Le Corbusier (1887 - 1965)

Undoubtably one of the most influential and ground-breaking architects and designers of the twentieth century.

Charles-Edouard Jeanneret was born in Switzerland, changing his name in 1920 after moving to Paris.

Despite not originally formally training as an architect (he initially trained in his fathers profession as a watch engraver) many of the forms he created have become archetypes of modernism. He went on to work in in two major architectural practices after fine-art training. This combination of influences led to the development of his first revolutionary idea - a reinforced concrete frame supported by steel pillars thus allowing an open plan interior space, free of restrictive internal walls.

Most of his life was spent in France but In 1910 and 1911 he came to Germany, developing a link with the Bauhaus design movement. He taught architecture and was associated with the `Congres Internationaux d'Architecture Moderne´. In his book "Vers une nouvelle Architecture", Le Corbusier presents his ideas about modern architecture and design. He criticized mass-produced kitsch and declared that "the house is a machine for living in".

In furniture terms the 1920 saw him partnering Charlotte Perriand to make useof tubular steel and chrome and leather. Presenting the frame of the furniture as an integral part of the visual design and form was perhaps the most revolutionary idea, leading to the development of icons of modern chair design, the "Swivel Back Chair", the" Grand Confort" club style armchair and the immediately recogniseable "B306" chaise-longue.

Difficult to mass produce, these designs were originally produced in limited numbers until a 1960s revival of high quality reproductions by the Italian firm, Cassina.