn in February
Their highest level in seven months.
The journey to sustainability in heritage
Research is the key to better understanding.
Heritage approaches to adaptation, mitigation and loss.
Bridging the gap between policy, finance and installation.
Development on brownfield land
Definition, background, policy and the latest consultation.
With the Design Framework for Building Services.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, measures and the roles involved.
ECA joins HSE campaign to support mental health
Working Minds’ five simple steps based on risk assessment.
Mental health in the construction industry
Mental health issues in brief with related articles.
Transitional arrangements, Building Control and the BSR.
For pre-October buildings with substantial progress by April.
Why quality counts in domestic ventilation systems
From products, to systems to the installation.
Empowering the Future with CIOB Academy
Lifelong learning, upscaling, and reskilling for the built environment.