ABU DHABI ARTAbu Dhabi, Nov. 3 - 7, 2010
A visionary creator, JEAN PROUVÉ projected his conception of modernity through his architectural projects and his furnishings. In the domain of architecture, his propositions remain exemplary and today are still considered particularly innovative. Whether public buildings, factories or offices, or even homes, Prouvé’s architecture respects the constraints of his period: simplification of the montage and the assembly; mobility of the structures allowing them "to be sent" far from their place of production; simplicity and functionality, etc.
The three projects exhibited (‘Ferembal Dismountable House’, ‘Métropole Dismountable House’ and ‘Dismountable House for the disaster victims of Lorraine’) perfectly illustrate Prouvé’s constructive thinking and vouch for his extreme attention to the construction detail (panels with portholes, brise-soleil, bow-window, canopy, etc), as well as his concern for efficiency and pertinence in the choice of materials (aluminium, wood, folded steel plate, etc.).
In 2009, Abu Dhabi Art was the opportunity to exhibit these three big architecture projects for the first time. GALERIE PATRICK SEGUIN focused on the concept common to these three architectural typologies: mobility and adaptability.
The construction of these houses may be envisaged in a temporary or perennial way, and be in harmony with an interior or exterior context according to the needs and functions attributed to them. The interior space (open space) of these buildings allows public reception (temporary exhibition, reception pavilion …), or the creation of a private dwelling (guest-house, offices, show-room…).
The ‘moveable construction’ concept of this house by Prouvé intrinsically embodies nomadism from their development. These mobile structures are in line with contemporary exhibition requirements and models. They would thus allow the programming of touring exhibitions at different sites in Abu Dhabi. Their space gives real possibilities for exhibiting art collections or major pieces of historical and contemporary design.
This architecture offers a historic ‘envelope’ for the presentation of contemporary projects. These houses, with an open internal structure, can be outstanding pedestals for cultural projects and thus construct an authentic bridge between 20th century architecture and 21st century creation. This type of project’s international resonance would be a veritable showcase and testimony of the cultural development undertaken by Abu Dhabi.
In particular Saadiyat Island responds admirably to the desire and need for innovation and the creation of contemporary architecture. The integration of Prouvé’s houses on this site would propose a symbolic and pertinent vision of architecture from the second half of the 20th century until now. The Ferembal House by Jean Prouvé and Jean Nouvel’s adaptation of it summarize the perfect and obvious filiation of these great ‘master-builders,’ whose desire to “speak, narrate and examine”1 remains fundamental.
1- Jean Nouvel