Towards a New Architecture

This pioneering proclamation by the great architect expounds Le Corbusier's technical and aesthetic theories, views on industry, economics, the relation of form to function, "mass-production spirit," and much more. Profusely illustrated with over 200 line drawings and photographs of Le Corbusier's buildings and other important structures.

Customer Reviews:

Where it all began

By James Ferguson - December 7, 2003

Probably the most important book in Modern Architecture. Certainly the most villified over the years, especially since the death of Le Corbusier. In it he laid the ground work for Modern Architecture, extolling the virtues of an architecture that was the product of the machine age rather than a pastiche of historical styles. Le Corbusier illustrated the principles which he felt should govern architecture, drawing from historical references such as the Parthenon, but stressing the need to come up with a new proportional system reflective of concrete construction. He had developed the Dom-ino system by this point and had designed a few villas along these lines. Included are wonderful sketches and models of his Citrohan House, which he hoped would be mass-produced like the automobile. He even approached the French car maker, Citroen, in this regard.He explored low-scale housing solutions based on what he called the "Honeycomb" principle, porous housing blocks that... read more

A must have for Architecture students

By Kieran D - July 24, 2006

Worth the read just for Le Corbusier's description of the effects that a building has on the psyche's of its users. Lots of great line drawings. When reading, remember that the book is a collection of magazine articles, hence the repitition that occurs from chapter to chapter. The book should have been only half as long as it is; a lot of unnecessary filler.

Wonderfully written and illistrated

By A Customer - August 12, 1999

Le Corbousier's mathematical and, at times, brutal approach to architecture is clearly and coherently laid out in this gem of a book. He is very to the point and uses words and ideas that can plainly be understood by his audience. This book is not as bad as some people say it is - Le Corbousier's just not a romantic like the rest of us!