Charlotte Perriand (1903 – 1999)

Charlotte Perriand was a French architect, designer, and urban planner who played a significant role in the modernist movement in design during the mid-20th century. She was born in Paris in 1903 and studied at the Ecole de l’Union Centrale des Arts Decoratifs. Perriand’s design approach was characterized by a focus on functionality, simplicity, and a rejection of decorative excess. She believed that design should be functional and accessible to all, and her work often incorporated new materials and manufacturing techniques. Perriand’s most famous works include the LC4 Chaise Lounge, which she designed in collaboration with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, and her designs for the ski resort at Les Arcs.

Perriand was also a feminist and social activist, and her work often reflected her political beliefs. She believed that design should be used as a tool for social change and advocated for the use of design to improve living conditions for working-class people. Perriand was a pioneer in the use of modular design, which allowed for greater flexibility and adaptability in small spaces. Her work has had a lasting impact on the fields of architecture and design, and her legacy continues to inspire designers and architects around the world.