Maison Citrohan, designed by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret in 1927, is a revolutionary concept house that reflects Le Corbusier’s vision for modern urban living. The house was exhibited at the Weissenhof Estate in Stuttgart, an architectural showcase organized by the Deutscher Werkbund to explore affordable and efficient housing solutions for rapidly urbanizing cities in post-World War I Europe. The design of Maison Citrohan is an iconic expression of Le Corbusier’s architectural principles and his commitment to functionalism, efficiency, and rational design.

Approaching the Maison Citrohan, you are immediately struck by its rectilinear form and clean lines. The house’s exterior is stark and minimalist, with a white, cubic shape that resembles an industrial product rather than a traditional home. This reflects Le Corbusier’s belief that houses should be designed with the same logic and efficiency as machines—a concept he referred to as a “machine for living.” The house takes its name from the Citroën car company, a nod to mass production and industrial efficiency that influenced much of Le Corbusier’s thinking.

The structure is elevated on pilotis (thin columns), one of Le Corbusier’s "Five Points of Architecture," which lifts the house above the ground. This frees up space for a garden or parking area beneath and creates a floating effect that lightens the appearance of the otherwise heavy, box-like structure. The use of pilotis also improves air circulation and offers better views for the residents, enhancing their living experience.

Entering the house, you find yourself in a double-height living room, a dramatic, open space that exemplifies Le Corbusier’s emphasis on light and air. The two-story interior is dominated by large windows that allow natural light to flood the space, creating a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors. The high ceilings and open-plan layout make the relatively small house feel spacious and airy. Le Corbusier’s use of ribbon windows—horizontal strips of glazing—provide panoramic views while emphasizing the horizontal lines of the structure.

The house’s layout is designed for maximum efficiency. The ground floor features the main living area, with an open-plan kitchen and dining space. The upper floor is accessed via a simple staircase and contains private bedrooms, all organized for privacy and functionality. Le Corbusier’s use of modular furniture and built-in storage enhances the flexibility of the space, allowing the interior to adapt to the needs of its occupants. The roof terrace is another of Le Corbusier’s innovations, offering a private outdoor space that makes up for the limited footprint of the building and integrates nature into the urban environment.

Criticism of the Maison Citrohan design emerged from traditionalists who found its stark, industrial aesthetic too radical. The house’s minimalist, machine-like appearance and lack of decorative elements were seen as cold and impersonal, especially when compared to the more ornate homes of the time. Critics argued that Le Corbusier’s emphasis on efficiency and rationality stripped away the emotional warmth that a home should provide. The house’s design, with its focus on mass production, was perceived as more suitable for factories or offices than for human habitation.

However, for proponents of modernism, Maison Citrohan was a visionary example of how architecture could meet the challenges of the 20th century. It demonstrated how modern materials, industrial techniques, and functional design could be used to create affordable, efficient housing for urban populations. The house also exemplified Le Corbusier’s belief that architecture should improve the quality of life by providing light, space, and air.

Over time, Maison Citrohan has come to be seen as a key work in Le Corbusier’s development of modernist principles. It stands as an early precursor to many of his later projects and continues to influence contemporary discussions on urban housing, modular design, and the role of architecture in improving daily life. Today, it is recognized as a significant milestone in the evolution of modern architecture, embodying the tension between functionalism and the human desire for warmth and beauty in domestic spaces.
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