ABSTRACT
IBM Le Gaude is the next step in the development of themes from the UNESCO building. Instead of Brutalist rawness of materials and details, Breuer wields enormous technical and material refinement in the Le Gaude building. Breuer is after a monumentality and sculptural expression but also the most advanced means of building production available. The literal seam in these aims is the juxtaposition of the highly individualistic pilotis of the Le Gaude building holding up the prefabricated, technical, and repetitive façade. The juxtaposition of refinement and awkwardness is analogous to the Greek temples at Paestum, highly refined in their details with a massive awkwardness that is unforgettable.
The chapter starts with a description of the aims of the New Brutalists and an examination of the Le Gaude Buildings main components, the pilotis and the façade. The pilotis and façade themes exemplified in Le Gaude are traced through Breuer’s later work as well. Finally, the themes of juxtaposition and surrealism in the Le Gaude building are contrasted with the New Brutalist’s aims.
