HIGHLIGHT DESIGN MIAMI/ – LE CORBUSIER & CHARLOTTE PERRIAND, C.I.U.P., 1956
Established in 1925, the ‘Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris’ aimed to foster cultural diversity and to address the lack of accommodation for undergraduates in the capital. Thirty-seven housing facilities for as many nations – or « Houses » – were thus built between 1929-1969 to accommodate students from the entire world. Architect Lucio Costa, entrusted as of 1952 with the building of the Brazil House within the ‘Cité Universitaire Internationale’, called upon Le Corbusier to work with him on a joint project including a 100-room residence, a theatre, a library and a meeting room. Le Corbusier, with the participation of Charlotte Perriand, also carried into effect the furnishing of individual rooms in the student residence. The resulting furniture was multifunctional and characterized by its stern, clear lines, softened by splashes of color. Created in a context of stringent budget restrictions, this individual student room was the culmination of a process of reflection undertaken since the 1920s by Le Corbusier around the concept of “cell” and on the study of rationalization and the economy of living spaces. The Brazil House at the ‘Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris’ was inaugurated on June 24, 1959.
HIGHLIGHT DESIGN MIAMI/ – JEAN PROUVÉ – UNIVERSITY DORMITORY ROOM, ANTONY 1954
The emerging university market was to Ateliers Jean Prouvé an opportunity to work on new furniture models, both light and inexpensive, for fitting out the university accommodation complex.
Built by architect Eugène Beaudouin in 1954, the ‘Cité Universitaire Jean Zay’ was perceived as a model: in the manner of a whole town it included, as well as lodgings, three swimming pools, two restaurants, three lecture halls, a theatre, a library, a nursery school, two day nurseries, an infirmary, a social care center, and all kinds of shops.
A second competition for room furnishing was launched in the beginning of the year 1955. Several designers were invited to take part in the furnishing of the accommodation complex, among whom Jean Prouvé, who won the order for the furniture of the halls, the restaurants as well as for 148 individual rooms.
The ‘Cité Universitaire Jean Zay’ was inaugurated on December 1, 1955.
Built by architect Eugène Beaudouin in 1954, the ‘Cité Universitaire Jean Zay’ was perceived as a model: in the manner of a whole town it included, as well as lodgings, three swimming pools, two restaurants, three lecture halls, a theatre, a library, a nursery school, two day nurseries, an infirmary, a social care center, and all kinds of shops.
A second competition for room furnishing was launched in the beginning of the year 1955. Several designers were invited to take part in the furnishing of the accommodation complex, among whom Jean Prouvé, who won the order for the furniture of the halls, the restaurants as well as for 148 individual rooms.
The ‘Cité Universitaire Jean Zay’ was inaugurated on December 1, 1955.
HIGHLIGHT DESIGN MIAMI/ – JEAN PROUVÉ – UNIVERSITY DORMITORY ROOM, NANCY 1932
In Nancy, in 1930, following a serious housing crisis, some university students were forced to exit their education. This gave birth to the idea of building an accommodation complex, so as to ensure undergraduates enough comfort and healthy conditions during their studies.
During the building process for ‘Cité Universitaire Monbois’, as designed by Jean Bourgon, the architect, Jean Prouvé successfully took part in the interior design competition. He was entrusted with the furniture for 70 individual rooms.
Each room included a BED, with or without headboard, a DESK and chair, an armchair and a SHELF, the whole being designed so as to be inexpensive, solid and at the same time easy to clean. These specifications in the 1930 invitation to tender, explain the almost exclusive use of metal plates and tubular steel, enameled in various shades of red.
The whole set of furniture was the first to be mass-produced for a public procurement contract. This first experiment characterized a new orientation for Ateliers Jean Prouvé – which was subsequently confirmed.
The ‘Cité Universitaire Monbois’ was inaugurated on November 6, 1932.
During the building process for ‘Cité Universitaire Monbois’, as designed by Jean Bourgon, the architect, Jean Prouvé successfully took part in the interior design competition. He was entrusted with the furniture for 70 individual rooms.
Each room included a BED, with or without headboard, a DESK and chair, an armchair and a SHELF, the whole being designed so as to be inexpensive, solid and at the same time easy to clean. These specifications in the 1930 invitation to tender, explain the almost exclusive use of metal plates and tubular steel, enameled in various shades of red.
The whole set of furniture was the first to be mass-produced for a public procurement contract. This first experiment characterized a new orientation for Ateliers Jean Prouvé – which was subsequently confirmed.
The ‘Cité Universitaire Monbois’ was inaugurated on November 6, 1932.