Event: A Portrait of Le Corbusier

Le Corbusier was designing super-efficient housing seen in today’s trend of micro-apartments, but 60 years ago. This is Unite d’Habitation in Nantes-Reze. Photo by Anthony Flint.

As part of its Portraits in Design series, the National Building Museum on January 11 will explore the work and life of Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, better known as Le Corbusier (1887–1965). The son of an engraver, Le Corbusier studied art at a foundation for watch engravers. His first architecture commission came at 18 when he was asked to design a villa for one of the teachers at the school. During the 1.5 hour session at the museum, Anthony Flint, author of Modern Man: The Life of Le Corbusier, Architect of Tomorrow (New Harvest, 2014), will discuss the Swiss-French architect’s influence on urban planning and dedication to developing better living conditions in crowded cities. A book signing follows the talk. For more details and to buy tickets, click here.

December 9, 2014/New Mark Commons Rockville MD /by Mid-Century Mike

Contemporaries in New Mark Commons in Rockville

The modernist totem pole marks the entrance to New Mark Commons, a mid-century modern oasis not far from the hustle and bustle of Rockville Pike. The wooded community, a Planned Urban Development of single-family homes and townhouses, was developed by Edmund J. Bennett and designed by the modern architectural firm of Keyes, Lethbridge and Condon. “In making his case for New Mark Commons, Bennett condemned typical suburban developments that caused ‘destructive alteration of the natural terrain and vegetation,'” writes Steven Snapp on the Peerless Rockville site. “So, before setting lot lines, Bennett conducted a census of all trees on the property. Then, to preserve as many as possible, the lines were drawn around the trees. Greenways for walking and bicycling were planned and remain popular features of the neighborhood. The crowning glory was to be a 4.5-acre lake, the scenic and recreational centerpiece of the neighborhood.”

Here are two listings for single-family homes built in the early 1970s. Both homes have 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. One is listed for $595K while the other is on the market for $599,900.