These two remarkable houses, the Maisons Jaoul, stand before you. They are much more than just houses; they are the tangible embodiment of a shift in architectural history. Le Corbusier, the iconic architect who revolutionized modernism, designed these twin villas. They represent a departure from his earlier works, like the Villa Savoye, which were defined by his five points of architecture. The Maisons Jaoul, on the other hand, are a testament to a new era in his career, a time when structure and materiality took center stage.
The two villas, nearly identical, were commissioned by André Jaoul, a wealthy industrialist, for him and his son. The construction began in 1954 and took two years to complete. The design dates back to 1937, a pivotal year in Le Corbusier’s career. It was during this time he shifted his focus towards a less rigid, more expressive approach. He incorporated elements like Catalan vaults, a traditional building technique that contrasted sharply with his earlier modernistic ideals. Le Corbusier, you see, was a man of constant evolution. The interplay of raw materials, textures, and the integration of natural light, creates a sense of warmth and intimacy rarely associated with the starkness of conventional modernism. These houses are not to be confused with the sterile, futuristic structures of the 20s – they’re something entirely new.
Le Corbusier’s use of brick, concrete, and wood in the Maisons Jaoul reflects his evolving philosophy. He employed what he termed ‘le Corbusier’s concrete’, a rough, textured aesthetic that was strikingly different from the polished, smooth surfaces of his earlier works. Look closely and you’ll see how the rough, exposed brickwork contrasts with the smooth, flowing lines of the Catalan vaults, creating a dynamic interplay of textures and patterns. These houses are a celebration of the raw beauty of materials and the imperfections of handcraft.
While Le Corbusier’s earlier works prided themselves on the clean, open space, the Maisons Jaoul embrace a more introspective and intimate setting. Instead of the iconic ‘toit-terrasse’ (roof terrace) of his earlier works, these houses possess a more grounded feel, allowing for a more contemplative and connected experience with the surrounding landscape. These houses stand as a tribute to the enduring power of simplicity and the beauty found in imperfection. They are testament to Le Corbusier’s commitment to continuous evolution, his willingness to experiment with new ideas, and his unwavering commitment to creating spaces that resonate with the human experience.