Last weekend, La Maison Blanche in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, hosted a captivating exhibition titled The Bath of Sense (La baignoire du sens, 2012), celebrating the centenary of this iconic structure, the first house designed by the legendary architect Le Corbusier. This remarkable event was spearheaded by Beau Rhee, the director and founder of Atelier de Geste, who curated a publication featuring texts and images from a diverse group of artists, writers, and creatives. Contributors included notable names such as John Miller, Yehuda Safran, Lucas Cantori, Chantal Chadwick, Marianne Muller, Brett Lentine, Markus Miessen, Samuel Sveen, Marion Tampon Lajariette, and Daniel Suter. Their works engage with the concept of Utopia, particularly reflecting on Le Corbusier’s vision of a “machine for living” (machine à habiter).
A Sensual Atmosphere
The exhibition transformed the bathroom—a space often regarded as private and functional—into an immersive sensory experience. Visitors were greeted by a striking installation of colored silk curtains, echoing the house’s title and Le Corbusier’s distinctive use of color. Atelier de Geste enhanced the atmosphere with a scent installation, utilizing their unique perfumes to create an intoxicating olfactory experience. The result was a space that felt both intimate and enveloping, inviting contemplation and engagement.
A notable centerpiece of the installation was a table designed by Eileen Gray, strategically placed in the bathroom to juxtapose her visionary approach to living with Le Corbusier’s more mechanical perspective. This contrast sparked reflections on how modern living often strays from sensuality and warmth, urging visitors to reconsider their own environments.
A Unique Reading Experience
The exhibition opening featured a unique reading event, transforming the bathroom into a social space. Writers from around the globe contributed texts, but a local author added a personal touch by reading his piece aloud, creating a sense of community and connection. The atmosphere was further enriched by the presence of specially crafted metal “reading glasses,” designed to resemble a mask, adding a whimsical element to the proceedings.
As the readings continued throughout the evening, a gentle rhythm emerged, marked by the careful closing of the bathroom door after each session. Attendees indulged in the ritual of taking a bath, enveloped in fragrant steam, and leaving behind wet footprints on the tiles—a sensory reminder of the interplay between the private and the shared.
A Lasting Impression
The Bath of Sense exhibition at La Maison Blanche provided an extraordinary platform for dialogue about living spaces and the emotional responses they evoke. By inviting participants to engage with the notion of Utopia in the context of contemporary life, the event illuminated the ongoing relevance of Le Corbusier’s ideas while simultaneously challenging them.
As guests immersed themselves in the rich tapestry of scents, sounds, and visuals, they were reminded of the importance of sensuality in our daily lives—a counterpoint to the mechanized routines that often define modern existence. Through this enchanting experience, The Bath of Sense not only celebrated the legacy of Le Corbusier but also rekindled a sense of wonder and appreciation for the art of living.