JCPCDR architecture

This Founder Memorial is designed as a tribute to the past, and a gateway to the future.
It features both symbolic, interactive and innovative aspects, thus aiming to become an iconic, lively landmark ofSingapore : esthetically ambitious, blending in the heart and spirit of this fabulous city.

ARCHITECTURE MEETS HISTORY

Singapore’s architecture is as various and spectacular as its history. Truthful to Lee Kwan Yew’s vision of a «Garden City», the Founder Memorial is half building, half nature, bold and contemporary.
Four concrete slopes, or «sails», echoing the rich ethnical background of Singapore and its current cosmopolitanatmosphere, enfold a lush central garden. Among trees and leaves, columns of different sizes and purposes symbolize Singapore’s landscape. Some of them are fountains, elevators, vertical gardens... all of them take part of a carefully created balance between natural elements and arti cial constructions. The garden can be observed from inside, or from the visitor’s course sheltered by the concrete sails. The viewing gallery on the top oor opens to breathtaking sights of the «real» Singapore skyline.

This design offers a strong visual identity, as well as graphic and scenic perspectives from every angle.

AN ECOLOGICAL TAKE ON THE FUTURE

As an iconic new landmark of the city, the Founder Memorial embodies the values that brought Singapore to itsgreatness, and the technical innovations that will lead it to its future.
Optimization of natural resources was a key challenge in Singapore’s development : the memorial is conceived to have minimal impact on its environment. Circulation of water and energy, ecological devices are not secondary concerns : they are premises to every step of the design process.

The shape of the slopes is calculated to ensure rainwater recovery, providing water for the building, the air conditionersystem and the garden. Openings such as glass-panels windows are carefully positioned, slightly set back from the facades to avoid any heat concentration. The outer concrete sail is in opposition with the inner glass sail which allows a self-regulating system of temperature within the memorial. Solar panels on the rooftop produce energy.

Here, architectural and ecological decisions do not compromise, but enrich each other.

THE EXPERIENCE

The Founder Memorial offers its visitors a variety of courses.
The gardens, ground oor, and viewpoint on the top oor are accessible without a ticket.
For a full discovery of the Memorial, and Singapore’s contemporary history, one should embark on a pathway startingon the rst oor. From this perspective, only the the garden is visible, and reveals key dates, informations and anecdotes, engraved on the columns, both in english and mandarin. Step by step, the visitor eventually reaches the top oor and the viewing gallery : only then, is unveiled the real Singapore skyline. Immersing the public in a strongand symbolic architectural experience, the Founder Memorial is a tribute to Singapore’s past and present glory, as wellas an inspiration for its future.

RENDERING : LMNB

MODEL : JORDAN MARTINI

TEAM : JEAN-CHRISTOPHE PETILLAULT / KATHARINA HAAS / ANTONIN HEBERT / CONSTANTIN SCHINDLER

Blotti sous les arbres entre clairière et forêt, «l’observatoire» propose d’appréhender la nature sauvage environnante, à travers le prisme d’une architecture résolument contemporaine.

Sa structure ajourée dessine un micro-parcours, menant le promeneur ou «observateur» à une petite plateforme surélevée, judicieusement orientée afin d’offrir un point de vue surplombant la clairière. Cette circulation est étudiée et déterminée par plusieurs aspect, dans le but de valoriser et d’intégrer le site. La rampe menant à la plateforme, accessible aux fauteuils roulants et poussettes, épouse et continue la pente existante du sol. L’espacement évolutif des lattes de bois filtre la lumière du jour, dans un jeu de clair-obscur qui rappelle celui existant entre le sous-bois et la clairière : le promeneur entre dans l’observatoire sous une toiture opaque, s’habitue à cette atmosphère sombre, avant de progresser vers le point de vue, baigné de lumière. 

Avec son toit à double-pente et ses proportions chaleureuses, l’observatoire rappelle l’image vernaculaire d’une cabane ou d’un chalet traditionnel, réinventée par des lignes graphiques et sans compromis. Parfaitement intégré dans son environnement sylvestre, il permet non seulement d’observer la faune et la flore, mais y participe grâce à sa conception poreuse, perméable aux plantes et aux espèces qui souhaiteraient y trouver refuge. 

Au fil des saisons, l’objet architectural contemporain devient un écrin pour son environnement, proposant d’observer la nature et d’en faire une expérience complète. 

La structure de l’observatoire, entièrement réalisée en sapin, est à la fois simple et ingénieuse.

Son design privilégie les lignes droites et continues, afin de mettre en valeur l’essence du bois et d’obtenir un style élégant, sans compromis, complémentaire à la végétation foisonnante qui l’entoure. 

Cette simplicité garantira également une parfaite qualité d’exécution.

JCPCDR ARCHITECTURE won the international competition «Le festival des cabanes» for the construction of an ephemeral cabin in the heart of Lake Annecy in France made with the wood of the region and built entirely on site by the architects. (Https://www.lefestivaldescabanes.com/en/ )

Nestled under the trees between clearing and forest, «the observatory» offers to apprehend the surrounding wilderness, through the prism of a resolutely contemporary architecture.

Its openwork structure draws a micro-course, leading the walker or «observer» to a small elevated platform, judiciously oriented to provide a view overlooking the clearing. This circulation is studied and determined by several aspects, in order to enhance and integrate the site. The ramp leading to the platform, accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, marries and continues the existing slope of the ground. The evolutionary spacing of wooden slats filters the light of day, in a play of chiaroscuro reminiscent of that between the undergrowth and the clearing: the walker enters the observatory under an opaque roof, gets used to this dark atmosphere, before moving towards the point of view, bathed in light.

With its double-pitched roof and warm proportions, the observatory recalls the vernacular image of a traditional cabin or cottage, reinvented by graphic lines and without compromise. Perfectly integrated into its forest environment, it allows not only to observe the fauna and flora, but participates thanks to its porous design, permeable to plants and species that would like to find refuge there.

Throughout the seasons, the contemporary architectural object becomes a showcase for its environment, offering to observe nature and to make it a complete experience.

The structure of the observatory, made entirely of fir, is both simple and ingenious.

Its design favors straight and continuous lines, in order to highlight the essence of wood and to obtain an elegant style, without compromise, complementary to the abundant vegetation that surrounds it.

This simplicity will also guarantee a perfect quality of execution.

Tenero Tensione

Paper, in the world of haute couture as in architecture, is the first witness of ideas.

It is not only about drawing; but very much about building, exploring volumes and textures, bringing a creator’s first gesture into space. Crumpled, pleated, cut or torn ... Although we moslty think of a white page on a two-dimensional scale, it opens up endless possibilities on a three-dimensional level.

Tenero Tensione tells the tale of a creative process.

In many ways, fashion and architecture are alike : we shape space around bodies, turning our sensibility into lines and perspective, studying materials in a holistic, multisensory approach. Our achievements, from interior designs to buildings, from accessories to Haute-Couture dresses, bring our visions to life, through deep and flourishing human connections. Behind every new concept, research is lead from secular know-how, inspiring encounters and personal experiences.

This is what brought our team, JCPCDR Architecture X Maison Lognon, together.

Thinking about paper, through models, sketches, patterns, is the occasion for a meeting at the crossroads of disciplines and techniques, between architecture and textiles.

Learning more about Maison Lognon’s unique savoir-faire, and their fascinating ability to transform a flat surface into a three-dimensional story through paper, has led us to imagine a special architectural object, exploring the intermediary stages of the creative process. Drafts, worn matrices, and imperfect samples found behind the ateliers doors are brought to light for the first time, showcasing their moving beauty in a striking, dynamic contemporary shape.

The unique features of each material, from paper to woven fabric, has led us through a challenging research project. Tenero Tensione is focused on the idea of movement : the turning of the light throughout the day, the expression of the fabric, the evolution of the pattern between degrees of tension...

Just like a piece of Haute Couture clothing, the structure comes alive in its site, and in the visitor’s eyes. It can be easily adapted to various indoor sites.

From the white page, through the craftsman’s hands, the architect’s research, and to the visitor’s gaze, Tenero Tensione‘s aesthetic experience is foremost an human encounter.

ARTIST / DIRECTRICE ARTISTIQUE / MAITRE D’OUVRAGE : FLEUR HELLUIN

https://www.fleurhelluin.com / https://www.instagram.com/fleur_helluin/

ATELIER DE FABRICATION : MANOEUVRE

PHOTOS : David Foessel

Our new vision for the San Jose electric tower pays a tribute to its historical background, whilst addressing contemporary ecological and urban challenges. This 1881 dream to enlighten the town is achieved today with the same futuristic approach, and proposes to re-think of light as a natural, cyclic element.

Contemporary technologies such as rainwater recovery, solar panels and reflective materials are blended into a sharp architectural silhouette, mirroring everchanging light through day, night and seasons.

A play on transparency and shadows highlights the lines of the design, and maintain a close dialogue with its environment.

« Le Métamorphe » is a series of six autonomous "life supporting" units, scattered through the land. We took this opportunity to conceive a system that would adapt, not only to this specific configuration, but to various climatic conditions and necessities.

The units are available for anyone to use and adapt on their journey. Their modular features allow each user to transform and develop these architectural objects in order to suit their needs, according to particular time slots.

We are hereby presenting a variety of scenarios related to this specific site and the Burning Man festival. However, the evolution of "Fly Ranch" knows only the limits of it's passenger's imagination.

«Oasis» takes on the challenge of being both an architectural object with bold contemporary design features, a sustainable power source, a lush independent eco-system, and a fully integrated urban landmark of Masdar city.

The Oasis is conceived as several autonomous steel and glass units, that can be combined to become a spectacular architectural construction.

Its primary purpose is to provide sustainable energy and water to local buildings, but it is also meant to act as an urban connexion, providing shadow and temperate space for pedestrians to walk through.

Each one of these units was inspired by simple and proven concepts : solar energy, above-ground planting, terrarium... These prevalent technologies are assembled in one device, designed with timeless and basic materials
: steel and glass. The result is no-less futuristic : lush plantfalls suspended above ground, nesting birds, plays of light and shadows really draw the landscape of a 21st century oasis, blended into the city life.

The programs of this project have been divided in 4 units : the preparatory classes with primary levels, the secondary levels, the amphitheater with the library, and the art and music school. This units are scattered within the building, and can be accessed and used separately while creating a coherent architectural ensemble. The areas between the units are opened to the surrounding nature, but sheltered from the weather and the city. They are used as recreational spaces, but could welcome diverse events, or even be used to extend the existing units if needed in the future.

This project consists in studying the natural, geological and geometrical topology of the site, and turn it into a multi-purposes building. Two majors stakes are to be considered : water flooding from the river, and energetical autonomy. The first, obvious idea that came to our mind was to design the building on stilts ; however, such constructions are difficult to maintain, complicated to access for guests with disabilities, and its height would hardly blend in the surrounding nature. This is why decided to focus on the following points : matching proportions with the Acle Bridge, landscaping the site as a whole, protect it from floods and ensuring its energetic sustainability. Our design ends up being built, not on stilts, but around them.

The first main idea of our proposal, is to work on topography as an ecological and durable way to protect the site from water flooding. This is done very simply by earthwork, and a concrete layer to solidify its shape.

Trenches are organized through the concrete, to allow water circulation and plants growth, eventually melting the building with nature.

Stilts are distributed throughout the site and have multiple purposes : boat mooring with electrical power supply, structure to support the rooftop, and landscaping inspired from the nearby woods.

The rooftop hosts three programs : solar panels, rainwater retrieving system, and public viewpoint.

The final aspect of our proposal is a very contemporary, non-compromised architectural design, with well balanced proportions, blending in and enhancing the natural beauty of the site.

The light house is inspired by a typical lighthouse. The glass house top, reminding of the traditional headlight location, is perched on a sculptural, organic structure covered with wooden tiles, and openings with the double slope roof typical of the surroundings house.

The contrast between these two geometries and materials is articulated as apatchwork, blending in the surrounding urban diversity.

In between the wooden tiles, are nested several points of view, highlighting iconic elements of the city. The Light House is different from every angle, and it’s organic texture almost makes it look like a living entity. Light flowing in or out the glass, through the wooden structure or the canopy, evolve during day and night, giving this installation very various and rich expressions.

T-gloo is a steel and wooden craft, sealed in the frozen surface of the lake. Warm and welcoming wooden benches seem to be dug in the iced ground, reminding of a stranded ship.

A white, light steel structure, blending in the winter landscape, supports a an iced ceiling as if it were extracted from the ground. As a warming hut, T-gloo is not only conceived as a resting area, but also aims to propose a fuller experience of the surrounding nature.

Sitting seventy meter deep into the ice, eye level falls down to the lake's surface. Framed by the steel elements, the landscape is revealed under new perspectives. Textures of wood and metal play hot and cold, echoing both the forest and the frozen water around.

Natural daylight wanders through the iced ceiling and the graphic steel structure, drawing sparkles and shadows on the installation and it's occupants.

At first glance, the memorial appears like a scar in the earth . Four heavy concrete slabs seem ripped off the innocent lawn, forming deep trenches into the ground. As one walks down a trench and gets closer to this mysterious structure, the weight of the concrete seems threatening .

This path wanders further under ground level, eventually meeting a multitude of thin and delicate columns, planted in dark, rough clay. Despite their reedy appearance, they are the ones lifting the enormous bulks above them. Slim rays of natural light sneak between the concrete blocks, and laboriously reach the black earth, while faint beams of lightning rise from the ground and highlight each pillar creating a dark but soft atmosphere.

The columns bear the names of the numerous victimspf WWI . As these thousands of tragedies and witnesses slowly roll into the past, the columns stand like an army, as a fierce and timeless tribute to their sacrifices . Leaving the main path, a stroll through the monument unfolds more pillars, more names. Walking between them, taking shelter among them in this peaceful and detailed setting, brings a sense of intimacy to the experience.

it is no longer about remembering the past : it becomes part of our introspection on our present and future, on how we perceive our world in light of what happened. The building is merely the vehicle of memory for everyone to explore, honor, and pass on .

         «One way or another» wishes to embody a meditation on movements. 

In continuity of the lifeguard stand, a wooden platform stands as an elevated horizon line. This level can be reached thanks to four staircases oriented in various directions, or through the lifeguard stand itself.From the lifeguard you can watch, examine all the migration through the different stairs. From all edges of the structure, hangs a white, translucent veil.

         Echoing the lifeguard stand’s initial purpose, the platform serves as a viewpoint on surrounding nature, and might also be used by wildlife as a perch or a shelter on their way. The staircases spark curiosity, and invite to exploration. They offer many angles and ways, to come from or to go to, not only up and down also but north to west, east to south... human «micro-migrations» occur through the installation, allowing to discover different points of views on the landscape, as well as on the structure itself. The white veil concealing the ground floor sheds a touch of mystery. Light and fluid, it moves along with the wind, and makes the installation look as if it was breathing. Ideas of movements, exploration, natural elements, safety, civilization and wilderness all cross here.

         The choice of materials, wood and cotton, is designed to blend into nature and be recycled once the installation is removed. Staircases are hollow and can also serve as shelters to display cultural or artistic mini-exhibitions. 

This pavillion is designed to offer its visitors a unique experience of time and space. Echoing the history of the barge, which is linked to the destructive explosion of 1874, a spectacular wooden structure mimicks an underwater explosion, as if it was frozen in time. In the midst of all this apparent chaos, a light, transparent greenhouse shelters flowers, and a chessboard. The chessboard, and the plants invite to focus and meditate, contrasting the sense of emergency suggested by the surrounding "explosion". Deeper in the boat's hold, an observation space offers a unique point of view on the surroundings, through the wooden explosion.

 Statement

This «ribbon» buidling is imagined as a vehicle from civilization to wildlife. From the entrance through rehabilitated existing structures, to the «suspended» first floor and its wide open-air galleries, the visitor enjoys multiple experiences and points of views on surrounding nature. While being an architectural statement in itself, the main purpose of this Visitor’s Center is to enhance, and connect to the beauty of its natural surroundings, blending in the wildlife of the reserve, preserving it. The Site was converted from gravel to nature reserve and the «ribbon» building transform the existing building into a educational / science building for everyone. 

The very simple and flexible, yet visually striking idea of the suspended gallery has many advantages :

- minimizing footprint of the building, based on existing structures

- providing shelter and shadow to wildlife such as bats, or various animals and plants

- allowing the visitors to discover the site both from ground and a higher point of view

- playing with indoors/outdoors sequences on both levels of the building

The elongated shape of the building also has its purposes : 

- it is designed to fit in the geography and typology of the site, from one pound to the other

- it provides endless views of surrounding nature and multiples perspectives

- its many windows and openings optimize daylight income and reduce energy expenses

- it ensures smooth and efficient circulation through programs

- it allows access to everyone including wheelchairs and strollers, thanks to the long access ramp

Technical specificities 

- all services are included in the suspended floors. This ensures maximum flexibility on how to organize various programs within the building, and also would allow easy modifications/extensions in the future if desired.

- this flexibility is also key to control budget

- solar panels can be installed on rooftops.

- access to the first floor is granted both by stairs and access ramp.

Wood & Brick

Typical from this area, with its «earthy» texture and look, brick is used on the first floor. The suspended gallery looks like a brick ribbon waving through the trees. Its warm tone of red will respond to nature’s colors in every season : contrasting with deep greens in spring, matching autum’s orange and yellow... The wood used on the structure and ground floor blends in the forest , enhancing the brick’s bold colors. 

This association of materials gives the building a strong visual impact, while being perfectly integrated in the forest. 

Experience

Entering through the rehabilitated existing building, visitors have immediate access to basic facilities : welcome desk, retail space, bathroom. From this point, different itineraries are suggested, depending on the visitor’s interest : the educational path, the restaurant, the wellbeing center... All located on the first floor, they offer different settings and points of view on surrounding nature. The same visitor can come many times to the center, and still discover new features of the building and the reserve, depending on the season and the purpose of his visit. 

This project is one of many challenges and paradoxes. Besides its initial vocation as a prayer and contemplation sanctuary, the Church needs new ways to fit into the contemporary life of the city, and new income sources to survive. This implies a subtle articulation of sacred and profane, spiritual and material, secular architecture and new elements of design, in the same space.

Our primary research focus was on the existing building, its purpose and how it was designed. One of the main concerns of churches building before the XXth century, was how one priest’s voice would reach the whole audience in such a big space. Without the technology we now have, natural light was also something to capitalize on. Therefore, geometry and materials used on the construction were chosen to convey sound, and stained-glass windows were decorated with pious messages. The idea is to make contemporary the basic idea of a church that transmits a message by reusing and reinventing traditional techniques and geometries. This would allow the creation of a place out of the ordinary.This very specific « sound design » of a church makes it a great place to host concerts, or conferences for exemple.

With this in mind, we worked on a structure that would allow multiple combinations of settings, making the church’s space suitable for hosting various events. The guiding principle of our design is to preserve and enhance the existing architecture, by using its curves and shapes in a completely independant, yet intricate wooden structure which shall blend into them.

In this wooden structure located in the aisles of the church there are two levels. On the ground floor there are spaces that can be rented for associations, markets, cultural spaces, this continuous space has been designed in a removable way to allow great freedom of decision in the church.

Upstairs there is the creation of balconies, which allow the public coming to attend a prayer or a concert to come and sit or artists come to play to enjoy the sound of the church.

In the other building that would have to be developed, three programs would be considered to interest other investor and bring a rental income to the church. The idea is to combine the entire building around the same people. That’s why we propose to put student rooms on the upper floor which will allow a regular rental income, and on the ground floor a restaurant (which could be partly managed by the students who sleep over), a space for the diocese and for artists who come to perform in the Church. Bathrooms for the student housing are also programmed on the ground floor.

The difficulty of this project generates its interest, How to integrate a contemporary architecture in a church? How to enable the church to survive financially? How to adapt a for-profit program in a religious space? Our answer is to go back and understand the geometric shapes and the role of the churches since their creations for the reinterpreted in a contemporary way.