who knew? le corbusier was a surrealist!

The rooftop garden 

of the 

Charles de Beistegui

apartment.

1929-31

Charles de Beistegui

Oh Boy!

The apartment was an anomaly in Le Corbusier's work 

only

partly because it was built on the roof of an

existing building.

But mostly because of his experimentation

with Surrealism,

especially with the roof gardens.

Interior either stripped

or 

waiting for Charles's

light touch....

That's more like it!

You go Charles.

Charles was a flamboyant

multi-millionaire

 known 

not only

for his great taste in architects and art,

but also for his 

interior design. 

But mostly Charles was known for his 

party hosting skills.

Charles was world famous for his throw-downs.

Exterior and roof gardens.

All the hedges 

on the 

rooftop

were controlled 

with a push of a button by hydraulics.

They could be raised 

up and down 

to control the view,

or the viewer, 

at 

Charles's whim.

Right hedge UP!

ALL hedges UP!

The periscope looking deal

is,

a periscope!

That nutty Charles and his billions in today's money!

 One of Corbu's early sketches.

His garden walls 

intentionally blocked

the view,

turning the great monuments of 

Paris 

on view

 into 

tchotchkes 

sitting on a shelf....

Arc de Triomphe tchotchke

Eiffel Tower tchotchke

Nutty

I love the flowering lawn carpet.

Nice

Lets hope it doesn't rain on

Charles's Old Master.

MUCH

more

here,

and here:

and here: