May 8 – 13, 2025
Park Avenue Armory, New York
Booth 331
On the occasion of this new edition of TEFAF, GALERIE PATRICK SEGUIN is unveiling a display celebrating the architectural work of JEAN PROUVÉ. For the first time, large elements from the Croismare School (1948) are shown, along with nine landmark projects, illustrated with models, archival documents, photographs and films.
JEAN PROUVÉ was one of the pioneers of innovative production in 20th-century furniture and architecture.
Driven by a prolific creative and inventive spirit, he profoundly marked the history of architecture with the development of ground-breaking construction concepts, such as the now iconic axial portal frame system used in his demountable architecture.
The Croismare School (1948), the largest axial portal frame building designed by Prouvé, is a masterful demonstration of this.
Jean Prouvé, Croismare School, 1948
The project for the Croismare School was initiated by Paul Daum to safeguard the future of the glass industry by creating a centre for professional training in the east of France. It only came together after his death, thanks to the combined efforts of his friend Jean Prouvé and the Glassmakers’ Union, with the Secretary of State for Technical Training giving authorization for this private technical college in April 1949.
Two of its axial portal frames and the ridge beam arespecially reassembled on the booth.
Convinced of the benefits of industrialized mass production for use in architecture, Jean Prouvé began designing prototypes for prefabricated houses in the 1930s, exploring modular structures and modern materials.
However, the Second World War shattered his plans; in the face of the emergency, he adapted his skills to develop lightweight structures for devastated areas.
The experience reinforced his belief that industrialization could provide an efficient response to housing requirements, particularly during periods of reconstruction.
Jean Prouvé, 6×6 Demountable house, 1944
Richard Rogers (RSHP) adaptation, 2015
This display retraces Prouvé’s career as a designer–constructor through ten iconic projects of demountable architecture. From the 6×6 house for the War homeless in Lorraine (1944) and its 2015 adaptation by Richard Rogers, to the ‘‘Better Days’’ House (1956), via his Maxéville Design Office (1948), the event highlights Jean Prouvé’s ingenuity and lasting influence.
Jean Prouvé, Maxéville Design Office, 1948
Jean Prouvé, 6×6 Demountable house, 1944
Jean Prouvé, ‘‘Better Days’’ House, 1956
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