Although early designs were inspired by Nature he gradually moved towards a simple construction that could be easily mass produced. As a result Le Corbusier founded the Congres Internationaux d’Architecture Moderne and was amongst those who recognised the changes that would occur in urban design – with large apartment blocks set in parkland and special areas for vehicles (this was to become known as ‘International Style’).

In both his architecture and interiors Le Corbusier looked for simplicity, for instance buildings had to be white and unadorned. They had to be geometric with a logical floor plan and employ modern materials such as glass and steel. The buildings were designed to stand on stilts or pilotis with a roof garden. He produced five points for design which, in addition to the pilotis, required that there should be a roof garden, a free flowing plan which was not hampered by the need for supporting concrete (achieved by using reinforced concrete), a long, horizontal window to allow in as much natural light as possible and a free façade which was cantilevered and merely acted as light insulation. Thus, he believed that by providing uplifting properties for workers this would inspire them and assist them to move away from poverty.

After the Second World War he moved away from the purest styles and adopted Brutalism which used rough hewn concrete, glass and stone – characterised by the monolithic and generally despised designs of modern tower blocks.  Other examples of his work can be found at:

Chapel at Ronchamp, France

Notre Dame du Haut, Ronchcamp

France & UN Building, New York

His furniture designs became modern classics which are reproduced and copied around the world today.

Using modern methods of production and ‘modern’ materials of leather and metal the inspiration of the Bauhaus movement is clearly seen.

Le Corbusier died in 1965.