At Design/Miami this year Cassina rebuilt a replica of Le Corbusier’s Cabanon interior designed in 1952 and I was thrilled to attend a preview of the show. Le Corbusier has always been a constant inspiration in my work and to see this masterpiece recreated with such exacting detail was a revelation! Exclusive rights to Le Corbusiers’ work have been held by Cassina since 1965 and this project truly shows the craftsmanship and innovative design ideas of this master architect. Conceived as a birthday present for his wife, Le Corbusier designed the entire cabin in a cafe and ended up using the space frequently himself. Le Corbusier had always been fascinated by boats and made the cabin in the likeness of a ships interior, sitting above the French Riviera in Cap-Martin overlooking the Bay of Monaco. Even the brightly colored ceiling panels were removable for storage above since the space was designed at the most minimal size to live comfortably. The only function he left out of the cabin was a kitchen since he and his wife dined at the local L’Etoile de Mer restaurant nearby. This remarkable example of micro-architecture truly shows that less is much, much more.
Drawings of the Cabanon
Le Corbusier in the 1952 Cabanon
The original Cabanon exterior
Entry into the cabin with Le Corbusiers’ original painting and coat hooks
Bed with pull out storage
Cassina has reintroduced the LC 14 01 Tabouret Cabanon stool in chestnut and oak finishes to coincide with the reconstruction. Openings on each side create handles and the unique dovetail joint on each corner is exclusive and highlights the workmanship of the solid wood and exalts its qualities.
Lc 14 01 Tabouret Cabanon
Lc 14 01 Tabouret Cabanon detail
Le Corbusier’s mark in the cabin entry
Le Corbusier: The Interior of the Cabanon. The Cassina reconstruction will remain on view in the Miami Showroom: 3800 NE Miami Court, Miami Design District December 6, 2012- January 12, 2013