Plans and Photographs

Plan Sets

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[3]

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Exterior Photos and Commentary 

(Including Notes on Construction and General Structure)

A Humble Facade

[1] What I want to note about what these two photos show is the simplicity in the outer decor of the building. Through the structure itself demonstrates geometric complexity, the walls themselves (made out of red brick, and actually not the main source of structural support) are plain. The second picture shows the side of the home with a large blank space, which has been highly questioned and criticized over the course of its lifespan. 

Geometrical Representation

[1] One thing that is most evident from outside observation is the collision of rectangular and cylindrical shapes throughout the structure. Though from some angles these shapes don't appear to have order or pattern, that is not the case. Looking at the plan sets above, Le Corbusier's attention to mathematical geometry and balance is blatant. 

Notes on Structure / Construction

One of Le Corbusier's main beliefs was that of the interaction and the engineer and the architect; he argued that they should be one in the same, which highly influenced his designs. La Villa Schwob was constructed fairly early on in Le Corbusier's career, and this commission allowed him the opportunity to explore space and take advantage of new construction technologies like reinforced concrete. [3]. Shown below is his Dom-Ino design, which involves sparse columns and wide slabs of reinforced concrete. Without walls necessary to the structural stability, this design allows spaces to be more open than they could have been before. La Villa Schwob is built using this concept, with the entire house carried on four interior columns. 

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Interior Image and Commentary

[3] From the interior, the most striking feature is the space and feeling that the two-story window creates, coupled with the open entertaining area it provides light for. Le Corbusier was particularly innovative here, using heating ducts between the panes of the windows to allow heat retainment in an extremely cold environment--something unique to the area. Additionally, this photo of the interior demonstrates how the geometrical themes of the interaction of squares and circles shows itself in the chairs, the chandelier, and the wall indentations.