Restore and protect - Atelier 11
Restore and protect a remarkable architectural and artistic heritage
In today’s constantly changing world, heritage sites bear witness to the daily life of our ancestors. Historical buildings and cultural spaces represent the valuing and protection of stability, identity, and social values. It is our collective responsibility to preserve these treasures to ensure that they are passed onto future generations.
The Cité Falguière is a significant part of the historical and cultural heritage of the Parisian artistic scene. Having hosted world-renowned artists since the date of its creation in the 1870s, the heritage value of this place must be preserved. The last atelier of Cité Falguière's artist community, Atelier 11, represents an undeniable architectural and cultural heritage both on the street side and inside the courtyard. To preserve the architectural heritage of this remarkable building and to continue the artistic legacy of Montparnasse within the contemporary culture, L’AiR Arts Association, together with local and international artists and architects, plans to initiate an extensive restoration and renovation of both exterior and interior spaces of the Atelier.
Restoring Atelier 11, which housed many artists throughout its 150-year history, necessitates a return to the original purpose of the Cité Falguière. The renovation and creation of the International Arts Research Residence will make it possible for this heritage to be alive, active and shared - a space for the dissemination and exchange of knowledge around the legacy of the École de Paris.
Restoration and renovation works
Bursting with artistic and cultural heritage, Atelier 11 requires major restoration. Both exterior and interior spaces are in an unstable state, requiring a major overhaul of the three-floor structure. The painting by Chaïm Soutine, L’Atelier de l’artiste à la Cité Falguière, which represents the facade of the Atelier in 1915-1916, shows that the exterior appearance today is close to the original. That painting will guide us to carefully restore the architectural facades of the Atelier.
The glass roof and large windows facing the street and the courtyard, which date back to the time of construction in the late 19th century, need to be completely replaced because they are deformed and have no thermal insulation. The new window frames will be made of steel, as thin as possible, to preserve the original design. The main space of the Atelier, which is double height, and the current layout on three levels, will be preserved. The staircases and the mezzanine floor would have to be adjusted and leveled, in coordination with the interior connections and exterior woodwork. The reinforced concrete basement and ground floor slabs were refurbished ten years ago. All the interior fittings and finishing touches – painting, flooring, insulation, electricity, plumbing, and heating – need to be either fully replaced or upgraded.
Set to begin by the end of 2021, the renovation will result in a three-level multi-functional space, including a shared workspace, a meeting and gathering space, a multimedia art presentation/exhibition space, a research library, and an accommodation space for visiting professionals. These functional and welcoming spaces will preserve the essence and artistic spirit of a Montparnasse artist studio. To commemorate the legacy of the Atelier as a place for intercultural artistic exchange, the interior finishes will be referencing the origins of its various artist residents and their influences: Italy, Japan, Russia, and, of course, France.
In today’s constantly changing world, heritage sites bear witness to the daily life of our ancestors. Historical buildings and cultural spaces represent the valuing and protection of stability, identity, and social values. It is our collective responsibility to preserve these treasures to ensure that they are passed onto future generations.
The Cité Falguière is a significant part of the historical and cultural heritage of the Parisian artistic scene. Having hosted world-renowned artists since the date of its creation in the 1870s, the heritage value of this place must be preserved. The last atelier of Cité Falguière's artist community, Atelier 11, represents an undeniable architectural and cultural heritage both on the street side and inside the courtyard. To preserve the architectural heritage of this remarkable building and to continue the artistic legacy of Montparnasse within the contemporary culture, L’AiR Arts Association, together with local and international artists and architects, plans to initiate an extensive restoration and renovation of both exterior and interior spaces of the Atelier.
Restoring Atelier 11, which housed many artists throughout its 150-year history, necessitates a return to the original purpose of the Cité Falguière. The renovation and creation of the International Arts Research Residence will make it possible for this heritage to be alive, active and shared - a space for the dissemination and exchange of knowledge around the legacy of the École de Paris.
Restoration and renovation works
Bursting with artistic and cultural heritage, Atelier 11 requires major restoration. Both exterior and interior spaces are in an unstable state, requiring a major overhaul of the three-floor structure. The painting by Chaïm Soutine, L’Atelier de l’artiste à la Cité Falguière, which represents the facade of the Atelier in 1915-1916, shows that the exterior appearance today is close to the original. That painting will guide us to carefully restore the architectural facades of the Atelier.
The glass roof and large windows facing the street and the courtyard, which date back to the time of construction in the late 19th century, need to be completely replaced because they are deformed and have no thermal insulation. The new window frames will be made of steel, as thin as possible, to preserve the original design. The main space of the Atelier, which is double height, and the current layout on three levels, will be preserved. The staircases and the mezzanine floor would have to be adjusted and leveled, in coordination with the interior connections and exterior woodwork. The reinforced concrete basement and ground floor slabs were refurbished ten years ago. All the interior fittings and finishing touches – painting, flooring, insulation, electricity, plumbing, and heating – need to be either fully replaced or upgraded.
Set to begin by the end of 2021, the renovation will result in a three-level multi-functional space, including a shared workspace, a meeting and gathering space, a multimedia art presentation/exhibition space, a research library, and an accommodation space for visiting professionals. These functional and welcoming spaces will preserve the essence and artistic spirit of a Montparnasse artist studio. To commemorate the legacy of the Atelier as a place for intercultural artistic exchange, the interior finishes will be referencing the origins of its various artist residents and their influences: Italy, Japan, Russia, and, of course, France.
With support from partners in France and around the world, we hope to restore the artistic spirit of this global arts community in Paris and to ensure its sustainability for generations to come. Everyone is invited to join our collective efforts of preserving, restoring and animating the living heritage of the École de Paris represented by the Atelier 11.