An Intimate Relationship between Le Cabanon and Le Corbusier

Le Cabanon, a tiny wooden cabin, has become an important groundbreaking project in Le Corbusier’s architectural journey which is also added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list. It was built as an escape from Parisian city life that later stood as a witness in Le Corbusier’s experimental work in creating an ergonomic yet functionalist architecture building. 

Le Cabanon by Le Corbusier, Images taken from https://lecorbusier-worldheritage.org/en/cabanon-de-le-corbusier/

Although he was known for his modern movement in architecture, Le Corbusier designed this small cabin not in a modern way but in a traditional way that not only used wooden materials but also an anthropometric scale of the human body. In this Le Cabanon, Le Corbusier applied the Modular principles -  an anthropometric scale of proportion that starts from the golden ratio and the proportions of the human body which then results in creating a small cabin that provides a living space with all the needed room, like a bedroom, a toilet, a working area, and a wash basin. With an area of 3.66m by 3.66m and 2.26m in height, Le Corbusier was able to enjoy his summer vacation in this small area. Despite its small size, all the essential areas of a normal cabin can be fitted in this cabin by creating custom furniture.

Entering through the small door, an interesting mural painting on the wall becomes a welcoming object that leads to the heart of the cabin where several multifunctional furniture stand on every corner. A table and a chair that serve as a seating and working area are placed near a small window. Next to this table, a narrow and long wooden bed stands against the wall, functioning as both a sleeping area and a storage. Across the table, there is a wooden cabinet that provides spacious storage. A tiny toilet with a red curtain stands in the corner of the room across the wooden bed. 

Le Cabanon by Le Corbusier, Images taken from https://lecorbusier-worldheritage.org/en/cabanon-de-le-corbusier/

The wooden material extends from the exterior to the interior which elevates the natural harmony inside the cabin. Several mural paintings by Le Corbusier have adorned the cabin wall and window and added a touch of artistic touch inside the cabin. The red toilet curtain, the yellow parquet, the green, red, and white panels of the ceiling and the pegs of the coat rack add touches of color to the minimalist interior. 

Le Cabanon by Le Corbusier, Images taken from https://lecorbusier-worldheritage.org/en/cabanon-de-le-corbusier/

Le Cabanon by Le Corbusier, Images taken from https://lecorbusier-worldheritage.org/en/cabanon-de-le-corbusier/

Having been used for 18 years, this cabin has witnessed numerous memorable moments of Le Corbusier until his death. This cabin has become a tangible symbol of his influence in the architecture world. Through this excellent work, Le Corbusier has had a significant impact on the world of architecture; the Modular principles developed by him later became the measurement principles used globally. In this present world, Le Cabanon becomes the ancient heritage of Le Corbusier that can’t be separated from him. It stands as Le Corbusier's inheritance for the future generation and a tiny architectural modern icon. 

Le Cabanon by Le Corbusier, Images taken from https://lecorbusier-worldheritage.org/en/cabanon-de-le-corbusier/