[Bbanggubneun Tajagi] Architecture Penetrating into Human Life

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Every autumn in Paris, France, a world-renowned art exhibition called 'Salon d'Automne' is held. It began in 1903 and boasts a history of over 100 years.

In 1922, a city planning proposal titled 'Modern City' was submitted to the Salon d'Automne. It was a massive and innovative plan capable of housing 3 million people. The protagonist who submitted this revolutionary plan, which first introduced the concept of modern apartments, was the Swiss-born architect Le Corbusier (1887?1965), who was active in Paris at the time.

Le Corbusier called his city planning proposal 'Maison Citrohan.' Citrohan is a modified name of the French automobile manufacturer Citro?n. Le Corbusier believed that houses should be like automobiles.

He believed that houses should be as convenient and efficient as cars. Above all, he thought they should be standardized and regulated to build more houses at a lower cost. Le Corbusier called houses 'machines for living.' At that time, many refugees had lost their homes due to World War I.

Le Corbusier is called 'the innovator who had the greatest influence on modern architecture and cities.' He built 75 buildings in 12 countries throughout his life, including France's 'Ronchamp Chapel (1954)' and 'La Tourette Monastery (1961).' His main profession was architect, but he was also an artist, sculptor, and writer as a secondary role.

He left behind over 400 paintings, more than 8,000 drawings, and 44 sculptures. He published 34 books. He painted in the morning, built buildings during the day, and wrote at night. Therefore, he is also regarded as 'an artist with astonishing talent comparable to Michelangelo.'

Le Corbusier married in 1930 but did not have children. He had many things he wanted and needed to do, so he could not afford to spend time taking care of children. He worked 20 hours a day.

The book 'Le Corbusier,' published by Arte, follows the life of Le Corbusier, who sought to change life through architecture. The author, Professor Shin Seung-chul of the Department of Plastic Arts and Design at Gangneung-Wonju National University, begins his journey by visiting Le Corbusier's grave in a rural village on the southeastern coast of France. Le Corbusier designed his own tomb after sending his wife ahead. Professor Shin expected to see facets of life and art in the last traces of the great architect.

Contrary to expectations, Le Corbusier's grave was modestly located in a communal cemetery. However, it was practical. Le Corbusier loved the Mediterranean so much that he called himself a true Mediterranean person. He died while swimming in the Mediterranean. The grave is situated in a place overlooking the Mediterranean under the sunlight.

After visiting Le Corbusier's grave, Professor Shin's steps head to his hometown, the mountainous village of La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland. Le Corbusier's father was a watch decorator, and his mother was a piano teacher. Showing talent in art from childhood, Le Corbusier initially wanted to become a watch decorator like his father. However, following the advice of his mentor Charles L'Eplattenier, whom he met at art school, he changed his career path to architecture. At 17, he designed his first house, 'Villa Fallet,' in his hometown.

Le Corbusier used the money earned from building Villa Fallet to travel through various cities in Switzerland and Italy starting in September 1907. His travels continued to Austria, France, and Germany, and in the spring of 1911, he embarked on an eastern journey from Dresden, Germany, passing through the Balkans, Asia Minor, Greece, and Italy before returning home. He later settled in Paris.

Professor Shin faithfully follows Le Corbusier's journey and traces the artistic spirit he pursued. As seen in the Maison Citrohan, he strove to provide homes to more people. By eliminating unnecessary decorations and presenting functional and efficient spaces, he enabled mass production and standardization in architecture.

Some critics argue that Le Corbusier's pursuit of standardized architecture caused monotonous living spaces and inhumane urban environments, leading to human alienation. However, Professor Shin points out that such criticism is unfair. Le Corbusier was an architect who, more than anyone else, sought to guarantee human happiness and inspire through architecture. Therefore, he pursued standardization of housing to provide homes to as many people as possible and hoped for a life of coexistence, Professor Shin emphasizes.

(Le Corbusier / written by Shin Seung-chul / Arte)