Villa Savoye

Definition

Villa Savoye is a modernist house designed by architect Le Corbusier, completed in 1931, and is celebrated as an iconic example of the International Style. This villa embodies the principles of functionalism and the use of industrial materials, reflecting the harmony between form and function while integrating nature into its design. Its design features pilotis (supporting columns), flat roofs, open floor plans, and large windows that connect interior spaces to the surrounding landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Villa Savoye was designed as a weekend retreat for the Savoye family and is located in Poissy, France.
2. The house exemplifies Le Corbusier's 'Five Points of Architecture', integrating modernist principles into its design.
3. The use of pilotis elevates the structure off the ground, allowing for a free-flowing space beneath the house and enhancing its connection with nature.
4. Large windows wrap around the villa, providing ample natural light and creating a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces.
5. Villa Savoye has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its architectural significance and influence on modern architecture.

Review Questions

• How does Villa Savoye exemplify the principles of the International Style in its design?
  • Villa Savoye showcases the principles of the International Style through its minimalist aesthetic, lack of ornamentation, and functional form. The design emphasizes open spaces with an open floor plan that promotes flexibility in usage. The large horizontal windows not only provide natural light but also create a sense of connection with the outside environment, a key characteristic of this architectural movement.
• Discuss how Le Corbusier's 'Five Points of Architecture' are manifested in Villa Savoye's structure.
  • Le Corbusier's 'Five Points of Architecture' are distinctly visible in Villa Savoye. The use of pilotis elevates the house off the ground, allowing for a free space below. The flat roof creates usable outdoor space, while the open floor plan facilitates flexible living. Horizontal windows allow for expansive views and natural light, and the free facade gives the architect freedom in shaping the exterior without structural constraints.
• Evaluate the impact of Villa Savoye on modern architectural practices and its relevance today.
  • Villa Savoye has significantly influenced modern architectural practices by promoting principles such as functionalism and integration with nature. Its design elements have inspired countless architects to embrace minimalism and innovative use of space. Today, the villa continues to serve as a benchmark for modernist architecture, representing a shift away from traditional styles towards more progressive ideas about living spaces that prioritize functionality and harmony with the environment.

Related terms

International Style:

A major architectural style that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by minimalism, an absence of ornamentation, and an emphasis on functional form.

Modulor:

A system of proportions devised by Le Corbusier based on human measurements, intended to create harmonious relationships within architectural design.

Five Points of Architecture: A set of principles articulated by Le Corbusier that define modernist architecture: pilotis, flat roofs, open floor plan, horizontal windows, and free facade.