Tuesday 2 February 2010

Le Cabanon

Thought I'd write a few thoughts, first impressions really, before I read too much about Corbusier, of the images I see of the Cabanon.

First off, its small. Swinging a cat definitely doesn't look to be an option. And its (nearly) bare. What few decorations and adornments are clearly carefully chosen. There is no luxury, no comfort. However, it doesn't look specifically UN-comfortable. It looks stripped back. Basic.
Also very natural, all woods, although some are painted. The gleaming metal wash hand basin stands out with a metallic shine, and the lighting is muted. Windows are small, and solidly framed.

Its simple as well - as Paul mentioned, there's an old crate for a stool, which is obviously somewhere to sit. There is no duplicity, no sense of trying to pass something off as something other than it is. A crate for a stool. A simple box bed. A shelf, for books. It is obviously bare in the RIBA reconstruction photos, and Le Corbu would have had books and the wherewithal to live day to day when he was there, but the over-riding sense I get is of simplicity.

Pictures of Le Corbusier always show him immaculately dressed as an effete Parisian gentleman, bow-tied and often in a three piece suit. This place seems to be an escape from that, guessing now, from 'civilisation'? It is like an ascetic monk's cell, a place without fripperies and distractions from the real business at hand - whatever Le Corbusier saw that to be. I presume a place to get his thoughts in order.

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