Purismo | Sandra Daniela Abrica Chapula | Arquitectura

Purism: A Movement Post-Cubism

Introduction to Purism

• Purism emerged after Cubism, initiated by the publication of "Après le Cubisme" in 1918 by painter Amad and architect Le Corbusier. This movement sought to address what they viewed as the decline of Cubism into overly decorative forms.

• The movement advocates for a return to clear and precise representation in art, emphasizing an economy of means and harmonious proportions inspired by machine forms.

Core Principles of Purism

• Purists believe that classical numerical formulas can create harmony and happiness through art, rejecting whimsy and originality in favor of pure elements. Their goal is to reconstruct organized compositions resembling nature itself.

• Although influential in later architecture (notably Bauhaus), purism is primarily associated with Le Corbusier as an architect and Amad as a painter, with its active period from 1918 to 1926.

Color Theory in Purism

• In 1921, Le Corbusier and Amad published "Le Purisme," discussing color's role in art; they proposed that color should be controlled, ordered, classified, and hierarchized for effective perception.

• They introduced three color scales:

• Major Scale: Comprising strong colors like yellows, reds, blacks, blues—used for stability and unity.

• Dynamic Scale: Featuring vibrant colors like lemon yellow and orange—intended to create agitation.

• Transition Scale: Including unsuitable colors for construction such as emerald green. Overall focus remains on form over color within architecture.

Architectural Innovations

• Le Corbusier utilized color strategically to manipulate spatial volumes within architecture; he believed it could camouflage or highlight objects within a space effectively. This approach allowed him to unify spatial results through careful color application.

• In 1926, he presented his systematic architectural ideas known as the "Five Points of a New Architecture," which included:

• Houses on pilotis (supports) freeing ground space.

• Roof gardens replacing sloped roofs.

• Free floor plans without fixed partitions.

• Horizontal windows enhancing light distribution.

• Free facades independent from structural support systems. These concepts represented significant innovations leveraging new concrete technologies at the time.

Case Study: Villa Cabris

• Robert Mallet-Stevens designed Villa Cabris in France (inaugurated in 1932), showcasing unique architectural harmonization between interior decor and space design; it stands as a historical monument today reflecting purist principles applied practically in residential design.