How did the chapel of Notre-Dame du Haut at Ronchamp differ from Le Corbusier’s earlier functional designs?

The chapel of Notre-Dame du Haut at Ronchamp (1950–55) represents a departure from Le Corbusier’s earlier commitment to strict functionalism, the doctrine that a building's design should be dictated solely by its utility.12

While his earlier work often emphasized the concept of a building as a "machine for living in," the chapel at Ronchamp prioritizes lyrical and visual effects over these established principles of apparent functionalism. Key differences include:12

• Structural Design: The walls were constructed to a double thickness specifically for visual impact rather than purely functional necessity.1
• Visual Illusion: The roof, which appears to be suspended, is actually supported by a hidden forest of structural elements.1
• Aesthetic Focus: The building is noted for its sculptural, soaring form, marking a shift toward a more expressive and artistic architectural language compared to his previous, more rigid functional designs.12

This project reflects a transition in his career toward more monumental and sculptural architecture, moving away from the machine-like precision that defined his earlier residential and urban planning projects.1