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The villa known as Maison Blanche is one of Le Corbusier’s early masterworks. He created this complete work of architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design art for his parents. At first glance it may seem to stand in the classicist tradition, but its details already divulge the beginnings of Le Corbusier’s personal architectural language. After standing empty for years, the building was purchased by a specially formed association, which established an interdisciplinary commission to oversee its restoration by the architect Pierre Minder. As the house was freed from later changes and additions and the garden returned to its original condition, the young Le Corbusier’s intellectual workshop gradually came into view. The practicability of these measures was carefully determined with a feasibility study conducted on the basis of reports and archival studies. Together with the discoveries made during construction, new color photographs, and the precise reconstruction plans, this material now serves as the basis for this magnificent monograph.

The kitchen is regaining its role as the central living space in home life. Since the 1990s the kitchen has moved into the fashion and design spotlight, and this publication now examines and reviews its significance in an architectural, cultural, social and economical context. The authors and contributors look at important developments and revolutionary kitchen concepts of the last decades including standardised kitchens and open kitchenliving spaces; they also review design basics, current trends, the changing demands posed by patch-work families or single person households. Even culinary aspects are included. This is a book which should certainly have its place in every 21st century kitchen. Our new book series “Living concepts” presents clearly and concisely selected topics relating to aspects of the home. It is aimed at general readers as well as specialists, and edited by the ETH Wohnforum Zurich.