d destroying historical parts of Paris to build it
Fascism and Design
Architecture unlike the other fine arts physically shape entire cities and environments. But architects job status is often dependent on whatever regime is in power. So, was Le Corbusier a fascist or just an opportunist? And does the distinction even matter?
In the 1930-40’s, Le Corbusier developed close ties with Pierre Winter, a leading doctor in the Revolutionary Fascist Party. Both Corbusier and Pierre Winter, worked together to create the urban planning journals Plans and Prelude. Consequently, in Plans and his private correspondence, Corbusier outlined his support of Italian Fascism and Nazism.
When the majority of artists fled Europe during WW2, Le Corbusier stayed. He was involved with the Vichy government for 18-months following the fall of Paris. (The Vichy government censored the press, prohibited divorce, made abortion a capital offense and arrested and deported 13,000 Jews to camps. 4,000 of these individuals were children that the Gestapo did not demand.) Corbusier even “declared himself in favor of a corporatist state on the model of Benito Mussolini,” (according to BBC News).
Which brings us to the question, can we or should we disassociate the artist from the art?
In 2015 when the French government announced plans for a museum dedicated to Corbusier, questions rose about celebrating an architect with documented fascist ties. Scholars in defense of Corbusier explain his actions as part of his shifting politics. They say his politics were a means to an end. More about job security and opportunity than his core beliefs. Does that make any of us feel better about it?
It’s easy to look back on history and question certain decisions. But, any direct fascist or nazi association (no matter for what end) places the person in a dark space on a disturbing path. Some of these people may see the error of their ways, but others will not. Did Le Corbusier? It doesn’t appear that way, but we cannot say for sure.
Should we celebrate his art? Should we think of him as an architectural propagandist? Was he visionary? Or was he dystopian? Let us know what you think.