Shocking allegations have surfaced in two new books that claim Le Corbusier was a “militant fascist.” Although the architect’s connections with a collaborationist regime in France have been known for some time, the authors claim new evidence reveals the depths of his sympathy toward Nazi activity.
While preparations are in the works for an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the architect’s death, journalist Xavier de Jarcy is emphasizing the alleged discoveries in his book "Le Corbusier, un fascisme francais" (Le Corbusier, a French fascism). Commenting on his findings, he simply explains, “I discovered he was simply an outright fascist." A similar allegation emerged in another book, “Un Corbusier,” whose author Francois Chaslin seconded that “[Le Corbusier] was active during 20 years in groups with a very clear ideology.”
Both books explore Le Corbusier’s involvement in fascism while in Paris in the 1920s, as well as his relationship with the leader of France's Revolutionary Fascist Party, Pierre Winter. The two collaborated on a set of urban planning journals, entitled “Plans” and “Prelude,” which allegedly have anti-Semitic underpinnings.
Chaslin also claims to have unearthed sketches of a similar nature, and supposes Le Corbusier’s time spent at his practice in Vichy corresponded with its duration as the seat of a puppet government run by Nazis.
The Le Corbusier Foundation, a group dedicated to the memory and works of the architect, maintains that his time in Vichy can be attributed to an “extended stay.” Members have expressed their surprise at the controversy and their belief that it is "manipulative," while granting that the investigation thus far has been extensive.
For more on the controversy, visit telegraph.co.uk
