Application of Le Corbusier's 5 Points of Architecture and Richard Meier’s modular tectonic design principles in the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

Abstract

This thesis explores the architectural influence of Le Corbusier on Richard Meier by examining how Meier’s design for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona (MACBA) reflects Le Corbusier’s Five Points of Architecture. By conducting this analysis, the study introduces a new perspective on the connection between Le Corbusier’s theory and Meier’s architectural language. Acknowledging Meier’s own recognition of Le Corbusier as a formative influence, the study analyses MACBA as a mature expression of Meier’s design approach, showing that Meier not only uses and implements Corbusier's principles but also interprets and modifies them. In addition to the Five Points, the thesis also considers the role of geometrical order in Meier’s design for MACBA, offering a deeper understanding of the theoretical and formal aspects of Meier's architectural language.