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The genius of Charlotte Perriand: The unique and innovative design of the Arcs

Updated November 14, 2023 by redak

Charlotte Perriand, renowned French architect and designer, is best known for her collaboration with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. After a stint in Japan and Vietnam during the Second World War, she returned to Paris in 1946 and continued her work as an independent designer. Among her major works are the three Arcs that she designed for the Les Arcs ski resort located in Savoie, France.

Les Arcs: An architectural gem in the heart of the mountains

Les Arcs is one of Charlotte Perriand's major works. This ski resort is divided into five areas – Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000. The main aim of its buildings was to blend into the landscape so that when seen from the top of the mountain, the buildings fade away. Likewise, the designer's intention was also to design spaces where visitors would not be confined to their hotel rooms.

Minimalist spaces open to nature

Within the residences she imagined for Les Arcs, Perriand focused on creating minimalist spaces,open to sunlight and the surrounding nature through the use of glass roofs and bright colors inside. According to her, vacationers who come to a ski resort are attracted by the beauty of nature and also want to be able to enjoy it from inside the building and their accommodation.

Charlotte Perriand's philosophy: Harmony between design and functionality

  • The living spaces in Les Arcs offer unprecedented comfort without compromising the architectural style.
  • A subtle blend of raw and natural materials such as wood and stone which bring warmth and authenticity to interiors.
  • Great importance given to natural lighting with large windows which allow you to fully appreciate the mountainous environment.
  • Bright colors used to brighten up spaces and strengthen the connection between indoors and outdoors.

The success of Les Arcs: Proof of the relevance of Charlotte Perriand’s work

Today, Les Arcs is recognized as one of the most popular and innovative French ski resorts in terms of architecture and design. Far from the classic hotels and traditional chalets that can be found in other resorts, Charlotte Perriand's avant-garde and bold design continues to impress and inspire architecture enthusiasts around the world.

Exhibitions, publications and cultural heritage: Charlotte Perriand's work in the spotlight

Several events and exhibitions have been organized in recent years to pay tribute to the exceptional work of Charlotte Perriand. Among them, we can notably cite “Charlotte Perriand: Inventing a New World”, an exhibition held at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris from October 2, 2019 to February 24, 2020.

  • This retrospective offered a rich and varied journey through the different stages of his career and his significant collaborations with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret.
  • The exhibition also highlighted her stay in Japan which greatly influenced her in the creation of Les Arcs.
  • Beyond this essential exhibition, numerous books and articles are regularly published on the work and atypical career of this woman whose original vision continues to influence contemporary design and architecture.

The three Arcs designed by Charlotte Perriand for the Les Arcs ski resort in Savoie are indisputable proof of the talent and avant-garde of this outstanding architect. His work celebrates the alliance between aesthetic and functional design, while showcasing the majestic beauty of the surrounding nature.

Marie

I am Marie Dupras, recognized for being the most energetic member of our team. Passionate about acquiring new knowledge, I spend my weekends exploring museums and frequently participating in auctions. My little flaw? I can't resist the urge to buy, but with that comes a knack for in-depth research and compelling storytelling enriched with expert advice.

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