Le Corbusier wrote a compilation of articles in 1923 that have since been made into a book called Towards a New Architecture. The last two articles were entitled “Mass-Production Houses” and “Architecture or Revolution.” The world had changed from the industrial revolution in the 18th century, building up to the period between 1871 and 1914, which is called by historians (according to Wikipedia) the “Second Industrial Revolution” or the “technological revolution.” Not to be confused with the digital revolution that started in the 1950s with the first computers and TVs, etc. Architecture was forced to change with the world and more specifically with the modern man. During the early ages of man, he ordered his life in a natural system. He was subjected to nature and therefore was forced to live naturally. Then as this second industrial revolution gave more power to industry, the world started to run like a big machine, making things in mass production.

These advancements and those of the awesome power demonstrated in the First World War, changed man’s view of nature to being that of a resource which we could dominate. Homes from this point forward in western and northern nations are for the most part created like machines, mass produced, with standardized techniques and standardized materials in standardized sizes.

Le Corbusier wasn't against this change. He actually supported this architectural revolution, but insisted that what needed to be built were not simply generic habitats but well designed “house-machines” that assisted the life of the modern man just as advanced tools are used in our modern world. Most people will hire a carpenter, electrician, mason, etc. to physically build a home, but most haven’t been convinced of the value of the architectural designer. The designer has skill and training to see beyond walls and roofs. When living spaces are specified by appropriate size, priority and linkage to other spaces they create a healthier human habitat.

The problem is, in part, that we mostly see mass-produced homes around us and we can’t always imagine our home that much differently. Houses designed by architects are rare in most rural communities and tend to be found in the city or high end recreation centres. Homes designed by architects are usually considered only for the rich. This is not the case; architectural designers are hired for less than the cost of most other labourers on the project. See my next blog for further exploration into what an architectural designer can do for you.