Charlotte Perriand is none other than one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.
I had the pleasure to join a panel along with Merel Pit (Chief editor of Architecture magazine deArchitect) and Titia Luiten (Director-architect at JHK Architecten), moderated by Tracy Metz (Journalist, author and moderator) during the Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam to discuss Stéphane Ghez’s film “Charlotte Perriand, Pioneer in the Art of Living”, and the position of women in the field of architecture today.
The documentary gives a glimpse into the life of this influential architect and designer who’s often overlooked due to her gender.
We discussed her pioneering approach and vision which defined modern design and explored how her work addressed themes that are still resonate today, from modular prefab housing, feminist design, compact living to ergonomic furniture.
Charlotte Perriand is known mostly for her furniture and interiors, but she also designed ‘Les Arcs’ a large ski resort masterplan and buildings which are perfectly integrated into their environment and with minimal impact. She really worked at every scale.
One theory for the general lack of knowledge of this part of her work, is that it’s due to the fact that the home and its interior has often been seen as a woman’s space in contrast to the traditionally ‘manly’ profession of architecture and urban design. What are your thoughts on this?
We touched on her legacy and how it lives on today. I’m curious to know: in your eyes, who’s the Charlotte Perriand of the 21st century?
About AFFR
Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam investigates the relationship between film, city and architecture through the programming and screening of films and by organizing introductions and debate. After 12 editions, AFFR has grown into a worldwide leading film festival for architects, city lovers, film buffs and students. The festival connects a wide audience with new and existing places in the city and thus contributes to the strength of Rotterdam as an architectural city