Chaise Longue (Le Corbusier)

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Chaise Longue (Le Corbusier) is a celebrated piece of modern furniture designed by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier in collaboration with his cousin, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand. This iconic design, officially known as LC4, was introduced in 1928 as part of the Le Corbusier's furniture collection, which aimed to offer a better living environment in the modern age. The chaise longue is renowned for its form, function, and innovation, embodying the principles of modernist design.

Design and Features

The LC4 Chaise Longue is characterized by its ergonomic design, intended to provide maximum comfort without compromising on style or functionality. The frame is made from high-quality steel, bent into a smooth curve that supports the body in a reclining position. The base, often referred to as the "cradle," allows the chair to move along its axis, adapting to the user's preferred angle of recline. The upholstery can be found in a variety of materials, including leather, cowhide, or canvas, adding to its versatility and appeal across different settings.

One of the most distinctive features of the LC4 is its floating effect, achieved by the separation of the base from the frame, which gives the impression that the user is suspended in air. This innovative design not only enhances the visual appeal of the chaise longue but also emphasizes Le Corbusier's commitment to combining aesthetic elegance with practical utility.

Historical Context

The LC4 Chaise Longue was part of Le Corbusier's broader efforts to redefine furniture design as part of the modernist movement. Alongside Jeanneret and Perriand, Le Corbusier sought to create pieces that reflected the new architectural philosophy of the time, which favored simplicity, functionality, and the honest use of materials. The LC4, along with other pieces such as the LC2 Petit Confort armchair and the LC3 Grand Confort sofa, was a radical departure from traditional furniture designs, focusing instead on the needs of the user and the possibilities offered by modern industrial production techniques.

Legacy

Today, the LC4 Chaise Longue is considered a masterpiece of modern design. It is included in the collections of major museums around the world and continues to be produced and sold by the Italian furniture company Cassina, which holds the exclusive rights to manufacture Le Corbusier's designs. The LC4 remains popular not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its representation of the ideals of the modernist movement, including the belief in the power of design to improve human life.

See Also

• Modernism
• Furniture design
• Ergonomics
• Industrial design