Neo-Corbusianism Flashcards

Study Notes

Neo-Corbusianism Overview

Architectural movement from the 20th century, influenced by Le Corbusier's Purist Modernism pre-WW2.
Emphasizes aesthetic, formal, and organizational models from early modern architecture.

Traits of Neo-Corbusian

Characterized by geometric clarity in plans and elevations.
Features elevated living spaces for improved views and accessibility.
Includes free-form accent walls, enhancing visual dynamics.
Utilizes freestanding screens to frame exterior views.
Dominated by pure white forms, often accented with primary colors.
Incorporates pilotis to elevate structures, maintaining a relationship with the ground.
Designed with geometric solids and forms, emphasizing clean lines.
Common architectural elements include strip windows and ramps.
Pipe railings are a recurring feature, providing subtle contrasts.
Blurs boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.

Structural Characteristics

Structures often employ Domino system or column-and-beam grid frameworks.
Rigorously composed plans emphasize geometric systems for organization.
Designed as servant/served hierarchy, ensuring efficient circulation.
Compositions manipulate light through interactions of voids, planes, and solids.

The New York Five

A collective term for five influential architects in New York during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Gained prominence through the MOMA exhibition in 1969 and the publication "Five Architects" in 1972.
Each architect's work was heavily inspired by Le Corbusier's theories from the 1920s and 1930s.

Notable Members of The New York Five

John Hejduk
Michael Graves
Peter Eisenman
Charles Gwathmey
Richard Meier

Critique of The New York Five

Criticism stemmed from their disconnection with traditional siting concerns and usability of their designs.
Accused of elitism by treating architecture as high art, distancing it from daily life experiences.

Iconic Work: Hanselmann House

The design consists of a double square in plan and a double cube in volume.
Distinction between open and enclosed spaces enhances spatial experience.

Peter Eisenman's Philosophy

Connections between architecture and philosophical or literary narratives inform his designs.
Earlier works derived from transformations of forms reflecting relationships between language and structure.

Architectural Impact of House II

Noted for resulting in poorly constructed and user-unfriendly designs.

Architectural Concept of House VI

Characterized by reverse symmetry, showcasing a unique approach to spatial organization.

Richard Meier's Design Style

Known for white Neo-Corbusian structures that integrate enameled panels and glass.
Designs emphasize linear relationships involving ramps and handrails, creating visual coherence.
Despite similarities, Meier’s projects showcase diverse variations within a consistent theme.

Description

Explore the key concepts and definitions of Neo-Corbusianism with these flashcards. This architectural style, rooted in the Purist Modernism of Le Corbusier, features defined geometric designs and unique structural traits. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike seeking to deepen their understanding of this 20th-century movement.