La Maison du fada... the "house of the crazy" was what the neighborhood called it because they…read moreconsidered it so ugly when it was built. Like a nickname that you call that little fat girl with the buck teeth but then she grows into her body and you still call her Bucky but she is now a model, and everyone wants to sleep with her. She is also called Unite de'Habitacion and some even call her Cite Radieuse.
On my first visit I immediately ascended to the rooftop sculptural garden and running track and stunning view of the Mediterranean. I met a little boy playing marbles, interested and interesting. He told me that his father is an architect and his mother is an artist and he is going to be an artist and architect. He asks me what I do...? I say that I am an artist and in architecture school. He said that he is quite sure that his father and mother want to meet me. He told me that he loves living here.
He is charismatic, charming, adorable. He is 12.
Nine years later I return and he is starting his career as an architect and his girlfriend is stunningly beautiful. They are both super smart, extroverts, energetic, creative... ready to take the world by storm. He tells me that he misses home, and that he appreciates what Le Corbusier created... it has added to his life, to his appreciation of great architecture and helped make him who he is today.
I lived in his now empty bedroom for a week and experienced waking up in Le Corbusier's monastery for vertical living. They have a spacious corner unit, 2 stories, great light, plenty of space. They told me stories about the increasing maintenance costs, the concrete that has needed extra attention, and their commitment to this place.
Le Corbusier created an island. When you live here, you feel you are chosen to be ON the island. Completely self contained bubble. Restaurant, dry cleaning, cafe, bar, haircut, ping pong tables...
Super friendly people who seem to display obvious pleasure in their good fortune and good taste in choosing this amazing place to raise a family. In my world, they are all patrons of the art of architecture... likely paying way too much to repair and maintain a building which was at the forefront of technology... concrete and steel and glass.
In addition to staying in one of the flats with a family, I also stayed 2 nights in one of the rentable apartments and I would say, if you love modernism or if you love someone who loves modernism, this is a treat... skinny little cells, sparse, like being on a cruise ship but without the activities, the booze and the buffets of endless food.
It was reasonable but beware as the rentable rooms are super small... monastic almost, which I loved. The units are on the 3rd and 4th floor. Everything fit like a Rubik's Cube puzzle, the bed, the desk, the shelves, the bathroom... and felt like it was designed with the efficiency of a ship. It is not luxury by today's definition, though, and actually, the tiny unit I stayed in was not even comfortable. The sacrifices one must make for great art... Make sure to get a room with a view of the sea. Waking up with a view of the Mediterranean and a bright blue sky should not be missed, as long as you made the trip.
This building was a breakthrough and is considered one of Le Corbusier's masterpieces in his pursuit of a Machine for Living.
1958 Interview with Le Corbusier...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQayb3glupE&feature=related
Do not miss the sculptural concrete on the roof, the cafe, the shops, and making friends. I found most of the people who live here to be very friendly and very appreciative of visitors who appreciate their building. Lots of architects and artists inhabit this machine. Like anyone who chooses to live in an obscure tourist attraction, though, some were a tad cranky... but who knows, it may have had nothing to do with me.
Apparently it is currently undergoing more renovations, repairs...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg9f2FLbiVM&feature=fvw
