Architecture in motion: is it possible?

Posted on 26 February 2018 by rmhprize

By Jacqueline Mainguy / Translation Jeanette Weston

The Rolex Centre under construction, Lausanne, July 2009 / Photo Epfil Alain Herzog

Did Lausanne and the hills bordering the Leman inspire Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, creators of the Japanese studio Sanaa, in designing the Rolex Learning Center for the Federal Polytechnic (EPFL)? An “architecture in motion” where a harmonious curve combines space, nature and spirit… The Ecole Spéciale de Lausanne (its original name) specialized in science and technology, was founded in 1853. Since then much has changed. Little by little a campus was created, a surprising campus without a proper central area, empty of places to meet. The Rolex Center, an experimental project, meets this need. Continue reading →

Mies van der Rohe : an architectural landmark in Barcelona

Posted on 25 July 2017 by rmhprize

By Jacqueline Mainguy

It was at the 1929 International Exhibition in Barcelona that the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe first exhibited his avant-garde talent. The German Pavilion was nestled in a wooded corner on the hill of Montjuic Park: Mies van der Rohe didn’t want to be crowded in by the many other international exhibitors. He was representing Germany, and welcomed the Spanish monarch Alfonso XIII as well as German officials. Through his building, Mies van der Rohe presented all the essential aspects of his architectural philosophy: perfect symmetry, space, clarity, simplicity and minimalism. Continue reading →

Talking about concrete: Philippe Prost at the Palais d’Iéna

Posted on 27 September 2016 by rmhprize

Beauty of concrete’s classical age

Beauty of avant-garde concrete

During this September’s European Heritage Days, the Palais d’Iéna opens wide its doors. Philippe Prost, magician of concrete, presents this monument, one of the most remarkable examples from the classical age of concrete, which today houses the Conseil Economique et Social.

In 1936, the architect August Perret (1874-1954) made use of all the technical and esthetic potential of reinforced concrete, creating a new architectural order able to rival with Antiquity. For Iéna, he designed the luminous colonnade of the Salle Hypostyle, marrying oak and concrete, as well as the famous stand-alone staircase with its railing by Raymond Subies, its double flights lilting upward in the form of a horseshoe. A daring, unapologetic use of raw concrete. Continue reading →

PRESERVATION: IT’S MODERN!

Posted on 15 June 2016 by rmhprize

An exchange between François Chatillon, Managing Architect for Historic Monuments, and Vanessa Fernandez, Hunt Fellow 2010

François Chatillon

The dialogue “Conserver c’est modern” constitutes a manifesto questioning the challenges presented by the 20th century’s abundant architectural legacy. In which ways can we envision the future of this heritage? Through what kinds of interventions? How can we end the dysfunctional separation of creation and conservation?

For the full French dialogue, follow this link, or just Continue reading →

Forum with Jose Ignacio Linazasoro

Posted on 11 June 2016 by rmhprize

Remarks about contemporary architecture and the relationship between the old and the new

Amongst the complexities of modern architecture, I have been primarily concerned with public buildings and public space. I have worked in many patrimonial sites and have, therefore, been confronted with fundamental problems in contemporary architecture, i.e., the relationship between the old and the new. Many people believe that introducing modern buildings in an ancient site is dangerous or even impossible. In my opinion, however, building in an historic site without a contemporary frame of thought is irresponsible. All sites are living entities, which is why they should not become museums of times past or parodies.

*The Madrid-based architect Jose Ignacio Linazasoro pronounced the 12th annual Inaugural Lecture at the Ecole de Chaillot, Paris, on February 2nd, 2016.

Continue reading →