TOWARDS A NEW ARCHITECTURE

ENGINEERS AESTHETICS AND ARCHITECTURE

In this chapter of the book, Le Corbusier stressed on the relationship between the

architecture and what the engineer perceives as aesthetics, analogically as two things moving

together. Only difference being that one has the edge over the other while the efficiency of the

other is declining. He perceived architecture as a combination of art and science, being that it

balances forms of arts such as painting with the calculations and the logic of engineers. He praises

the engineer for his ability to manufacture tools of his time such as cars, airplanes, factories and

ships which he viewed as useful. He mentioned of the misconception of the roles of engineers and

architects since national educational institutions in France and other countries have deceived and

deluded people to think the role of architects in society are unnecessary.

Le Corbusier also expressed his thoughts on the place of history in architecture. He

believed traditions and the past should serve as a guide for contemporary buildings, but should not

be mimicked and used in the name of ‘trends’ or ‘architectural styles’. He states that architects are

stuck in the past because of these so called ‘styles’, paving way for a rise in the design of buildings

by engineers by using universal laws and standards. If goes unchecked will lead to the elimination

of the architecture profession. Since engineers are using contemporary technologies to build

structures that are indeed functional and also simple. He believed that Architecture schools weren’t

teaching students correctly and that engineers would be the ones who save architecture.

His vison was for architects to leave the past behind and come up with innovative ways

of creating buildings, such as integration of machinery and technology into his buildings

(referencing the industrial era). Also he wanted architects to regard the importance of function
rather than focusing on the aesthetics of his buildings since the aesthetics of a building is

meaningless if the building doesn’t function right.

Le Corbusier also made mention of shelter as being an important necessity of man.

That’s how come it is one of man’s first creations and greatest innovations. Tools help in making

man’s work easier and are also a depiction or proof of its era of civilization. The instinctive and

progressive nature of man causes him to make constant improvements on the tools he uses. Not so

could be said about the houses we live in, though they have an impact on our health and psyche.

Le Corbusier believed as man progressed, everything around him should, in spite of this, the houses

which were being built in the twentieth century were no different from those of previous

generations. Architecture of twentieth century was centered on architectural styles rather than

architecture itself.

With time, the world has been transformed by the industrial revolution which sought to

use machines rather than raw manpower in making work efficient. Industrialism started in 19th

century, and Le Corbusier believed that architects could not approach to true architecture to match

with machine and its discipline Houses for that matter shouldn’t be the same as those prior to

industrialization, they should evolve and incorporate these creations of man. Le Corbusier aimed

at eliminating these ‘styles’ which still used old systems of construction and focused on

ornamentation which often times had no use, and to bring about a transformation in architecture

which embraces new ideas, new materials and new methods of construction. It could be said that

Le Corbusier had little interest in ornaments were not economical and had little or no impact on

the building.

These ornaments, which were a key feature of the 19th century architecture were merely

a symbol of status. He also opined the idea that buildings should be created in a rational way; to
have a holistic approach and an inclusive form of architecture which brought to consonance man,

the natural environment and the machines or tools that helped in making him more efficient.

THREE REMINDERS TO ARCHITECTS

Le Corbusier understood architecture to be about experience since it affects our

emotions and senses, architecture for that matter should live up to our visual desires. In his book

he revealed mass, surface and the plan as important elements of architecture and sought to remind

architects of their relevance.

The presence of light and shadows help us as humans to perceive and appreciate forms.

Cubes, cones and pyramids are a few examples of primary forms in architecture. For buildings to

be beautiful and of a high quality, their form should be primary and simple. It shouldn’t be too

complicated as to cause problems and difficulties in construction. This is also a text of Le

Corbusier in which he talks about the importance of the mass and the surface. He underlines that

the pure geometric shapes such as spheres, squares, cylinders and so forth are the most beautiful

forms. He strongly defends the idea that architecture should be made of those forms.

Geometric forms also satisfy our eyes that is also some kind of an art. He prefers simple

forms rather than complex geometry He believed there’s beauty in simplicity and architecture

therefore doesn’t need to be ambiguous. It should be distinct and capable of being perceived by

our senses. Greek, Roman, Egyptian architectures made use of these primary forms but Gothic

architecture doesn’t. He also expressed that the Cathedrals do not use simple forms and for that

matter are in conflict with the laws of nature. He made mention of buildings that used this principle;

which included the tower of Pisa, the Colosseum and the pyramids of Egypt.
 Notwithstanding, since people can only see forms when light illuminates them,

architects should use it to enhance their buildings.

A mass is enveloped in its surface. Surface directs and generates lines of mass and that

gives masses its individuality. Whatever surface that may be chosen, it should perform its function

for which it was selected.

Masses, also regarded as volumes of spaces are clothed with surfaces. The role of the

architect is to give life to these masses with the clothing which characterizes the building or makes

the building stand out.

The surface cannot be considered separately from the mass. Corbu says that a mass is

enveloped in its surface. But there should not be a parasital relation between the mass and its

surface. These surfaces should be designed in such a way they do not become a focal point of the

building whereby relegating the mass to a lower position. The challenge now is to have a

pronounce mass with a provision of a requisite surface which is dependent on the use of the

building. Surfaces mostly contains openings for doors and windows. These openings if not treated

with care would be a compromise to the aesthetic of the building, though it could be a massive

contribution to the buildings aesthetics. If you are building a factory you shouldn’t make the

surface like it’s a cathedral or temple.

As important as the previous reminders are, they are a product of the plan.