Le Corbusier

Le Corbusier: straight lines, but with panache!

Le Corbusier: when furniture becomes architecture

It is hard to talk about modern design without mentioning Le Corbusier. An architect, urban planner, artist and designer, he profoundly transformed the way we think about spaces… and what we put inside them. Born Charles-Édouard Jeanneret in 1887 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, he gradually turned his attention to architecture before settling in Paris.

In his Parisian studio, he worked with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, who was joined in 1927 by Charlotte Perriand. Together, they focused on what they termed ‘home furnishings’ and developed a new approach to furniture: functional, rational and closely linked to architecture. Their collaboration would give rise to several pieces that would become icons of 20th-century design. Exposed metal frames, geometric forms, generous cushions: furniture was no longer merely there to decorate. It played a full part in shaping the space.

Straight lines, yes. But certainly not without personality.

Great comfort, great icons

The LC2, now produced by Cassina, is probably one of the most instantly recognisable designs in the collection. Created by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand, it combines an exposed tubular steel frame with generously padded cushions. Unveiled at the Salon d’Automne in Paris in 1929, it perfectly illustrates their vision of modern furniture. In the LC2 sofa version, its compact design adds character to a lounge, an office, an exhibition stand or a reception area without overwhelming the space. The LC2 armchair adopts the same design language in a single-seater format, which is particularly effective for creating a conversation area.

With the LC3, also produced by Cassina, the proportions become more generous. The metal frame remains deliberately exposed, but accommodates more enveloping upholstered sections. This offers another interpretation of ‘Grand Confort’, with a greater focus on relaxation. The LC3 sofa works particularly well in a VIP area, a lobby or a premium lounge, whilst the LC3 armchair allows for the creation of more intimate areas. LC2 or LC3? Two ways of looking at comfort. And no need to choose between architecture and style.

Visually lighter, the LC7 – now produced by Cassina – deserves a brief mention. This swivel armchair was designed by Charlotte Perriand in 1927 for her own Parisian flat before being incorporated into the Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand collection. Its circular seat, curved backrest and tubular steel base make it a piece that is both compact and highly graphic. Whether around a conference table, in an office, a reception area or a contemporary setting, the LC7 armchair instantly adds a modernist touch without dominating the space.

The collection extends beyond sofas and armchairs. With the LC6 desk, also produced by Cassina, the structure once again takes centre stage in the design. Conceived by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand in the late 1920s, it combines a wide top with a steel base whose form fully reveals the piece’s structural logic. Used as a desk or a meeting table, it extends the collection’s aesthetic into professional spaces. Whether in an executive office, a corporate space, a showroom or a contemporary exhibition setting, its architectural lines are enough to instantly lend character to the décor.

Almost a century after its design, it continues to turn. And so do heads.

Why choose Le Corbusier furniture for an event?

The real strength of these designs in the events sector lies in their ability to be instantly recognisable whilst remaining surprisingly easy to integrate.  The architectural lines of the LC2 lend structure to a lounge or corporate space. The more generous proportions of the LC3 bring a greater sense of conviviality to a VIP area or reception. The LC7, meanwhile, complements a table or meeting area with a lighter seat.

Steel, leather, fabric, geometry: their design language works just as well in minimalist settings as it does in more contemporary surroundings. Renting Le Corbusier furniture therefore allows you to introduce true design icons into a showroom, a trade fair, a lounge area or a high-end event.

Furniture designed for the modern home, which has since become a classic.

Le Corbusier icons at Maison Vachon

At Maison Vachon, we love pieces that stand the test of time without losing their character. It’s hard to find a better example than this collection. The LC2 and LC3 sofas and armchairs, as well as the LC7 armchair, allow you to create spaces that are graphic, elegant and comfortable all at once. Their strength lies precisely in this balance: iconic enough to define a space, yet timeless enough to complement a wide variety of styles.

Available to hire from Maison Vachon, these pieces fit naturally into lounge areas, showrooms, offices, exhibition stands, receptions and premium events. By hiring Le Corbusier designer furniture, you can bring nearly a century of design history to your event.

Because at Le Corbusier, even comfort has a sense of architecture.