At the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine in Paris, visitors can experience an authentic reproduction of a standard apartment from the Cité radieuse in Marseille, offering insight into Le Corbusier’s innovative architectural concepts.
Within an area reserved for the most prominent icons of contemporary architecture, the City of Architecture and Heritage is providing a unique opportunity: enter a full-scale replica of an average E2 apartment, crafted after the design by Le Corbusier for his iconic Cité radieuse in Marseille.
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The E2-type apartment: designed for daily living
The E2, which is the most prevalent model in the famous Marseille structure, spans an area of 98 square meters and consists of a split-level home spread across two floors. This design aims to maximize available space, connecting the shared spaces such as the kitchen, dining area, and lounge on the lower level. Upstairs, you'll find all the bedrooms, reached through a centrally placed stairway. The open-concept arrangement promotes social interaction, and built-in storage solutions provide both functionality and personal boundaries.
Each and every The architectural details are inspired by the Modulor. A proportional system devised by Le Corbusier to synchronize the apartment’s spatial measurements with the human form. Abundant natural light pours through expansive windows, while the loggias expand the interior living area outwardly, fostering a connection with the surroundings.
'Radiant City': an architectural utopia
Constructed from 1947 to 1952 Marseille, 'Cité radieus e It was much more than merely a structure; it functioned as a "vertical city" encompassing residences, stores, a kindergarten, and an expansive rooftop garden. This innovative initiative aimed to address the demands of post-war rebuilding by offering a practical, autonomous habitat for residents.
The building’s exposed concrete skeleton stands on pillars, allowing natural light and movement beneath it. The apartments are arranged in a grid-like pattern similar to that of a wine box, addressing both social and urban challenges while also considering future-oriented eco-friendly approaches for shared living spaces.
A joint initiative involving vocational high school students and Fondation Le Corbusier
This restoration effort in Paris, initiated in 2006, stands out particularly because it included vocational high school students specializing in construction trades. These students participated in the project under the guidance of their instructors and with support from the Le Corbusier Foundation.
Their participation allowed for an accurate recreation of the materials, textures, and architectural elements. designed by Le Corbusier Through their work with features like integrated furnishings and loggias, they've had firsthand exposure to the cutting-edge concepts that defined architectural modernism.
Preserving architectural heritage
This reconstruction of an E2 flat highlights the significance of safeguarding and transmitting our legacy of modern architectural history. Through making this UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible to everyone, the Cité de l'architecture enables individuals to reconnect with groundbreaking concepts that still fuel the imaginations of contemporary architects and urban designers.
If you find yourself wanting to explore further, you can visit the real Cité Radieuse in Marseille. The building’s open areas are open to visitors, and an apartment of type E2 is also available for the public to see. free guided tours provided by the Marseille Tourist Office .
