The first and most famous of these buildings, also known as Cité radieuse (Radiant City) was built between 1947 and 1952. One of Le Corbusiers's most famous works, it proved enormously influential and is often cited as the initial inspiration of the Brutalist architectural style and philosophy.

The building is constructed in béton brut (rough-cast concrete), as the hoped-for steel frame proved too expensive in light of post-War shortages. In July 2016, the Unité in Marseille and several other works by Le Corbusier were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

 

It is also designated a historic monument by the French Ministry of Culture. It was damaged by fire on February 9, 2012.

The Marseille building, developed with Corbusier's designers Shadrach Woods and George Candilis, comprises 337 apartments arranged over twelve stories, all suspended on large piloti. The building also incorporates shops with an architectural bookshop, a rooftop gallery, educational facilities, a hotel which is open to the public, and a gastronomic restaurant, Le Ventre de l'architecte ("The Belly of an Architect").