Le Corbusier’s research-based design approaches

Abstract

The ability to convincingly demonstrate the integration of and reciprocal dynamic between research and product in design assignments is now a prerequisite at most institutions of architectural learning. Due to the creative aspects of design and the undeniable significance of value judgment and imagination in decision-making, this cannot be taught or prescribed as a neat sequential methodology. The best way to understand the role of research is arguably to study how eminent architects have achieved this synthesis. Fortunately Le Corbusier (1887-1965) published copiously; from early exploratory sketches to descriptive essays after completion. Using Chandigarh (the capital of Punjab in India and his only built city) as a case study, this paper examines the research that informed its town planning and the design of some distinctive buildingsDie vermoeë om oortuigend die integrasie van en wisselwerking tussen navorsing en produk in ontwerptake te demonstreer is nou ‘n voorvereiste by die meeste instansies van argitektuuronderrig. As gevolg van die skeppende aspekte van ontwerp en die onbetwyfelbare belangrikheid van waardebeoordeling en verbeelding in besluitneming, kan dit nie geleer of as ‘n netjiese opeenvolgende metodologie geleer word nie. Die beste manier om die rol van navorsing te verstaan, is waarskynlik om te bestudeer hoe vooraanstaande argitekte hierdie sintese bewerkstellig. Gelukkig het Le Corbusier (1887-1986) ruimskoots gepubliseer, van vroeë ondersoekende sketse tot beskrywende werkstukke na voltooing. Met Chandigarh (die hoofstad van Punjab in Indië en sy enigste geboude stad) as gevallestudie, ondersoek hierdie artikel die navorsing wat die stadsbeplanning en ontwerp van sommige kenmerkende geboue ingelig het.