The Côte d’Azur has been charming vacationers and wealthy investors for more than two centuries, giving rise to some of the finest architectural achievements. Emblematic towns such as Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Èze and Villefranche-sur-Mer bear witness to this history. A history that continues to this day, with the construction of veritable jewels of modern architecture along its coastline.
Contemporary architects: they designed the Côte d’Azur
Eileen Gray and Villa E-1027 in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
It’s uncompromising. Set against a backdrop of Mediterranean terraces and overlooking the coastline, its contrasting white and blue tones are a real eye-catcher. More than a creation, this villa is a manifesto for modern architecture. Conceived by Eileen Gray and her partner Jean Badovici, whose initials gave rise to the villa’s name, it serves as an uncompromising experiment in the application of the great precepts of modern architecture. In particular, with its stilts, roof terrace, entablature windows and free facade, but with an extra soul that the two architects wanted to add.
And the approach goes beyond this emblematic building. Eileen and her partner also design the furniture and interior objects, following the same inspiration and thinking: modernism and functionality.
Le Corbusier and his Cabanon at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Le Corbusier is the founding father of modern architecture. He achieved this status by being the first to replace external load-bearing walls with reinforced concrete pillars placed inside the buildings.
And the Cabanon represents the culmination of research into the notion of the minimum cell, reviving the myth of the primitive hut. This Cabanon, with its rustic cabin spirit, combining austere sobriety and minimalist functionality, is intriguing in its originality. Modernism in contact with the wilderness and Mediterranean that Le Corbusier loved so much. “I have a château on the Côte d’Azur, which is 3.66 meters by 3.66 meters. It’s for my wife, and it’s extravagant in its comfort and kindness.”
Jean Nouvel and his brand on the Côte d’Azur
He is the leading architect of his time: Jean Nouvel shines, Jean Nouvel invents, Jean Nouvel wins the most prestigious awards and claims a luminous and ecological vision in his buildings. An innovator and star architect since the 70s, he uses context and environment to create singular properties. His style and imprint can be found on the Riviera in the image of these two exceptional properties.
This villa on the Cap de Nice is a work of art of contemporary architecture in symbiosis with nature.
This unique property benefits from maximum sunlight thanks to its glass structure, including the exceptionally high ceiling.
The main principles of modern architecture
Modern architecture is characterized by simplicity of form and design. It plays on concepts of abstraction, using clean, curved lines and simple, basic geometric forms.
Curved shapes
With the evolution of building materials and techniques, architects can imagine crazy, extravagant curves with no limits. A technical virtuosity that sometimes seems to defy the laws of weightlessness.
Space
Luxury is space. And modern architecture has taken this philosophy and brought it to life in three dimensions. Imposing interior volumes open onto meticulously designed and landscaped exterior spaces.
New materials
Glass, steel and concrete are at the heart of modern construction. The adoption of new materials goes hand in hand with the use of noble materials for interior design and the greening of interior and exterior spaces.
Light
Light is an integral part of the design and layout of modern spaces. Space is first and foremost perceived through sight, and modern architects play with light and shadow to bring their creations to life.
The Côte d’Azur continues to surprise with its creativity and inspiration. If its past is remarkable, its present and future are equally so. Lively and vibrant, the towns that shape it are playgrounds for architects of genius. From Beaulieu-sur-Mer to Ramatuelle, the architectural landscape offers villas of distinctive design. Would you like to find out more about our contemporary villas for sale? Contact us
