Znana czy nieznana? Kontrowersje wokół interpretacji kaplicy w Ronchamp
Known or Unknown? Controversy over the Interpretation of the Chapel at Ronchamp

Summary/Abstract: The research on Le Corbusier’s work led in the recent twenty-thirty years has dented his position of a rationalist in architecture. As the focal point of attention has come his late oeuvre as an architect which differs formally and in an iconographic context to a great extent from his so called puristic period. Winding instead of straight lines and many figural motifs inspired by mythology or alchemy were initially stated as symptoms of giving up the earlier attitude and a manifesto against rationalism. More accurate studies proved, however, that the new forms develop the solutions applied earlier and they still have rational grounds (S. Cohen and S. Hurtt). This was also the case of studying acoustic metaphors, used in Le Corbusier’s writings, whose core occurred to be the dependence of architecture from landscape forms (Ch. Pearson). Studies on iconography showed his interest in alchemy (R. A. Moore) but also in this case the architect’s aim was applying ancient reflection over the question of transformation in pursuit to achieve a perfect final formula of a work. The corresponding with alchemy reflection on rising from lower to higher states was applied to considerations over architectural creation and its destination. Le Corbusier’s cult of sensuality and femininity, described by F. Samuel, was about to complete rational elements of his activity and to enable creation of works of more universal character. New elements in his work, though different from the previous ones, did not express contradiction against rationalism but reflected his quest for its more complex version. Alchemy or sexuality – in this aspect – completed forms of acquainting the world being mathematical and mystical to the same extent.

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