Undeniably one of the preeminent designers of the 20th Century, Le Corbusier, (born Charles Edouard Jenneret), was also one of the most important architects and designers of the 20th century. Le Corbusier furniture revolutionized the form and inspired the designs of countless others who came after. His influence can be seen in many of the furniture pieces being designed today.
Early Years
Le Corbusier‘s furniture designing career did not start until after he was already an established architect. Like his father, Le Corbu began his profession by studying metal engraving. While in school, at the recommendation of a teacher, he changed his focus to architecture. He built his first house at the age of 18 for a member of his school’s teaching staff. It was not until after moving to Berlin that Le Corbusier‘s furniture interests would evolve, working with Peter Behrens, who taught him about industrial processes and machine design. In 1920, back in Paris, he adopted the pseudonym Le Corbusier.
Le Corbusier‘s furniture styling began in 1928 after inviting the architect, Charlotte Perriand, to join his studio. In 1928 Le Corbusier and Perriand began to design based on a philosophy articulated in Le Corbusier‘s 1925 book L’Art DÈcoratif d’aujourd’hui. In the book he defined three different furniture types: Type-needs, type-furniture, and human-limb objects. The first pieces of Le Corbusier furniture to be crafted from the collaboration were three chrome-plated tubular steel chairs. This style — like the famous chaise and Grand Confort chair — projected a new rationalist aesthetic that came to epitomize the International Style.
Le Corbusier Designs
With an emphasis on both form and function, Le Corbusier furniture is ultra-sleek and contemporary. Designs place an emphasis on usable space, and are lustrous and inviting in appearance, exceptional in comfort.
Some of Le Corbu‘s most famous pieces of furniture include: LC8 Swivel Stool, LC10 Square Low Table, LC7 Swivel Chair, LC10 Rectangular Low Table, LC1 Sling Chair, LC6 Table, LC4 Chaise Longue, in addition to his famous sofa bed chaise chairs.