The Pavillon de l’Esprit Nouveau of Le Corbusier. From Real Scale Replica to Digital Modelling and Environmental Analysis

The aim of this paper is to promote a discussion on the transmission of Le Corbusier’s work over time and, more in general, on the technological performance of his buildings. The specific object of investigation is one of the earliest projects by Le Corbusier, the Pavillon de l’Esprit Nouveau, built in 1925 for the Exhibition of Decorative Arts in Paris. Being temporary, the building was demolished at the end of the exhibition, but an exact replica was erected in Bologna in 1977, to pay homage to the participation of France in the International Building Exhibition (SAIE) in the city. The initial review of some publications on technical aspects of Le Corbusier’s work, in particular environmental issues, is followed by a description of the replica in Bologna and an investigation of its performances by means of digital models, in particular with regard to energy and illumination aspects. Through the performance analysis of the building, the paper aims to highlight the complex relationship between modern language and techniques and the fruition of the artwork in society, not only from an aesthetic and anthropological perspective but also from a functional and technological point of view.