Toulouse. Architects alert the Minister of Culture to save this emblematic building
Through Melina Le Corre
Published on
They are headwind against the sale of this building. After the residents of the Saint-Cyprien district, an international collective of architects, including Rémi Papillaut, professor of architecture at ENSA Toulousea throw a petition to preserve Jacques Vion’s barrackslocated on the Charles-de-Fitte alleys.
1,950 are already signatories including big names in architecture such as Daniel Burin (“Columns of the Palais-Royal” in Paris) or Benjamin Mouton (former chief architect of Notre-Dame de Paris).
“An irreparable loss”
In a stand for Releasecollective Pierre Debeaux denounces sale of this building which the town hall of Toulouse has owned since 1955. They challenge the Minister of Culture, Rima Abdul Malakto ask him that the building be protected as a historical monument.
Architects fear its demolition. “This ‘Great Work’, located in downtown Toulouse, is being sold to the highest bidder without protection against its demolition, even though a registration file as a historical monument is being examined by the Drac Occitanie”, is it written in the gallery.
For them, “damaging this exceptional work as a whole, and deeply original, would be an irreparable loss. But also not ecological.
“Prevention is better than cure”
To pay Toulouse News, Remi Papillaultprofessor of architecture at ENSA Toulouse and heritage architect explains the value of this building: “it is an important building in the history of the city, one of the most learned in terms of composition. There is a very strong expressionism on concrete, very settled on geometry,” explains the professor.
“We want it to be at least registered in historical monuments and therefore protected. Given the quality of the building, it seems obvious to take this building into consideration. We would not ask the question for a Romanesque church, ”says Remi Papillaut.
“We prefer to prevent than to cure by taking safeguards. There are so many Toulouse buildings that have disappeared, whereas we know very well how to restore simple or monumental buildings. We are losing our footing with our heritage, ”protests the professor.
No demolition?
However, on the side of the town hall, no demolition in sight. “It’s a competition, not a bid for the highest bidder! » Reply the communication department. “On specifications and a procedure to be followed. We are waiting for a qualitative file. »
A few elements are “labeled” in particular the auditorium or the Halle and the drying tower, they are therefore protected.
The entire site may be transferred to 4e quarter 2025date of final departure from the fire and rescue service.
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