Paul Clemence Photographs Le Corbusier's Ronchamp Chapel, Exploring Light and Materiality
Photographer Paul Clemence has unveiled a photographic series showcasing Le Corbusier's Notre Dame du Haut chapel located in Ronchamp, France. Finished in 1955, this chapel was built to replace a pilgrimage structure that was lost during World War II and is characterized by its thick, curved masonry walls and an asymmetrical concrete roof. Clemence's collection features a mix of black-and-white images of the exterior alongside vibrant color photographs of the interior, highlighting the interplay of light in shaping architectural forms and revealing the chapel's material richness. The series also captures the nearby Peace Pyramid, reflecting the site's intricate history. Clemence's work resonates with Nicholas Fox Weber's biography of Le Corbusier and includes projects from Zaha Hadid and Heatherwick Studio.
Key facts
- Paul Clemence has presented a new photographic series documenting Le Corbusier's Notre Dame du Haut chapel in Ronchamp, France.
- The series explores light, materiality, and atmosphere, highlighting the chapel's sculptural qualities.
- Notre Dame du Haut was completed in 1955, replacing a pilgrimage chapel destroyed during World War II.
- The chapel is located on the Bourlémont hill in eastern France.
- The series combines black-and-white exterior photographs with color interior images.
- Clemence was inspired by Le Corbusier's quote: 'Architecture is the wise, correct, and magnificent play of volumes assembled in light.'
- The series also includes the nearby Peace Pyramid, designed by Le Corbusier using rubble from the original chapel.
- Clemence references Nicholas Fox Weber's biography of Le Corbusier, which describes the architect's transformation of concrete and light.
- Clemence's recent work includes the International Gateway Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects, the West Bund Orbit by Heatherwick Studio, and the Bioparque Pantanal by Ruy Ohtake.
- The article was written by Reyyan Dogan and published on August 4, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Paul Clemence
- Le Corbusier
- Zaha Hadid Architects
- Heatherwick Studio
- Ruy Ohtake
- Nicholas Fox Weber
- Reyyan Dogan
- Zaha Hadid
- Heatherwick
Institutions
- ArchDaily
- Zaha Hadid Architects
- Heatherwick Studio
Locations
- Ronchamp
- France
- Bourlémont
- Hong Kong
- Shanghai
- Campo Grande
- Bourlémont Hill