What is French Style to you?

George · Dec 27, 2010

artoftime;3943837 said:
Originally Posted by George

Click to expand...

Firstly, Le Corbusier wasn't the first architect to advocate the removal of ostentation. Loos did it before him and there were others before Loos. I never stated he was the first - far from it - the secessionists, shakers, etc. were aeons before him. The rest can obviously be debated round and round...not necessarily my desire to do so, just came to the defense of a pivotal figure of modernism. You may not like ostentation/decoration, but unfortunately, a great many do. A great many fools are attracted to decoration on anything they can get their hands on. It can serve as a great deviator of functionality in purposeful design. I happen to adore any design or architectural period if it is done well, be it Victorian Beaux Arts, or Minimalism. I gravitate toward the dialogue between and find that's where a harmony exists. Architecture is not like a picture on a an art gallery wall, that can be taken down if it offends, it can be there for decades, blighting the lives of those who live amongst it. This is a good point, and a specific duty of Architecture where civic functionality or duty is mostly overlooked. Corbusier the Civic totalitarian planner? clearly, no. The Architect, Artist, Designer? Absolutely. Much of his ideology of living systems and the home as a machine, are amazing visions of the functional domesticity we enjoy today. Let us feast ourselves once more on this vision:

There is something, cold, stark, and most importantly, in-humane about Le Corbs [architectural] work and his post WWII legacy has been largely destructive. I'd like to come back to some of your other point~~, another time, time permitting because they are interesting in the context of SF.~~

in stitches · Dec 27, 2010

here is the prime minister and hit smokin hot wife

Southlondongent · Dec 27, 2010

Originally Posted by George

If ever you are in London check out Sir John Soane's Museum. A master in the use of light. Also, take a ride out to see the Art Museum at Dulwich he designed which has formed the basis of Art Gallery design ever since.

The Villa Savoie is interesting in that it was a failure functionality, the roof leaked, due to it being flat. So, as we see Le Corb. wasn't immune to letting form, triumph over function.

The house was for all intents and purposes practically uninhabitable. He was about to be sued by the owner but the outbreak of the second world war saved him from this IIRC.

+1 on Dulwich Picture Gallery. The area also has some outstanding examples of Deco/Modernist architecture such as Six Pillars in Sydenham.

Unfortunately IMHO LC & Modern(ist) architecture in general receive undue criticism due to the more brutalist aspects of the style & the fact that post-war town planners used l'Unite d Habitation as a template for failed housing estates.

Partly as a result, particularly in the UK , Modern design is associated by many with socal housing. Fortunately this perception is changing particularly amongst discerning younger people.

George · Dec 27, 2010

Originally Posted by NOBD

I definitely need to visit your country and I always visit museums in the places I go to; I'll put these on the list. Leaking roof, stupid owners... details. I think it's a brilliant house. I'd love a house like that; I'd like a modern kitchen and bathroom, but other than that, it would be perfect. If ever you are in (near) Paris again...
Well, remember in Le Corbs vision 'a house is machine for living in'. Ain't much of a machine if it don't work.

I've seen the house as well as his collaborative work in Marseilles; Unite d'Habitation and also some other stuff too. It needs to be said that he didn't design any buildings in Britain but his influence was huge, especially after WWII. He still seems something of saint in Architectural schools which worries me a little.

NOBD · Dec 27, 2010

Originally Posted by George

Well, remember in Le Corbs vision 'a house is machine for living in'. Ain't much of a machine if it don't work.

Hehe. I'm sure there are Aston Martins that leak or rust...

Originally Posted by George

I've seen the house as well as his collaborative work in Marseilles; Unite d'Habitation and also some other stuff too.

It needs to be said that he didn't design any buildings in Britain but his influence was huge, especially after WWII.

He still seems something of saint in Architectural schools which worries me a little.

Okay, then you were obviously not "caught" the way I was. Like I said: it gave me a feeling of freedom, so I didn't find it cold, stark or in-humane at all, au contraire. But I tend to like sober, unornamented stuff, in all kinds of fields (including clothes), so for me it was like coming home.

lasbar · Dec 27, 2010

A bit of French architecture..

George · Dec 27, 2010

Originally Posted by NOBD

Hehe. I'm sure there are Aston Martins that leak or rust... Okay, then you were obviously not "caught" the way I was. Like I said: it gave me a feeling of freedom, so I didn't find it cold, stark or in-humane at all, au contraire. But I tend to like sober, unornamented stuff, in all kinds of fields (including clothes), so for me it was like coming home.
Well, I understand that, I like simple spaces too, but I also understand that there are others who don't, there are others who like decoration and ornamentation, that doesn't make them 'fools' or 'degenirate' as was Loos' view, and that's the important point, Le Corbusier wanted to impose his view onto others without considering what they wanted. That's a conceit. Corb. is a very divisive character, with as many admirers as detractors. Architecturally I put myself squarely in the latter camp. His furniture designs, I'm a little more open too.

George · Dec 27, 2010

Originally Posted by lasbar

A bit of French architecture..
I love the picture of the Chataeu de Chambord.

lasbar · Dec 27, 2010

I have to post these pictures..

holymadness · Dec 27, 2010

This thread is depressing.

George is right about Jeanneret, of course.

George · Dec 27, 2010

Originally Posted by Southlondongent

+1 on Dulwich Picture Gallery. The area also has some outstanding examples of Deco/Modernist architecture such as Six Pillars in Sydenham. Unfortunately IMHO LC & Modern(ist) architecture in general receive undue criticism due to the more brutalist aspects of the style & the fact that post-war town planners used l'Unite d Habitation as a template for failed housing estates. Partly as a result, particularly in the UK , Modern design is associated by many with socal housing. Fortunately this perception is changing particularly amongst discerning younger people.
Yes, Urban Splash have recently re-furbed Park Hall in Sheffield. http://www.urbansplash.co.uk/projects/park-hill There seems to be something of a re-evaluation (rehabilitation?) of modernist architecture in Britain with some listed building applications going in to save them from the wrecking ball. Also, there was recently a review of Le Corbusier work at the Barbican that an architect friend wanted to take me to, but I couldn't make the time.

Kappelan · Dec 27, 2010

lasbar · Dec 27, 2010

Cote d'AZUR..........

George · Dec 27, 2010

What's a French thread without a bit of Lautrec?

Lautrec_ambassadeurs,_aristide_bruant_%28poster%29_1892.jpg

Henri+de+Toulouse-Lautrec+-+La+vache+enragee.jpg

George · Dec 27, 2010

...oh and a chanteuse.

What is French Style to you?

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