September 23, 2023, 11:44 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Le Corbusier created a timeless masterpiece with his famous chaise longue, named after him. The LC4 is still considered a milestone in modern furniture history—even though the well-known lounge chair initially sparked strong reactions. myHOMEBOOK author and interior designer Odett Schumann sheds light on this true furniture classic.
If there’s one thing that can be said about Le Corbusier’s works, it’s that he wasn’t exactly gentle with his designs. They follow a strict line, appear uncompromising, and carry a distinctly bold note. This is also true for one of his masterpieces, the LC4 chaise longue. Initially, it polarized strongly, but contrary to expectations, the famous lounge chair made design history. Today, the LC4 is considered a timeless furniture classic.
A Piece of Furniture with Revolutionary Character
At the premiere of the Corbusier lounge during the Paris Autumn Salon in 1928, the design, unusual for its time, elicited mixed opinions. With a machine-like construction of a steel frame and base, the design shattered all prevailing notions of aesthetics and beauty.
This was a reason for many to initially reject the product. Others, particularly design enthusiasts and some critics, recognized its special potential and were quite taken with the revolutionary, unconventional design language, as well as the enormous comfort of the lounge.
The Italian furniture manufacturer Cassina was equally enthusiastic, which is why it has been producing the piece since 1964 to this day. Incidentally, Cassina is the only company licensed to manufacture the original LC4 chaise longue.
Also interesting: How the Eames Lounge Chair Made History
The Barcelona Chair and Its Royal History
The Butterfly Chair and Its Unusual History
Design Made by Le Corbusier
Le Corbusier is often regarded as the sole designer of the LC4 due to his enormous influence on modern furniture history. However, two other individuals were involved in the legendary design: Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand. Together, the trio developed the original lounge as part of an avant-garde collection.
Because Le Corbusier was particularly fascinated by purism, he prominently incorporated its elements into his architecture and designs. With cubist forms and simple steel constructions, the LC4 gained elegant timelessness: Thanks to its ergonomic curve and the infinitely adjustable frame that required no additional mechanism, it has stood for relaxation for decades.
Due to its high comfort, Le Corbusier himself referred to his chaise longue as a Rest Machine. Over time, a complete Le Corbusier collection developed, including sofas, armchairs, tables, and chairs.
Multitalented Le Corbusier
Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, Le Corbusier’s real name, had many talents. The trained engraver from the French-speaking part of Switzerland demonstrated his skills throughout his artistic career on many different levels: painting, architecture, urban planning, and later furniture design.
During the 1920s, Le Corbusier’s first buildings emerged, including the Corbusierhaus “Unité d’Habitation” in Berlin-Westend. With his concepts, he not only shaped modern urban development but also various interior designs.
The genius and equally creative mind created numerous revolutionary designs that often caused a stir. No wonder: Le Corbusier stood for a certain form of uncompromising and radical approach in his time. This boldness has given the designer and his polarizing works enormous recognition to this day.