The conception of “equipment” by Charlotte Perriand: cross-over between Le Corbusier and Japan

his paper aims to clarify the conception process of the “equipment” notion, which is one of the key notions of French creator Charlotte Perriand (1903–1999), using her articles. First, in chapter 2, this paper analyses Perriand’s notion of “equipment” during her Atelier Le Corbusier period. Next, chapter 3 treats her understanding of Japan and chapter 4 analyses the transformation of her notion of “equipment” during her stay in the country. Finally, chapter 5 discusses the characteristics of Perriand’s “equipment”, comparing them with Le Corbusier’s. By examining Perriand’s descriptions of “equipment”, it is found that Le Corbusier’s architectural ideas and her experience in Japan were deeply reflected in the “equipment” notion. However, in the formation of Perriand’s notion, contradictory subjects – industrial techniques and crafts, standards and diversity, and walls and para-walls – coexisted, so the influences of Japan and Le Corbusier cannot be separated. It is concluded that the formation of “equipment” was a process where Le Corbusier, Japan and Perriand herself interacted mutually.