d function was widely accepted. The concept of buildings as volumes enclosed by massive materials had given way to a concentration on space supported or enclosed by light, thin materials. The idea of enclosure was de-emphasized, so that structural elements themselves came into focus.” Gropius and Le Corbusier were among the modern architects that promoted the open plan. Prouve went even further to lighten all the materials used in the structure and allow for thin, light partitions. Although this was a hard concept to introduce in Europe and North America, open interiors with very light building materials and moveable partitions was an ancient tradition in China, possibly the source of inspiration. “Moveable partitions secured by springs were produced as early as 1930.” However, this was probably the first patent taken out on this, now common, technique. It is no doubt that Prouve influenced the great modern architects very much. He is known as a pioneer in French lightweight ferro vitreous construction. He is also very well known for his contributions to the art and technology of prefabricated metal construction. Prouv pioneered new structural techniques that would permit the efficient and inexpensive construction of buildings with prefabricated components while retaining architectural quality and individuality. From this one project alone, we know that he had a profound affect on building technology by introducing the curtain wall. When Frank Llyod Wright visited the Maison du Peuple soon after it was finished “he named Jean Prouv as the inventor and initiator of the curtain wall.” Le Corbusier admired Prouve very much for he saw him as the architect/engineer which he believed would be the leader and savior of future architecture, as indeed they were. Le Corbusier described him as “indissolubly an...
