Final answer:
Le Corbusier's 'formal abstraction' failed at Cite Fruges de Pessac due to impracticalities in his design philosophy for the residents' daily lives, and a lack of environmental consideration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Le Corbusier's use of 'formal abstraction' in the housing project Cite Fruges de Pessac largely failed to resonate with its inhabitants due to its utopian principles which were expressed through elements of his design philosophy, most notably, the 'free façade' and 'open floor plan'. Such abstractions were part of his ideology that a house is a 'machine for living in'.
However, these architectural innovations were often at odds with the practical needs and cultural expectations of the residents, who found some of the modernist elements impractical for everyday life. For example, the open floor plans did not provide the separation of living spaces that was customary and desired by the typical family.
Furthermore, Corbusier's abstract approach did not fully take into account the importance of the surrounding environment and context, leading to a stark contrast between the buildings and their locale.
The intended harmony between form and function did not materialize for many residents, which resulted in numerous alterations to his designs over the years, making them more traditional and less abstract. This underscores a broader challenge within modern architecture where the balance between aesthetic innovation and practical usability is critical.