LE CORBUSIER (1887-1965) produced under the direction of Pierre JEANNERET (1896-1967)

Concrete lighting bollard, 1954.
This streetlamp model, available in various sizes, was used by Le Corbusier in several of his projects: the Cité Radieuse park in Marseille (1946-1952), public spaces in Chandigarh, and Villa Sarabhai in Ahmedabad (1955).

This type of streetlamp is becoming increasingly rare; they are disappearing, eroded by the weather. The corrosion of the iron causes the concrete to burst from within. Many examples have been destroyed.

Provenance: Public space, Chandigarh, India.

Monobloc shell in raw reinforced concrete, flat base resting on the ground. Manufactured by pouring concrete into a plank formwork, the imprints of which are intentionally left visible. Lighting system concealed in the upper part. A cast iron inspection hatch opens at the back to the electrical junction box.

Restored by a conservator accredited by historical monuments. Steel reinforcement plate fixed under the base. Stainless steel rods inserted inside. Iron treated against corrosion. Cracks consolidated.

Lighting system and electrification replaced with elements compliant with current safety standards.

Length 86 cm, depth 56.5 cm, height 86 cm (+/-)

Bibliography

– Le Corbusier, complete works, 1946-1952, Ed. Girsberger, Zurich, 1953, p. 202 and 207, ill. Unité d’habitation de Marseille.

– Le Corbusier, complete works, 1952-1957, Ed. Girsberger, Zurich, 1965, p. 117 and 124, ill. Villa Sarabhai. P.144-157, ill. Palais des Filateurs.

– The Le Corbusier Archive, Allen Brooks, Garland Publishing Co. / Fondation Le Corbusier, New York / Paris, 1982-1984, Vol 17, p. 318, plan n°26990, drawn by Taka on 04-02-1952, p.325 and 337, plans n°27005 and n° 27044, drawn by Taka on 11-02-1952.

– Le Corbusier, the artist, the writer, Lucien Hervé, Ed du Griffon, Neuchatel, 1970, p.11.