Athens Charter

1933

The Athens Charter was a document produced in 1933 by Le Corbusier and the International Congress of Modern Architecture (CIAM) It was conceived as a response to the rapid growth of cities in the early 20th century and the resulting need for new approaches to urban planning. One of the key concepts of the Athens Charter was the “functional city,” which proposed organizing the city in zones based on different functions to promote efficiency and order in the city. The Athens Charter called for several other urban planning principles, including the need for green spaces, public transportation, and a comprehensive plan for the development of a city. The Athens Charter became an extension of Le Corbusier’s Radiant City.