The unité as universal model : housing in Angola and Mozambique

Abstract

In Angola and Mozambique, Le Corbusier’s work had a special impact on architectural production during the ’50s and ’60s. Although the predominant urban model in the main African Portuguese colonisation cities privileged single-family housing, here and there, we find a few detail plans issued from the Athens Charter and that foster the construction of collective housing units. These buildings, addressed to an urban colonial middle class, make a significant mark in the largest cities between the ’50s and the ’60s. Although much smaller in size than the Marseille Housing Unit, these are mixed housing, service and shopping blocks that stem from the premises of their reference model and test new housing typologies fit for a tropical climate. In Maputo, the Tonelli building, the Montepio de Mocambique building or in Lobito, the Universal building are good examples of na interpretation of the Corbusian prototype. These projects reflect not only an appropriate response to climate characteristics but also the colonial society’s desire for modernisation. Such works, a legacy of the Unité and of the modern principles, are however belated examples, at a time when a critical awareness as to the dogmatism of the Modern Movement was arising.

In Angola and Mozambique, Le Corbusier’s work had a special impact on architectural production during the ’50s and ’60s. Although the predominant urban model in the main African Portuguese colonisation cities privileged single-family housing, here and there, we find a few detail plans issued from the Athens Charter and that foster the construction of collective housing units. These buildings, addressed to an urban colonial middle class, make a significant mark in the largest cities between the ’50s and the ’60s. Although much smaller in size than the Marseille Housing Unit, these are mixed housing, service and shopping blocks that stem from the premises of their reference model and test new housing typologies fit for a tropical climate. In Maputo, the Tonelli building, the Montepio de Mocambique building or in Lobito, the Universal building are good examples of na interpretation of the Corbusian prototype. These projects reflect not only an appropriate response to climate characteristics but also the colonial society’s desire for modernisation. Such works, a legacy of the Unité and of the modern principles, are however belated examples, at a time when a critical awareness as to the dogmatism of the Modern Movement was arising.