Theo van Doesburg and Le Corbusier

Abstract

Theo van Doesburg (1883–1931), the founder of De Stijl, once wrote: “As far as architecture is concerned, one can speak of modern architecture up to and after 1923”[1]. This was not a direct reaction to Le Corbusier's Vers une architecture (1923), Van Doesburg and the young architect Cornelis van Eesteren, designed a Maison d'Artiste in the same year that mocked many sound architectural laws. Maison d'Artiste and similar designs can be understood as a confrontation of his ideas on architecture with those of Le Corbusier, with whom he felt in constant competition. With these ideas he attempted, in vain, to occupy and define a place in architectural history alongside Le Corbusier. [1] “Wat de architectuur aangaat kan men van een moderne architectuur tot en na 1923 spreken”. ‘Data en Feiten (betreffende de invloedsontwikkeling van ‘De Stijl’ in ’t Buitenland) die voor zich spreken’ [Data and Facts (concerning the evolution of the influence of ‘De Stijl’ abroad) that speak for themselves], De Stijl no. 79/84 ([December] 1927): 56.