If his name doesn’t ring a bell, his works speak for him – Jean Nouvel is the creator, among many others, of the Arab World Institute and the new Musée Quai Branly. He has become the leaseholder of the old watchtower for 50 years or more if the affinity is there, with the ambition of rediscovering the essence of the place.
“I hope to make it a heritage testimony and pay homage to contemporary creation,” he declared during the signing of the transfer of the building from the Ministry of Defense to the City Hall of Nice. A three-hectare gem valued at 800,000 euros without the rehabilitation work.
The choice of the Battery of Mont Boron naturally imposed itself on Jean Nouvel: “Only an architect like me could work there,” he jokes. Known for his more than controversial stands on urban architecture, notably during the rehabilitation of the Lyon Opera House, the architect faces an extraordinary challenge. “The Battery currently looks like a farmhouse courtyard. Large walls, military plaques that praise the courage and patriotism of soldiers. A dark building whose vaults hold the earth. It’s right in the middle of the pine forest, surrounded by conifers. The roof is covered with a carpet of pine needles. And those extraordinary smells!” exclaims the builder. For this advocate of unique architecture, the Battery represents the dream project. It has traversed Nice’s history and has become part of the landscape. It is part of our heritage.
There is also the agreement transfer history that strictly prohibits demolishing or rebuilding the building. “How to work there without touching it? A bit of light, a bit of exterior and interior design,” Jean Nouvel already has a very ambitious vision for the future site. However, he hesitates to unveil all its secrets.
But above all, the Battery has a Mediterranean soul. And Jean Nouvel admits to refocusing his work on the Mediterranean. His recent work in Barcelona, Andorra, Genoa, Mallorca, Cyprus, testifies to this. “And then, at 61 years old, I think I’ve earned the right to work in the sun. One works so much better in the sun!” he laughs.
And after the work? The Battery will be destined to become a meeting place for international architects who will work on a project… focused on the Mediterranean! And supervised by the chief architect, Jean Nouvel. But also, a place open to the public where indoor and outdoor exhibitions can be held, a venue for exchange around contemporary architecture. A sort of another Biennale of Architecture…
Why Nice and not Marseille? The third largest city in France is certainly very active in terms of cultural dynamics. However, it lacks a considerable asset – an international airport with direct flights! “I am in love with this region. I have projects everywhere here. And the airport, it’s something I hadn’t mentioned until now. It’s true that I need to live very close to an airport. My clients must be able to come directly.”
A new direction is opening up in Nice. One it struggles to take advantage of, even with an international airport – an openness to the world, an image of modernity and innovation.
Let’s hope the wishes of the potential associate for the reconstruction of Ground Zero come true…
