Germany is full of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Picturesque castles, historic cities like Weimar, sky-scratching cathedrals, the entire half-timbered Altstadt (old town) of Bamberg. And now the country has one more.
On July 17, 2016, seventeen projects by the famous architect Le Corbusier were included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in seven countries. Known for his “Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement,” Le Corbusier’s houses in Stuttgart were included on the list.
Who was Le Corbusier?
Born in Switzerland in 1887 as Charles-Edouard Jeanneret-Gris, he adopted his mother’s maiden name in 1922 when he began his career in a partnership with his cousin, the engineer Pierre Jeanneret. From there, Le Corbusier built an exemplary career pioneer of European modernism. This is known as the Bauhaus Movement in Germany and the International Style in the United States. He led the modern movement with buildings in Europe, Japan, India, and North and South America.
Le Corbusier houses in Stuttgart
The Weißenhofsiedlung (or “Weissenhof Estate” in English) in the state of Baden-Wuertemberg was built in 1927 to show modern international style, as well as economy and functionality. Called “Die Wohnung,” several world-class architects, including Walter Gropius, Mies van der Rohe, and Hans Scharoun, designed different elements of the urbanization with two of the buildings designed by Le Corbusier himself. These are the only Le Corbusier buildings in Germany.
Le Corbusier’s two-family townhouse fits into the estate’s style with modern gardens and minimalist interiors. Historians have described it as the “icon of modern architecture.” Notice the five architectural points of Le Corbusier in its monochromatic facade with a long horizontal window, flat roof and concrete canopy.
The other original Corbusier houses the Weissenhof Museum. The left, Rathenaustrasse 1, documents the origins and goals of the Weissenhof Estate, while the right, No. 3, features Le Corbusier’s authentic floor plans, furniture, and color scheme. Overall, it provides insight into how radical the architectural change was amid the turmoil of WWII. Get in touch with the city on the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Stuttgart.
After its construction, the estate was neglected. It was ignored by the Third Reich and partially destroyed during World War II. But in 1958, the entire Weissenhof Estate was classified as a protected monument and finally recognized internationally as an influential example of classical modernist architecture. In 2002 it was bought by the city of Stuttgart to be preserved by the Wüstenrot Foundation. Despite its rough history, eleven of the original 21 houses remain and are currently occupied.
The recent inclusion of the site on the World Heritage list makes it the first for Stuttgart and 41st for Germany. The Le Corbusier Houses prove that Stuttgart has more than machinery and cars, it is the home of the art of architecture.
Visiting the Le Corbusier Houses in Stuttgart
Visit the website for information on hours and admissions.
Le Corbusier’s home has undergone extensive renovation work, but has been open to the public since 2006.
Guided tours of the grounds and buildings are available. They provide a unique insight into the listed building that includes the rich history of the site and Corbusier.
