What do you think?
Rate this book
Taschen Basic Architecture
Le Corbusier
Building the future: The man with a modern mission Born Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, Le Corbusier(1887 1965) is widely acclaimed as the most influential architect of the 20th century. From private villas to mass social housing projects, his radical ideas, designs, and writings presented a whole-scale reinvention not only of individual structures, but of entireconcepts of modern living.Le Corbusier's work made distinct developments over the years, from early vernacular houses in Switzerland through dazzling white, purist villas to dynamic syntheses of art and architecture such as the chapel atRonchampand the civic buildings inChandigarh, India. A hallmark throughout was his ability to combinefunctionalist aspirationswith a strong sense of expressionism, as well as a broader and empathetic understanding of urban planning, being a founding member of the Congres international d'architecture moderne (CIAM), which championed architecture as a social art. This book presents some of Le Corbusier's landmark projects to introduce an architect, thinker, and modern pioneer who, even in his unrealised projects, offered discussion and inspiration for generations to come. About the Series: Each book in TASCHEN s Basic Architecture Series features: an introduction to the life and work of the architect the major works in chronological order information about the clients, architectural preconditions as well as construction problems and resolutions a list of all the selected works and a map indicating the locations of the best and most famous buildings approximately 120 illustrations (photographs, sketches, drafts and plans) "
96 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
16 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Jean-Louis Cohen
135 books17 followersJean-Louis Cohen (20 July 1949 – 7 August 2023) was a French architect and architectural historian specializing in modern architecture and city planning.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 30, 2025
Voleo sam sva ova "Tašenova" izdanja o arhitekturi i umetnosti :)
October 16, 2017
Πολύ ωραία συλλογή έργων ενός πολύ σημαντικού αρχιτέκτονα, του Le Corbusier. Στο συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο, παρουσιάζονται σύντομα αλλά περιεκτικά χαρακτηριστικά δείγματα της αρχιτεκτονικής του Ελβετού, συνοδευόμενα από σχέδια και φωτογραφίες που διευκολύνουν τη σφαιρικότερη κατανόησή τους. Η παρουσίαση γίνεται με χρονολογική σειρά, κάτι που συντελεί στην πληρέστερη εποπτεία του συνόλου του έργου του Le Corbusier αλλά και της εξέλιξης του κατά τη διάρκεια αυτών των χρόνων ανάλογα με τις επιρροές, τις πεποιθήσεις, τις καινοτομίες της εποχής και τα στοιχεία από τα οποία αντλούσε έμπνευση. Ένα βιβλίο αρκετά ευχάριστο στην ανάγνωση και εύκολα κατανοητό από αρχιτέκτονες και μη.
November 20, 2023
I really like this Taschen Architecture collection, but this book uses more technical language, which might be a bit confusing if you're not familiar with the terms. I'd appreciate it more if some pictures were in color instead of black and white, as the black and white filter causes
some images to lose depth.
The author brings up the five points of architecture but doesn't go into detail about them. I'm not a fan of Le Corbusier as either an architect or urbanist, but I do appreciate his five principles of architecture. It would be nice if the author offered more examples of how Corbusier used these five points in his work.
some images to lose depth.
The author brings up the five points of architecture but doesn't go into detail about them. I'm not a fan of Le Corbusier as either an architect or urbanist, but I do appreciate his five principles of architecture. It would be nice if the author offered more examples of how Corbusier used these five points in his work.
September 18, 2021
Alexa Aston's Dukes hit me in all the feels every single time. Every one of her Dukes is my favorite, until her next book. This is book three in the Dukes Done Wrong series. While it could be read as a standalone, I strongly recommend reading the series in order to understand the complexity of the characters and the history of the Dukes Done Wrong, also known as the "Turner Terrors."
Five boys, sent away to a boarding school for troubled boys, became each other's families. This series follows their friendship as each of them find love. This book is the story of Donovan and Wynter. Wynter is the only child of an Earl and absolutely not interested in marriage. Donovan is the unexpected Duke, after the deaths of his estranged father and brother. I immensely enjoyed watching these two fall for each other. I read a lot of historical romance and normally the plot runs along smoothly with no surprises that the reader did not anticipate. Just as this book is heading toward its "happily ever after" the author throws us for a doozy of a loop that this experienced reader did not see coming.
One thing I particularly love is Aston's ability to showcase not only the five men's very different personalities easily, but to create the female counterparts that complement them perfectly. We get to see Miles, Wyatt, Emery and Meadow for a good portion of this book and get a peek into what they have been up to since their books ended.
I am especially excited for Finch's story. He has been a supporting character and his happy ending is coming up in the series. Whenever Alexa Aston writes a story with a Duke, I will run to buy it.
Five boys, sent away to a boarding school for troubled boys, became each other's families. This series follows their friendship as each of them find love. This book is the story of Donovan and Wynter. Wynter is the only child of an Earl and absolutely not interested in marriage. Donovan is the unexpected Duke, after the deaths of his estranged father and brother. I immensely enjoyed watching these two fall for each other. I read a lot of historical romance and normally the plot runs along smoothly with no surprises that the reader did not anticipate. Just as this book is heading toward its "happily ever after" the author throws us for a doozy of a loop that this experienced reader did not see coming.
One thing I particularly love is Aston's ability to showcase not only the five men's very different personalities easily, but to create the female counterparts that complement them perfectly. We get to see Miles, Wyatt, Emery and Meadow for a good portion of this book and get a peek into what they have been up to since their books ended.
I am especially excited for Finch's story. He has been a supporting character and his happy ending is coming up in the series. Whenever Alexa Aston writes a story with a Duke, I will run to buy it.
September 22, 2021
I really love this series. This book is a bit more tragic but it worked.
Lady Wynter is resigned to a single woman's life because she doesn't want to lose her rights in marriage. Donovan, the womanizer of Turner's Terrors, finds himself immediately drawn to the one woman that doesn't want him. After realizing she's the one for him, he begins a campaign to win her heart and hand. When a tragedy threatens to break them apart, Wynter shows Donovan that she's capable of handling any challenges that come their way. I loved that they were both attracted to each other against their will. It made for some nice tension.
I was not expecting that ending. It gutted me. I sort of liked it because sometimes these heroes don't face enough adversity. And so while the ending is somewhat tragic, it made the story that much richer. I really want to read Finch's book, I am so curious about his back story and loved that we got to see more of him in this book.
Lady Wynter is resigned to a single woman's life because she doesn't want to lose her rights in marriage. Donovan, the womanizer of Turner's Terrors, finds himself immediately drawn to the one woman that doesn't want him. After realizing she's the one for him, he begins a campaign to win her heart and hand. When a tragedy threatens to break them apart, Wynter shows Donovan that she's capable of handling any challenges that come their way. I loved that they were both attracted to each other against their will. It made for some nice tension.
I was not expecting that ending. It gutted me. I sort of liked it because sometimes these heroes don't face enough adversity. And so while the ending is somewhat tragic, it made the story that much richer. I really want to read Finch's book, I am so curious about his back story and loved that we got to see more of him in this book.
September 21, 2021
Could a match between mortal enemies heal a feud that has burned for generations? Or will tragedy be the only outcome.
Lord Anworth’s sons are as unruly as they are handsome, but James Anworth, the youngest of the three, has proven the most troublesome. After a chance meeting on a rainy London night, James discovers that he has fallen head over heels in love.
But Miss Portia Godfrey has arrived in London under a false name. Is she really the daughter of a sworn enemy?
Can these two lovers find contentment?
This is the first book I have read by this author. Although it is longer than I generally like it was good.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Lord Anworth’s sons are as unruly as they are handsome, but James Anworth, the youngest of the three, has proven the most troublesome. After a chance meeting on a rainy London night, James discovers that he has fallen head over heels in love.
But Miss Portia Godfrey has arrived in London under a false name. Is she really the daughter of a sworn enemy?
Can these two lovers find contentment?
This is the first book I have read by this author. Although it is longer than I generally like it was good.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
September 23, 2021
This is the third book in this series about five life long childhood friends, none of them in line to become Dukes and through many different situations slowly they all are.
I really enjoyed the character of Wynter she is a very strong independent woman who has found her place in the ton. She has zero thoughts of marriage and that is a hard line in the sand between her and Donovan. Donovan I didn't fully get the feel of what the other books had described of his character, saying this I still loved him and his fight for Wynter. I did not see that end coming and it through me for a loop/ knocked my socks off. Another great addition to the series.
I really enjoyed the character of Wynter she is a very strong independent woman who has found her place in the ton. She has zero thoughts of marriage and that is a hard line in the sand between her and Donovan. Donovan I didn't fully get the feel of what the other books had described of his character, saying this I still loved him and his fight for Wynter. I did not see that end coming and it through me for a loop/ knocked my socks off. Another great addition to the series.
September 16, 2021
This story is similar to a Romeo and Juliet romance. Portia is sent to England to claim her families land but does not have anyone to help her do it. She falls in love with James whom is the younger son of the family that murdered her father and brother. James’ violent family will not rest till they claim the land for themselves. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.
January 27, 2025
An okay biography plus a showcase of some of his work. But the writing style is not very pleasant and very vague. Maybe that just comes with architectural books. All kinds of shapes are described and how they compliment X and Y but I just have no way of visualizing that. Numerous claims are made about every design, but I don't see any arguments for those claims. At least it's nice to have some pictures of some of these, usually private, buildings.
September 27, 2021
Donovan and Wynter
Another amazing book in this series. Donovan and Wynter's story is full of heartbreak and longing. Heartbreak over the loss of Sam, and longing for tragedies in their past to never happen. Wynter is fierce and refuses to conform to what the ton expects. While Donovan has to learn how to be a Duke, he also just wants to be himself with none of the frivolous extras that come with the title. They way Wynter and Donovan grew together is really beautiful. I will say I was thrown for a loop at the end, It made me really think that Alexa Aston did not like them very much... Even so, it is an excellent book.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Another amazing book in this series. Donovan and Wynter's story is full of heartbreak and longing. Heartbreak over the loss of Sam, and longing for tragedies in their past to never happen. Wynter is fierce and refuses to conform to what the ton expects. While Donovan has to learn how to be a Duke, he also just wants to be himself with none of the frivolous extras that come with the title. They way Wynter and Donovan grew together is really beautiful. I will say I was thrown for a loop at the end, It made me really think that Alexa Aston did not like them very much... Even so, it is an excellent book.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2020
A pesar de la calidad del material y de las fotos, hay varias erratas y errores en el texto.
Además, a nivel de análisis, no se recopilan con claridad los cinco puntos de la arquitectura de Le Corbusier, algo clave para entender la obra del arquitecto.
Además, a nivel de análisis, no se recopilan con claridad los cinco puntos de la arquitectura de Le Corbusier, algo clave para entender la obra del arquitecto.
October 27, 2018
love the pictures of nice houses. can i live in them? no, im on welfare payments
September 17, 2023
I will truly log anything that is a bound collection of pages with a front and back cover. Nice photos.
Want to read
May 2, 202425 addall
September 4, 2017
Ma quanto era bello e bravo Corbu?
Questi testi sono i soliti e classici testi su un architetto "di chiara fama". Non amo particolarmente Le Corbusier, gli riconosco alcune opere belle e straordinarie come Chandigahr, trovo risibili molte altre idee. Anche se purtroppo l'accademismo trasforma un disegno storto di un autore di fama collaudata come Corbu, in un'opera che non si può criticare, lontana persino dal poterla copiare anche solo come un esercizio di stile. Cercare di riproporre oggi varianti di opere di Le Corbusier porta scherno e insulti in qualunque facoltà di architettura, molto probabilmente. Ma il punto è, che alla fine sono opere umane, e come tutte le opere umane hanno una bellezza soggettiva. I testi che cercano di esporre le opere di questi "grandi maestri" dell'architettura, ne parlano sempre bene. Spesso con i giri di parole vuoti di qualche scribacchino acculturato. Parole che per altro non mi hanno mai detto niente. Non si fa un solo cenno in questi testi a come funzionava l'opera poi. Era ben costruita, era ben fatta, aveva problemi strutturali, che genere di problemi, dove, eccetera. Il nulla, il giro di parole e spesso progetti presentati, anche se su più piani, con la pianta di un solo piano, come se il lettore potesse desumerne la grandezza. Nello specifico, Le Corbusier lavorò con i Perret. Molte delle opere qui presentate sono le mostruosità dei calcestruzzi a facciavista, mostri orripilanti da guardare senza alcuna rifinitura - Chandigahr è l'elemento che si salva - creati da una corrente di pensiero che ha mietuto molte vittime (spesso lasciare il calcestruzzo a facciavista espone le barre alla corrosione, ne consegue il distacco del copriferro come zombie malandati) in altri edifici. Certo posso anche riconoscere la spettacolarità dei piani urbanistici, con queste torri giganti in mezzo al verde. O i piani per Algeri e Brasilia (mi sembra di ricordare). Ma a ben guardare, io trovo molto grottesco che si osannino progetti nati dal fatto che Le Corbusier aveva visto il Lingotto, di Matté-Trucco, e voleva assolutamente mettere le auto sul tetto dei suoi mostri. A un certo punto viene spontaneo da chiedere se ai progettisti piacerebbe abitare nei mostri che disegnano.
Questi testi sono i soliti e classici testi su un architetto "di chiara fama". Non amo particolarmente Le Corbusier, gli riconosco alcune opere belle e straordinarie come Chandigahr, trovo risibili molte altre idee. Anche se purtroppo l'accademismo trasforma un disegno storto di un autore di fama collaudata come Corbu, in un'opera che non si può criticare, lontana persino dal poterla copiare anche solo come un esercizio di stile. Cercare di riproporre oggi varianti di opere di Le Corbusier porta scherno e insulti in qualunque facoltà di architettura, molto probabilmente. Ma il punto è, che alla fine sono opere umane, e come tutte le opere umane hanno una bellezza soggettiva. I testi che cercano di esporre le opere di questi "grandi maestri" dell'architettura, ne parlano sempre bene. Spesso con i giri di parole vuoti di qualche scribacchino acculturato. Parole che per altro non mi hanno mai detto niente. Non si fa un solo cenno in questi testi a come funzionava l'opera poi. Era ben costruita, era ben fatta, aveva problemi strutturali, che genere di problemi, dove, eccetera. Il nulla, il giro di parole e spesso progetti presentati, anche se su più piani, con la pianta di un solo piano, come se il lettore potesse desumerne la grandezza. Nello specifico, Le Corbusier lavorò con i Perret. Molte delle opere qui presentate sono le mostruosità dei calcestruzzi a facciavista, mostri orripilanti da guardare senza alcuna rifinitura - Chandigahr è l'elemento che si salva - creati da una corrente di pensiero che ha mietuto molte vittime (spesso lasciare il calcestruzzo a facciavista espone le barre alla corrosione, ne consegue il distacco del copriferro come zombie malandati) in altri edifici. Certo posso anche riconoscere la spettacolarità dei piani urbanistici, con queste torri giganti in mezzo al verde. O i piani per Algeri e Brasilia (mi sembra di ricordare). Ma a ben guardare, io trovo molto grottesco che si osannino progetti nati dal fatto che Le Corbusier aveva visto il Lingotto, di Matté-Trucco, e voleva assolutamente mettere le auto sul tetto dei suoi mostri. A un certo punto viene spontaneo da chiedere se ai progettisti piacerebbe abitare nei mostri che disegnano.
January 26, 2014
The best part of this brief study of LeCorbusier's work is the descriptions and photographs of 25 of his designs, buildings and interiors including large scale government projects in India. The Villa Savoye is one of the masterpieces of modern residential design. The Unite d'habitation, an apartment building in Marseilles featured duplex apartments, retail shops, and a roof terrace with a nursery school and gym. One of Le Courbusier's last works is La Tourette, a unique rendering of a very modern monastary.
July 31, 2014
The best part of this brief study of LeCorbusier's work is the descriptions and photographs of 25 of his designs, buildings and interiors including large scale government projects in India. The Villa Savoye is one of the masterpieces of modern residential design.
August 31, 2008
Good book just as a brief catalogue.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews