What is the main problem Le Corbusier has encountered when introducing mass-produced housing?
The biggest problem was that it did not already exist. There were no set tools or methods for creating mass produced housing. There were no set guide lines. Le Corbusier had to start from scratch and equip the world for the mass production of houses.
How does Le Corbusier want to replace natural/ traditional materials in architecture?
Le Corbusier discusses 'old-world' natural building materials as being essentially risky and prone to waste. They can be temperamental, timber splitting under changes in temperature for example. He proposes replacing such materials with artificial ones which have been "proved in the laboratory". He favours the exact calculations of such artificial materials resulting in strong, precise and less wasteful buildings which are also ultimately less risky.
Do you agree with the statement: "A house will no longer be this solidity-built thing which sets out to defy time and decay, and which is an expensive luxury by which wealth can be shown; it will be a tool as the motor-car is becoming a tool."
I agree in part with the quote, but disagree elsewhere. The section about the house becoming a tool is something which I agree with. I think that in the modern day world, not every house is considered a home. As such, they can be seen as tools in which to live, a place to function, eat, sleep, even work. However what I disagree with is that houses will be less solidly built. It is true that we are moving away from heavy construction methods such as dense masonry structures towards lighter construction methods of glass and steel. Yet this does not mean that the buildings are any less secure or prone to decay. In fact, in some cases these lightweight structures may be able to stand for longer.
What is the Masion Citrohan?
It is a house designed around Le Corbusier's concept for creating a house as a machine for living in, it is made to be a tool for the inhabitants. The Masion Citrohan is designed precisely using artificial materials in specific dimensions to make maximum use of space and function.
Have a look at Le Corbusier's plan for a University Quarter. What do you think of his approach?
His approach to provide every student with the same level of living is an ideal one. He wants to give everyone a certain set of requirements, everyone should have good light, a warm living space and a place to look out of. He also thinks that every student desires self containment, they want to be able to have their own space. However he also plans for everyone to be able to interact with one another with ease. I think that his plan for this works well, it achieves it's goals well.
Le Corbusier identifies Architectural Schools as collaborators in the process of creating new architecture. Do you think that role has been/ can be achieved?
I do. Architecture is an art form as well as a science. Art is an ever changing trend which develops over time. Likewise, scientific discoveries are always being made. As such, architecture is always changing and advancing. Schools of architects are the studiers of this change and advancement. Furthermore they are often the creators of it. With so many minds exploring together there are usually discoveries to be made. However, architecture schools are not the only place in which architects learn. I do not believe that we ever stop learning, wherever there are architects, new architecture can be made.
Le Corbusier, (2008), Towards A New Architecture,