Le Fresnoy Studio by Bernard TSCHUMI

Le Fresnoy, National Studio of Comtemporary Art
Audiovisual School + Workshop + Movie theather + Museum + Residence
in Tourcoing, France
Former theater, renovated to (film) art center by architect Bernard TSCHUMI in 1997
visited in December 2011

It was surprising to find such an experimental building in a quiet area of Tourcoing, in the outskirts of Lille, France. Interesting and dynamic building. Its program(multi cultural complex) and concept(keeping the existing, creating the new in harmony but also in contrast) are something all architecture students would once dream of. Yes, here it is. Many of dream’s come true. But, this building seem to have some practical problems and get old and weary… Pleasant to see some concretized dream of a young architect, as a ‘form’ of architecture.

프랑스 릴, 그리고도 변두리 투르꾸앙에 있는 프레누아 스투디오. 별 것 없는 한적한 동네에 이런 실험적인 건물이 떡하니 서있어서 꽤 놀랐다. 반전이라고 하나.
건축근현대사의 한페이지를 읽는 기분이 들었다. 건물은 꽤 낡아 있었고, 특히 철조 램프를 걸을때 어찌나 흔들리던지 무서웠다.
건축학생 시절 한번쯤 꿈꾸는 프로그램(multi cultural complex)에 컨셉(낡은 건물을 보존하나 신구가 완전히 대치되지도 동일하지도 않는)이 진짜 실현된 건물을 보는게 재밌었다.
서점에서 몇년째 근무한다는 분과 얘기하니 몇몇 기능적인 불편함을 토로하면서도 실험적인 건물은 좋아한다 했다. 프레누아 학교 자체가 굉장히 실험적인 비디오 아트를 추구한다.
학교에 정말 어울리는 건물은 것은 사실. 사용자가 좋아하는 건물이니 좋은 건물이겠다. 근데 이 건물 좀 허술한 부분이 많아 보여 20-30년 후에도 있을 진 의문…
사족 : 옛건물 옆에 새건물을 짓는다는 면이 서울시청 신청사 를 생각하게 했는데..개인적으로 서울시청 신구건물이 너무 생뚱맞게 서있는 것 같다. 둘이 좀 사이 안 좋아 보여.

Le Fresnoy Studio

Le Fresnoy Studio Concetp Sketch by Bernard Tschumi

Exhibition 'Let's dance' in 2011

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La cité radieuse (Unité d’habitation) by Le Corbusier

La cité radieuse (Unité d’habitation)
in Marseille, France
designed by Le Corbusier
constructed in 1952
visited in December 2011

La cité radieuse (Unité d'habitation) by Le Corbusier

337 appartements ; more than 1000 residents;
Model of social architecture ;
Like its name ‘Radiant city’, the inner space is bright, full of sunlight and well ventilated.
I could see that he did intend create simple but healthy housing space.
Except dark and low-ceiling corridor space, I like it.

Some residents give a private paid visit.
The best way to visit must be visiting the someone’s apartment with original furniture and stairs.
Stair by Jean Prouvé and some furniture designed by Charlotte Perriand.
There, you can see how this legendary living space is appropriated to the users.

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Video link to see the inside the apartment

Maison de verre | Glass house (by Pierre CHAREAU)

Maison de Verre (Glass house),
in Paris, France
constructed in 1932
by architect Pierre CHAREAU
visited in December 2011

Simply, this house is the most beautiful house that I’ve ever seen in my life so far.
Elegant but practical. Romantic but innovative. Just brilliant!
If you like design and architecture, you won’t regret to pay 40 euros for the visit.
To bad not to be able to take pictures inside the house.

아주 간단히 말해, 내 생애 최고의 집, maison de verre (메종 드 베르).
우아하나 실용적이고, 낭만적이나 혁신적인…절묘한… 내가 꿈꾸던 그런 집.

Front facade of Maison de verre at night

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Info for the visit (reservation in advance by email)
Article from the wall street journal on this house
Article on a blog
Photos of the inside