Step Into Le Corbusier’s World in His Very Own Parisian Flat

At the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine in Paris, visitors can delve into Le Corbusier’s innovative universe through a full-scale replica of an apartment from the Cité radieuse in Marseille.

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 variety found in the renowned Marseille structure, spans an area of 98 square meters and is structured as a duplex spread across two floors. Created with spatial efficiency in mind, this design connects 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 centralized stairway. This open-concept arrangement promotes social interaction, and built-in storage solutions guarantee functionality alongside personal space.

Each and
every
The architectural details are inspired by the Modulor system.
, a design system created by Le Corbusier intended to synchronize the apartment’s spatial measurements with the human form. Abundant natural light pours through large windows, and 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 outdoor rooftop garden. This innovative initiative aimed at addressing the demands of post-war rebuilding by offering a practical, autonomous habitat.

The exposed concrete skeleton stands on pillars, allowing daylight and movement beneath it. The apartments are arranged in a grid-like pattern similar to a wine box design, addressing societal and city planning challenges while foreseeing eco-friendly approaches for shared living spaces.

A joint initiative involving vocational high school students and Fondation Le Corbusier

The reconstruction effort in Paris, initiated in 2006, stands out even more because it included vocational high school students specializing in construction trades who participated in the initiative. They worked under the guidance of their instructors and received support from the Le Corbusier Foundation.

Their participation enabled an accurate recreation of the materials, textures, and architectural elements.
designed by Le Corbusier
Through their work with features like integrated cabinetry and open-air recesses, they’ve had firsthand exposure to the innovative 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 revisit the groundbreaking concepts that still fuel contemporary architects and urban designers.

If you ever want 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
.