Le Corbusier: An Atlas of Modern Landscapes

by Jean-Louis Cohen (Editor), Barry Bergdoll (Text), Mardges Bacon (Text)

A landmark Le Corbusier sourcebook In June 2013, The Museum of Modern Art presents the largest exhibition ever produced on Le Corbusier’s prolific oeuvre, encompassing his work as architect, interior designer, artist, city planner, writer and photographer. Over a six-decade career, this towering figure of modern culture constantly observed and imagined landscapes using all the artistic techniques at his command, including watercolors, sketches, paintings, photographs and models. This accompanying publication, appearing 25 years after the Centre Pompidou released the seminal catalogue Le Corbusier, une encyclopédie , aspires to become a new sourcebook, giving an account of research developed worldwide in recent decades. Reflecting the geographic extension of his designs and built works as well as his indefatigable wanderlust, the book is structured as an atlas, with topographical entries allowing for the discovery of the major sites and cities where Le Corbusier worked. Featuring essays by an international range of curators, scholars and critics, and a trove of archival images and materials from the Fondation Le Corbusier in Paris, this lavishly illustrated volume presents a wholly unique way to explore the life and work of one of the most important visionaries of our time.

Genres: Architecture, Art

392 pages, Hardcover

First published June 30, 2013

About the author

Jean-Louis Cohen (20 July 1949 – 7 August 2023) was a French architect and architectural historian specializing in modern architecture and city planning.

Reviews

[Vicky Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Le Corbusier: An Atlas of Modern Landscapes" is a visually stunning exploration of the architect's profound impact on modern architecture and urbanism. This book combines rich imagery and sketches with insightful essays, showcasing Le Corbusier's innovative designs and philosophies. It effectively contextualizes his work within broader cultural and historical frameworks, making it an essential read for both architecture enthusiasts and many of those in the visual arts.

The atlas not only highlights his iconic buildings but also examines his vision for future cities, offering a comprehensive understanding of his legacy. Overall, it’s a compelling tribute to a pioneering figure in modern design. This was available through interlibrary loan here in Georgia, as buying this big heavy book would be prohibitively costly.

Le Corbusier's work is literally all over the globe. Reading this not only called back to my High School days in drafting vocational courses, but it appeals to my enjoyment of reading about history and sociology; seeing the way human beings have shaped and lived within their world.