Incorporating Le Corbusier

Monon Cafe - East elevation perspective

As an architecture student I have started to develop my own style and theories of design. One of the main influences on my design work is Le Corbusier and his 5 points of architecture (listed below). One of my most recent designs was a multi-use facility, cafe/residential apartments located on the Monon trail in Indianapolis, Indiana. The structure was to stay within a 30' x 100' x 40' envelope. The cafe is located on the first floor and two separate housing apartments located on the 2nd and 3rd floor.  

Le Corbusier had 5 points of architecture

1 - the pilottis elevating the mass off the ground
2 - the free plan, achieved through the seperation of the load-bearing columns from the walls subdividing the space
3- the free facade, the corollary of the free plan in the vertical plane
4- the long horizontal sliding window
5- the roof garden/terrace

This particular design of mine incorporates 3 of the 5 Le Corbusier points of architecture.

The design consists of a two way slab with beam concrete spanning system. This structural system allows for a free facade and open floor plan. The free facade allows for a first floor curtain wall system. This facade will allow for a transparency between the interior and exterior seating area to become a blurred space and transparency between the spaces. This also allows the floor plans to be designed without the use of load bearing walls.

Structural system

Between the two apartments on the second floor there is an exterior roof terrace. The terrace is a space shared between the residents. It is an area designed to be used as a roof top garden, seating area, and semi-public space.

North-South Building Section

Much like Le Corbusiers modular system, I have used a grid system to help influence my designs. With this particular piece of architecture I have used a one-third grid system as a division of space and fenestrations. This particular grid system allows for pure geometric forms and parallel lines to become apparent within the design.

Grid System

As I continue my studies and career I will continue using Le Corbusiers 5 principles of architecture and start to develop my own principles.