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| Galérie Dorée in the Banque de France |
During Journées du Patrimoine, we were treated to the
treasures of the gold and gild and grace of the past. From the Galérie Dorée in
the Banque de France to the sweeping staircases of the embassies.
Life in Paris always offers more … a view of both ends of a
spectrum. So, we can also seek out modern architecture ... a little less gold and gild.
Le Corbusier (aka
Charles-Édouard Jeanneret) is the Swiss-born French architect of the 20th
century who is one of the pioneers of this modern movement.
His 50-year career
included the synthesis of various arts, as well as the design of furniture and
buildings constructed throughout central Europe, India, Russia, and North and
South America.
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| Villa Cook in Boulogne-Billancourt |
He is best known for his dedication to providing better
living conditions for the residents of crowded cities. In Boulogne-Billancourt,
he built several houses: the double house/workshop for the sculptors Jacques
Lipchitz and Oscar Mietschaninoff, the villa Cook, and the building Molitor,
where he had his own apartment and workshop.
The villa Cook was built for Jeanne and William Cook
(friends of Gertrude Stein) in 1927. The house emphasized space and light and
was called the first “true cubic house.”
If you want to know more about Le Corbusier, join us for
our visit to the Museum of the 30s in Boulogne-Billancourt on 29 September.
Find out more here.