Architecture

photo: © LIN, Finn Geipel + Giulia Andi, Berlin

The architecture of the Cité du Design refers to the essential elements of the location: the factories, the open Place d’Armes and the flanking gardens. The Manufacture has a symmetrical lay out. It is arranged in an abstract and hierarchical manner and this forms the basic lay out in which the various elements are arranged. There are the historic buildings like the impressive Bâtiment de l’Horloge, the long, drawn out engine building (ATE), the bare, multiple storied production building (APE) and the horizontally arranged hall (Fabrique 5000). This ensemble is completed by the presence of the Platine hall and the Observatoire.

photograph: © Archimation, Berlin / LIN, Finn Geipel + Giulia Andi, Berlin / Paris

The Manufacture is not to be seen as a collection of independent structures, but rather as there being an inter-play between the exterior and interior spaces. The buildings, gardens and courtyards become points in a network. It is a network that can adapt and so interact with the varied functions, events and processes of the Cité du Design.

photograph: © Artefactory, Paris / LIN, Finn Geipel + Giulia Andi, Berlin

In particular, the Platine represents the connectedness of the Cité du Design. It is a long, drawn out structure that lies between the Bâtiment de l’Horloge, the row of gardens and the Place d’Armes and it complies with the orthogonal order of the Manufacture.