HOMING, CHANGING HOMES
Free Design in the Footsteps of Le Corbusier
Among the pioneers of modern architecture in the 20th century, the architectural philosophy of Le Corbusier continues to influence intellectuals and designers to this day.
What anticipated the essence of modern architecture, leading to a radical change, was the concept of a single modular unit, organized in various ways to create more complex ensembles destined for multiple purposes. Free design, therefore, becomes an essential pillar upon which Le Corbusier's vision is based.
The disappearance of load-bearing walls, spaces delineated by adaptable furnishings, sliding panels, and modular furniture components to organize spaces in a versatile manner according to one's needs.
The "open plan" promotes free design where the division of spaces is no longer enslaved by load-bearing walls but can be created at will, allowing for a window of dialogue between the outside and the inside.
In our column HOMING, changing homes, we listened to the professional experience of architect Alessio Viviani to understand how the new needs of living are changing.
How are your clients' requests changing? Have you noticed a demand for more imagination and creativity in your projects, or conversely, are the requests more focused on practicality?
After spending so much time in their homes, people have realized that the living environment is fundamental for individual well-being. The client is not merely choosing between creativity, imagination, or practicality but is paying great attention to the designer's planning, as it can trigger fundamental reflections for the new daily living.
Which room or area do you believe has changed the most?
Every residential area has undergone changes: balconies, terraces, or small gardens have been positively revalued during the pandemic period, but at the same time, it was realized that they were undervalued and lacked technological connectivity.
The living area will move towards multitasking evolution (thanks to specific objects that will transform the spaces according to the mode of use), just as the bedrooms will need to contain furniture with integrated workstations.
Following this historical period, has something changed in your way of designing and perceiving spaces?
The emptying of streets and squares has put one's own "living cell" back in the spotlight. A Corbusian "plan libre" approach offers the opportunity to interface the interior with the exterior of the residence seamlessly; in doing so, we will transform these spaces from mere extensions of the built environment into integrated extensions of living well-being.
What has changed in your home? Have you made any changes or purchased anything different? Even just changed household habits?
As a family, working and studying all from home, we have used the workstations integrated into our furniture daily. The fortune of having an outdoor space well connected with the interior has made us appreciate even more our garden and our terraces, which we have further enriched with furnishing elements.
The Importance of Our Spaces
The architect's perspective, given their experience and proximity to the topic at hand, helps us understand the importance of our personal and daily spaces, focusing on:
- The new daily living and a multi-functional home for our well-being.
- The revolution of interiors and exteriors to increase their functionality: transforming home spaces for every occasion.
- The greater connection between "outside and inside," between nature and humans. And for those without outdoor space? No problem, green corners come to the rescue. Click here to read our article!
