Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Immeuble Molitor stands before us. It is more than just an apartment building. It represents a pivotal moment in architectural history.
Designed by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, construction spanned from 1931 to 1934. The Immeuble Molitor sits on the border between Paris and Boulogne-Billancourt. Le Corbusier himself called this place home until his death in 1965.
Marc Kouznetzoff and Guy Noble, real estate developers, commissioned the design. They sought something avant-garde to attract buyers. Le Corbusier delivered. He and Jeanneret designed an eight-story building. It featured fifteen apartments. The design showcased four of Le Corbusier’s five points of modern architecture. These included a free floor plan and a structure supported by columns. Also featured were a free facade and a roof garden.
Le Corbusier acquired the top two floors for his own apartment. The building faced financial difficulties during construction. Despite the challenges, it was completed in 1934. Legal battles ensued, but Le Corbusier’s ownership was eventually recognized.
The building’s maintenance suffered during the legal proceedings. This neglect led to rust problems in later years. Renovations were carried out in 1950 and 1962. After Le Corbusier’s death, his apartment and atelier became property of the Fondation Le Corbusier. They are now open for visits.
The facades are a key architectural feature. They are identical on both elevations. Pierre Chareau and Bernard Bijvoet’s Maison de Verre inspired them. Le Corbusier used glass bricks and transparent windows. The apartments are flooded with light.
Le Corbusier’s apartment spans 240 square meters. It occupies the top two floors. A staircase connects the two levels. The seventh floor includes the entrance, living room, kitchen, and atelier. The eighth floor features a guest room and access to the roof garden. Walls are painted in primary colors. The atelier contains a stone wall and exposed brick. This contrasts with the modern materials. Charlotte Perriand designed the furnishings.
The Immeuble Molitor is a designated monument historique. This designation covers Le Corbusier’s apartment, facades, and entrance hall. In 2016, it earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stands as a testament to Le Corbusier’s vision.