le corbusier and the vertical urban block

"The social project of Le Corbusier involves a complete modification in the way of life of the inhabitants. All reference to to an urban life, to a traditional neighbourhood life, is abolished: no more 'corners',or 'opposites' or 'next doors'."urban forms, phillipe panerai, 2004, pg118

In the unite d'habitation balconies are used to extend dwellings and as a substitute for gardens. Corbusier designs this in such a way that a double facade is created. The outer facade allows Corbusier to retain control over external appearance of the building whilst also permitting inhabitants to make alterations on the facade between the loggia and the dwelling which are then masked by the outer facade.

The arrangement and social intentions of the unite d'habitation appeared as a complete denial of the city and as the ultimate transformation of the urban block.

"Unite d'Habitation expects from the inhabitant a complete change in his way of life." urban forms, phillipe panerai, 2004, pg118