Mystical Themes in Le Corbusier’s Architecture in the Chapel Notre-Dame-Du-Haut at Ronchamp: The Ronchamp Riddle

“Few modern interpreters of Le Corbusier’s famous chapel at Ronchamp, France, have unlocked its sundry mysteries as well as has Robert Coombs in his volume treating ‘The Ronchamp Riddle’. As fantastic as Coombs’ arguments seem at times, they nonetheless form a persuasive whole, and help both the novice and the seasoned student of art to discover new riches in this famous yet enigmatic chapel. Coombs builds his argument from materials found in Le Corbusier’s library, architectural sketches, and family ancestry. Of special value is Coombs’ discussion of how Le Corbusier used designs from the two previous chapels at Ronchamp to guide the designing of this third chapel on the site. . . . Coombs does a commendable job of helping readers discover answers to ‘the Ronchamp Riddle’ through a drama of light and form. He helps bring to life the subtle levels of meaning to be found in Le Corbusier’s Chapel Notre Dame du Haut at Ronchamp.” – Daven M. Kari

Table of contents:
Prologue
A Marian Mystery Play
Ghosts of Ronchamp Past and Echoes from the Hole Land?
Sun and Moon
From the Tomb
Le Corbusier’s Cathar Grail?
Divine Number
Sacred Geometry
Conclusion
Selected Bibliography; Index; Notes.