The Influence of Le Corbusier On the emergence of the Aesthetic Values

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A B S T R A C T Modernity has significantly influenced the branches of human knowledge; architecture has a substantial share in this effect. Modern architecture, in turn, was not a negative recipient to impact, but it was a positive catalyst for decades. Moreover, it did not limit to certain geographic boundaries, but it has spread all over the world and Cyprus was not an exception. Due to most of the Cypriot pioneer architects were studied in Europe; Cyprus was the incubator that has many architectural distinctive pieces of evidence of modern architecture. Perhaps the expert reader of the modern architectural discourse of Cyprus could distinguish numerous aesthetic features in Cyprus Buildings especially the private residences and their appearance is credited back to one of the pioneers of modern architecture; Le Corbusier. The research paper is an attempt to determine the influence of the principles that Le Corbusier claimed as keystones of modern architecture in early twenty century and how impressed on the emergence of aesthetic values of the modern architecture of Cyprus as well. The paper takes two works of NeoptolemosMichaelides, as case study (NeoptolemosMichaelides is considered the father of Cyprus modern architecture). The first case study is his and wife private residence, which considers the icon of the modern residential architecture of Cyprus and the other is the first residential project designed by him TheotodosKanthos residence.

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The Influence of Le Corbusier On the emergence of the Aesthetic Values in the Modern Architecture of Cyprus *Ph.D. CandidateFARHAN ABDULLAH ALI Department of Architecture,Girne American University, North Cyprus E mail: farhanali@gau.edu.tr A B S T R A C T Modernity has significantly influenced the branches of human knowledge; architecture has a substantial share in this effect. Modern architecture, in turn, was not a negative recipient to impact, but it was a positive catalyst for decades. Moreover, it did not limit to certain geographic boundaries, but it has spread all over the world and Cyprus was not an exception. Due to most of the Cypriot pioneer architects were studied in Europe; Cyprus was the incubator that has many architectural distinctive pieces of evidence of modern architecture. Perhaps the expert reader of the modern architectural discourse of Cyprus could distinguish numerous aesthetic features in Cyprus Buildings especially the private residences and their appearance is credited back to one of the pioneers of modern architecture; Le Corbusier. The research paper is an attempt to determine the influence of the principles that Le Corbusier claimed as keystones of modern architecture in early twenty century and how impressed on the emergence of aesthetic values of the modern architecture of Cyprus as well. The paper takes two works of NeoptolemosMichaelides, as case study (NeoptolemosMichaelides is considered the father of Cyprus modern architecture). The first case study is his and wife private residence, which considers the icon of the modern residential architecture of Cyprus and the other is the first residential project designed by him TheotodosKanthos residence. CONTEMPORARY URBAN AFFAIRS (2018) 2(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.25034/ijcua.2017.3651 www.ijcua.com Copyright © 2017 Contemporary Urban Affairs. All rights reserved. 1. Introduction Modernity as a lifestyle has started to construct its features through enlightenment era and had manifested as a fundamental issue where the age of machine was begun. The phenomenon of Modernity embodied in a broad spectrum of knowledge and behaviors socially, culturally and economic. Architecture Might considerthe most physical appearance of human being, for that, it influenced highly by the new trends.The crystal palace, which constructed in 1851, represents the first Avant-grade example of using new construction material such as concrete, glass and steel and chronically, it was the first embody of modern architecture. In the early years of twenty century, many architects Fed up with the decorative Art Nouveau architecture and the limited horizon of the regional architecture that prevailed in that period. As they were carrying avant-garde ideas, those architectural approaches were no longer able to accommodate future of vision toward global modernity. Le Corbusier was the forefront of those architects wherein 1923; he declared his five principles (the pilotis, the free plan, the free façade, the horizontal ribbon windows and the roof garden) which were the keystones of the Avant-garde language. Rationality and functionality were the most obvious characters of modern architecture. These features have many aesthetic values, which distinguish the Avant – grade architectural discourse such as abstraction, purism, and Simplicity. Le Corbusier was not just the forefront and pioneer modernist architect; he is also the most influential figure on successive generations of architects. Whereas Modern architecture did not limitto certain geographic boundaries, but it has spread all over the world and Cyprus was not an exception. Due to most of the Cypriot pioneer architects were studied in Europe; Cyprus was the incubator that has many architectural distinctive pieces of evidence of modern architecture. The works and principles of Le Corbusier have affected those architectson many levels, functionally, formally, aesthetically and technically. This influence is the core of this research paper to detecting how it contributed in highlighting the aesthetic values of modern dwelling architecture in Cyprus. And more deeply, the study focuses on two cases study as distinguishable examples of privet residences. 1.1. The modernity, modernism and modern architecture The enlightenment age highlighted the social attitude to adopt new thoughts and lifestyle, and unfolded a desire for change and looking for a modern way of living. Whereas "Modernity is what gives the present the specific quality that makes it different from the past and points the way toward the future. Modernity is also described as being a break with tradition, and as typifying everything that rejects the inheritance of the past."(Heynen, 1999, p.9) famously Walter Benjamin defined modernity as ‘the world dominated by its phantasmagorias’. (Frisby, 2004, p.13) This avant-garde and conflict viewpoint with tradition had developed and spread increasingly at the machine age which inspires the artists and architects as such as the economists and politicians. The modernity movement progressed and theorized to be a philosophical doctrine; (modernism) which "refers to an international tendency that came to expression in western literature, theatre, music, visual arts and architecture in the latter half of the nineteenth century, and continued to dominate twentieth century art" (Frisby, 2004, p.23) With The crystal palace, which constructed in 1851(figure 1) that recognized as the ancestor of Modern architecture evidence, a new generation of construction manners and concepts, meanings and technology was begun. Richard Lucae, published an article at 1869, titled “On the Meaning and Power of Space in Architecture.” He described the crystal palace as "a “piece of sculpted atmosphere” in which light fills the whole space with a “beautiful naturalness,” a “magically poetic form of light.”." (Mallgrave, 2005, p.197)

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