Architecture, in its historical evolution, has been guided by principles and theories that have been handed down and transformed over time. Among the most important figures we find Le Corbusier (1887-1965), one of the main exponents of the Modern Movement, whose architectural thought, although innovative, maintains clear links with the classical tradition, in particular with Vitruvius, Leon Battista Alberti and other architectural theorists.



Vitruvius and Le Corbusier: order and functionality
Vitruvius, author of ’De Architectura’ (1st century BC), defined three fundamental principles for architecture: firmitas (solidity), utilitas (functionality) and venustas (beauty). These concepts are reworked in the thought of Le Corbusier, who emphasized the idea that a building should be a ’machine for living in’Functionality, an essential value for Vitruvius, is reinterpreted in a modern key in the Athens Charter (1933), where Le Corbusier proposes the division of urban space into zones dedicated to living, work, leisure and circulation, anticipating the Vitruvian concept of rational distribution of spacesFurthermore, Le Corbusier embraced the concept of modularity applied not only to the structure of buildings but also to urban planningThis vision is directly linked to the Vitruvian principles of proportion and harmony between the parts, which guarantee not only stability, but also optimal use of spaceA clear example is the urban plan for Chandigarh, in India, which follows a functional distribution similar to that described in classical textsAnother point of contact is the methodical approach to design, with a focus on standardizationVitruvius described repeatable construction techniques, while Le Corbusier developed standardized housing models to solve the problem of modern urbanization.


Proportion and Modulor:  A Vitruvian Legacy
Vitruvius was deeply influenced by proportion and harmony between parts, drawing inspiration from the human body as an ideal model for architecture. This principle was taken up by Leon Battista Alberti in the Renaissance and later by Le Corbusier in his ’Modulor’, a system of proportions based on the golden section and the measurements of the human body. Just as Vitruvius described the relationship between measure and harmony, Le Corbusier sought to apply a universal canon to ensure aesthetics and functionality in modern buildings. The Modulor, as well as being a theory, was applied concretely in Le Corbusier’s projects. Corbusier, including the Unité d’Habitation in MarseilleThis building follows the principle according to which the human scale is the basis on which to build harmonious living environments, respecting the relationship between body and spaceA concept that, although modernized, remains faithful to the classical setting of Vitruvian architectureFurthermore, the Modulor influenced other sectors of design and urban planning, becoming a reference for the design of furniture and public spaces on a human scaleThis strengthens the link between the classical theory of proportions and modernity.



Rationalism and classicism: an ongoing dialogue
The architectural rationalism promoted by Le Corbusier is also linked to the Vitruvian tradition for the importance attributed to geometry and orderVitruvius considered the temple as the perfect expression of architecture for its symmetry and proportion, while Le Corbusier, while innovating with the use of reinforced concrete and essential lines, maintained a strong focus on geometric purity, visible in his Villas (such as Villa Savoye) and in his urban planning projects. Another element of continuity between the two is the attention to light. Vitruvius suggested that the orientation of buildings should take natural light into account, and Le Corbusier elevated this principle to a cornerstone of his architecture, as in the design of the Ronchamp Chapel, where light enters in a studied way to enhance the interior space. The use of technology, although different in materials, responds to similar principles. Vitruvius discussed innovations in building materials, while Le Corbusier experimented with reinforced concrete to create open spaces and self-supporting structures.



From Renaissance to the Modern Movement: continuity and rupture
In addition to Vitruvius, Le Corbusier’s thinking finds confirmation in the Renaissance theories of Alberti, who claimed that beauty derived from a correct distribution of architectural elements according to a proportional system. Similarly, his vision is close to that of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who emphasized the structural function as an aesthetic principle, anticipating modern functionalism. The concept of the ideal city, proposed by Alberti and authors such as Filarete, also finds a resonance in Le Corbusier’s ideas. The Ville Radieuse, conceived as an ordered and functional system for modern living, reflects the idea of a city governed by geometric and proportional principles. However, while Alberti and the humanists based themselves on a predominantly aesthetic and theoretical model, Le Corbusier integrated technology and new materials to create innovative urban visions.Finally, the legacy of classical architecture in Le Corbusier’s work is also reflected in his search for a synthesis between nature and artifice. In projects such as the convent of La Tourette, the modern structure fits into the landscape with a similar attention to that which Vitruvius attributed to the choice of site for public buildings. In conclusion, Le Corbusier’s work, while being an emblem of modernity, does not completely break with tradition, but rather reinterprets it in light of the new needs of living. His architecture continues a dialogue begun with Vitruvius and developed over the centuries, demonstrating how great architectural principles have a timeless validity.