Cité-refuge de l’Armée du Salut

In 1933, President Albert Lebrun stood before a remarkable structure. It was the newly completed Cité-refuge de l’Armée du Salut. This innovative building, designed by Le Corbusier, was a beacon of hope for the disadvantaged in Paris. The Cité-refuge de l’Armée du Salut was not just a shelter. It was a testament to the Salvation Army’s commitment to social aid and a symbol of modern architecture. This was Le Corbusier’s third project for the Salvation Army. He had previously designed the Annexe du Palais du Peuple and the Louise-Catherine, a floating shelter on a barge. The Cité-refuge de l’Armée du Salut was a significant step forward. It could house 500 people. It offered dormitories, small rooms for single mothers and their children, a nursery, and even workshops for vocational training. The building was a marvel of engineering. Its airtight design, complete with a glass facade incorporating glass bricks, was intended to regulate the internal environment. Le Corbusier called this “exact respiration”. This was his first attempt at creating a fully climate-controlled building. The south facade, a massive expanse of glass, unfortunately proved problematic and had to be modified later. The Cité-refuge de l’Armée du Salut’s interior was equally impressive. It was meticulously organized. The building included a dispensary, a laundry, and storage for donated clothing. Separate areas for men and women ensured privacy. An entrance on Rue Cantagrel allowed elderly residents direct access to a dormitory and refectory. A separate road for deliveries led to workshops, a garden, and the innovative rotunda. The building’s design reflected Le Corbusier’s signature style. The exterior staircases and metal railings evoked the image of an ocean liner. A subtle, almost imperceptible tilt of the facade gave the building a surprising sense of lightness. The Cité-refuge de l’Armée du Salut has undergone several renovations throughout its history. The glass facade was modified soon after its construction. Further changes were necessary after wartime damage. More recent renovations have focused on preserving its historical character. Dormitories have been replaced with individual rooms. Spaces have been adapted for visitors. The Cité-refuge de l’Armée du Salut stands today as a functional building and a historical landmark.