Le Corbusier: Architect and Feminist

Frequently reviled by feminists of our generation, Le Corbusier was in fact one of the few Modernist architects to give serious consideration to the role of women in contemporary society, believing them to be instigators of change and an important force in the advancement of society. Ranging in scope from Le Corbusier’s interest in fashion, housework and sex to a close analysis of the philosophies underlying his architecture, his fascination with Orphism, his artwork and his buildings, this book examines the ramifications of his interest in feminism in all aspects of his life. A disparity between his idealised view of womanhood and the reality of the women he knew and loved is revealed. The book is essential reading for anybody who is interested in the way the relationship between the sexes impacts on architecture, and in the personal and professional life of Le Corbusier. Encompassing much new material – including the Provisional Theatre at La Sainte Baume, designed by Le Corbusier but never before published – it provides a valuable resource for those who remain unconvinced by standard histories of this enigmatic and complex figure.

Acknowledgements. List of Illustrations. Illustration Credits. Preface. Introduction. PART ONE: REAL. Chapter 1.  Intimate Relationships. Marie Charlotte Amélie Jeanneret–Perret: his mother. Yvonne Gallis: his wife Intimate Relations Josephine Baker • Marguerite Tjader Harris • Minette De Silva. Conclusion. Chapter 2.  Professional Relationships. Women Abroad. Women at Work. Little Paris Birds • Married women • Women Writers. Women Clients. Villa Meyer • Villa Stein de Monzie • Maison de Mandrot • Heidi Weber House. Summary. Women Collaborators. Le Corbusier’s ‘best propagandists’ • Intellectual support. Women Designers. Charlotte Perriand • Eileen Gray • Jane Drew. Conclusion. Chapter 3.  Feminism, fashion and physical culture. Feminism in France at the beginning of the twentieth century. Feminism and Physic al Culture. The Anti–Corset league • Dance • Sport. Fashion. Fashionable society • Paul Poiret and the development of a new feminine aesthetic • Male adornment • Fashion magazines • Fashion and furniture. Conclusion. PART TWO: IDEAL. Chapter 4.  Orphism and the quest for harmonious unity. Origins of Le Corbusier’s interest in Orphism. Catharism • Rabelais and Cervantes • Education and Self–Education • Synthesis. Orphism. Pythagoras • Plato and the Union of Opposites • Alchemy • Pico della Mirandola • Summary. Orphism and the questioning of sexual roles in Early Twentieth Century Paris. Joséphin Péladan • Guillaume Apollinaire • André Breton and the Surrealists • Jean Cocteau • Summary. Conclusion. Chapter 5.  Women in the art of Le Corbusier Tools of Unity. Symbolism. The exploitation of physical response in the pursuit of spiritual change • Geometry • Colour. The artistic representation of women in Le Corbusier’s milieu. Women of the East. The emergence of the numinous woman in Le Corbusier’s painted work. Union of Opposites. Woman and the sea • Woman and the shell • Woman and music • All seeing woman • Ubu • La cathédrale de Sens • Siren • Taureau/Icône. The Poem of the Right Angle 1947–1953. Sun and water, man and woman • Flesh • Fusion: male and female • Fusion: Body and Spirit • Woman and enlightenment • Mary • Love. Conclusion. Chapter 6.  The cult of woman and the religious architecture of Le Corbusier. La Sainte Baume. Background to the project • The site • Mary Magdalene • The Basilica • Permanent City • The Museum • The Theatre • The Park • Summary. Ronchamp. Building and Body • The Ear • The Vase • The Marys • East Door • Summary. Conclusion. Chapter 7.  Sexual Harmony and the Urbanism of Le Corbusier. Sex and Planning. The Radiant City. The spiritual home incarnate. Conclusion. Conclusion. Selected Bibliography. Index.

FLORA SAMUEL is an architect and a lecturer at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff, where she teaches design and history. She has written widely on the subject of Le Corbusier and is interested in unearthing aspects of his work that other researchers have ignored or discounted. Previous publications include Nature and Space: Aalto and Le Corbusier , written with Sarah Menin.

"…compelling reading…you will find much here to enjoy…" (Architecture Today, April 2004)