After seven years of anticipation, construction has officially begun on an interpretation center dedicated to renowned 20th-century architect Le Corbusier at the historic Duval factory in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, France. The first groundbreaking took place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, marking the start of a project that will transform the area around the only industrial building ever designed by the legendary architect.
The ambitious project, titled "Le C, Le centre Duval-Le Corbusier" (The C, The Duval-Le Corbusier Center), is being spearheaded by Rémi Duval, CEO of the Duval hosiery factory. What makes this project particularly special is Duval's personal connection to the architect – Le Corbusier, whose real name was Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, served as Duval's godfather. "For me, he was a normal godfather, very far from the image of the intractable man," Duval explained, referring to the architect's often stern public reputation.
The interpretation center, carried by the L.C.48 association, represents a significant investment of approximately 7.8 million euros, with 80% of the funding coming from public sources. The center is scheduled to open to the public in 2027 and will serve multiple purposes, including showcasing Le Corbusier's architectural heritage and the industrial craftsmanship that continues at the factory today.
The Duval factory holds unique historical significance as the only industrial building ever conceived by Le Corbusier. After World War II, when Saint-Dié was half-destroyed, Jean-Jacques Duval, Rémi's father, commissioned his friend Le Corbusier to reconstruct the family hosiery business that had been established in the late 19th century. This collaboration resulted in a masterpiece that was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2016, recognizing its outstanding universal value.
Despite its prestigious status, the factory remains fully operational with fewer than 100 employees who work in utmost secrecy for major Parisian fashion houses. The workers create high-end couture pieces for luxury brands including Saint-Laurent, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, with some pieces requiring up to a week to complete. This ongoing industrial activity will be highlighted as part of the center's mission to showcase contemporary craftsmanship alongside architectural heritage.
The interpretation center's primary objective is to enhance appreciation for Le Corbusier's architectural work while dispelling misconceptions about his designs. "We want to remove the image of 'the architect of rabbit cages,'" Duval remarked, referring to common criticisms of modernist architecture. The center will demonstrate the sophisticated solutions embedded in Le Corbusier's designs through interactive displays and educational materials. The Le Corbusier Foundation will loan furniture pieces for the central exhibition space, providing authentic examples of the architect's complete design philosophy.
One innovative feature will be a demonstration of the building's ingenious sun-breakers (brise-soleil), which were designed to maximize natural light in winter while minimizing it in summer to ensure worker comfort. "It's easier to show this with a model and a rotating sun rather than asking people to come back in winter or summer," Duval explained, highlighting the center's commitment to making architectural concepts accessible to all visitors.
The personal relationship between the Duval family and Le Corbusier adds an intimate dimension to the project. Rémi Duval shared memories that reveal a more human side of the famous architect: "My father had a friendly relationship with him. I think that's what made their interactions different. He could discuss the factory's construction with him, tell him certain things. Today, when architects are important, you can't tell them 'Maybe that green is a bit too dark.' My father allowed himself to do that."
These exchanges weren't always smooth, as Duval candidly admitted: "It didn't always go well; there were times when they sent each other things other than flowers. But there was a real exchange." Duval's childhood memories of his godfather paint a picture far removed from the architect's intimidating public image, including anecdotes like helping to fight a brush fire near Le Corbusier's famous cabin at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin by forming human chains with water buckets.
For the center's design, the association selected the prestigious Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta and its co-founder Kjetil Thorsen from among four distinguished candidates. Snøhetta's impressive portfolio includes the Oslo Opera House, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt, part of the World Trade Center Memorial, and the International Center for Cave Art that houses the Lascaux Cave replica.
The design philosophy for the new center emphasizes respect for its historic neighbor. "We needed a project that wouldn't detract from being next to a Le Corbusier building," the project team explained. "We'll have a relatively neutral exterior, and all the work will be on the interior with elements that remind us we're in the Vosges, with fir trees and wood everywhere." This approach ensures that the new structure complements rather than competes with the UNESCO-listed factory.
Rémi Duval reflected on how the architectural heritage influenced his business decisions throughout his career: "All my career, I've tried to maintain industrial activity and keep the building in its original state. If there hadn't been this building, I might have given in to the call of relocation, like many others in the area." This commitment to preserving both the physical structure and its industrial function represents a unique approach to heritage conservation that combines historical preservation with contemporary economic activity.
The project represents more than just a museum or visitor center; it embodies a living testament to the enduring relevance of thoughtful architecture and skilled craftsmanship. When it opens in 2027, the Le Corbusier Interpretation Center will offer visitors a comprehensive understanding of one of the 20th century's most influential architects while celebrating the continuing tradition of French industrial excellence that thrives within his only industrial masterpiece.
