in length, by 5Yz in breadth, by 5 in height. Then, further to this, there is a comparable bay structure to be observed. Each house exhibits (and conceals) an alternating rhythm of double and single spatial intervals; and each house, read from front to back, displays a comparable tripartite distribution of lines of support (Figure 1).
But, at this stage, it might be better to introduce an almost. Because, if the distribution of basic horizontal coordinates is, in both cases, much the same, there are still some slight and significant differences relating to the distribution of those lines of support which parallel the facades; and thus at Garches, reading from front to back, the fundamental spatial interval proceeds in the ratio of Yz : 1%: 1Yz : 1% : %, while at the Malcontenta we are presented with the sequence 2 : 2 : 1Yz. In other words, by the use of a cantilevered half unit Le Corbusier obtains a compression for his central bay and thereby transfers interest elsewhere; while Palladio secures a dominance for his central division with a progression towards his portico which absolutely focuses attention in these two areas. The one scheme is, therefore, potentially dispersed and possibly equalitarian and the other is concentric and certainly hierarchical; but, with this difference observed, it might simply be added that, in both cases, a projecting element-extruded terrace or attached portico-occupies 1Yz units in depth.
Structures, of course, are not to be compared; and, to some extent, both architects look to structure as a justification for their dispositions. Thus Palladio employs a solid bearing wall; and of this system he writes:
It is to be observed, that those (rooms) on the right correspond with those on the left, that so the fabric may be the same in one place as in the other, and that the walls may equally bear the burden of the roof; because if the walls are made large in one part and small in the other, the latter will be more firm to resist the weight, by reason of the nearness of the walls, and the former more weak, which will produce in time very great inconveniences and ruin the whole work."
Palladio is concerned with the logical disposition of motifs dogmatically accepted, but he attempts to discover a structural reason for his planning symmetries; while Le Corbusier, who is proving a case for structure as a basis for the formal elements of design, contrasts the new system with the old and is a little more comprehensive.
[e vous rappel Ie ce "plan paralyse" de la maison de pierre et ceci aquoi nous sommes arrives avec la maison de fer ou de ciment arrne.
plan libre
facade libre