Maison Domino, conceived by Le Corbusier in 1914-1915, represents a foundational prototype in modern architecture. It proposed an open-floor-plan structural system designed for mass production, primarily using reinforced concrete.
Key Structural and Conceptual Features
The design of Maison Domino was revolutionary for its time, emphasizing efficiency and standardization. Its core components included:
- Reinforced Concrete Frame: The structure consisted of horizontal concrete slabs supported by a minimal number of slender, interior columns. This eliminated the need for load-bearing walls.
- Open Floor Plan (Plan Libre): By concentrating structural support in the columns, interior spaces could be freely arranged without the constraint of supporting walls.
- Free Façade (Façade Libre): As the external walls were not structural, they could be designed independently, allowing for extensive use of glass or other lightweight materials.
- Standardization and Prefabrication: The system was envisioned for rapid, standardized construction, with prefabricated elements (including stairs) that could be easily assembled on-site. This was particularly aimed at addressing post-war housing shortages.
- Separation of Functions: A clear distinction was made between the structural skeleton and the non-structural infill (walls, windows).
Architectural Significance
Maison Domino was never built as a mass-housing project in its original conception, but its principles were profoundly influential. It laid the groundwork for many of Le Corbusier's later theories, including his "Five Points of Architecture." The concepts of the open plan, free façade, and the use of a concrete frame became defining characteristics of Modernist architecture, offering new possibilities for spatial organization, light, and construction efficiency. Its impact is seen in the widespread adoption of skeletal construction in buildings throughout the 20th century and beyond.
