In another example, Le Corbusier's Housing Units are based on a new spatial organization that combines the benefits of collective and individual housing inspired by the Florence charterhouse in Italy. Each space is made to suit the needs of modern people.

Saint-étienne, a city in the southeastern part of France, made a significant transformation from a 19th century industrial city to a 21st century "European capital of design".

Also, Saint-étienne was named a UNESCO City of Design in 2010. Acquiring an exceptional designation as the "City of Design", Saint-étienne and its agglomeration have bet on design as a development engine.