All of a Sudden, Your City Might Be the Legacy of a Swiss‑French Genius
Imagine waking up to a skyline that looks a little too organized for comfort. That’s the flip‑side of a century‑old idea from a man named Charles‑Édouard Jeanneret, better known as Le Corbusier.
What Was the Vision?
At 33, in 1920, he donned the nickname “the crow‑like one” and declared that the old, chaotic streets should get a makeover. The plan: tear down the crumbling alleys and build “orderly, rigorously planned metropolises.” Think of:
- A bustling Central Business District full of glass and steel towers.
- High‑rise corporate offices topped with houses for the rich.
- Surrounding lower skyscrapers set in lush greenery, all equipped with the convenience of a modern city.
Remember the Skyscraper‑At‑Home Concept?
Le Corbusier’s Unité d’Habitation in Marseille—known as La Cité Radieuse—was a game‑changer that came to life in 1952. He engineered whole “vertical garden cities” with rooftop recreation areas. Those ideas feel oddly familiar, don’t they? Especially less than a mile away, right where the iconic lotus‑shaped hotel in Singapore stands on a roof that feels almost too similar.
Exhibit Today (till the End of October)
From now until 31 Oct, Alliance Française will host a showcase featuring 38 models of Le Corbusier’s famous buildings, furniture, and original prints. Talk after talk will dig into how his legacy still echoes in Singapore’s own design. Keep an eye on the full schedule (no link needed—just enough to keep you curious).
Who Will Be Talking?
- Rene Tan
- Manuel Der Hagopian
- Maria Boey
- Dr. Liu Thai Kher
Who Is Dr. Liu Thai Kher?
“Architect of modern Singapore” is the nickname for this man who spent 20 years steering the Housing Development Board, launching 25 new towns and more than half a million apartments. He also served in the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and later contributed to the private sector with RSP Architects before launching his own firm, Morrow Architects + Planners.
Learn How to Plan a Sustainable, Liveable City
The talks are more than a trip down memory lane; they’re a masterclass in urban planning. Dr. Liu will break down the anatomy of a city that’s modern, green, and livable.
Ready to Dive In?
For more details, just check the Alliance Française webpage. The entire exhibition runs from now until 31 Oct. Don’t miss this chance to uncover the genius behind your city’s skyline and hear from one of the foremost architects shaping the future of Singapore.
First published on 99.co (Architecture, Buildings, Art, Design).
