Who is he? Le Corbusier is one of the most celebrated architects of the 20th century. He created some of the world's most instantly recognisable classic furniture, such as the elegant black leather and steel chaise longue, and cubic chairs and sofas with exposed steel frames. They were designed more than 70 years ago but have a timeless appeal.

What's his background? Le Corbusier was born Charles Edouard Jeanneret-Gris in Switzerland in 1887. He trained as an artist but, encouraged by a teacher to take up architecture, he went to Paris in 1908 to practise with Auguste Perret, an architect known for his pioneering use of concrete and reinforced steel. In 1922, he went into partnership in Paris with his cousin, engineer Pierre Jeanneret, and adopted his mother's maiden name, Le Corbusier. While practising as an architect, Le Corbusier was also active as a painter, sculptor and writer. He wrote dozens of books on interior decoration, painting and architecture and even published his own architecture magazine, L'Esprit Nouveau.

Does his architecture stand the same test of time? Le Corbusier dominated architecture from 1920 until his death in 1965 and is frequently cited by modern architects as being one of their biggest influences. Le Corbusier set out to break with traditional forms and designs, putting forward fresh and revolutionary ideas. 'We must start again from zero,' he said. Along with Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius in Germany, and Theo van Doesburg in The Netherlands, he developed International Style, celebrating contemporary engineering achievements and using concrete, sheet glass and synthetics. He passionately believed the house was a 'machine for living', an industrial product that should include functional furniture.