More of Corbusier!

A typical cell at La Tourette

La Tourette

Quite an amazing view

Ronchomp!

Window detail

Such great use of light!

After our visit to Lyon, we continued the journey to La Tourette where the monastery sits on a hill over looking the small city.  Despite not being able to talk as much and having to sleep in an incredibly cold cell, La Tourette was absolutely amazing.  It was nice to see a different side of architecture from Corbusier when comparing it to Villa Savoye or Maison La Roche.  La Tourette still has some qualities of his 5 points, but they are beginning to be less distinguished. Once we reach Ronchomp, the 5 points are no longer important in his design strategy.  This is one of the great things about being able to see a variety of buildings by the same architect... you can see how they grow and change during the different stages of their career.

The themes of La Tourette:
1.) Separate the inhabitants from nature
2.) Encourage spiritual enlightenment through mathematics and geometry
3.) Encourage spiritual reflection and discovery

The themes were very prominent and easier to grasp being there in person vs. seeing images in a textbook.  We had breakfast the morning we departed and took our packed lunch prepared by the friars.  It was really sweet of them to pack us lunch to go for our excursion to Ronchomp!

Ronchomp... where do I begin?  I can't express how much I loved seeing this particular building.  The details in the lighting, the hierarchy in spaces... so amazing!  Ahhhh I want to go back already :)  This church is great because it not only seats 50 people inside to serve the local community, but the exterior acts as a pilgrimage church when larger groups pay a visit.  Ronchomp was criticized immensely by the French press and also the international architectural community, but today it is one of Corbusier's more well known buildings.

Loved this weekend and thankful for all the experiences!