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Visiting Villa Savoye

Villa Savoye, a modernist villa and gate lodge situated in Poissy on the outskirts of Paris, France, was designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret. Constructed between 1928 and 1931 using reinforced concrete, it stands as one of the most significant representations of the International Style and a key illustration of Le Corbusier’s architectural principles. The villa exemplifies his "five points" of modern architecture, which include pilotis (supporting columns), a flat roof terrace, an open floor plan, horizontal windows, and a free façade—each of which revolutionized residential design in the 20th century. The structure’s use of pilotis elevates the building above the ground, creating an impression of lightness and allowing for the integration of nature into the design. The flat roof terrace doubles as a garden and leisure space, blending outdoor and indoor living. The open floor plan, made possible by the reinforced concrete structure, allows for flexible and fluid spatial organization, while the horizontal ribbon windows bring in abundant natural light and offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The free façade, detached from the structural supports, permits a creative arrangement of windows and exterior features, contributing to the villa's sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Originally commissioned as a country retreat for the Savoye family, Villa Savoye was intended to reflect Le Corbusier's vision of the house as a "machine for living," emphasizing functionality, simplicity, and harmony with nature. Its cubic form, clean lines, and the extensive use of modern materials such as concrete and glass, made it a radical departure from traditional residential architecture at the time. Despite its groundbreaking design, the villa was plagued by practical issues, including water leakage and heating problems, which led to its infrequent habitation. It changed ownership multiple times and was eventually acquired by a neighboring school. In 1958, it was transferred to the French state. Although there were plans to demolish the building due to its disrepair, its architectural significance led to its designation as a French historical monument in 1965—an unusual recognition as Le Corbusier was still alive. Between 1985 and 1997, Villa Savoye underwent extensive renovations to restore its original condition, ensuring the preservation of its architectural legacy. It is now open to the public year-round, managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux. The villa continues to attract visitors and architects from around the world, offering a glimpse into the early modernist movement and Le Corbusier's groundbreaking vision. In July 2016, Villa Savoye, along with 16 other buildings designed by Le Corbusier across seven countries, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list under "The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement." This recognition further cemented its place as one of the most iconic works of modern architecture, symbolizing the transformative ideas that shaped 20th-century design.