4 unités LC - Architecture Insights

40 As previously mentioned, one of Le Corbusier’s most famous catch cries
for his housing designs was “soleil, espace, verdure”, endlessly repeated in his
writings, and even imprinted symbolically into the concrete facades of the
‘Unités’ in Rezé, Briey and Firminy.
41 Some small ‘boxes’ for planting were included by Le Corbusier in the
original roof terrace design, also just along sections of the perimeter wall.
These planted sections had become rather straggling and shabby over the
years, until the more recent renovation of the roof terrace.
42 The gymnasium was originally intended to be run by the inhabitants, for
the inhabitants, but as this was not financially viable, it eventually became a
privately run, limiting its access to the more elite members of the building
population. The gym is still functioning today, however, despite its limited
use, and is open to members four days a week.
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