STORP WEBER ARCHITECTS
A REGISTER OF USER ADAPTATIONS
Statement about the Research Content and Process Description
Methodology
An assessment of the post-design adaptations of Le Corbusier’s Unité d’habitation, Briey-en-Forêt. In light of its complex post-occupancy history, this ongoing study aims to critically evaluate the idea of architectural success in social housing.
This project adopts a multifaceted and innovative approach of post-occupancy evaluation, involving library research, systematic drawing, photographic surveys, occupant interviews, comparative design studies, participant observation, community engagement workshops, and an exhibition. This approach is designed and intended to address the architecture, history and social context of the building’s evolution over 40 years through a more rounded and holistic understanding.
Questions
1. How do we assess the relationship between the architect and the occupant in the context of the Unités?
Dissemination
2. How well has Le Corbusier’s theoretical construct for living sustained itself over a period of 58 years? How do today’s lifestyles and occupant needs relate to his ideas for standardised housing?
The dissemination of the research included one exhibition at the Unité of the author’s new drawings, photographs and two large-scale research books, consultation workshop material and curated archival material; one international keynote lecture in Croatia; four international lectures, including in China and South Korea; one conference presentation in Turkey and one published conference proceedings in Archtheo ‘15 IX Theory and History of Architecture Conference Proceedings.
3. What kind of lifestyle did Le Corbusier actually prescribe? How do we create a home when a specific mode of living is prescribed by the architect? 4. How do we define architectural ‘success’ in light of changing architectural programmes and occupant alterations, recognising the differences between an artist’s intentions and a user’s desires, and in the context of Briey, drastic sociocultural changes?
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