SpaceTM salutes Le Corbusier

Love him or loath him, you can't escape the influence of architect Le Corbusier (unless, that is, you live in an igloo). Throughout February and March the Barbican, London, is celebrating this mighty master of construction with an exhibition and a number of special events. SpaceTM took the opportunity to ask assistant curator on the exhibition, Corinna Gardiner, what the fuss is all about.

What do you love about Le Corbusier?
His ideas reshaped residential architecture from the private villa through to mass social housing. As an architect he saw his task as one of improvement for all.
Why is he still relevant today?
Take Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye (pictured below), built in the late 1920s – it still looks radically modern near 100 years later. The pared back mode of living he advocated continues to be considered elegant and desirable today.
So, what's your favourite Le Corbusier space?
The Chapel of Notre Dame du Haut at Ronchamp is an obvious favourite. At once monumental and intimate, this sacred building is hidden away amongst trees up on hill just outside the small town of Ronchamp. The winding approach and then the sudden revelation of the sculptural concrete form is unforgettable.