Modernist Furniture with the Le Corbusier Sofa LC3



Of all the architectural designs that have borne out of mankind’s imagination, probably none would be as dominant as that of modernism. Established in the early 20th century, the modernist style in architecture is known for its simple, minimalist appearance and the rejection of non-essential ornaments. But while most people remember modernism as an architectural style, it has also crossed over into furniture. In fact, the pioneers of the modernist style of architecture designed furniture as well. One fine example of such a modernist furnishing is the Le Corbusier Sofa LC3.

Designed in 1928, the Le Corbusier Sofa LC3 is a modernist response to the traditional club chair. It was designed by the famous Swiss-French furniture designer Le Corbusier, who was also known for his architectural works done in the modernist style. Le Corbusier believed in the concept that furniture is an extension of the human body, and that it must allow for unobstructed movement and ergonomic freedom for its occupant.

The Le Corbusier Sofa LC3 is actually part of a collection of furniture done by Le Corbusier, which includes theLC1 Sling Chair, the LC2 Sofa, and the LC4 Chaise Lounge. Like its closest counterpart, the LC2, the LC3 featured cushions that were held in place but not bound to the frame. The rational behind this was to create the feeling of comfort from the padded surface while complying with the modernist mantra of elegant minimalism and distinctive industrial look. The LC3 also shares some characteristics of the sling chair, including the reverse aesthetic of the structures of the sofa by having the frames outside instead of the inside. This external frame also has the added benefit of accommodating thick pillows, which can fill the ample space inside the frame and provide an unconventional sumptuousness that is rare even for other overstuffed sofas and chairs. However, despite its similarities the Le Corbusier LC3 also had its unique features, including more generous upholstery and the option of either down-wrapped foam or Dacron-wrapped cushions.
Although the LC3 and the rest of its brethren were solely credited to Le Corbusier, its popularity as a home furnishing was heavily influenced by that of Heidi Weber, aGerman museum owner and acquaintance of Le Corbusier. In 1959, Mrs. Weber, under the permission of Le Corbusier, put the Le Corbusier Sofa LC3 and the rest of the collection into production. And it is during the production process that Weber discarded the spring mechanism of the sofas and layered the exterior frame with a chrome layer. The cushions were also reworked to make it more formal and tailored, an appearance which still persists to this day.