Le Corbusier’s Iconic Design Has Been Reimagined for Modern Use

Swiss-French architect and urban planner Le Corbusier , though recognized the world over for his architectural triumphs, created an extensive catalogue of furnishings, including lamps. One of his iconic lighting designs, the Borne Béton, has been reimagined for modern-day use by the Italian firm Nemo Lighting . It was originally conceived in 1952 to illuminate large common areas in the Unité d’Habitation de Marseille, a residential project designed with Portuguese artist Nadir Afonso in response to housing shortages across postwar Europe. Often pinpointed as the start of the Brutalist movement , the Unité d’Habitation is easily recognized by its use of raw concrete, and Le Corbusier’s Borne Béton was created to complement the aesthetic. Nemo’s reissue keeps the design’s integrity fully intact while skillfully bringing it up to date. Featuring an LED lighting source, the fixture is available in two sizes, grand or petite, and can function both indoors and outdoors. Made from concrete, the grand lamp weighs almost 117 pounds and stands close to two feet tall. The petite model weighs nearly 28 pounds and is over a foot tall.

The Borne Béton is available at Nemo Lighting in Milan. Contact the company for specific pricing.