A new entrance to gothic cathedral. La Galilée de Saint-Maurice d’Angers by Kengo Kuma
29/10/2021.
[Angers] France
metalocus, VALERIA OZUNA
metalocus, VALERIA OZUNA
Project description by Kengo Kuma
We were asked to design a contemporary gallery to protect the western portal of Angers Cathedral, where precious polychromatic sculptures from medieval (12th century) and modern (17th century) periods were recently discovered.
The uniqueness of this portal, dating from the 12th century, is represented by these multi-coloured stone relics typical of the Middle Ages, and only a new construction will be able to preserve it sustainably.
Our challenge was to create a harmonious dialogue between a contemporary creation whilst preserving Middle-Age architectural heritage.
We wanted to put ourselves in the shoes of the builders of the Middle Ages and to create a regulatory framework, using compasses, thus generating the proportions which lead to unity. All this is achieved using the finest stone processes possible which then frees itself from the thick walls of the cathedral built in stereotomy.
It is this technical process that creates a contemporary feeling to the building, while remaining part of the history of architecture.
Kengo Kuma was born in Yokohama (Kanagawa, Japan) in 1954. He studied architecture at the University of Tokyo, finishing his degree in 1979. In 1987, he opened the "Spatial Design Studio". In 1990 he founded "Kengo Kuma & Associates" and extend the study to Europe (Paris, France) in 2008. Since 1985 and until 2009, has taught as visiting professor and holder at the universities of Columbia, Keio, Illinois and Tokyo.
Main Awards:
· 2011 The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize for "Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum."
· 2010 Mainichi Art Award for “Nezu Museum.”
· 2009 "Decoration Officier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" (France).
· 2008 Energy Performance + Architecture Award (France). Bois Magazine International Wood Architecture Award (France).
· 2002 Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award (Finland).
· 2001 Togo Murano Award for “Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum.”
· 1997 Architectural Institute of Japan Award for “Noh Stage in the Forest”. First Place, AIA DuPONT Benedictus Award for “Water/Glass” (USA).