LC3 Sofa: Confort Grand Modèle Three-Seater Construction:
- Upholstery: Custom Premium Hide, Suede, or Fabric Selection from Archetype Forms
- Structure:
- Frame: Tubular Steel Rod Polished Chrome or Other Premium Treated, Painted or Powder-Coated Finish from Archetype Forms
- Seat Support: Corner profiled steel, Polished Chrome or Other Premium Treated, Painted or Powder-Coated Finish from Archetype Forms With Elastic Belting
- Padding: Variable-Density Polyurethane Foam and Polyester Wadding
- Feet: Plastic
- Design: Characterized by clean lines, geometric forms, and an emphasis on the clarity of construction. The LC3 earned the nickname “cushion basket” from Le Corbusier, who described its distinctive design of cushions held within the external frame.
- Designer(s): Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, and Pierre Jeanneret
- Original Release: 1929
The Le Corbusier LC3 sofa is considered a modernist classic. Designed in 1928 by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand, it is known for its minimalist aesthetic and industrial practicality. Seen in luxurious settings and pop culture, it is an instantly recognizable piece.
Often associated with the International Style movement, the LC3 Sofa’s framework separates the structural elements from the upholstery—its tubular frame creates an outer basket that holds its plush, soft cushioning. Where a traditional sofa has internal framing, typically wooden, the LC3 has its steel exoskeletal frame holding the seating and back. Corbusier playfully called it a “cushion basket” when describing its industrial utility. This stark yet balanced contrast was considered revolutionary at the time.
LC3 Sofa Historical & Cultural Significance:
The LC3 sofa prioritizes function, simplicity, and an industrial approach to materials. It remains a timeless piece, widely celebrated for its adaptability to residential and professional spaces.
The LC3 sofa was originally conceived as part of a collection for Villa Church in France. Considered one of the most iconic designs in modern furniture history, it embodies Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand’s forward-thinking approach. This along with other pieces from the LC collection were designed and released as “Machines for Living,” aiming to redefine comfort and elegance through industrial materials, precise geometry, and functional practicality.
Le Corbusier, Perriand, and Jeanneret’s original LC3 Sofa design is featured in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. And its seating counterpart, the LC3 Lounge Chair, from the same series gained prominent recognition from the iconic Maxell “Blown Away” advertisement.
Iconic Design Features
The LC3 Confort Grand Modèle Sofa: Three-Seater captures the bold, cubic aesthetic and external tubular frame of the LC2 & LC3 Series. It features a large seating area and soft and plush cushioning. Its tubular steel frame shares the same aesthetic of other pieces from the “Machines for Living” series, and can be powder coated, lacquered, chromed, or finished in other metallic treatments. Its upholstery can be customized in leather, suede, and a variety of fabrics.
LC3 Sofa Design Philosophy:
The LC3 sofa was designed to reflect the modernist ideal of “a machine for living,” where aesthetics are driven by function. The external steel frame provides structural integrity while creating a bold visual outline, framing the deep, loose cushions. This separation of frame and cushions is both a functional and aesthetic innovation, emphasizing the construction while offering exceptional comfort.
LC3 Configurations:
The LC3 collection includes a sofa, loveseat, and armchair in different sizes, often referred to as the LC3 Grand Confort. The “Grand Confort” designation reflects its generous proportions and plush cushioning, making it suitable for homes, offices, hospitality, and other luxurious lounging.
The LC3 Sofa: Confort Grand Modèle Three-Seater is a faithful reproduction of the original Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, and Pierre Jeanneret LC3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, Grand Modèle Deux Places Sofa. It is a tribute to their enduring legacy. This item is not manufactured by or affiliated with the original designer(s) and associated parties.
Buy the Le COrbusier LC3 Confort Grand Modèle Sofa: Three-Seater, originally designed by Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, and Pierre Jeanneret, in Canada and the USA. Available through Archetype Forms, this design blends classic modernist principles with premium craftsmanship.
