6 - Compensation
Le Corbusier briefly mentions the Acropolis (Fig. 6.02) as an example of a rhythm of compensating masses. This is within the context of a discussion of the plan governing the massing of buildings.
In my opinion, Villa Savoye is a masterful composition of elements.. Fig. 6.07 shows a series of plan diagrams showing the organisational massing at each level. There is an intuitive and sensitive balance apparent at each level. The ground floor balances the entry foyer with the exterior forecourt, offset from the private garage space. The first floor balances the salon / living room with the large roof garden, with a minor offset of the ramp and stair hallway. The roof level balances the small screened roof garden with the void of the roof garden below. These compositions are more powerful in the elevational arrangements and the movement through the spaces, than they are in the static plan diagram.
Figures 6.04 to 6.06 are a series of perspective sketches that show the balance and massing of different elements of Villa Savoye. It is difficult to find an element that feels either out of place or out of proportion. There is also a subtle gradation of emphasis on different elements. This is particularly important as one moves through the building and experiences the spaces relative to each other. For example, in the roof garden shown in figure 6.06, the larger enclosed mass to the left acts as a major visible anchor. There are several subtle horizontal elements in contra-position – the roof, strip windows, and the outdoor table. The ramps give a delicate diagonal opposition to primary Cartesian elements.