Week 1 Readings

Le Corbusier takes the development of machinery and therefore architecture, to avoid the progress of revolution in society. He explores this idea through his article Architecture or Revolution. He begins with how man used to create and produce with his own talent and passion.

As society changes and becomes more demanding man is required to work harder and machinery is brought into the situation as aid. In order to maintain social ease and hold down revolution the demands must be met. The change in era – the style, the expectations, more must be developed, and man and machine work together to accomplish it.

In time the industry and its tools, the enterprise, construction, and more notably architecture has matured and diverged from its set ways, and man responds to this; being drawn into the new era that has provided exciting and innovative facades that relieve society from its possibility to become untamed.

I value Le Corbusier’s statement “the styles longer exist, the styles are outside of us; if they assail us, it is as parasites” as it embodies the encouragement of risk taking and being unique and true to your style. He aims to portray the idea that there used to be a set way of things, but we have evolved and we are now exploring our limits and beyond, as we should.

Readings:

“Architecture of Revolution” by Le Corbusier