© Philippe Ruault . Pubblicata il 14 Luglio 2010.

The current building displays vestiges of a succession of strata laid down at different points in the past. We are convinced that our proposal should be in the form of an operation to be carried out on the existing building in such a way as to be easily legible by everyone, a logical consequence of the history of the site. We have drawn on features of religious architecture for our references, and we propose to punctuate the space using a series of ‘patches’ integrating all the components that ensure the ‘Maison de l’Architecture’ will be a veritable tool.

© Philippe Ruault . Pubblicata il 09 Luglio 2010.

In order to create overall coherence, we have chosen to work with one single material, corten steel which has a chronological dimension and is informed by the history of the location.

© Philippe Ruault . Pubblicata il 09 Luglio 2010.

The ground-floor space is very versatile and is above all a very useful public reception area.

© Philippe Ruault . Pubblicata il 09 Luglio 2010.

A large metal plaque has been embedded in the floor of the chapel area. This metal plaque can be raised and folded to create a series of movable backdrops. Other plaques appear to be embedded in the wall but they open out to provide display surfaces or to protect technical equipment.

© Philippe Ruault . Pubblicata il 09 Luglio 2010.

Designed as a continuation of the chapel, there is a spacious hall, traversed by a pre-existing mezzanine floor housing meeting, exhibition and reception spaces. The offices of the board of the association are on the upper floor.

© Philippe Ruault . Pubblicata il 09 Luglio 2010.

© Philippe Ruault . Pubblicata il 09 Luglio 2010.

© Philippe Ruault . Pubblicata il 09 Luglio 2010.

© Chartier – Corbasson architectes . Pubblicata il 09 Luglio 2010.

© Chartier – Corbasson architectes . Pubblicata il 09 Luglio 2010.