The Hรดtel des Arts in Toulon offers a playful exploration of architecture through seven themes, allowing the public to better understand the approaches of modern architects in their creations. This journey into the world of architects is available until November 18, 2012.
The first theme establishes a link between yesterday and tomorrow, between the past, tradition, and artistic evolution. While some tenets like local culture are indispensable, their integration into modern creations is evident, thus maintaining the continuity of time and the heritage of the past.
The second theme aims to explain what might initially seem contradictory. The architect faces the challenge of reconciling aesthetics with utility, indulging in aesthetics without forgetting the functionality of the building. They must therefore play with volumes and proportions to achieve harmony.
The third theme demonstrates the integration of a construction into a landscape, with examples like the village of Fourches, a sewage treatment plant, and a villa. The constructions appear camouflaged, fully integrated into the site’s rugged landscape.
The fourth theme plunges us into history and heritage, taking us from a renovated chapel in La Garde Freinet to the abbey of Thoronet. The artist is no longer universal; specialization occurs, and painting, sculpture, and architecture become distinct. A visit to Bernar Venet’s studio in Le Muy concludes this room’s visit.
The fifth theme reveals gigantism, large-scale projects, and the means to render them sublime, beautiful, and harmonious. Here, the architect must respond, as in the second theme, to the requirement of utility while making sure the aspect and grandeur of the project are sublime.
The sixth theme recalls the architectural revolution with Le Corbusier’s dream of the radiant city. Although the exhibition does not showcase the ‘fada’ house, its spirit is present. The architect, facing urgent reconstruction post-war, is exemplified in the village of Sablettes and in educational buildings, giving these institutions humanity, which ties into the last theme we will discuss.
The seventh theme addresses functional constructions while attempting to humanize a hospital or courthouse. How can this be achieved? Here lies the architect’s skillful synthesis of utility, practicality, space, nature, and aesthetics. If a concrete line cuts the horizon, the architect has failed; but if it integrates and blends into the landscape as if it has always been there, success is achieved, illustrated by the purification station Amphitria in La Seyne-sur-Mer.
This exhibition serves as an excellent introduction to understanding architecture and an opportunity to discover creations that have enriched our architectural heritage.
Hรดtel des Arts
236 Bd Gรฉnรฉral Leclerc
Toulon
Visits: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM.
