Le Corbusier

Le Corbusier (1887–1965) was the master of modernism – architect, designer and urban planner. He formulated the idea of ​​the home as “a machine to live in” and created masterpieces such as Villa Savoye, Unité d'Habitation and Chandigarh. Together with Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret, he designed the LC series (LC1, LC2/3, LC4, etc.), today produced by Cassina.

Le Corbusier (1887–1965)

Master of Modernism – architect, designer and urban planner

"I prefer drawing to talking. Drawing is faster and leaves less room for lies." – Le Corbusier

Le Corbusier, born Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, was one of the 20th century’s most influential figures in architecture and design. A visionary modernist, he united industrial rationality with human scale and introduced the idea of ​​the home as “a machine to live in.” His work includes iconic buildings, groundbreaking urban planning, and a range of furniture that remain timeless classics.


Background and education

Born in 1887 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Le Corbusier began his training as an engraver before turning to architecture and the arts and crafts. In Paris, he worked for Auguste Perret, where he learned to master reinforced concrete, and in Berlin with Peter Behrens, where he encountered the idiom of industrial modernism. In 1920, he took the stage name Le Corbusier and soon became a major figure in international modernism.


Career and work

Le Corbusier formulated a new vision of architecture based on functional floor plans, clean lines, and the use of concrete, steel, and glass. He worked on everything from single-family homes to entire cities, and also developed the modular system of proportions. Modulor, who connected the dimensions of the human body with the geometry of architecture. As an urban planner, he was behind large projects where light, air and green spaces were core elements of the modern way of life.


Famous buildings

  • Villa Savoye (1931, Poissy) – a masterpiece in the International Style and a manifesto for his “five points”.
  • Unité d'Habitation (1952, Marseille) – prototype of the modern collective housing with mixed-use functions.
  • The Notre-Dame-du-Haut Chapel (1955, Ronchamp) – a sculptural, spiritual building with poetic lighting.
  • The La Tourette Monastery (1960, Éveux) – ascetic concrete architecture with strong rhythm and acoustics.
  • Chandigarh – Capitol Complex & city plan (1950s, India) – an entire capital designed according to modernist principles.
  • Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts (1963, Harvard) – Le Corbusier's only building in the United States, with the characteristic ramp and free plan.


Iconic furniture and designs by Le Corbusier

  • LC1 Sling Chair (1928) – minimalist chair with steel tubes and leather straps; light and graphic.
  • LC2 & LC3 (1928) – armchairs and sofas with external tubular steel frame and voluminous cushions; geometry meets comfort.
  • LC4 Chaise Longue (1928) – the “rest machine”, an ergonomic recliner with an adjustable angle.
  • LC6 table (1928) – dining/work table with adjustable steel tubes and glass top.
  • LC7 Swivel Chair (1927) – upholstered swivel chair in steel and leather; elegant and functional.
  • LC8 Stool (1927) – simple stool with upholstered seat on tubular steel frame.
  • LC14 Tabouret Cabanon (1952) – robust, minimalist wooden stool designed for his own Cabanon.
  • Applique de Marseille / Projecteur series (1949–50s) – metal wall and projector lamps with an industrial character.

The furniture was developed in collaboration with Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret and continues to be produced as part of the LC series.


Producers and collaboration

  • Cassina – official producer of the Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand LC collection (iMaestri).
  • Nemo Lighting – licensed manufacturer of Le Corbusier's lamps, i.a. Applique de Marseille, Borne Béton and Projecteur.
  • Collaborators – Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret (design and development of furniture and interiors).
  • etc.


Legacy and legacy

Le Corbusier died in 1965, but his ideas of functionalism, modular proportions and modern living still shape architecture and design. His furniture is now sought-after vintage classics, and his buildings stand as monuments to the development of modernism – both celebrated and criticized, but with an undeniable influence on 20th-century aesthetics.


Experience Le Corbusier's original design at KLASSIK

At KLASSIK you will find original vintage works and design classics related to Le Corbusier – from iconic LC chairs and sofas to classic tables and lighting. Everything is carefully selected for authenticity and quality.

If you can't find the exact piece of furniture you're looking for, we're happy to help. Contact us at support@klassik.dk or call 33 33 90 60 – or visit us at Bredgade 3, Copenhagen.