Haptic Architecture: Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier

By Rhanee Nuaman | 2205046

List of Figures

Fig 1 - Villa Savoye (Kozlowski) (2023) Fondationlecorbusier fr Available at:

http://wwwfondationlecorbusierfr/corbuweb/morpheus aspx?sysId=13&IrisObjectId=7380&sysLanguage= en-en&itemPos=74&itemSort=en-en sort string1%20&itemCount=79&sysParentName=&sysParentId=64 (Accessed: 25 February 2023).

Fig 2 Terrace Garden (Kozlowski) (2023) Fondationlecorbusier fr Available at: http://www.fondationlecorbusier.fr/corbuweb/morpheus.aspx?sysId=13&IrisObjectId=7380&sysLanguage= en-en&itemPos=74&itemSort=en-en sort string1%20&itemCount=79&sysParentName=&sysParentId=64 (Accessed: 25 February 2023)

Fig 3. Villa Savoye facade (Emden, 2015) (2023) Fondationlecorbusier fr Available at: http://wwwfondationlecorbusierfr/corbuweb/morpheus aspx?sysId=13&IrisObjectId=7380&sysLanguage= en-en&itemPos=74&itemSort=en-en sort string1%20&itemCount=79&sysParentName=&sysParentId=64 (Accessed: 25 February 2023).

Fig 4 Floor plans

Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier (article) | Khan Academy (2023) Available at: https://wwwkhanacademyorg/humanities/ap-art-history/later-europe-and-americas/modernity-ap/a/corbu sier-savoye (Accessed: 2 March 2023).

Introduction

The purpose of this essay is to analyse a building or an architect and to examine how the five senses are stimulated through architecture. While architecture is usually something we appreciate through the sense of sight, this is not to say that the feelings of smell, taste, touch, and sound cannot be stimulated too. After some consideration, I have chosen to look at the Villa Savoye in Poissy, France by Le Corbusier, as I believe

this house is a great early example of architecture relating to the senses. I aim to discover whether there can be holistic stimulation of all senses within this building by Le Corbusier.

Le Corbusier was a renowned architect and a prominent figure in the modernist movement in architecture. Known for his innovative urban planning and iconic designs like the LC chair series, Le Corbusier had a strong focus on creating ergonomic designs that fostered a deep connection between the occupants and the built environment. He believed in strengthening the relationship between people and architecture through his designs, both in terms of functionality and aesthetics.

Modernist architecture slowly began to emerge towards the late stages of the second industrial revolution, towards the end of the 19th century This architectural revolution first came around through the use of materials, with a strong emphasis, and the use of reinforced concrete and cast iron. Through his promotion of pure and functional architecture, Le Corbusier became the leading figure in the rise of Modernist Architecture in France.

Geometry

The design of the Villa Savoye can be characterised by its series of geometric forms, such as rectangles, squares, circles, and curves. These forms combined, create a harmonised composition that creates a visually striking building. These features, however, do not just create a visual appeal, but undoubtedly a haptic one too, as the visitor's senses are stimulated and attracted to the villa.

One of the most notable examples of the haptic geometric nature is the inclusion of curves in the design.