VILLA SAVOYE
LECORBUSIER, 1929-30
1
MAISON A BORDEAUX REM KOOLHAS , 1998
2
CRITICAL HISTRORICAL PRACTICES I CASE STUDIES ARCH 7035 I 2019 jawad.rezaie90@gmail.com M.Jawad Rezaie - a1691163
CONTENTS KEY PHRASES..........................................................................1 INTRUDCTION ................................................................................. 2
3:Villa Savoye perspective view
CIRCULATION + IMPRESSION ..........................................5 STABLITY+ INSTABLITY ................................................................ 8 PRIVATE + UN-PRIVATE ........................................................12 COMPOSITION+ OPPOSITION ............................................ 13 IMAGE REFRENCES ...............................................................14 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...............................................................................15
4: Maison A bordeaux aeriel view
KEY PHRASES
FLOW
LIT
THEME
-PRIVATE MACHINE RESTRICTED INTERIOR
DIVERSITY
TRANSPARENT VOLUMES
WEIGHTLESS
SYMMETRY BOX IN THE AIR
PRIAVTE UN-PRIVATE MASTERS & SERVENTS PRIVATE SPACES HEIRARCHY
1
NATURAL EROSION
GRAVITY
VATE + PR I CARVED & VOID
VERTICAL STRATIFICATION
RHYTHM
TENSION ROD
COUNTERWEIGHTS
CONCRETE SLAB
EVEN FLOORS
INTERWEAVING SPACES
BALANCE
DICIPLINES OF CLASSISM
Y+
FOUR COMPOSITIONS
LITY
SENSATION OF MOVEMENT
B TA
CONTINUITY
INTERLOCKING INSIDE & OUTSIDE
IN
VE
TECHNICAL VERTOUSITY
CONTILIVER
EQUILIBRIUM & UNITY CHALENGING THE CONVENTIONAL
S
AB ST
HUDROLIC
MOVING PLATFORM
A MAICHINE WAS ITS HEART
BOX
SPATIAL LIBERTY
+
OTHERS
PILOTIS
STRIP WINDOWS
CIRCU LT IO N N AR R AT I
PLATFORM
RAMP
ORTHOGONAL GRIDS
VERTICAL MOBLITY CONFINED SPACE
LIBERATE
PROMENADE ARCHITECTURALE FREE PLAN
EVEN WALLS
ASSYMETRY
PATH OF EXPRESSION GRADUAL ASCENT
REM KOOL HAAS
CUBIC VOLUME
HYPOTHETICAL SEQUENCE
RHYTHM
MACHINE
TRUNING RADUIS
FLUID SPACE
UN
CENTRAL COURT
FREE PLAN
LECOURBUSIER
VILLA SAVOYE AND MAISON A BORDEAUX VILLA
PUBLIC SPACES
OPEN
COMPRESSED & EXPLODED FOCUS & CLOSURE
FLOW + NARATIVE Flowing vertical circulation is the central theme of the plan in both Villa Savoye and Maison Bordeaux1. The continuous ramp in Villa Savoye and the moving platform in the Bordeaux villa are the main architectural elements that facilitate such circulation through the buildings2. The ramp and stair create a sequence of spatial continuity in the Villa Savoye, which was called “ architectural promenade by Lecorbusier”3 . Rem Kool Haas has adapted Lecorbusier’s “ architectural promenade” in the Maison A Bordeaux by designing the observer’s pathways in the circularity systems4. This creates a continuous change of the environment and a fluid space for the users5.
Vetical Circulation
In addition to the “promenade” theme , Lecorbusier celebrated the turning radius of client’s automobile in the ground level.6 Similarly, Rem Koolhaas considered his client condition whose mobility was confined to a wheelchair..7 Koolhaas thought of liberty and a fluent vertical circulation through mobile platform supported by hydraulic piston.8 In the Bordeaux Villa, this elevator is more than a piece of technology . “ It is a machine that guarantees the co-penetration of continually changing points of view. It is an element of spatial liberty and simultaneously a multiplier of perception whose movement constantly change the architecture of the house”.9
Rotational change of direction Rectilinear change of direction
Furthermore, precedents played a key role in the design of these two Villas. In the Villa Savoye, it was the Arabic architecture that promotes walking.10 On the other hand, structure in Archigram, and the moving floors by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers have been precedents of Maison A Bordeaux Villa. 11
Rotational change of direction
7.V
5. vertical circualtion via ramp
6. vertical circulation via moving platform
Per illa S spe avo ctiv ye E xpl e od ed
2
Rectilinear change of direction
8. M a Exp ison AB lod o ed per rdea ux spe tive Villa
Villa Savoye
9. Ground Level
10. Level 1
11. Level 2
10 M
Maison Bordeaux Villa
14. Level 2
Vehicle Human 12. Ground Level
13. Level 1
3
BALANCE + IMBALA NCE Lecorbusier and Rem Koolhaas have introduced different systems of structure and construction methods in these two villas. In Villa Savoye, the structure of the building is defined by a hidden symmetry of column grids that recalls the disciplines of classism.12 An orthogonal structural grid that is based on the square form in the initial phase of construction . 13 Lecorbusier called this system of grids the “ Pilotis” that became the first five point of a New Architecture that led to the concept of the “ Free Plan”.14
Contrastingly to the Villa Savoye, a complex system of counterweights is used in the Bordeaux Villa to balance the gravitational forces to the central part of the structure.16 In this system of constructin, the columns are replaced with a tensioned-cable hanging from a beam to transfer building load to the ground. 17 The concrete box is supported by the cylinder of the spiral staircase , an L-shaped piece of structure connected to a column rising from the ground level.18 The cylinder suports the large I-beam accross the roof where the tension rod connected to the ground to balance the the concrete box against graivty and other forces. 19
The pilotis are divided in two different categories in the Villa Savoye. The first is architectonic and exposed that strictly correspond to a square and the second is more hidden in the built-mass and responds to the construction requirments.15 These two types of Exposed and Hidden Pilotis are the central element of structure in Villa Savoye that hold up the building floating above the ground and landscape. Furthermore, pilotis free up the circulation zone in the ground level and frames the view to the horizon in the upper levels.
15 . Perspective view of Villa Savoye
16. Perspective view of Bordeaux villa
4
Despite these differences of struactural sytmes, Maison A Bordeaux villa was influenced by the Lecorbusier’s notion of “ Free Plan” to be open to its surrounding. Rem Koolhaas has adapted this concept to rais the house and keep it floating on the landscape without pilotis.20
balance+ imbalance
The large I-Beam anchored to roof and concrete box
load path
Concrete box structure in the upper floor
The L-shaped structural element has two point of contact with the concrete box to keep it floating. Tension rod
L-Shaped structural element
Cylinder that holds that I-beam and the concrete box Rock
The spiral staircase cylinder have one point of contact with the large I-beam to balance the whole structure of the Villa .
19. structural elements of the Maison Bordeaux villa
load path
pilotis Othogonal structural grids
Co Or
un
tho
gon
al S
tru
ctu
ral
Gr
ids
ter
we ig
hts
17. Exploded perspective of the Villa Savoye 5
and
Primary structural elements
Ten
sio
nR
od
18. Exploded perspective of the Maison Bordeaux Villa
Secondary structural element
PRIVATE + UN-PRIVATE Vertical stratification of programs are well planed in both Villa Savoye and Maison A Bordeaux. In the Villa Savoye, the programs are stratified in the three floors of the building around a ramp and a spiral staircase .21 The communal service areas, a small guest apartment and the garage is located in the ground level. The bedrooms, Kitchen, dining, bathroom and terrace is positioned in the first level. A roof garden and solarium define the function of the roof. Similarly to the Villa Savoye, spaces are arranged vertically in the Bordeaux Villa but around an elevating platform that is located at the heart of the building.23 For instance the courtyard, the guest room ,the house keeper space, the moving platform and the service areas are located in the ground floor.
Contrastingly, the boundary and sense of division is much stronger than Villa Savoye in the two other levels. The building swings between the polarity of private and un-private, the enclosed space of massive masonry with portholes in the second floor and the transparent glass box of the first level.24 Having considered these similarities and difference, what have best defined the boundary of private and un-private, opaque and transparent, is their unique structural systems. The pilotis and the counterweight systems both have worked well to enhance the notion of open plan.
• • • •
Private Enclosed Opaque Compressed
• • • •
Un-Private Open Transparent Eploded
22. Perspective view from the courtyard
Roof level Roof level Level2 Level 1
Level1
G Floor
G Floor
20.Villa Savoye Section Private
21. Maison A Bordeaux Section
Semi-Private 10 M
6
Un-Private
Villa Savoye
1
Launry Bathroom Bedroom Hall WC Garage Guest room Terrace Kitchen Pantry Salon Sun terrace
3
3
3
3
Programs 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
2
2
2
3 6
5
5
8 55
4 7
9
10
12
11
24. Level 1
23. Ground Level
25. Level 2
10 M 1 17
Maison Bordeaux Villa
Wine cellar Platform Laundry Kichen Store Bath room Media room Drive way Court yard Guest Patio House keeper Ofice Winter dining Living area Summer dining Bedroom
7
6
6 11
2
17
17
14
8
9
17
6
17
6
4
3
15
2
1
Programs 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.
13
5 2
16
28. Level 2
Private Semi-Private Un-Private 10
26. Ground Level
11
12
FROM KEY BUILDING OF THE 2OTH CENTURY
27. Level 1
7
20 BUILDING EVEY ARCHITEC SHOULD UNDERSTAND
CONCLUSION Studying both buildings from different perspective, it became obvious that they remain the influential buildings of the 20th century. Both Lecorbusier and Rem Koolhaas have challenged the conventional method of design and construction. The notion of promenade architecture and the free plan have are the central elements of the form and structure. However, architects have approached to these architectural features from different point of view. While both orthogonal grids with pilotis and the counterweight systems define the structure and skeleton of the Villas but they have got radically different philosophy behind them. There are many lessons to learn from both Villas but the promise of architects to the clients is good lesson to learn. Design a house for a client whose mobility is confined to a wheelchair and turning his dream of liberty to the reality is another level of problem solving in architecture.
8
ENDNOTES 1. Ingrid Böck, Six Canonical Projects by Rem Koolhaas (Berlin: Jovis Verlag, 2015), 141.
17. 1. Richard Weston, Key Buildings of the 20th Century: Plans, Sections & Elevations (London:
2. ibid.142. 3. ibid.142.
Laurence King, 2010), 62. 2. Simon Unwin, Twenty Buildings Every Architect Should Understand (USA: Routledge, 18. 2010), 114.
4. ibid1.43. 5. ibid.143.
3. ibid 19.
6. Francis D.K. Ching, Mark Jarzombek, A global history of architecture (Hoboken: John
20. 4. Simon Unwin, Twenty Buildings Every Architect Should Understand (USA: Routledge,
Wiley & Sons, 2011), 721. 7. Luigi P. Puglisi, New Directions in Contmporary Architecture (Great Britain: John Wiley &
2010), 114. 21. 5. José Baltanás, Walking Through Lecorbusier: A Tour of his Masterworks ( United King-
Sons, 2008), 124. 8. Ingrid Böck, Six Canonical Projects by Rem Koolhaas (Berlin: Jovis Verlag, 2015), 142
dom.2005), 56. 22. 6. Dominic Bradbury, The Iconic House: architectural masteworks since 1900 (London:
9. Luigi P. Puglisi, New Directions in Contmporary Architecture (Great Britain: John Wiley & Sons, 2008), 127
Thames & Hudson, 2009), 312 23. 7. Simon Unwin, Twenty Buildings Every Architect Should Understand (USA: Routledge,
10. Jacques Sbriglio, Lecorbusier: The Villa Savoy ( Basel, Boston, Berlin: 1999), 62 11. Luigi P. Puglisi, New Directions in Contmporary Architecture (Great Britain: John Wiley & Sons, 2008), 127
2010), 112. 8. 9. Luigi P. Puglisi, New Directions in Contmporary Architecture (Great Britain: John Wiley & 24.
12. Richard Weston, Key Buildings of the 20th Century: Plans, Sections & Elevations (London: Laurence King, 2010), 62.
Sons, 2008), 125. 10.
13. 14. acques Sbriglio, Lecorbusier: The Villa Savoy ( Basel, Boston, Berlin: 1999), 49 15. 16. Luigi P. Puglisi, New Directions in Contmporary Architecture (Great Britain: John Wiley & Sons, 2008), 128
9
IMAGE CREDITS 1. (Redrawn- M.Jawad). Richard Weston, Key Buildings of the 20th Century: Plans, Sec-
15. 1. Richard Weston, Key Buildings of the 20th Century: Plans, Sections & Elevations (London:
tions & Elevations (London: Laurence King, 2010)
Laurence King, 2010), 62.
2. (Redrawn- M.Jawad). Richard Weston, Key Buildings of the 20th Century: Plans, Sec-
2. Cortes, Juan Antonio, 2006. AMO OMA Rem Koolhaas 1996-2006. El Croquis, (131), 16.
tions & Elevations (London: Laurence King, 2010)
pp.El Croquis , 2006, (131)., p.72
3. Ingrid Bรถck, Six Canonical Projects by Rem Koolhaas (Berlin: Jovis Verlag, 2015), 147.
17. 3. (Redrawn- M.Jawad). Richard Weston, Key Buildings of the 20th Century: Plans, Sec-
4. Dominic Bradbury, The Iconic House: architectural masteworks since 1900 (London:
tions & Elevations (London: Laurence King, 2010).63
Thames & Hudson, 2009), 312-313
4. (Redrawn- M.Jawad). Simon Unwin, Twenty Buildings Every Architect Should Under18.
5. Dominic Bradbury, The Iconic House: architectural masteworks since 1900 (London:
stand (USA: Routledge, 2010), 112.
Thames & Hudson, 2009), 66.
19. 5. (Redrawn- M.Jawad). Simon Unwin, Twenty Buildings Every Architect Should Under-
6. Dominic Bradbury, The Iconic House: architectural masteworks since 1900 (London:
stand (USA: Routledge, 2010), 114.
Thames & Hudson, 2009), 316.
6. (Redrawn- M.Jawad). Richard Weston, Key Buildings of the 20th Century: Plans, Sec20.
7. (Redrawn- M.Jawad). Richard Weston, Key Buildings of the 20th Century: Plans, Sec-
tions & Elevations (London: Laurence King, 2010).63
tions & Elevations (London: Laurence King, 2010).63
7. (Redrawn- M.Jawad). Richard Weston, Key Buildings of the 20th Century: Plans, Sec21.
8. (Redrawn- M.Jawad). Richard Weston, Key Buildings of the 20th Century: Plans, Sec-
tions & Elevations (London: Laurence King, 2010) .233
tions & Elevations (London: Laurence King, 2010) .233
22. 8. Cortes, Juan Antonio, 2006. AMO OMA Rem Koolhaas 1996-2006. El Croquis, (131),
9. (Redrawn- M.Jawad). Richard Weston, Key Buildings of the 20th Century: Plans, Sec-
pp.El Croquis , 2006, (131)., p.70-71
tions & Elevations (London: Laurence King, 2010).63
23. 9. (Redrawn- M.Jawad). Richard Weston, Key Buildings of the 20th Century: Plans, Sec-
10. ibid.63
tions & Elevations (London: Laurence King, 2010).63
11. ibid.63
24. 10. (Redrawn- M.Jawad) ibid.63.
12. (Redrawn- M.Jawad). Richard Weston, Key Buildings of the 20th Century: Plans, Sec-
25. 11. (Redrawn- M.Jawad) ibid.63
tions & Elevations (London: Laurence King, 2010).233
26. 12. (Redrawn- M.Jawad). Simon Unwin, Twenty Buildings Every Architect Should Under-
13. ibid.233
stand (USA: Routledge, 2010), 115.
14. ibid.233
27. 13. (Redrawn- M.Jawad) ibid.115. 28.14. (Redrawn- M.Jawad) ibid. 115.
10