La Chaux-de-Fonds: Maison Blanche
La Chaux-de-Fonds is apparently Europe’s highest city, and is known as the city of the three Cs; The architect Le Corbusier, The Automobilist and founder of the great US Car Company Louis Chevrolet, and a poet, Blaise Cendrars.
I like architecture and cars, so I’ve heard of the first two, and sadly have no recollection of the poet, but for this piece I’m concentrating on the work of Le Corbusier.
There are a number of his buildings in the city; La Villa Turque, part of the Ebel watch factory, being probably the most famous of them. But today we’re looking at La Maison Blanche.
The building was Corbusier’s first, built in 1912, and was destined for his parents. He himself lived and worked there for many years.
The house features a formal garden; not large but well-designed and attractive. It also has a garden house (Chambre d’été) echoing the geometry of the interior.
The external walls provide the structure of the house, the interior of the building being spacious, with simple walls that could easily be moved to suit the nature of the residents.
Corbusier’s father referred to the main space as the “nave of the cathedral” but the fundamental theme is geometric, rather than religious.
The house is open to the public Fri/Sat/sun from 10:00 to 17:00. Admission is CHF 10.
Maison Blanche is on Chemin de Pouillerol, served by Bus line 4 from the main station.
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Uncategorized
0 opinions for La Chaux-de-Fonds: Maison Blanche
No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: