On September 14th two interesting architecture events will take place in Orléans, Paris: The public opening of the new FRAC Centre in Orléans, Paris, designed by JAKOB + MACFARLANE and the ninth edition of ArchiLab.
The FRAC Centre is devoted to the diffusion of contemporary art and architecture and has one of the most impressive collections of contemporary art and experimental architecture from the 1950s to today, which includes some 15,000 architectural drawings, 800 models and 600 works by artists. The permanent gallery features unique items ranging from the early models and paintings of Zaha Hadid, the paintings of the iconic illustrations found on "Delirious New York," and even the original models of experimental houses by Shigeru Ban, Kazuyo Sejima and Sou Fujimoto. The permanent collection is a must-see for every architect. The new centre by JAKOB + MACFARLANE integrates an old military building with a new contemporary structure that features a media facade by Electronic Shadow (watch video).
Also opening to the public on September 14th, ArchiLab returns for its ninth edition, after taking a hiatus while the new FRAC Centre was being built. The lab started as an opportunity to question the practice of the architect, the diversification of the field, as well as the new urban challenges of our changing, globalized world. Founded by Marie-Ange Brayer (Director of the FRAC) & Frédéric Migayrou (Deputy Director of the MNAM-Centre Pompidou), it has shaped the architectural debate and served as a launch platform for many architects.
The theme of this ninth edition is "Naturalizing Architecture":
Architecture now overlaps with the sources of molecular biology, even in processes of replication, transcription and translation of genetic material. In this way, architects can introduce complex models based on processes involving the self-generation of matter and incorporating programmatic, social, material and environmental variables. Control of these processes turns hybridization into a new architectural order.
The exhibit of ArchiLab includes works by forty architects, designers, fashion designers and artists that are pushing forward architecture in this area. It will also include two symposiums on October 24th-25th.
For more information visit the FRAC Centre website. The Centre is only a 10-minute walking distance from the Orléans train station (1 hour away from Paris Austerlitz).
As a media partner, ArchDaily will feature exclusive interviews with the curators and the architects in the next days, so stay tuned!
