3 things about Charlotte Perriand
Charlotte Perriand (1903-1990) was a French architect and designer, who worked with Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Jean Prouvé. They shared the philosophy that contemporary architecture and design were connected to social issues and believed in functional minimalism. She remains one of the most influential designers of the 20th Century.
L’Art de Vivre
In her article “L’Art de Vivre” (1981), she wrote, “The extension of the art of dwelling is the art of living — living in harmony with man’s deepest drives and with his adopted or fabricated environment”. Charlotte Perriand believed that good design should be transformative and affordable. Her approach to design included taking her time to connect with the site, appreciating it for what it is before starting the design process. She is pictured below facing a snowy mountain in Savoie, 1920s.
Photo credit: © ADAGP, Paris 2019 © AChP
Socially engaged
In the 1930s, concerned with social issues, she was keen on creating more accessible lines of mass-produced furniture and experimented with cheaper materials, prefabricated elements, and traditional techniques. Her projects including the Cité du Réfuge for the French Salvation Army and the Pavillon Suisse at the Cité Universitaire.
Photo credit: Christies
Chaise longue basculante B306
The chaise longue was one of several influential designs conceived in 1928-1929 by Le Corbusier, his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand. The chaise has double tubing at the sides, inspired by Thonet’s bentwood and tubular chairs and a steel cradle. It reflects the human body with its thin frame and head and has functional and structural qualities. It was not a “hit” in the beginning but gained popularity with the rise of modernism. The chaise was often attributed to Le Corbusier until she stepped out of his shadow and had a successful career of her own.
Photo credit: Christies
How to be inspired by Charlotte Perriand in your space?
Spend time in your environment, connect to its particularities. Focus on function with the idea that the design should enhance your living, stripping away any futile elements and contribute to better societies, starting with better discussions at home.