Sejal Mahesh Suryawanshi, First Year B Arch, MET’s School of Architecture & Interior Design, Govardhan, Nashik
Towards a New Architecture is a seminal work published in 1923 that revolutionized modern architecture. It outlines Le Corbusier’s vision for a new approach to design, emphasizing functionality, simplicity, and modern industrial techniques. The book is written as a series of essays, blending polemics, theory, and analysis.
From my perspective, the key themes of the book are:
Form follows function
The relationship between modernity and technology
The house as a machine for living in
The book introduces the Five Points of a New Architecture, which are:
Pilotis (supports)
Flat roof terrace
Open floor plan
Horizontal windows
Free facade
Le Corbusier’s work is both a critique and a manifesto for modernist architecture. It has influenced generations of architects and has become a cornerstone for modernist thought. The book challenges traditional architectural practices, advocating for the use of modern materials and technologies. While it is celebrated for its forward-thinking vision, it also raises questions about the implications of modernity in urban planning and society.
This book challenges architects to rethink the role of design in the modern era and underscores the relationship between technology, society, and aesthetics. While Le Corbusier’s ideas remain influential, some critique his work for its rigidity and the social implications of modernist urban planning.
The book balances theory with practical design principles and highlights the connection between technological advancements, functionality, and aesthetics. Through Towards a New Architecture, Le Corbusier makes a compelling case for a radical shift in how we think about architecture and urban spaces.
Sejal Mahesh Suryawanshi, First Year B Arch, MET’s School of Architecture & Interior Design, Govardhan, Nashik
