Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec have chosen an unusual location to show their furniture collections this summer - a lived-in apartment in Le Corbusier's iconic Unité d'Habitation in Marseille.
'It all started early this year, when Jasper Morrison introduced us to the owners of one of the apartments in the housing block,' say the Breton-born brothers. 'We decided to feature a selection of objects from our collection of designs which seemed to rightly fit in this apartment and match the way the owners live in it.'
The Bouroullecs have fitted out Apartment 50 with furniture that corresponds to each room's function. 'As an echo to Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouvé's original furniture in the space, it seemed natural to us to articulate the remodelling around our 'Steelwood' collection for Magis - including a table, some chairs and a shelving system,' they explain. Le Corbusier's interest in tapestries is acknowledged in their 'Clouds' installation, designed for Kvadrat, which hangs on the wall. Also on show are some of their latest lighting designs, like the 'Lampalumina' for Bitossi and 'Lighthouse' for Established & Sons and Venini.
Unité d'Habitation in Marseille - also known as Cité Radieuse - is one of Le Corbusier's most influential buildings, finished in 1952. The giant, 12-storey apartment block is one of a series built by the architect in response to post-war housing shortage. Pre-cast apartment units were slotted into its rectilinear, raw concrete grid like bottles into a rack. Apartment 50 is open until 15th August.
Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec have kitted out the apartment with furniture from their collection that fits the way its owners live
Apartment 50 features a double-volume living area
The Bouroullec brothers' 'Zip' carpet was first produced by Cappellini in 2002, then Vitra in 2004
The Bouroullecs provide a nod to Le Corbusier's interest in tapestries, with their 'Clouds' installation for Kvadrat on the wall of the apartment
'Steelwood' furniture by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Magis
A coat hook by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec
A stairway leads up to a mezzanine level above
The new 'Lighthouse' lamp by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Established & Sons and Venini
The furniture on show includes pieces that span the brothers' career
The 'Steelwood' chair in red
The new 'Lampalumina' by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Bitossi Ceramiche
The apartment will be open for visitors until 15th August
ADDRESS
Cité Radieuse
Unité d'habitation Le Corbusier
Appartment 50, 5ème rue
280 boulevard Michelet
13008 Marseille
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