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03/25/20
Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier
Designed by the Swiss architect Le Corbusier, Villa Savoye in Poissy (France) means the starting point of Modern Architecture.
Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye is not any design house, it is THE house where the architect implemented for the first time his concept of “New Architecture”. Over the years, Villa Savoye became a world icon and a pilgrimage site for any architect or architecture lover.
Villa Savoye is located in the small town of Poissy, 24 km west of Paris. Its easy access from the French capital makes Villa Savoye in Poissy a great side-trip to see the best of architecture.
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What is Modern Architecture?
Modern Architecture dates back to the beginning of the 20th century and it is based on an emphasis on form rather than ornament; structure and materials rather than picturesque constructions; and the rational and efficient use of space.
Modern Architecture was possible because new building materials and technologies became available and architects started experimenting with them, trying to break away from historical architectural styles and to invent something that was purely functional and new.
At first, there was a considerable difference in style between the earliest works of Modern Architecture, which was not surprising considering the architects’ wish to break completely from the “conventional” buildings of that time. However, these first works were all based on the epigram “Form should follow function” and undecorated, minimalist surfaces abounded.
Modern Architecture was led by Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe and Alvar Aalto in Europe whilst Frank Lloyd Wright introduced the modern style in America.
Our favorite Le Corbusier books
Le Corbusier via Flickr CC @Alan Wylde
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Villa Savoye Concept: “The Machine to Live”
Villa Savoye was designed by the Swiss architect Le Corbusier as the weekend home for the Savoye family. The Savoyes were a couple of bankers who gave the architect total freedom to express himself.
Named “Les Heures Claires” and built between 1928 and 1931, this villa closes the cycle of creation of the white or purist houses of Le Corbusier. With this “box in the air” (the house’s nickname given by its creator), Le Corbusier broke with traditional architecture and settled the five points of Modern Architecture.
The architect wrote about Villa Savoye:
The house will rest on the grass as an object without disturbing anything because it is raised above a meadow. It overturns the traditional codes of the architecture of a classic country house and redefines all the architectural criteria of living spaces according to their function, their relationship of forms, light, and landscape
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Villa Savoye Architecture: The 5 Points of Modern Architecture
Formulated in 1926, Le Corbusier’s Five Points of a New Architecture meant the beginning of the Modern Architecture in the 20th century and dictated a new approach to the design of domestic architecture. The freedom of this new design vocabulary allowed huge amounts of light, air, and space while creating uninterrupted openings in building facades and liberating the interior from the post and beam reinforced concrete structures within.
Le Corbusier’s Five Points for a New Architecture are as follows:
1- THE USE OF PILOTIS (STILTS)
Le Corbusier replaced the supporting walls by a grid of reinforced concrete load-bearing columns, called pilotis, offering increased open space creating a “box in the air”.
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2- FREE, OPEN PLAN
Thanks to reinforced concrete and stilts, there is no need for bearing walls and Le Corbusier lets the interior of the villa open and free in its usage. The natural flow of space was a key characteristic of Modern Architecture.
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3- FREE DESIGN OF THE FACADE
Free of the load-bearing structure, the exterior of the villa loses its structural function and the architect has more freedom to design the facades.
4- HORIZONTAL WINDOWS
Thanks to non-load bearing facades, the architect can design long horizontal windows. In Villa Savoye all rooms are lit equally and there is a selective view of the surrounding environment.
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5- ROOF-GARDEN
The flat roof becomes a usable terrace where plants can be planted. In this way, Le Corbusier could bring nature into the home and it also allowed for increased views over the site.
via Flickr CC @End User
Another concept applied by Le Corbusier to this house was the “architectural walk” (the use of a wide ramp connecting the different floors instead of a narrow and vertical staircase) proposing the passageway from floor to floor as THE architectonic space for the 20th century and making intangible the boundary between indoors and outdoors.
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Villa Savoye Interior Design
Le Corbusier is also known as a furniture designer. In Villa Savoye’s living room visitors can see the iconic MLF armchair and the chaise longue, two of Le Corbusier’s most famous designs. The idea of “chaise longue” also appears at the edge of the bath in the parents’ bathroom.
Le Corbusier Villa Savoye – Practical Info
Villa Savoye, Le Corbusier, is located in the town of Poissy in Yvelines department. To go to Villa Savoye from Paris, take RER A at Charles de Gaulle-Etoile or Châtelet to Poissy Station. Out of the station, on the right, take bus #50 direction La Coudraie. The bus stop is called Villa Savoye (or just ask the driver to tell you when to stop). The exact address is Villa Savoye 82 rue de Villiers, 78300 Poissy.
Villa Savoye is open every day except on Monday, from 10 am to 5 pm. The entrance ticket is 8€. The entrance is free for UE citizens between 18-25 years. Also, it is possible to visit Villa Savoye for free during special occasions, like Les Journées du Patrimoine (usually on the second or third weekend of September).
Click here for more side-trips from Paris
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cathy
03/16/2017 at 2:47 amRooftop garden is truly epic! Seems so cool! I love gardening on the main ground but roof garden seems like a great idea! 🙂
Ashwini KA
03/15/2017 at 5:20 amWow! Wonderfully explained! Very clear even for an architecture noob like me! And yeah, the place looks so amazing and appealing 🙂
WorldInParis
03/16/2017 at 8:11 pmThank YOU! 🙂
Hannah
03/14/2017 at 9:14 pmI live for modern architecture, so it brightest my heart to read this article!
WorldInParis
03/15/2017 at 9:39 amCool to know that, more coming in the near future . . . thanks for your beautiful comment! 🙂
WorldInParis
03/16/2017 at 8:11 pmCool to read that! More modern architecture coming in the future . . .
Carol Colborn
03/14/2017 at 8:15 pmI learned something new today, thanks to you! Five points of modern architecture!
WorldInParis
03/16/2017 at 8:12 pmA pleasure 🙂
neha
03/14/2017 at 6:04 pmIt is so unique. Minimalist and modern. I love this modern architecture. And I would love to spend some time here experiencing it when I go to Paris. And why not, I can see the ingenious work of Le Corbusier in the design of the city of Chandigarh in India
WorldInParis
03/16/2017 at 10:27 pmI know Chanddigarh only from the books but I would be curious to see it by myself me too!
sophie
03/14/2017 at 2:35 pmArchitecture at its best. The world has so much in it. this certainly is the best by far. Le Corbusier is the legend. he has some of the best creations gifted to this world.
WorldInParis
03/16/2017 at 10:27 pmAgree 100% with you sophie. There are other LC’s works in Paris, maybe I will write a post about it some day
Pete
03/14/2017 at 11:34 amA beautiful building. Would you believe, there is a copy of it – in black – here in Canberra near the National Museum of Australia.
WorldInParis
03/16/2017 at 10:28 pmReally? :-O Need to check this on google, so curious now!
MICHAEL SORIANO
03/14/2017 at 5:54 amGreat architecture!
Indrani
03/14/2017 at 4:50 amAn architect called Le Corbusier had designed and planned the city of Chandigarh in India. I wonder if this person is the same.
Indeed impressive designs.
WorldInParis
03/14/2017 at 8:53 amIndrani, YES! We are talking about the same guy . . . 😉
Aldrick Agpaoa
03/14/2017 at 4:27 amWow! This is a piece of art in itself! The minimalist approach to everything just makes it what it is! It is very light and pleasing to the eye! I would want to have a sip of coffee there someday. 🙂
WorldInParis
03/16/2017 at 10:29 pmLol! Bring your coffee thermos then, there is no coffee shop in Villa Savoye. The bookshop on the ground floor is very interesting though
Nisha
03/14/2017 at 3:17 amConsidering that Villa Savoye was completed in 1931 it looks very modern compared to the buildings of that time. We in India remember him for designing the city of Chandigarh. in the nineteen fifties.
WorldInParis
03/14/2017 at 9:06 amI think good architecture will always be evergreen architecture. I know about Chandigarh but I have never been there.
Brian - EatWorkTravel
03/14/2017 at 2:21 amNot sure that I like the stilts concept but I love the rooftop garden! Amazing outdoor spaces always elevate a good building to great.
Marge
03/14/2017 at 12:31 amI love that the architectural designs are modern, but the minimalism gives an old feel to it. I would love to check out Villa Savoye for myself someday. I definitely want to check the nook and cranny of this place.
WorldInParis
03/16/2017 at 10:31 pmWell Villa Savoye has some years already and probably my photo filters help to that old feel you talk about 😉
Andi
03/13/2017 at 7:59 pmModern architecture isn’t really bad at all. As long as they are pleasing to the eyes, it is all good. I just noticed that before the 20th century where gothic designs and detailed architecture encompasses a more medieval or historic approach. But now, more of minimalist and geometric approach. plain and simple.
April
03/13/2017 at 1:56 pmMy son is an architect and we have some trips to see Frank Lloyd Wrights houses nwar us. Thanks for the great article and beautiful pics. I now know where to visit great architecture in Paris.
WorldInParis
03/16/2017 at 10:32 pmOh, for sure your son would love Villa Savoye! 🙂
Megan Jerrard
03/13/2017 at 2:08 amI had no idea about the concepts behind modern architecture, so I’ve learned something new today! Many things actually! I’ve always been a massive fan of the roof garden, and I love how the villa sits above the land without disturbing anything. How fascinating to check out!
WorldInParis
03/16/2017 at 10:33 pmSo glad you liked the post Megan! Actually double glad if you learned something new thanks to me. Thanks for your beautiful comment! 🙂
Barb
03/12/2017 at 11:05 pmWow, i love modern architecture. This place looks beautiful. I will make sure to visit it next time i m in Paris
Angela @ Dang Travelers
03/12/2017 at 1:53 amVery cool and unique find! I would love to visit at some point. The design is so sleek and modern.. love it!
Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie
03/11/2017 at 9:51 pmI love the bathroom and the outdoor space on the other side of the ramp! What a great artistic find so close to Paris and a good reminder to think outside of the museum walls and find art in the world around us.
WorldInParis
03/11/2017 at 10:15 pmGlad that you liked it. And yes, that bathroom is great with the chaise longue being part of the bath. Designed to be opened without any separation from the parents’ bedroom, there is a curtain today
danik
03/11/2017 at 7:12 pmWow. This place looks so unusual but would love to visit it. Never heard of it but if I got time in July on my next visit to the French capital, I try and make time for it.
WorldInParis
03/11/2017 at 9:48 pmwell, if you love architecture, this house would be nice to have it on your wish list 😉
Travellingdany
03/11/2017 at 7:00 pmWow I didn’t know about Villa Savoye and yet it’s so beautiful that I’ve added it to my bucket list! Your photos are awesome!
WorldInParis
03/11/2017 at 9:48 pmThank you Dany! 🙂
Jo
03/11/2017 at 10:41 amWhat a stunning house! So great to be able to look round the place, thanks for sharing.
sher
07/06/2016 at 7:13 pmso modern! i’ve heard of le corbusier but never seen any of his projects yet. will have to hop back to paris to check it out 🙂
Sher
Paul
06/21/2016 at 12:03 pmReally can’t believe the date this house was built! Such an amazing design and definitely a dream holiday home!
WorldInParis
06/26/2016 at 9:28 pmThanks Paul! I guess you also love the bathroom . . 😉
WorldInParis
06/20/2016 at 11:51 amI can read all of you loved that bathroom, hahahah!
Anne Klien ( MeAnne)
06/20/2016 at 9:00 amI love modern architecture as well as old, but the sleek design of the bathroom caught my eyes.
Carmen's Luxury Travel
06/20/2016 at 4:04 amI love modern architecture so this is definitely up my alley! Great photos and post, thanks for sharing. Happy travels 🙂
Nicole | Wee Gypsy Girl
06/20/2016 at 2:52 amOooh, love that bathroom!
Karla Strand
06/19/2016 at 11:03 pmI know nothing about architecture but it reminds me of Frank Lloyd Wright! Very cool!
christine leger
06/19/2016 at 9:29 pmI always love a good independent thinker. Unique houses are always the best
Evan Kristine
06/19/2016 at 12:03 pmOh wow! Very impressive, I can’t believe this was built in the 20’s – the design is so millenium!
WorldInParis
06/19/2016 at 7:18 pmYeah, I could perfectly live in this house right now! 😉
Jenn
06/19/2016 at 12:12 amWow! What beautiful, clean lines inside and out! I’m no architecture expert but even I can tell this is a special place. Thanks for posting!
WorldInParis
06/19/2016 at 7:20 pmJenn, this is an icon of Modern Architecture. Any architect dreams of visiting it one day! 😉
Rodrigo
06/18/2016 at 10:58 pmSo unusual. Indeed a must see for any architecture enthusiast.